History & Gardens of the Mediterranean
A voyage from Nice to Valletta aboard the luxurious World Explorer with Guest Speakers Dr Alan Borg & Caroline Holmes
- 3 May 2020
Join us for this relaxing and informative voyage as we explore the Mediterranean and all its wonders. We have chartered the World Explorer, a perfect vessel for this journey of discovery as we cruise to some of the most culturally fascinating and scenically beautiful places in France and Italy. The combined effect of the natural beauty of the coasts and islands along with the stunning gardens, intriguing history and magnificent architecture of the towns and cities makes this journey unforgettable and a very different experience to that which can be undertaken aboard the larger cruise liners in the region.
We have chosen the perfect time of year for our voyage and can expect verdant gardens and landscapes awash with blossoms, moderate temperatures with the absence of high season crowds. Our itinerary has been planned to ensure the balance is just right between exploring ashore, relaxing on board and with some time at leisure in some picturesque ports for individual exploration. We will sail from the French Riviera to Malta with calls in northern and southern Italy as well as the islands of Corsica, Elba and Lipari before we spend the two final full days in Sicily before sailing across to Malta.
On most days during our voyage there will be a choice of included tours which you can choose from depending on your interest or perhaps based upon where you have visited before. Whilst in Menton there will be a choice of garden focused tour or a visit to Monaco; during our time in Tuscany you may choose to visit Florence or Lucca; when in Naples, explore the island of Ischia or the magnificent ruins of Herculaneum and from Anzio you can choose to visit the beautiful villas of Tivoli or alternatively explore Rome independently.
With just 150 or so like-minded travellers and an expert team on board, together with informative local guides, by the end of the voyage you will have seen and learnt so much. All this will be achieved with great ease from the comfort of the newly built World Explorer which has the advantage of allowing us to moor centrally in places such as delightful Syracuse and access to many ports which the big ships simply cannot including Lipari in the Aeolian Islands, L’Ile Rouse for our exploration of Calvi on the island of Corsica and the glorious town of Menton on the French Riviera.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
World Explorer
We are delighted to have chartered the newly built, World Explorer which launched in summer 2019. This luxurious vessel, with just 100 cabins and suites offers all the conveniences and comforts that you expect from a five star vessel from a wellness area, pool and running track to two lounges, a lecture theatre in addition to spacious cabins and suites. The onboard crew of over 100 will ensure your comfort on board and offer a high level of personalised service. They will be joined by a Noble Caledonia team including our experienced Cruise Director, Tour Managers and excellent Guest Speakers. After a day of exploration you can return to an exceedingly comfortable vessel to enjoy high quality cuisine, superb onboard facilities, informative briefings and interesting lectures.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Nice, France.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the World Explorer. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Nice.
This morning we drive to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat for our visit to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Built in 1900 in Italian palazzo style and surrounded by magnificent gardens, the villa houses a magnificent collection of works including tapestries, furniture, candelabras, terracottas, porcelains and Chinese vases. Alternatively there will also be an excursion to the quaint village of Eze which is perched on a rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean. We will have some time to wander the cobblestone streets before returning to the ship for lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore Nice independently. This evening we sail the short distance for an overnight mooring in Menton.
Day 3 Menton.
Spend the morning at the Val Rahmeh Botanical Gardens. Established in the late 19th century by Lord Radcliffe the garden contains subtropical and tropical plants which thrive in the unique microclimate between the mountains and the sea which the garden benefits from. We continue to the Serre de La Madone, designed in the 1920s by Lawrence Johnston. Spread over nine hectares the garden is divided into compartments by hedges and walls and includes plants sourced from his travels around the world. Alternatively there will be the option to spend the morning in Monaco, the epitome of Riviera chic where our visit will include Monaco Old Town and Monte Carlo. After lunch on board enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board or explore ashore independently.
Day 4 L’Ile-Rousse, Corsica.
This morning we arrive in L’Ile-Rousse from where we will explore Calvi, the capital of the prosperous Balagne region of the island of Corsica. A guided tour will lead us through the alleyways and cobbled streets before continuing to the imposing citadel. Built by the Genoese, the 15th century structure has seen off several assaults through the centuries and offers wonderful views from its five bastions. We will also see the Caserne Sampiero and 13th century Cathedral St Jean Baptiste. After lunch on board there will be an opportunity to explore the flora of Corsica with a visit to the seven hectare Parc de Saleccia where you can explore the range of paths through the gardens and see the tough plants of the maquis, pines, myrtles and over 100 varieties of olive trees.
Day 5 Livorno, Italy.
Today we will discover Florence on a full day tour from our berth in Livorno. The city of Florence is a vast monument to the Renaissance, where writers like Dante and Machiavelli and artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo and Donatello made the city into one of the world’s greatest treasures. Alternatively you may wish to discover charming Lucca, one of the most picturesque towns in Tuscany. The present town has evolved since Etruscan and Roman times: the oval Piazza Anfiteatro stands on the site of the original Roman amphitheatre, the structure of which has been incorporated into Medieval buildings. A third option for today will be the opportunity to spend some time in the Tuscan countryside, where we will visit a beautiful villa and its gardens.
Day 6 Portoferraio, Elba.
The enchanting island of Elba is best known as Napoleon’s island of exile from 1814 to 1815. Departing from the island’s busy capital Portoferraio, we will set out for a delightful drive exploring the southern region of the island with superb views over the coastline. Visit Villa San Martino which was the summer residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and has been transformed into a museum. Later enjoy some time at leisure in Porto Azzurro to browse around and shop among the many local boutiques of this delightful town which is dominated by an ancient Spanish fortress and a picturesque harbour. Our drive continues along the coast to a 17th century country wine farm, which is beautifully nestled in a vineyard estate surrounded by olive trees. Experience the estate’s interesting cellar to learn how the wine is handled and produced and enjoy a delicious sampling of the local product. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Portoferraio.
Day 7 Tivoli, Italy.
Today, from the port of Anzio we visit Villa d’Este, a masterpiece of the Italian Garden. With its impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water and music, it constitutes a much-copied model for European gardens in the mannerist and Baroque styles. The imposing constructions and the series of terraces above terraces bring to mind the hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the Wonders of the Ancient World. After lunch at a local restaurant we continue on to Villa Adriana, an exceptional complex of classical building created in the 2nd century AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It combines the best elements of the architectural heritage of Egypt, Greece and Rome in the form of an ‘ideal city’. Alternatively, if you would rather take the opportunity to explore Rome independently we will be providing a return transfer to the city and back from the vessel.
Day 8 Naples.
There will be a choice of excursions today and you may choose to take the ferry and spend the day on the garden island of Ischia where our guided tour will focus on La Mortella, a wonderful garden designed by architect Russell Page for Sir and Lady William Walton. We will enjoy lunch and some free time to explore the main town. Alternatively enjoy a day in Naples where a morning tour will take us to Herculaneum. Smaller than Pompeii but in many ways better preserved, the town befell the same fate as its neighbour on the other side of the volcano. Herculaneum was largely a residential town, and you will be able to see noble mansions and more modest town houses, together with the public baths and their frescoes. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Naples before we sail to Amalfi.
Day 9 Amalfi.
From our anchorage off Amalfi we will go ashore this morning to visit the nearby beautiful gardens of the Villa Cimbrone in Ravello. The villa was something of a Bohemian retreat in its early days and has had many illustrious former guests. Transformed in the early 20th century by Lord Grimthorpe and Vita Sackville-West it is an essentially English style garden with amazing views of the Amalfi Coast. Return to Amalfi and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 10 Lipari, Aeolian Islands.
Arriving over lunch we will spend the afternoon at the picturesque island of Lipari situated in the Aeolian Islands off the north coast of Sicily. Here we will find an amazing collection of ruins from the prehistoric through to the Roman period. Lipari town is a thriving little place prettily located between two harbours. Our afternoon guided tour will include a visit to the upper town set within fortress walls and a visit to the Archaeological Museum with its impressive relics from nearby excavations.
Day 11 Giardini Naxos for Taormina or Mount Etna.
Today you can choose to visit Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano. The town has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century and our guided tour will include time exploring the characteristic alleys, the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja and the impressive Greek Theatre from where there are marvellous views over the town and coast. Alternatively take a trip up the slopes of Mount Etna, passing bare lava fields to reach the Silvestri crater. This evening we sail the short distance to Syracuse where we will moor overnight.
Day 12 Syracuse.
Founded by the Greeks in 734 BC, by the 5th century Syracuse was a political and military power throughout the Mediterranean and rivalled Athens as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek world. We have a choice of tours today, either visit the Neapolis Archeological Park where we find a well preserved Greek theatre with seats carved of limestone. Continue to explore the island of Ortigia and the Temple of Apollo, considered to be Sicily’s most ancient Doric temple. Alternatively explore Noto, a striking town built upon a series of terraces connected by massive steps. Its magnificent Baroque architecture has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. A final option today will be to enjoy a visit to the gardens of Marquess of San Giuliano where you can see the Mediterranean, Arabian and tropical gardens which owe much to the head gardener, Rachel Lamb.
Day 13 Valletta, Malta to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Ship to Shore Information: Please note that during this voyage we will be at anchor in the following ports and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs and/or local boats to tender ashore: Menton, L’Ile Rousse, Anzio, Amalfi, Lipari & Giardini Naxos.
Dates and Prices
3 to 15 May 2020 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Expedition Cabin, Deck 3 | £6295 | £5995 |
2 Infinity Cabin, Deck 5 | £6895 | £6595 |
3 Veranda Cabin, Deck 5 | £7095 | £6795 |
4 Infinity Cabin, Deck 6 | £7295 | £6995 |
5 Veranda Cabin, Deck 6 | £7495 | £7195 |
6 Junior Suite, Deck 6 | £7995 | £7695 |
7 Navigator Suite, Deck 5 | £8495 | £8195 |
8 Navigator Suite, Deck 6 | £8695 | £8395 |
9 VIP Suite, Deck 5 | £9295 | £8995 |
10 Explorer Suite, Deck 5 | £9595 | £9295 |
11 Explorer Suite, Deck 6 | £9895 | £9595 |
1 Expedition Cabin, Deck 3 for sole use | £7795 | £7495 |
2 Infinity Cabin, Deck 5 for sole use | £8595 | £8295 |
3 Veranda Cabin, Deck 5 for sole use | £8795 | £8495 |
6 Junior Suite, Deck 6 for sole use | £9095 | £8795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCWE030520
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights aboard the World Explorer on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner on board • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speakers • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port Taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Ship to Shore Information: Please note that during this voyage we will be at anchor in the following ports and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs and/or local boats to tender ashore: Menton, L’Ile Rousse, Anzio, Amalfi, Lipari & Giardini Naxos.
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Deckplan
World Explorer
We are delighted to have chartered the newly built, World Explorer which launched in summer 2019. This luxurious vessel, with just 100 cabins and suites offers all the conveniences and comforts that you expect from a five star vessel from a wellness area, pool and running track to two lounges, a lecture theatre in addition to spacious cabins and suites. The onboard crew of over 100 will ensure your comfort on board and offer a high level of personalised service. They will be joined by a Noble Caledonia team including our experienced Cruise Director, Tour Managers and excellent Guest Speakers. After a day of exploration you can return to an exceedingly comfortable vessel to enjoy high quality cuisine, superb onboard facilities, informative briefings and interesting lectures.
Travelling with You
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Dr Alan Borg
Alan began his career teaching history of art at Indiana and Princeton Universities. Returning to Britain in 1970, he became Assistant Keeper in the Royal Armouries in the Tower of London. In 1982 he became Director General of the Imperial War Museum, where he was responsible for the complete refurbishment and reinterpretation of the Museum, the opening of the Cabinet War Rooms, the preservation of HMS Belfast and the development of Duxford Airfield as a major aviation museum. Appointed Director of the V&A in 1996, he undertook the redisplay of the entire sequence of British Galleries. He retired in 2001 and is currently Vice President of the Foundling Museum, and Librarian of the Priory of England and the Islands, the Venerable Order of St John. Awarded the CBE in 1991, he is also a Knight of the Order of St John. His publications include books on Romanesque art, the history of Arms and Armour, War Memorials and A History of Vauxhall Gardens.
Dr Alan Borg will be on the following tour dates: 3 to 15 May 2020 -
Caroline Holmes
Caroline Holmes is a garden historian of ancient, modern and contemporary landscapes who delves into the people and plants that are integral to their story. She is an international lecturer in the warmth and comfort of halls and houses, Course Director for University of Cambridge ISP as well as leading groups through sites and gardens especially in France. She is at one with Nietzche when he wrote ‘We should call every truth false which was not accompanied by some laughter’ or in the garden sense she sifts the humour from the humus.
Caroline broadcasts on BBC Radio 4 and is the author of 11 books including Water Lilies and Bory Latour-Marliac, the genius behind Monet’s water lilies, RHS Herbs for the Gourmet Gardener, Impressionists in their Gardens, Follies of Europe – architectural extravaganzas and Monet at Giverny. As a consultant designer she devised the planting and guide notes for The Poison Garden in The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland, as well as creating a Humanist Renaissance voyage through gardens that encircle the church of Notre-Dame-de-Calais. The latter have been nominated for jardin remarquable status and are open to the public. The concepts behind them can be viewed on Engraved on my Heart: a new garden for Calais www.mfreeth.com/movies/13.html. Caroline is currently learning Hindi for a forthcoming research trip into the Western Himalayas.
Caroline Holmes will be on the following tour dates: 3 to 15 May 2020
Tour Extensions
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Before embarking the World Explorer in Nice we are offering the opportunity to join a two night pre-cruise extension based in Nice and focusing on the artistic heritage of the region with excursions to the Maeght Foundation, Saint Paul de Vence and the Chagall Museum.
Saint Paul de Vence
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Nice, France.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay. Meet for dinner in the hotel.
Day 2 Saint Paul de Vence.
After breakfast in the hotel we visit the Maeght Foundation. This exceptional site contains one of the most important collections in Europe with paintings, sculptures, drawings and graphic works of modern art from the 20th century. From here we will continue on to Saint Paul de Vence, a fortified village which from 1920, artists, sculptors, writers and actors elected as their main meeting point, making Saint Paul de Vence a famous Riviera landmark. Return to the hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day 3 Chagall Museum.
After a morning at leisure, we will check out of our hotel and take lunch in a local restaurant before visiting the Marc Chagall Museum. After our visit we will continue to the World Explorer and embark.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
1 to 3 May 2020 Category Price Twin £695 Single £845 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Nice with breakfast, tours as described, dinner on day 1, lunch of day 3, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance, lunch and dinner on day 2.
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If you would like to spend some time in Malta after our voyage we are offering a two night stay on the island which will include a guided tour of both Valletta and Mdina.
Mdina
The Itinerary
Day 1 Valletta, Malta.
After breakfast we will disembark the World Explorer and begin a city tour of Valletta, the 16th century ‘Fortress City’ built by Knights of St John. After lunch we transfer to the Grand Hotel Excelsior and check-in. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Day 2 Mdina.
A morning tour will take us to Mdina which is Phoenician in origin and was the fortified capital of the island, before the arrival of the Knights. Return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Meet tonight for dinner.
Day 3 Malta to London.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
15 to 17 May 2020 Category Price Twin £495 Single £745 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Malta with breakfast, tours as described, lunch on day 1, dinner of day 2, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance, dinner on day 1, lunch on day 2.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000