Whisky sailing trip – Islay Whisky Festival 2026

Fèis Ìle, the Islay Festival, is the famous whisky festival that is organised annually in the last week of May on Islay, Scotland. Whisky fanatics from all over the world come together for 10 days for masterclasses, diverse expertise, exclusive whiskies, excellent live music and local delicacies. Fèis Ìle celebrates Islay, its culture, history and of course its whisky. 

The Thalassa whisky festival voyage has earned a renowned reputation. The tried and tested combination of sailing and whisky and the bustle on the island alternating with the peace on the water are reasons for many to return. Curious about this trip? We are happy to take you through the provisional trip description! This gives you an idea of ​​possible intermediate destinations. The starting and ending destinations are fixed.

The fare includes:

• 7 nights accommodation on board in a double cabin with private shower;
• all meals during the trip (breakfast, lunch and dinner);
• non-alcoholic drinks during meals (coffee, tea, milk and water);
• 1 whisky tasting on board guided by a whisky expert

Not included are:

• all other non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks (beer, wine and whisky);
• entrance tickets for visits to the various distilleries;
• additional excursions on shore (participation is not obligatory).

The sailing trip starts and ends in Scotland. You have to arrange your own travel to Scotland. This is NOT included in the price. For your journey to the ship and back, please visit the Rome2Rio website: https://www.rome2rio.com 

• embarking time: Saturday 23 May 2025 at 16:00 in Troon/Scotland
• disembarking time: Saturday 30 May 2025 at 10:00 in Troon/Scotland

Itinerary

Thalassa begins her festival journey on Saturday. At 16:00 you can embark on Thalassa at the port of Troon. After you have had the opportunity to meet the vessel, the crew and the other guests, the ship will set sail for Islay. We will arrive at Bruichladdich pier during the night.

Bruichladdich Rock’ndaal and Jura

On Sunday, within walking distance, you will see the chalk white and light blue letters of Bruichladdich distillery in the distance. The rainbow-coloured letters of Bruichladdich’s Rock’ndaal Festival adorn the first people waiting at the entrance. Rock’ndaal always provides a cracking opening for the festival trip: exclusive festival whiskies, fantastic live music on a large stage and a wide selection of food trucks with local delicacies. Satiated by the whisky and the fresh food, we then make the crossing to Jura.

Port Askaig and Port Ellen

Monday we start the whisky relay at Caol Ila distillery after which we sail to Port Askaig with the right wind where the whisky festival is taking place at that time. In the afternoon Thalassa sails to Port Ellen. Guests can choose to sail along or to travel by land (bus or car). We then visit the festival at Laphroaig on Tuesday. Other distilleries can also be visited such as Ardbeg and Lagavulin. Port Ellen is also the ship’s mooring on Wednesday. The festival takes place at Bowmore and Ardnahoe, accessible by public transport or by taxi.

Campbeltown, Arran and Troon

Depending on the wind, we sail to Campbeltown on Thursday, where in the afternoon a tour at Springbank (highly recommended!) or Glen Scotia can be visited. On Friday we make the crossing to Arran where we anchor to be able to visit the island. Arran is known for its award-winning whiskies, its natural beauty and the golden glow that can be spotted from Campbeltown. After the liquid gold of Arran we sail on to our final destination Troon. On Saturday between 08.00 and 10.00 in the morning the guests disembark here.

Please note: for all parts of this programme applies wind and weather permitting.