12th May 2024 to 17th May 2024
Tall Ship: Sailing & Folk & Whisky
From £875 per person
Deposit 50%. Balance due 12 weeks before departure
Experience a sailing adventure along Scotland's West Coast that will bring music to your ears.
Suited to
Couples, Individuals, Groups
Difficulty
No sailing experience is required. Sit back and relax or get as involved with crew life as you like. Learning to navigate, trim and set the sails, and helm the ship
Nights onboard
5
Vessel type
Tall Ship - Flying Dutchman. Built in 1903, restored and renovated during the winter of 2003/2004, turning it into a luxury schooner
Vessel length
39.5 metres
Skipper
Yes
Berth Style
22 guests in 11 twin cabins. All cabins are en-suite and are twins. Twin Cabin Plus cabins are slightly larger in size
Insurance Required
Yes
Standard cabin: €995 / £875 per person*
Standard+ cabin: €1,095 / £965 per person*
Single Cabin: €1,495 / £1,325 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: Sailing & Folk & Whisky
Duration: 5 nights from 12 to 17 May 2024
Set sail on The Flying Dutchman, a magnificent 1903 tall ship, for a 5-night adventure. Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Scotland's west coast and the Inner Hebrides, as you explore famous whisky distilleries, and create magical folk music moments with the talented musicians on board. This unique journey combines seafaring, melodies, and whisky delights.
Explore idyllic harbour towns before anchoring in tranquil bays far from civilization, taking in the stunning scenery as well as the diverse wildlife as you go. Visit the isle of Jura, famous for its distillery but also for the thousands of deer outnumbering the small human population. Sail to Islay, a whisky lover’s paradise, where you will moor up on the distilleries’ own jetties in the tall ship and experience the incredible acoustics of the awe-inspiring Fingal’s Cave.
On this trip, keep an eye out for whales, sharks, dolphins, and other marine life as you sail. With the talented musicians onboard, you can experience the heartfelt melodies of this beautiful place, as you join in a fascinating nautical adventure of a different tune.
Our Musician
Joost van Es grew up in an artistic environment and has played the violin since childhood, instilled in the beginning by his mother, and later trained at the conservatory. Very early on there was a great interest in everything related to folk music, bluegrass, country, and more and more string instruments were added.
Joost has participated in a large number of music and music theatre productions, mostly as a soloist on violin but also on other string instruments. In 2008 he was an official finalist at the Nashville Fiddle Championships in Nashville, Tennessee (more than 100 participants from around the world).
Why You’ll Love This Trip
- Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Scotland's West Coast, exploring stunning islands, picturesque harbours, and awe-inspiring landscapes.
- Experience the unique combination of sailing, folk music, and whisky tasting, creating an unforgettable journey that delights all the senses.
- Visit famous whisky distilleries along the way, savouring the flavours of Scotland's renowned spirit and learning about the fascinating art of whisky production.
- Connect with like-minded adventurers, sharing in the joy of folk music sessions and jamming with talented musicians onboard.
- Enjoy the freedom of a flexible itinerary, allowing for spontaneous adventures and the opportunity to discover hidden gems and natural wonders.
Who This Trip Is For
- Music lovers will be captivated by the opportunity to immerse themselves in live performances, jam sessions, and the chance to share their own musical talents with fellow travellers.
- Whisky aficionados will relish the chance to visit famous distilleries, taste a variety of exquisite whiskies, and deepen their knowledge of Scotland's renowned whisky-making traditions.
- Nature lovers and adventure seekers will love the wild beauty of Scotland's west coast, where they can explore idyllic harbour towns like Tobermory, remote islands like Jura where deer outnumber people, and witness diverse wildlife while sailing on a historic tall ship.
- 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.
Scotland Folk & Whisky: Itinerary
We start our Scotland Folk & whisky journey in Oban, a cosy fishing village located around a beautiful bay. The famous Oban Whisky Distillery is also located here, which is well worth a visit. You will meet the crew and the other guests during a delicious welcome dinner with a musical note. We raise a glass of Whisky to a wonderful journey.
Besides the music and whisky, sailing is also important on this trip. To reach as many places as possible under sail, flexibility in the program is important. The route will be determined during the trip depending on the weather conditions.
Possible destinations
Tobermory
Picturesque Tobermory is the largest town on the Isle of Mull. 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. If time allows you can visit the famous Tobermory whisky distillery on our trip. There are a number of beautiful walks to be made around the natural bay.
Staffa/Iona
The uninhabited island of Staffa is famous for Fingal’s cave and the basalt rock that can be seen around the island. The awe-inspiring cathedral-like cave is 70m long and 20m high. This place inspired Mendelsohn to write the “Hebridean Overture”. It is an unforgettable experience to see the swell crashing against the hexagonal rocks at the mouth of the cave. Puffins can also be found on Staffa and the surrounding sea.
At the southwest point of Mull lies the small island of Iona. In Gaelic/Celtic: Chaluim Chille, the island of Colm Cille, an Irish priest and prince who would later become Saint Columba. This small island holds a unique place in Scotland’s history. It ignites the imagination of thousands who travel here every year as monks, pilgrims, clan chiefs, and kings. During the sailing trip from one island to the other, in addition to the beautiful landscape, we may also see basking sharks, minke whales, and dolphins.
Jura
The island of Jura is a paradise of unspoiled wilderness and natural beauty. The name Jura comes from Old Norse and means ‘Deer Island’, still an appropriate name as the 5,500 deer out-number the human population of 180. The Jura distillery is located in the town of Craighouse, at the end of the jetty where we will moor.
Small Isles: Muck, Eigg, Canna, and Rum
The four “Small Isles” are a group of islands located south of Skye, each with its own character but all incredibly beautiful. Both on land and off the coast, nature is breathtaking. From whales and dolphins to otters, seals, and sea eagles, if you keep an eye out you might spot them here.
Islay
Islay owes its fame to the 9 distilleries, which produce millions of litres of liquid gold. Because of the various taxes levied on alcohol, it is said to be the most heavily taxed part of Britain. Islay’s largest port is Port Ellen, in the south of Islay. Here you will find the distilleries of Port Ellen, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg within walking distance. Many distilleries are beside the sea, so we have the opportunity to visit some by ship.
On the last evening, we are back in Oban, where after a nice evening meal there is enough time to visit a pub. It has been a great and varied week where we discovered hidden gems of Scotland, music, and Whisky and met new friends in a unique unforgettable way.
Please note: We will attempt to reach as many destinations as possible under sail, however, the specified program is simply a guide. With all tours as exciting as this, flexibility is important as the final route will be determined during the trip depending on the weather conditions.
- 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) - Musician 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.
Oban, Scotland
Oban, Scotland
Scotland Folk & Whisky: Itinerary
We start our Scotland Folk & whisky journey in Oban, a cosy fishing village located around a beautiful bay. The famous Oban Whisky Distillery is also located here, which is well worth a visit. You will meet the crew and the other guests during a delicious welcome dinner with a musical note. We raise a glass of Whisky to a wonderful journey.
Besides the music and whisky, sailing is also important on this trip. To reach as many places as possible under sail, flexibility in the program is important. The route will be determined during the trip depending on the weather conditions.
Possible destinations
Tobermory
Picturesque Tobermory is the largest town on the Isle of Mull. 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. If time allows you can visit the famous Tobermory whisky distillery on our trip. There are a number of beautiful walks to be made around the natural bay.
Staffa/Iona
The uninhabited island of Staffa is famous for Fingal’s cave and the basalt rock that can be seen around the island. The awe-inspiring cathedral-like cave is 70m long and 20m high. This place inspired Mendelsohn to write the “Hebridean Overture”. It is an unforgettable experience to see the swell crashing against the hexagonal rocks at the mouth of the cave. Puffins can also be found on Staffa and the surrounding sea.
At the southwest point of Mull lies the small island of Iona. In Gaelic/Celtic: Chaluim Chille, the island of Colm Cille, an Irish priest and prince who would later become Saint Columba. This small island holds a unique place in Scotland’s history. It ignites the imagination of thousands who travel here every year as monks, pilgrims, clan chiefs, and kings. During the sailing trip from one island to the other, in addition to the beautiful landscape, we may also see basking sharks, minke whales, and dolphins.
Jura
The island of Jura is a paradise of unspoiled wilderness and natural beauty. The name Jura comes from Old Norse and means ‘Deer Island’, still an appropriate name as the 5,500 deer out-number the human population of 180. The Jura distillery is located in the town of Craighouse, at the end of the jetty where we will moor.
Small Isles: Muck, Eigg, Canna, and Rum
The four “Small Isles” are a group of islands located south of Skye, each with its own character but all incredibly beautiful. Both on land and off the coast, nature is breathtaking. From whales and dolphins to otters, seals, and sea eagles, if you keep an eye out you might spot them here.
Islay
Islay owes its fame to the 9 distilleries, which produce millions of litres of liquid gold. Because of the various taxes levied on alcohol, it is said to be the most heavily taxed part of Britain. Islay’s largest port is Port Ellen, in the south of Islay. Here you will find the distilleries of Port Ellen, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg within walking distance. Many distilleries are beside the sea, so we have the opportunity to visit some by ship.
On the last evening, we are back in Oban, where after a nice evening meal there is enough time to visit a pub. It has been a great and varied week where we discovered hidden gems of Scotland, music, and Whisky and met new friends in a unique unforgettable way.
Please note: We will attempt to reach as many destinations as possible under sail, however, the specified program is simply a guide. With all tours as exciting as this, flexibility is important as the final route will be determined during the trip depending on the weather conditions.
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)
