The Malt Whisky Island Cruise 6-nights

Cruise Itinerary

The Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary for the Malt Whisky Island Cruise; the actual cruise itinerary would be designed to take in guests preferences and local weather and tide conditions.

Day 1 Oban to the Garvellachs

After a warm welcome onboard our vessel,  the Elizabeth G, around mid-afternoon, there is an option to visit Oban Distillery.  Setting out from Oban, the first stop is the remote Garvellachs, north of the Island of Jura. This group of four rugged islands is home to a Celtic monastery believed to have been founded by St Brendan in 542AD, and rumoured to be the burial site of St Columba’s mother.  Anchor off the islands of Lung and Caba for the first dinner onboard in an idyllic location.

Day 2 Corryvreckan and Jura

After breakfast at anchor, cruise past the Gulf of Corryvreckan and the world’s third largest whirlpool. Go ashore on the Isle of Jura, to visit the site of the house where George Orwell is rumoured to have written his masterpiece “1984”.  Cruise the wild and remote coastline of Jura with its large population of red deer and wild goats. Sail down the east side of the Isle of Jura to Craighouse, with possible sightings of white tailed eagles. Enjoy a meal of locally sourced venison with the backdrop of Jura Distillery.

Day 3: Jura and the South Coast of Islay

Visit  Jura distillery before cruising to the southern tip of Islay and opportunity to experience the biggest concentration of island malt distilleries, the world famous Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig Distilleries. Dropping anchor, go ashore to explore this most historic whisky island, visiting the distilleries preferred by guests.   A walk to the 8th Century Chapel of Kildalton to admire one of the oldest and best preserved Celtic crosses in Scotland is recommended. Return to Elizabeth G to a feast of scallops, hand-dived by the Skipper.

Day 4 Sound of Islay and Colonsay

Steam up the Sound of Jura to Port Askaig to visit the distilleries of Caol Ila and Bunnahbhain with the stunning Paps of Jura in the background. In the afternoon, head north to the Island of Colonsay. After a walk ashore visiting Kiloran Bay,one of the best beaches in the Hebrides, arrive back aboard Elizabeth G to a meal of the famous Colonsay Oysters. Grown and matured in the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic, these Oysters are claimed to be the best in Britain.

Day 5 Iona Abbey and Staffa

Head for the Isle of Iona situated at the western tip of the Isle of Mull, claimed to be the birth place of Christianity in Scotland. In 563 AD St Columba came ashore with 12 companions and founded one of the most influential monasteries in Western Europe, becoming the burial place of kings from Scotland, Norway and France it is rumoured to be the location where the Book of Kells was written. After our time ashore on Iona we head for the Fingal ’s Cave on the uninhabited Island of Staffa. The wave-eroded basalt columns form one of the most spectacular sites in the Hebrides. Head for the Treshnish Isles spending the night at anchor close to the island of Lunga surrounded by Puffins, razor bills and guillemots.

Day 6 Ardnamurchan and Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Sail round the north shore of Mull and into the Sound of Mull. Tucked away in the southern side of Ardnamurchan, Glendborrodale Castle is home to the newest distillery in Scotland Adelphi Distillery, Ardnamurchan. Explore this distillery and learn why the owners chose this fine locations to reintroduce the Adelphi single malt after an absence of 100 years. Cruise to the iconic capital of the Isle of Mull,  Tobermory. With its multi coloured buildings along the waterfront and it’s famed sunken Spanish galleon loaded with treasure in its bay this is the perfect spot to visit our final distillery of our Island malt whisky tour Tobermory. Our time is spent enjoying locally sourced produce including the famous Isle of Mull farmhouse Cheddar and Glengorm Beef.

Day 7 Oban.

Head down the sound of Mull back to the Isle of Kerrera. Nestled in the bay surrounding Oban, Kerrera is a fantastic low lying Island to explore.  Enjoy a final wee dram while reflecting on what has to be the best ever island malt whisky cruise.