5th April 2024 to 14th April 2024
Tall Ship: Orkney – Outer Hebrides – Skye
From £1250 per person
Deposit 50%. Balance due 12 weeks before departure
Standard cabin: €1,425 / £1,250 per person*
Standard+ cabin: €1,585 / £1,400 per person*
Single Cabin: €2,095 / £1,850 per person*
*Trips are priced in the operator’s local currency. The sterling amount shown is a guide only and the amount you pay in sterling will change with currency fluctuations.
Tall Ship: Orkney – Outer Hebrides – Skye
Duration: 8 nights from 5 to 14 April 2024
Unleash your inner adventurer, on a spectacular journey to the Orkney Islands and the north and west coasts of Scotland, visiting picturesque towns such as Kirkwall, Stornoway, Portree, Tobermory, and Oban along the way. Explore ancient sites like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, and indulge in the world of whisky at renowned distilleries.
On this journey of more than 300 NM, from Wick to Oban, we will be sailing as much as possible and sometimes through the night. If you are interested, you can participate in the watch system and steer assisted by the ship's crew who are always willing to teach you the finer points of sailing. During shore visits to various islands and ports, you have an opportunity to explore these destinations at your own pace.
Why You’ll Love This Trip
- Immerse yourself in the local culture, meet friendly locals and explore picturesque towns in the Orkney Islands and along the Scottish coast.
- Want to learn the ropes? Sail the open seas, and work alongside the crew on this iconic 1903 tall ship.
- Witness the rugged beauty of the Scottish north and west coasts, with its stunning cliffs, pristine beaches, and captivating wildlife.
- Delve into the rich history of the Orkney Islands, Skye, and the Outer Hebrides. Explore ancient sites like Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and the Ness of Brodgar.
- Meet interesting people, make new friends, try new experiences, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Who The Trip Is For
- Nature lovers who appreciate the rugged beauty of coastal landscapes, wildlife sightings, and the tranquillity of the open sea will be captivated by this sailing adventure.
- History and culture buffs who are fascinated by ancient history, folklore, and the cultural heritage of Scotland.
- Travellers looking for authentic travel experiences and meaningful connections with local communities will get the chance to interact with locals, learn about their traditions, and gain insights into the vibrant Scottish way of life.
- Those who embrace the flexibility of ocean travel. While we will attempt to reach as many destinations as possible, the final route will be determined during the trip depending on the weather conditions.
Itinerary: Wick – Orkney – Stornoway – Skye – Oban
As a sailing ship, we are largely dependent on the weather. The program below is a guideline and is determined by the influence of the current and the weather, especially the wind. This may mean that we skip ports or call at ports other than those described below. Flexibility is the key to enjoying this varied adventurous trip!
Day 1: Welcome
From 18:00 you are welcome on board and you will meet the crew and fellow passengers. You have time to explore the ship and settle in. The welcome dinner is followed by an introduction from the captain about life on board and the plan for the coming days is discussed.
Day 2 and 3: Kirkwall
In the morning we leave Wick and head for the Orkney Islands, once part of the Viking Empire. The Orkney Islands are a group of about 200 islands and islets, of which about 20 are inhabited. Our first destination is Kirkwall, the capital, located on the largest island: The mainland. The name Kirkwall comes from the time when the fishing boats moored against the wall of the church; this church is no longer there. People have lived on Orkney since the Stone Age, the remains of which can be seen to this day. Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Ness of Brodgar are World Heritage sites and can be visited during our time in the Orkneys. Whisky lovers are also in the right place on the Orkney Islands, both the Scapa and the Highland Park distillery are located near Kirkwall. On day 3 we leave for Stornoway at the end of the afternoon.
Day 4 and 5: Stornoway
Today we arrive at the end of the afternoon in Stornoway, the capital of the largest island of the Hebrides, Lewis, and Harris. Lewis and Harris is one island of which the northern part is called the Island of Lewis and the southern part the Island of Harris, separated by a range of rocky mountains, though the border is not clearly drawn. If the program allows, we will stay here for a day so that there is enough time to explore the islands.
Day 6: Portree
We leave in the morning from Stornoway towards Portree on the Isle of Skye. Skye is very popular with tourists for its fantastic scenery and beautiful views from the coast. Portree itself is a picturesque town on a sheltered bay where we will anchor. The houses are all brightly coloured and give the town a cosy appearance.
Day 7: Rum
Today we sail via the east side along the Isle of Skye towards Rum, one of the 4 “Small Isles”. There is plenty to see along the way. From the Skye bridge, which we barely pass under, to the sea eagles in the Kyle Rhea. We arrive at the island of Rum, an island rich in nature and with an interesting history and a small community of 35 inhabitants. At the end of the bay is the famous “Kinloch Castle” built by the Bulloughs, a wealthy family who owned the whole island. Peeking through the windows will give you an idea of what it once looked like inside.
Day 8: Tobermory
Today a shorter distance to sail and we arrive in Tobermory at the beginning of the afternoon. It is a charming little town with brightly coloured houses and a range of small businesses including a chocolate shop, bakery, candle maker, silversmith, art gallery, and pottery. Tobermory is also known for its arts centre, a small theatre company, and some good pubs and eateries. Time permitting you can visit the famous Tobermory whisky distillery. There are some wonderful walks around the bay.
Day 9: Oban
From Tobermory, it is a few hours sailing to Oban, along the way we pass the beautifully restored Duart Castle. Oban is a scenically situated town at the foot of the Lorn Mountains. High above the city is McCaigh’s Tower, a 19th-century replica of the Coliseum. Oban is known as the jewel of the west highlands, with its winding streets and a picturesque bay filled with yachts, ferries, and small fishing boats. We are located at the north pier, less than a hundred metres from the famous Oban whisky distillery.
Day 10: Goodbye
Sadly, this adventurous journey has come to an end, after breakfast we say farewell to the crew.
- All charges regarding port fees, tourist fees, and fuel expenses
- Cabin with shower and toilet
- Bed linen and towels
- The use of a zodiac for landings when we visit places without a harbour
- The crew: captain, cook, and first mate
- Half board including coffee, tea, milk and juice at meals
(In the case of half-board, you will also be able to discover local specialities on land, in addition to the catering on board)
- Transport to and from the vessel
- Personal expenses ashore
- Food ashore
- Fees for events that take place outside the ship
- Beverages besides the included drinks during the meals
Accommodation
This is not a floating hotel but a traditional sailing ship that is comfortable, intimate, and small enough to anchor in shallower water.
Cabins
- 11 two-person cabins. Total of 22 guests
- All of the cabins on board are twin en-suites with air-conditioning
Common areas
- On deck – The ship has a large deck area on which you can sit and soak up the sun. There is a cosy bar in the deckhouse and plenty of room for eating together on the deck.
- Salon – Main interior social space with comfortable couches and tables to sit, eat and socialise with fellow travellers. Includes a bar and entertainment system.
Language
Our voyages attract travellers from all over the world, which has been an important factor in establishing an open-minded atmosphere on board. The crew of the ship is most of the time from Dutch origin but speaks and understands English very well.
Wick, Scotland
Oban, Scotland
Itinerary: Wick – Orkney – Stornoway – Skye – Oban
As a sailing ship, we are largely dependent on the weather. The program below is a guideline and is determined by the influence of the current and the weather, especially the wind. This may mean that we skip ports or call at ports other than those described below. Flexibility is the key to enjoying this varied adventurous trip!
Day 1: Welcome
From 18:00 you are welcome on board and you will meet the crew and fellow passengers. You have time to explore the ship and settle in. The welcome dinner is followed by an introduction from the captain about life on board and the plan for the coming days is discussed.
Day 2 and 3: Kirkwall
In the morning we leave Wick and head for the Orkney Islands, once part of the Viking Empire. The Orkney Islands are a group of about 200 islands and islets, of which about 20 are inhabited. Our first destination is Kirkwall, the capital, located on the largest island: The mainland. The name Kirkwall comes from the time when the fishing boats moored against the wall of the church; this church is no longer there. People have lived on Orkney since the Stone Age, the remains of which can be seen to this day. Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Ness of Brodgar are World Heritage sites and can be visited during our time in the Orkneys. Whisky lovers are also in the right place on the Orkney Islands, both the Scapa and the Highland Park distillery are located near Kirkwall. On day 3 we leave for Stornoway at the end of the afternoon.
Day 4 and 5: Stornoway
Today we arrive at the end of the afternoon in Stornoway, the capital of the largest island of the Hebrides, Lewis, and Harris. Lewis and Harris is one island of which the northern part is called the Island of Lewis and the southern part the Island of Harris, separated by a range of rocky mountains, though the border is not clearly drawn. If the program allows, we will stay here for a day so that there is enough time to explore the islands.
Day 6: Portree
We leave in the morning from Stornoway towards Portree on the Isle of Skye. Skye is very popular with tourists for its fantastic scenery and beautiful views from the coast. Portree itself is a picturesque town on a sheltered bay where we will anchor. The houses are all brightly coloured and give the town a cosy appearance.
Day 7: Rum
Today we sail via the east side along the Isle of Skye towards Rum, one of the 4 “Small Isles”. There is plenty to see along the way. From the Skye bridge, which we barely pass under, to the sea eagles in the Kyle Rhea. We arrive at the island of Rum, an island rich in nature and with an interesting history and a small community of 35 inhabitants. At the end of the bay is the famous “Kinloch Castle” built by the Bulloughs, a wealthy family who owned the whole island. Peeking through the windows will give you an idea of what it once looked like inside.
Day 8: Tobermory
Today a shorter distance to sail and we arrive in Tobermory at the beginning of the afternoon. It is a charming little town with brightly coloured houses and a range of small businesses including a chocolate shop, bakery, candle maker, silversmith, art gallery, and pottery. Tobermory is also known for its arts centre, a small theatre company, and some good pubs and eateries. Time permitting you can visit the famous Tobermory whisky distillery. There are some wonderful walks around the bay.
Day 9: Oban
From Tobermory, it is a few hours sailing to Oban, along the way we pass the beautifully restored Duart Castle. Oban is a scenically situated town at the foot of the Lorn Mountains. High above the city is McCaigh’s Tower, a 19th-century replica of the Coliseum. Oban is known as the jewel of the west highlands, with its winding streets and a picturesque bay filled with yachts, ferries, and small fishing boats. We are located at the north pier, less than a hundred metres from the famous Oban whisky distillery.
Day 10: Goodbye
Sadly, this adventurous journey has come to an end, after breakfast we say farewell to the crew.
Warm and waterproof clothing is very important, as it can get very cold during sailing, especially at night, even in the summer. A waterproof and windproof jacket is recommended to help keep warm and dry. Waterproof rubber-soled boots or shoes are also recommended to keep your feet dry and warm. Pack comfortable and practical clothing for all weather circumstances, the key is layers. It is recommended to pack in a soft bag that can be easily stored away as there is no locker room onboard for suitcases. Also in the cabins, there are 2 pin European plug sockets and USB sockets (‘normal’ USB-B, no USB-C on board) so guests will need to bring adapters if they are from outside the EU.
- List of items we recommend you bring with you; these are not mandatory.
- Warm hat and gloves
- Adaptor for European Socket
- Wet weather clothing – waterproof and windproof jacket
- Clothing – enough clothing for all weather circumstances (think layers and quick dry clothes)
- Wellies or waterproof shoes
- Walking boots, shoes for onshore, and trainers with good grip
- Sea Sickness and personal medication
- Small Torch (head torches are good)
- Camera
- Sunglasses (polarised lenses are ideal, but not essential)
- Sunscreen (water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher)
