The Isle of Skye is a magical place! Its name comes from ‘Sküyo’, which is what the ‘Isle of Clouds’ was called as far back as the Viking era. With its mountain ranges and kilometres of breathtaking coastline, this island will enchant you in more ways than one. Majestic geological landmarks such as the Old Man of Storr or the Cuillin Hills characterise the unique landscape. Furthermore, the island boasts a rich cultural history – prehistoric sites and dark castles of the former clans tell tales of the past. Connoisseurs of Skye also appreciate the high-quality malt whisky. Aboard the Eye of the Wind, we’ll explore this region, which inspires enthusiasm in all lovers of Scotland and promises an unforgettable travel experience.

The legendary Isle of Skye
Trip information
This is where you board
Oban is a pretty harbour town on the Scottish mainland. The lively harbour district is a great place to watch ferries, fishing boats and excursion boats. Crossings to Mull, Kerrera and Lismore depart from here; boat trips also take you along the coast and to the islands, where, with a bit of luck, you can spot seals and seabirds. One of the town’s landmarks is McCaig’s Tower: this unusual circular structure on a hill is reminiscent of a Roman amphitheatre and offers sweeping views across the harbour and bay. Also worth seeing are the ruins of Dunollie Castle, north of the town centre. In the harbour, restaurants tempt visitors with fresh fish and seafood. Oban combines a maritime atmosphere with impressive views and is an ideal starting point for exploring Scotland’s west coast.
Voyage description
Boarding takes place at 7 pm. Over the subsequent dinner together in the cosy saloon, you’ll soon feel at home on the deck of the Eye of the Wind and get to know your fellow passengers.
Our sailing area: The archipelago of the Inner Hebrides
Our first destination of the day is Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. The 25 nautical miles to get there make for a pleasant start to the cruise. The coastal voyage takes us through the Sound of Mull, with the third-largest of the Hebrides – the island of the same name – on our port side. Perched on a steep cliff on the Mull coast is Duart Castle, the ancestral seat of the Maclean clan for 700 years. At the very northern tip of the island lies Tobermory, one of Scotland’s most beautiful harbour towns. The harbour front is a colourful sight – a landmark of the west coast, a picture-postcard idyll of colourful houses set in a semi-circular bay. It’s not just the many pubs that count among the main attractions of this charming village, but also the distillery and the Isle of Mull Museum. For over 150 years, Tobermory has been home to the ‘Mishnish’, a popular sailors’ haunt and the ‘best pub in town’. Our excursion tip: At the northern end of the village, follow the footpaths to the lighthouse at Ardmore Point.
Loch Scavaig off the Isle of Skye
The journey continues northwards, passing between the islands of Rum and Eigg, towards the Isle of Skye. Passing underwater rocks and seal colonies, we reach Loch Scavaig, the most beautiful anchorage along the coastline. Footpaths lead into the well-sheltered interior of the island, offering views of the rugged basalt cliffs of the Black Cuillin Hills. A magical spell seems to hang over this secluded mountain world with its intoxicating silence and unspoilt nature.
Loch Harport and Carbost
After sailing between the islands of Skye and Soay, we continue our journey along the south-western tip of Skye to the mouth of Loch Harport, which cuts deep into the coastline. Talisker, the only single malt whisky on Skye, has been produced there for almost 200 years. The distillery has its own jetty. Weather conditions and the progress of our journey permitting, we plan to include a visit to a whisky distillery on our itinerary.
Good reasons to join this sailing trip
- 100 per cent Scotland: sailing through the archipelago of the Highlands
- Spectacular natural scenery in the Inner Hebrides sailing area
- A good balance between time at sea and varied shore leave
- Visit to a Scottish whisky distillery (optional / subject to weather conditions)
- Traditional sailing on a tall ship that’s over 100 years old – you can get actively involved!
- Excellent onboard cuisine with delicious meals from morning to evening
- Our friendly crew know this area well from previous trips
This is where you disembark
Portree lies sheltered in a deeply indented bay and is a popular starting point for exploring the island. The harbour, with its colourful houses by the water, is particularly photogenic. Boat trips set off from there along the coast to spot seals, dolphins or seabirds. On the quay, you can experience the hustle and bustle of the fishing boats and excursion boats. In the town centre, small shops, cafés and pubs invite you to have a stroll; around Somerled Square, Portree shows its lively side.
If you’d like to enjoy the views, follow the coastal path at Scorrybreac: the path runs above the bay through stunning scenery and offers sweeping views of the harbour and the surrounding hills. The striking rocky landscapes and coastal stretches of the Isle of Skye are also easily accessible from Portree.
Notes on the itinerary
The times and ports mentioned are to be regarded as an illustrative and non-binding itinerary. The route described here may change at short notice depending on prevailing wind and weather conditions. The ship’s crew will decide on stopovers and the course of the voyage – wherever possible – whilst taking your preferences into account. This way, you will experience the cruise as a pleasant blend of adventure and comfort, of getting involved and simply enjoying yourself.
The weather in the Inner Hebrides sailing area is considered to be extremely changeable and varied; the locals speak of ‘four seasons in one day’. Even during the summer months, you should expect passing low-pressure systems, shifting winds and rainfall. The itinerary shown here is intended as a sample itinerary and may be subject to last-minute changes, depending on the prevailing wind direction.
In summer, temperatures rarely rise above 20 degrees. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the climate is mild but damp, and fog often rolls in. For this trip, it is advisable to bring good outdoor clothing.
Services included
• 7 nights on the traditional sailing ship Eye of the Wind.
• Accommodation in a comfortable double cabin (single cabin at extra cost, if available).
• Full board (incl. all meals; water / coffee / tea).
• Saloon with TV / DVD player and extensive on-board library.
• Hot and cold running water, shower and toilet in each cabin, bed linen, towels and air conditioning.
Services not included
• Arrival and departure, shore excursions, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
• We would be happy to arrange a reliable partner travel agency to help you plan your individual arrival and departure. Please contact us in good time if required.

