EMBARKATION ON 28/08/2024 AT 16:00
DISEMBARKATION ON 07/09/2024 AT 10:00
The sailing trip begins and ends in Scotland. You are responsible for organizing your own trip to Scotland. This is NOT included in the price. For your round-trip journey to the boat, please visit the Rome2Rio website: https://www.rome2rio.com
Whisky Expedition
On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, you will board the Thalassa in Scrabster, Thurso, at 4 p.m. As the northernmost port on the Scottish mainland, Scrabster is of great importance to Scottish fishing. The place is known as a ferry port to the Orkney Islands. In Thurso, guests can visit the Wolfburn Distillery on their own before boarding. For more information: https://wolfburn.com
On Thursday, we will set sail for the Orkney Islands. The Orkney Islands are a group of about 200 small islands, a natural habitat for whales and orcas, among others. The Orkney Islands have been inhabited for over 5,000 years, and this can be seen in stunning excavations and numerous Standing Stones found in the landscape. Another attraction is ‘the Old Man of Hoy,’ a huge rock that rises perpendicularly from the sea. The boat docks in Scapa Bay with the possibility to visit the Scapa Distillery and/or the Highland Park Distillery. A short walk will take guests to Kirkwall in the evening, which is well worth a visit.
Stromness, Orkney, will also be explored for a day. Stromness, a village on Mainland, docked by a natural harbor on the southwest side of the island. Originally, Stromness was named Hamnavoe, which means “safe harbor.” It was often the last port of call for Vikings, traders, and sailors before crossing the Atlantic. Stromness is a great place for outdoor activities such as diving and cycling. For art and culture lovers, there is the Pier Arts Centre, as well as prehistoric sites like the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Next is a (quick) journey to the following destinations: Stornoway and Lewis. In Stornoway, you will find many exceptional shops, pleasant pubs, and also a castle with a beautiful estate. From the boat, you can see the many seals swimming in the harbor here. In Lewis, you can admire the Calanian Standing Stones, a set of cross-shaped stones 5,000 years old that has been an important site for ancient mystical rituals for at least 2,000 years.
For whisky connoisseurs, it is recommended to visit the Abhainn Dearg Distillery, the producer of the first single malt whisky from a distillery in the Outer Hebrides since 1829. The current Abhainn Dearg Distillery was built in 2008 and is the smallest distillery in Scotland, producing only 20,000 liters of alcohol per year. In comparison, Macallan and Glenlivet produce 15 and 21 million liters of alcohol per year, respectively. For more information: https://abhainndeargdistillery.co.uk
On Monday, we visit Tarbert, Harris. Harris is a fantastic island known for its excellent whiskies. The Harris Distillery, also called “The Social Distillery,” distills wonderful spirits in the heart of the Outer Hebrides. They are also the makers of Isle Of Harris Gin and ‘The Hearach’ Single Malt Whisky. This distillery was founded in 2014 and launched in 2015. With a capacity of 230,000 liters of alcohol, it is considerably larger than Abhainn Dearg but, of course, still considerably smaller than the major brands in Scotland. The distillery is run by Simon Erlanger, who earned his stripes at Glenmorangy. This provides ample knowledge and experience.
The next destination is Loch Harport, Skye. Loch Harport (and more specifically Carbost) attracts in the summer months due to the presence of the Talisker Distillery, which, along with the local pub The Old Inn, is also one of the main employers in the village. Talisker is a world-renowned distillery owned by the Diageo group. Talisker was the first single malt whisky produced on the Isle of Skye, of which it has been a household name since 1830. The unique shape of the stills and the deliberate use of peat give Talisker its special character. A short 3.5 km walk allows you to reminisce on Talisker Bay beach.
The next day, Armadale, Skye, will be added to our journey. On Thursday, you can visit the Torabhaig Distillery. In the evening, you may wish to visit Mallaig. Mallaig docks at the end of the famous West Highland railway line and the romantic ‘Road to the Isles.’ It is a bustling fishing town from which plenty of fresh fish arrive every day in the colorful harbor.
On the same day, we set sail for Tobermory. On Friday, we spend the day in Tobermory, a picturesque and colorful
