Pride of the Whisky Isles 6-night private charter

Our 6-night “Pride of the Whisky Isles” Cruise takes in 5 distilleries where some of the world’s most legendary and smokiest malts are created. Whisky tastings of a further range of Scottish malt whiskies aboard the vessel complete an exclusive whisky experience while enjoying spectacular Scottish scenery and gourmet local food to complement the whiskies. This cruise can be booked for charter groups of up to ten guests with a flexible itinerary to reflect the interests and wishes of those onboard. Visits to non-whisky attractions can be built into the tour such as a walk to Kildalton Cross, a visit to the Islay Woollen Mill, Birdwatching at Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve, or a visit Finlaggan, home of Lord of the Isles.  We can also provide trout fishing trips.

Typical highlights on offer

Cruise to the “Isles of the Sea”, namely the Garvellachs, via the Firth of Lorne. These islands are rich in ancient history with monastic ruins dating back to the Norse invasions.  A carved stone marks the burial site of St Columba’s mother. Our anchorage provides an idyllic scenic backdrop to the evening’s whisky tasting.  A “Whisky Tour of Scotland” will taste the best whiskies from each region matched with some of the finest Scottish smoked salmon.

The option of an onshore trip to the Garvellachs, to soak up the spiritual atmosphere and visit some of the well-preserved monastic remains.

Steam to the mouth of Corryvreckan, Europe’s largest whirlpool, and the name of one of Ardbeg’s most explosive whiskies.

Cruise the eastern shores of Jura, enjoying the rugged and wild coastline famous for its herds of red deer. From the sheltered anchorage of Craighouse, go ashore for a tour of the Isle of Jura distillery.  Dine on hand-dived, local scallops which are a great pairing with Jura’s flagship whisky, Origin.

Follow the southern coastline of Jura for Port Ellen on Islay. Go ashore for a distillery tour and tasting at Islay’s oldest distillery, Bowmore.  This distillery is extremely special not only because of the smooth, balanced single malt it produces but it also has the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland and is the only one below sea level.

Guests have the option of a one-way walk along the shores of Loch Indaal between the Bowmore and Bruichladdich Distilleries, to be picked up by tender en route.

A distillery tour and tasting at Bruichladdich, home to the Octomore range, the world’s smokiest whisky. It is also home to Islay’s award winning Botanist Gin.

Experience a celebration of smoke with tours at both Laphroaig and Ardbeg distilleries. Laphroaig Distillery is one of the few distilleries to still do their own maltings.  Ardbeg, is Islay’s ultimate Single Malt, winning Whisky of the Year three years in a row, an honour no other distillery has achieved.  Their whiskies have been described as ‘perfection on a palate’.

Cruise the Sound of Islay with stunning views of the Paps of Jura to reach an anchorage in one of the most scenic and remote areas of the Inner Hebrides, west Loch Tarbet on Jura. Go ashore to explore some of Britain’s finest examples of raised beaches before cruising the west coast of Jura, passing through Corryvreckan. Weather permitting we anchor in  ‘Bagh Gleann nam muc’ a bay in the entrance to the whirlpool on its western approach and enjoy a trip ashore exploring  numerous caves and watch black goats precariously scramble the cliffs.

An evening’s whisky tasting of the Pride of the Isles presents a selection of whiskies from the Islands and matches them with a selection of Island cheeses.

Cruising the Sound of Luing, anchor on the southern end of Kerrera, opposite the picturesque setting of Gylen Castle.  Guests have the option of a one-way walk to the north end of the Island to be collected by tender.

The final dinner on board is a traditional Burns Supper followed by a blind tasting where guests are challenged to recognise some of the whiskies tasted during the cruise.

It is also possible to factor in an independent visit to Oban distillery, Scotland’s smallest and oldest distilleries established in 1794, before or after the cruise.