Coastlines & Distilleries:
A Festival Journey
Dates: May 28 – June 4, 2027
Destination: Isle of Islay, Scotland
Hosted by: Rivers & Roads
Once a year.
Only on Islay.
Once a year, whisky lovers from around the world gather on the Scottish island of Islay (EYE-luh) for Fèis Ìle (fay-sh aisle), the Islay Festival of Music and Malt.
Distilleries open their doors for tastings, tours, live music, local food, and special experiences available only during festival week.
Rivers & Roads is bringing a very small group of 5 to 7 guests to one of Scotland's most distinctive travel experiences.
No whisky expertise required. Just curiosity and a sense of adventure.
People come for the whisky. They come back for the island.
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Shared Twin Room: $2,995 per person
Private King Room (Solo): $3,495
Deposits: $599–$699 per person
Full pricing details below. Limited spots available.
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Email info@riversandroadstravel.com to confirm availability.
A secure booking link will be provided, and your deposit reserves your place on the trip.
Complete booking terms and cancellation details below
Highlights
Experience Scotland's most famous and exclusive whisky festival during the one week each year when the island becomes the center of the whisky world
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Visit iconic distilleries during festival celebrations featuring tastings, live music, local food, and experiences available only during Fèis Ìle
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Explore Atlantic beaches, historic villages, and dramatic coastal scenery that visitors remember long after the trip ends
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Stay in a private lodge reserved exclusively for our small group, with all transportation on Islay included
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Discover the island beyond the distilleries through fresh seafood, links golf, island traditions, and historic landmarks that make Islay unlike anywhere else in Scotland
The Journey
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We land on the island as festival week begins. Check in to our private lodge, take in the Atlantic views, enjoy a welcome dinner, and settle in for the week ahead.
Note: US travelers will need to depart on May 27th in order to arrive on May 28th.
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We kick off festival week at Lagavulin, one of Islay's most iconic distilleries. Festival celebrations include tastings, live music, and festival experiences available only during Fèis Ìle. We end the day with a coastal boat excursion, providing a unique perspective of Islay's rugged shoreline, wildlife, and seafaring history.
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Known for its innovative approach to whisky making, Bruichladdich hosts one of the most energetic and anticipated celebrations of the entire festival week. The day also provides an opportunity to experience Islay's western coastline, white sand beaches, and some of the scenery that makes the island so unforgettable.
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Perched above the Sound of Islay with sweeping views toward Jura, Caol Ila offers a completely different side of the island and one of the most scenic settings of the week. We'll spend time exploring northern Islay, its villages, and the landscapes that connect the island to its maritime heritage.
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Few distilleries are more closely tied to Islay than Laphroaig. Spend the day celebrating one of Scotland's most distinctive whiskies with the Atlantic just steps away. We'll hike to the American Monument, where panoramic views stretch across the ocean and showcase the wild beauty of Islay's southern coastline.
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Located in the heart of Islay's main village, Bowmore's festival day combines whisky, music, food, and community in a setting that captures the spirit of the island. Time on the island wouldn't be complete without experiencing one of Scotland's most celebrated links golf courses beside the Atlantic dunes
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Islay's farm distillery offers a rare opportunity to see whisky production from field to glass. We tour the farm and distillery before finishing in the warehouse surrounded by aging casks.
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Morning departure from Islay. Onward connections from Glasgow.
Where we’ll stay
Machrie View is your home for the week.
Reserved exclusively for our group, this four-bedroom lodge sits between Bowmore and Port Ellen, placing every corner of Islay within easy reach.
Each guest room features an ensuite bathroom and private balcony, while the upstairs lounge and dining area overlook the Atlantic and Mull of Oa.
How to Book
Joining the trip is simple.
1. Email info@riversandroadstravel.com to confirm availability and discuss room options.
2. A 20% non-refundable deposit reserves your place on the trip. A secure payment link will be provided.
3. Rivers & Roads will assist with flight planning, logistics, and trip preparation.
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Limited to just 5 - 7 guests. Spaces confirmed on a first-deposit basis.
Room options:
Shared Twin Room: $2,995 per person. Two guests sharing a twin room.
Private King Room (Solo Occupancy): $3,495
One guest, private room.Private King Room (Double Occupancy): $2,995 per person
Two guests sharing a private king room.
Deposit per person - due at booking (non-refundable):
Shared Twin Room: $599 per person
Private King Room (Solo Occupancy): $699
Private King Room (Double Occupancy): $599 per person
Final payment due: January 28, 2027. All prices are in USD.
Cancellation Policy
Deposits are non-refundable.
Cancel before January 28, 2027 and all other payments will be refunded in full.
Cancellation on or after January 28, 2027 is non-refundable.
Name transfers are permitted up to 90 days before departure, subject to approval.
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✓ Full trip hosting and on-the-ground support throughout the week
✓ Up to 6 distillery visits and tours during Fèis Ìle festival week
✓ Exclusive use of Machrie View house for seven nights
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ Welcome dinner on arrival evening
✓Farewell dinner on the final evening
✓ All ground transportation on Islay
✓ Small group experience
✓ Flight research and booking assistance
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✘ International airfare (routing recommendations provided)
✘ Lunches and dinners (budget approximately £20–£40 per meal)
✘ Travel insurance (strongly recommended; personalized quotes available)
✘ Distillery purchases and bottle releases
✘ Optional links golf with equipment rental, driving range and six-hole, par 3 (£25)
✘ Personal expenses and souvenirs
Pricing
After years of exploring Scotland and multiple visits to Islay and Fèis Ìle, Kerk Allen created this trip for travelers who want more than a standard whisky tour.
Rivers & Roads specializes in immersive adventure and expedition travel that connects travelers to a destination. On Islay, that means balancing the excitement of Fèis Ìle with the landscapes, history, food, and local experiences that make visitors return year after year. Throughout the week, Kerk handles the planning, logistics, and coordination so guests can focus on enjoying the experience and making the most of their time on the island.
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No. This trip is designed for anyone interested in experiencing Scotland’s landscapes, culture, and distilling traditions. Curiosity is enough.
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International airfare is not included. Once your spot is confirmed, Rivers & Roads will provide personalized flight routing recommendations from your departure city at no additional cost.
Flights to Islay are limited and will be in high demand during festival week. Highly recommend to book your flight as soon as your spot is confirmed.
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Travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended. Rivers & Roads can provide options upon request.
Purchase within 21 days of your deposit for the broadest coverage options including Cancel For Any Reason.
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Deposits are non-refundable. Cancel before January 28, 2027 and all other payments are refunded in full. Cancel on or after January 28, 2027 and no refund is issued.
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Daily breakfast is included. Lunches and dinners are yours to explore. Local restaurants, distillery food stalls, and festival food events fill the island throughout the week. Budget approximately £20 to £40 per meal.
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Late May on Islay is mild with long daylight hours. May is one of the sunniest months of the year on the island. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket.