Edinburgh (3–4 nights) – Perfect without a car. Super walkable, great coffee scene, amazing bakeries, whisky bars like The Bow Bar or Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Arthur’s Seat and the Water of Leith give you that outdoors fix without leaving the city.

Inveraray (2–3 nights) – I really like this as your middle stop. It’s small, scenic, and feels Highlands without being overrun. Great jumping-off point for hikes around Loch Fyne, and the drive from Edinburgh through Loch Lomond is beautiful. It also breaks up the journey to Islay nicely so you’re not doing a mega travel day.

Islay (3–4 nights) – Honestly, this is where slow travel really pays off. Distillery tours in the morning, coastal walks in the afternoon, maybe bike between Port Ellen and Ardbeg/Laphroaig/Lagavulin one day. It’s peaceful and dramatic in a way that’s hard to rush.

Tobermory is gorgeous, but you’re right logistically it adds time and ferry coordination. For a first trip, keeping things simpler will feel more relaxing.

Also, book your Islay ferry early once your dates are firm June fills up fast.

Don't skip Edinburgh, particularly if you're looking to replace it with Argyll.