快猫短视频

20 September 2026 – 8 days – Sold out. Add your name to the waitlist.

19 September聽2027 – 8 days for 拢4,199 per person

Register your interest for 2028 and we will contact you when confirmed details including finalised dates and prices are available.

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Join a whisky lover鈥檚 dream cruise exploring the science behind how whisky is made and how different processes, environments, and sensory influences shape its flavour. Through expert-led tastings and discussion, you鈥檒l uncover how everything from fermentation and cask selection to sea air can transform what鈥檚 in the glass, alongside visits to renowned distilleries on Islay and Jura (weather permitting), where tradition and innovation meet in some of Scotland鈥檚 most iconic whisky landscapes.

The journey takes you through some of Scotland鈥檚 most evocative whisky landscapes, sailing between islands famed for their distilleries and rugged beauty. You will visit Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, Bunnahabhain and Jura, combining exclusive tours, talks and tastings with a science-led exploration of whisky鈥檚 aromas and sensory complexity. Many drams are drawn directly from the cask or offered as exclusive bottlings, alongside guided tastings from sensory experts.

Life aboard the Flying Dutchman, a restored 1903 tall ship, is part of the adventure. With a professional sailing crew, you can relax on deck or take a more hands-on role, learning to trim sails, assist with navigation, or even take the helm as you travel between islands and harbour towns.

In 2026 the cruise is accompanied by Professor Barry Smith, founding director of the University of London’s Centre for the Study of the Senses, whose expertise in sensory science and whisky helps reveal how taste, aroma and the brain shape our appreciation of every dram. In 2027, award-winning drinks writer, educator and presenter Billy Abbott joins the voyage, bringing his engaging storytelling and extensive whisky knowledge to enrich tastings with insights into Scotland’s whisky heritage, craftsmanship and distinctive flavour profiles.

This voyage suits curious whisky enthusiasts, lovers of science-led experiences, and those drawn to sailing in remote, scenic waters. No prior expertise is needed鈥攋ust an interest in discovery, whether through whisky, conversation, or the experience of life at sea.

In partnership with The Ultimate Travel Company.聽

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Day 1: Arrive in Oban and embark the ship

You will begin your voyage by joining the tall ship in the charming coastal town of Oban around 6pm. Or we can pick you up at Glasgow Airport earlier in the day. You can drop your bags off on the ship during the afternoon if you arrive earlier and Oban is well worth a wander around.

After getting to know your fellow travellers and crew, you will enjoy an introduction for the cruise ahead, including a full briefing from the tour leader then presentations from the ship鈥檚 captain and the accompanying whisky expert. Throughout the cruise, the captain will share with you the science of sailing and navigation using local charts, and will seek out opportunities to enjoy viewing the abundant marine life.

The ship may overnight in Oban on this first night, depending on weather conditions and tides. You will be able to drop your bags off on the ship during the afternoon, leaving you time to wander round this charming coastal town.

On four of the evenings, the accompanying whisky expert will lead sensory tasting experiences. Here, you will discover the complexity and variety of whisky, identify your personal flavour wave and explore how different production processes can significantly affect the flavours found within a simple dram. From blind tastings to experimenting with different stimuli, you will gain the insight and tools to really understand and become an advocate for whisky.

This will be followed by a dinner provided by the ship鈥檚 crew. This trip is full-board except for one evening (for the crew to have a night off). It will be hearty food using locally sourced produce including seafood and meat: a good base for whisky tasting.

Day 2: Sail to Tobermory on the island of Mull

The remainder of this itinerary is based on ideal weather and sailing conditions. If prevailing conditions force us to change the route whilst at sea this may impact which distilleries we visit on which days. Nevertheless, we will ensure you visit a range of distilleries and meet the industry experts, so that you experience the breadth and depth of the science of whisky. On previous tours, when the weather impacted our routing, we have also visited the following distilleries: Tobermory, Ardnamurchan, Oban, Ardbeg, Ardnahoe, Dalwhinnie, Caol Isla and Bowmore.聽

Today, you will sail to the picturesque town of Tobermory on the island of Mull, a former 18th-century fishing port, now more famous for its appearances on TV. On the way, you will sail right past the impressive Duart Castle, then stop in a lovely anchorage nearby for lunch, where you can enjoy the untouched, wild nature of the Scottish west coast. Whilst ashore you will enjoy an onboard tasting from the Whisky Den, exploring some of the more unique drams of the region.

Day 3: Explore Staffa and Iona

The uninhabited island of Staffa is famous for its hexagonal basalt columns and Fingal鈥檚 Cave, an awe-inspiring, 80-metre-long, cathedral-like sea cave, exposed to the constant waves of the Atlantic. This place inspired Mendelssohn to write The Hebrides overture. A visit to Staffa isn’t always possible due to the sea conditions, but it is an unforgettable experience to approach this remote piece of rock in a zodiac boat.

Further south, before the south-west tip of Mull, you will explore the small island of Iona. For about 400 years, it has been an important monastic centre and is known for its calmness and natural beauty.聽

Day 4: Arrive at Islay and visit Bunnahabhain distillery

Over the next three days, you will be exploring the coast, towns and distilleries of whisky island par excellence, Islay.聽

As you are on a smaller boat, you can dock or anchor directly alongside some of the distilleries, making the visits particularly easy-going. Today you will be moored next to the Bunnahabhain distillery where you will be led on a production tour of the distillery followed by a warehouse tasting session.

If you are not quite in the mood for a full tasting, most distilleries can provide a ‘Drivers Dram’ in a hand-labelled vial which you can enjoy later.

After lunch, the afternoon is at leisure but you can enjoy a short coastal walk with spectacular views towards Islay鈥檚 newest distillery, Ardnahoe. In 2018, the stills at Ardnahoe began running with spirit for the first time.聽

Day 5: Visit Bruichladdich and Kilchoman distilleries and meet Georgie Crawford in the evening

You will start the day with a short minibus ride to Kilchoman on the west of Islay. A traditional farm distillery established in 2005 where you can observe the end-to-end process of barley to bottle. It is the first new distillery to be built on Islay in 124 years and the only independent distillery on the island. During the tastings on our 2022 cruise, Kilchoman was the firm favourite with many of the guests.

Afterwards, you will take a short drive to the Bruichladdich distillery for a tasting session. They produce three distinct single malts: Bruichladdich which is unpeated, Port Charlotte which is heavily peated and Octomore which is classed as super heavily peated.聽

Whilst enjoying the distilleries, the ship will sail down to Port Ellen, where you will be taken late afternoon.

In the evening, you will be joined onboard by Georgie Crawford. Having previously managed Lagavulin and led the reconstruction of Port Ellen distillery, Georgie is now the distillery manager for Portintruan, who are building a brand-new distillery and maltings on the island. Combining old-style production techniques with modern technology to improve process and quality, as well as sustainability. She will be able to give a fascinating insight into the whisky history of Islay and what it takes to build a distillery from scratch.

Day 6: Lagavulin distillery and sail to Jura

While moored at Port Ellen, you will have time to explore the town before enjoying both a tour and tasting at Lagavulin, with its unusual pear-shaped stills. Here, you will see distillers at work during the tour and then enjoy a tutored tasting.

Late afternoon, you will then set sail for the adjacent island of Jura.

Day 7: Jura distillery

While sailing back northwards, you will stop off at the remote Jura distillery for a tour and tasting direct from three different casks.聽

The island of Jura is a paradise of untouched wilderness and natural beauty. The name Jura means 鈥淒eer Island鈥�, and it is still an appropriate name, because 5500 deer live there and only around 250 people. In the afternoon, you will set sail and enjoy the journey back to Oban while you take in more wild nature, rugged coastlines and quiet fishing villages. That evening you will enjoy a farewell meal from the ship’s galley and a final tasting session with the accompanying whisky expert.

Day 8: Disembark in Oban

After a hearty breakfast, you will bid farewell to your fellow explorers as you disembark at Oban around 10am. We have also included a transfer back to Glasgow airport if required.

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Please note: As with all tours under sail aboard small ships, we can be at the mercy of prevailing conditions, particularly the weather. Should the conditions dictate, we can鈥檛 stick to planned itinerary, we are experienced at rebuilding the itinerary on-the-fly. This might mean different distilleries from those planned, but they will still be as relevant and insightful. Coming aboard with a flexible outlook will help you get the most out of the cruise. The accompanying tour leader will keep you updated on a daily basis.

We aim to travel under canvas as much as possible, so we will often go where the best winds are, so as to share the best of sailing the Hebrides with you.

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Highlights

• Enjoy exclusive talks, tours and tastings at renowned Islay and Jura distilleries
• Guided by distillery experts, including managers and master distillers
• Science-led whisky tastings exploring aroma, flavour and sensory perception
• Accompanied throughout by Professor Barry C. Smith in 2026 and Billy Abbott in 2027
• Evening workshops and tasting sessions led by sensory science experts
• 7 nights aboard a characterful 1903 tall ship with a professional crew
• Hands-on sailing experience, with optional participation in ship duties
• Visiting remote Hebridean islands and charming coastal harbour towns
• Stunning scenery throughout, with opportunities to spot marine wildlife
• Intimate group experience with a maximum of 20 guests

Meet the expert

Barry C. Smith (20 September 2026)

Barry is a professor of philosophy and Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London鈥檚 School of Advanced Study. He is also the founding director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses, which pioneers collaborative research between philosophers, psychologists and neuroscientists.聽

He has written theoretical and experimental papers, publishing in Nature, Food Quality and Preference, Chemical Senses and Flavour. He collaborates with chefs and artists and consults widely for the food and drinks industry. In 2007, he edited Questions of Taste: The philosophy of wine.

Barry is also frequent broadcaster, who has appeared on BBC One鈥檚 Masterchef, BBC Two鈥檚 Inside the Factory and on BBC Radio 4鈥檚 The Kitchen Cabinet. He is a contributor to The World of Fine Wine and wine columnist for Prospect Magazine.

Billy Abbott (19 September 2027)

Billy is an award-winning drinks writer, educator and presenter based in London, UK. After a decade of working in IT and finance, in 2011 he joined online retailer The Whisky Exchange as a writer and drinks expert. He is now also The Whisky Exchange’s ambassador, hosting tastings and seminars about all categories of drink.

Along with his work at The Whisky Exchange, he is a freelance writer, presenter and educator, writing words, leading tastings and teaching people about drinks around the world. Since 2014, he has led Whisky Squad, a London-based whisky-tasting club that celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2020. He is also a judge for a number of international drinks competitions, covering whisky, beer and Asian spirits.聽

What’s included

• Entry to all the distillery tours and tastings as indicated
• Walking seminars, evening tasting and sensory experiments with the Professor Barry C. Smith in 2026 and Billy Abbott聽in 2027
• Full board (except one evening and one lunch for the crew to have time off) plus all soft drinks, wine and lager at mealtimes
• All port fees, tourist fees and fuel expenses
• Bed linen and towels
• The use of a zodiac for certain landings where no harbour or jetty is available
• The crew including captain, cook and first mate
• Return transfer from Glasgow airport

What’s not included

• Travel insurance
• Food when ashore
• Visa/ETA if applicable
• Single supplement – 拢3,039

Booking administration聽

This tour is operated by our trusted tour operator partner The Ultimate Travel Company聽on behalf of聽快猫短视频 Discovery Tours. To ensure a seamless experience, The Ultimate Travel Company has a specially trained team who are experts on all 快猫短视频聽Discovery Tours. From the moment you book until you return home, this specialist team will be your primary point of contact, managing all aspects of your reservation, including processing your deposit and balance payments, issuing travel documentation and providing pre-departure information. They will also be on hand to assist with any questions about the tour, your booking or your travel arrangements.聽

How to get there

This tour begins and ends in Oban, located on the west coast of Scotland about 90 miles north-west of Glasgow. We are also arranging a transfer from Glasgow airport, for those of you flying in.

Arriving by rail: The journey between Glasgow and Oban is particularly scenic, whether by road or railway. The Highland Railway line was voted the world鈥檚 top train journey by Wanderlust magazine and showcases some of Scotland鈥檚 most stunning scenery. The train takes a leisurely 3 hours from Glasgow and 4 from Edinburgh.

Arriving by road: If driving there, you can leave your car in the North Shore car park for around 拢30 per week.

Arriving by air: Glasgow is the nearest large airport to Oban and is approximately 97 miles away, while Edinburgh airport is 115 miles away.

Pace and physicality

When under sail you can get as involved as you like in crew life and the crew will be happy to show you the basics of trimming the sails and navigation. You do not need to be agile to get involved. Agility only needed for getting in and out of Zodiacs. You will moor at peers where available but there will be some beach and stairs landings by Zodiac.

When visiting the distilleries, there will be steep steps and heights to navigate.聽

Plenty of time is built in for rest and relaxation, both under sail and when docked, giving you the opportunity to explore the beautiful Hebridean towns and villages.

A detailed kit list will be provided prior to departure. Guests should expect to pack layered clothing and reliable waterproofs, along with sturdy walking shoes and wellington boots for shore excursions. Soft-sided luggage is strongly recommended over hard cases, as it is easier to store aboard the vessel.

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Accommodation aboard the Flying Dutchman is simple, practical, and in keeping with life on a classic tall ship. Instead of traditional shared bunks, guests are accommodated in small private cabins that offer a degree of comfort and privacy, but are compact in size. They are designed primarily for rest and washing rather than spending extended time in, with communal areas on deck and in the saloon providing the main social spaces onboard.

Distillery visits

Distilleries are built for whisky production rather than group visits, which means you鈥檒l often be getting unusually close to the working heart of each site, with a rare insight into how whisky is made.

Many tastings will include cask-strength drams for those who wish to experience them at full intensity. If preferred, samples can be decanted into small bottles to enjoy later at your own pace.

Participation in all activities and tastings is entirely optional, and guests are encouraged to take part in a way that feels comfortable, with a strong emphasis on enjoying whisky responsibly.

Weather

September is a wonderful time to explore the Hebrides, with long daylight hours, mild temperatures and ever-changing skies. The weather in this part of Scotland is famously unpredictable, however, and sailing conditions can change quickly. To ensure your safety and make the most of the conditions, the captain may adjust the itinerary or the order of landings during the voyage. This flexibility is all part of the expedition experience, allowing you to enjoy the best opportunities each day while navigating the islands safely.

A full kit list will be sent before departure. You will need layered, waterproof clothing, hiking boots and wellington boots, and we recommend packing in a soft-sided bag for ease of storage on board.

Solo travellers

All of our tours, cruises, expeditions and weekenders are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own cabin, you will need to pay a solo supplement for this tour. However, if you are happy to share a cabin with a fellow guest, we will do all we can to match you with another guest (of the same gender), so you do not have to pay the solo supplement.

Accommodations

This isn’t a floating hotel but a traditional tall sailing ship that is comfortable, intimate and small enough to anchor directly next to many of the distilleries. Alongside the crew and staff lodging, the ship has berth for 20 guests. After a previous life as a fishing vessel, it was restored and renovated during the winter of 2003/2004, turning it into a very comfortable schooner.

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 deck.

Tall ships normally have bunks, however, this one has small cabins. All of the cabins on board are twin en-suite (shower and toilet), with 2-pin European plug sockets and USB sockets. As this is a historic vessel, the cabins are small, practical and a little cramped. The experience of sailing on such a beautiful and initimate trip really does make up for this.