Whisky festival journey 2028
Oban–Oban
27 May – 3 June 2028
Embarkation: Saturday 27 May 2028 at 5:00 pm – Oban, Scotland
Disembarkation: Saturday 3 June 2028 at 10:00 am – Oban, Scotland
The Islay Festival
The renowned Islay Festival is the annual highlight for whisky lovers worldwide. Every year, during the last week of May and the beginning of June, the Scottish island of Islay becomes the beating heart of the whisky world for ten days. Whisky enthusiasts from across the globe gather for masterclasses, expert-led sessions, exclusive bottlings, outstanding live music and local culinary specialties. The whiskyfestival is a celebration of Islay itself: its culture, its history and of course, its whisky.
The Thalassa whisky festival voyage has by now become a true classic. The proven combination of sailing and whisky, the lively atmosphere on Islay alternating with the peace and space of the open sea is the reason many guests return time and again. Curious about this special journey? In the voyage description we are happy to give you an impression of possible routes and intermediate destinations. The port of departure and arrival are fixed.
Travel programme: an outline of the possibilities
The festival voyage aboard Thalassa begins on Saturday, 27 May 2028. Boarding in the harbour of Oban starts at 5:00 p.m. After getting acquainted with the ship, the crew and your fellow travellers, Thalassa sets course for Islay.
Please note: If weather conditions allow we will anchor overnight near the pier of Bruichladdich. In the event of storms or heavy ocean swell we will move to a more sheltered anchorage on Islay.
Bruichladdich’s Rock ’n Daal and Jura
On Sunday, within walking distance, you will see the chalk-white buildings with the light-blue lettering of the Bruichladdich distillery. The rainbow-coloured letters of Bruichladdich’s Rock ’n Daal festival stand proudly next to the first visitors waiting at the entrance.
Rock ’n Daal traditionally marks a spectacular opening of the festival voyage: exclusive festival whiskies, outstanding live music on a large stage and a wide selection of food trucks offering local specialities.
After enjoying whisky and freshly prepared food we cross over to Jura and spend the night near Bunnahabhain or Port Askaig.
Port Askaig and Port Ellen
On Monday we begin our whisky relay at the Caol Ila distillery where the whisky festival is taking place at that time. In the afternoon, Thalassa sails on to Port Ellen. Guests may choose to stay on board or travel over land (by bus or car).
On Tuesday we visit the festival at Laphroaig. Visits to other distilleries such as Ardbeg and Lagavulin are also possible.
Port Ellen remains our berth on Wednesday. Festival events at Bowmore and Ardnahoe take place that day and can be reached by public transport or taxi.
Campbeltown, Arran and return to Oban
On Thursday we set course northwards. Our route may take us once more to Jura or Bunnahabhain where we can anchor in the sheltered bay near the distillery. Or perhaps the wind will carry us further: to an anchorage near Tarbert on Jura in search of puffins around the island of Staffa or for a final brief visit to a festival day on Jura or at Bunnahabhain. Wind and weather will determine our course as we must also ensure a timely return.
Fèis Ìle is now behind us. On Friday we take time to reflect on this special week while sailing back towards our starting point, Oban. In the evening, we raise a glass during the Captain’s Dinner to a memorable voyage — Slàinte!
On Saturday, guests disembark between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.
Please note: The above itinerary is an outline of a possible voyage. All destinations are subject to wind and weather conditions.
Included in the voyage price
7 nights on board in a double cabin with private shower
All meals during the voyage (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Non-alcoholic drinks with meals (coffee, tea, milk and water)
One whisky tasting on board, guided by a whisky expert
Not included
Other non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks (beer, wine and whisky)
Entrance tickets for visits to the various distilleries
Optional excursions ashore (participation is not obligatory)
The sailing voyage starts and ends in Scotland. Travel to and from Scotland must be arranged by yourself and is not included in the voyage price. For planning your journey to and from the ship, we kindly refer you to the website of Rome2Rio.
Important Information for Travellers to the United Kingdom (UK)
Starting in 2024, entry requirements for the United Kingdom have become stricter. Travellers now need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the UK.
An ETA is a mandatory electronic travel permission for short stays, such as holidays, business trips, or transit. Without a valid ETA, entry to the United Kingdom may be denied.
What you need to know:
The ETA costs approximately £10 per person
Applications are made online or via the official ETA app (available for iOS and Android)
The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
Only holders of a biometric passport can apply for an ETA
Register here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
We strongly recommend completing the application well before your departure to avoid delays or issues at the border.
