Coastlines and Distilleries:
A Festival Journey
Dates: May 28 – June 4, 2027
Destination: Isle of Islay, Scotland
Hosted by: Rivers & Roads
Only on Islay.
Once a year.
People come for the whisky. They come back for the island.
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 rare releases, exclusive tastings, live music, and experiences available only during festival week.
Rivers & Roads is bringing a small group of just 5–7 guests to experience one of Scotland's most celebrated travel experiences.
No whisky expertise required. Just curiosity and a sense of adventure.
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
+
Visit iconic distilleries during special festival celebrations featuring tastings, live music, local food, and limited-release whiskies
+
Explore Atlantic beaches, historic villages, and dramatic coastal scenery that visitors remember long after the trip ends
+
Stay in a private lodge reserved exclusively for our small group, with all transportation on Islay included
+
Enjoy local music, culture, and community events that continue throughout festival week
+
Travel with a host who has years of firsthand Islay and festival experience, helping you experience the island beyond the obvious highlights
The Journey
From festival celebrations and iconic distilleries to coastal boat tours, fresh seafood, links golf, and dramatic Atlantic landscapes, this journey explores Islay from every angle.
-
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.
-
We kick off festival week at Lagavulin, one of Islay's most iconic distilleries. Festival celebrations include tastings, special releases, music, and 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 The Machrie, one of Scotland's most celebrated links golf courses.
-
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.
-
Morning departure from Islay. Onward connections from Glasgow.
Where we’ll stay
Machrie View will be our home for the week.
This luxurious four-bedroom lodge is reserved exclusively for our group and sits between Bowmore and Port Ellen, placing every distillery on the island within easy reach.
Each guest room features an ensuite bathroom, private balcony, and flexible king or twin-bed configuration. The open-plan lounge, dining area, and kitchen are positioned on the upper floor to take full advantage of sweeping views across the Mull of Oa and the Atlantic Ocean.
Thoughtfully designed and exceptionally comfortable, Machrie View provides the perfect base for a week of festival celebrations, island exploration, and time spent with fellow travelers.
Pricing
How to Book
-
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: 20% per person (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.
-
✓ Full trip hosting and on-the-ground support throughout the week
✓ Festival experience tickets and activity budget
✓ Exclusive use of Machrie View for seven nights
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ All ground transportation on Islay
✓ Small group experience limited to 5–7 guests
✓ Flight research and booking assistance
-
✘ 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
✘ Personal expenses and souvenirs
✘ Optional golf
Joining the trip is simple.
1. Contact Rivers & Roads
Email info@riversandroadstravel.com to confirm availability and discuss room options.
2. Reserve Your Spot
A secure payment link will be provided. A non-refundable 20% deposit per person reserves your place on the trip.
3. Plan Your Journey
Rivers & Roads will assist with flight planning, Islay logistics, and trip preparation throughout the year.
4. See You in Scotland
Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable week on Islay.
After seven years 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.
As an adventure and expedition travel specialist, he designs experiences that go beyond the surface of a destination and support local communities. On Islay, that means local insight, festival expertise, seamless logistics, and a hosted small-group experience that would be difficult to replicate on your own.
✺ FAQs✺
-
No. This trip is designed for anyone interested in experiencing Scotland’s landscapes, culture, and distilling traditions. Curiosity is enough.
-
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.
-
Travel insurance is optional and 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
