Iberian Stepping Stones
A late summer celebratory voyage from Portsmouth to Mallorca aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker John Lippiett
- 7 September 2021
Join the all-suite, MS Hebridean Sky for this coastal journey along the Atlantic shores of France, Spain and Portugal as we sail from the UK to Mallorca visiting some marvellously historic and special places along the way. These are perfect sailing waters and in the main we will avoid the larger ports in the region, preferring instead to call into small cities and towns and out of the way places. September is the ideal time for our voyage, the crowds have dispersed and the weather is ideal for touring and sightseeing.
Setting sail from Portsmouth our first call will be the ‘island of flowers’, Guernsey, with its beautiful coastline and beaches before sailing to Brittany where we have the day to explore including a visit to the charming village of Locronan. Continuing on to Spain we will meander through the Galician countryside and step into the magnificent pilgrimage cathedral of Santiago de Compostela before, a highlight for many, our visit to Portugal’s Medieval city of Coimbra which is a wonderfully atmospheric place. Returning to Spain we will visit the great maritime city of Cadiz followed by a full day of exploration in the beautiful city of Seville with its Moorish and Christian treasures. We continue to Gibraltar, Malaga and finally the naval port of Cartagena with its fine Roman remains before reaching Mallorca.
Few itineraries in Europe can offer such a wide ranging and endlessly fascinating cultural experience and all of this combined with the rich maritime history of the region and the sheer beauty of the coastal landscapes makes for an endlessly fascinating cultural experience. In celebration of our 30th anniversary, we have included some special experiences during our voyage such as an exclusive Andalusian flamenco show in Seville and a sherry tasting in a bodega in Jerez.
Useful links & Travel Advice
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Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Itinerary
Day 1 Portsmouth, England.
Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Portsmouth Harbour railway station at a fixed time. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner on board this evening.
Day 2 Guernsey, Channel Islands.
Arrive this morning on Guernsey, the ‘Island of Flowers’, and take a panoramic drive during which we will see the beautiful coastline and beaches and visit the Little Chapel, built in 1914 as a miniature version of the famous basilica at Lourdes and covered in fragments of shattered china. Return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore the pretty town of St Peter Port or maybe join a walk along one of the cliff paths where, if the weather is fine, we should be able to see the nearby Channel Islands and possibly the French coast.
Day 3 Douarnanez & Locronan, France.
This morning we anchor off the Finistere region of France and the port of Douarnenez which prospered as a major centre for the sardine industry in the 19th century. Traces of these days still show in the architecture and the old fisherman’s houses that line the harbour, whilst at the Port Musee you may find a number of traditional boats at anchor. Using the ship’s Zodiacs to get ashore, we have planned a morning visit to Locronan, one of the most picturesque and preserved Medieval Breton villages which grew from the manufacture of sailcloth. Visit the 15th century church, remarkable for its stone vaulting and stained-glass windows, before walking through the craft workshops. You might also be tempted to taste the famous “kouignamann”, a traditional Breton butter cake. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and there will be some time at leisure to relax on board, or to explore the town at your own pace, before we sail in the early evening.
Day 4 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we continue our journey to the Iberian Peninsula. Our lecture programme will continue in the lounge or alternatively find a spot on deck.
Day 5 Villagarcia de Arousa, Spain.
Arrive in Galicia this morning from where we have a choice of excursions. Choose to visit Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia. The city’s cathedral is the destination of the important Medieval pilgrimage route, the Way of St James (in Spanish the ‘Camino de Santiago’), which is still walked today. For those keen to walk some of the route there will be the chance to hike a short section towards Santiago. Otherwise transfer directly to the site where we will visit the Conventual de San Francisco, the Faculty of Medicine and the world-famous Plaza del Obradoiro. Inside the cathedral, we will visit the Romanic crypt and see the facade of Platerias; the Quintana Plaza; House of Parra; facade of Azabachería; and the facade of San Martin Pinario. Enjoy lunch at a Parador and some free time before returning to the ship. Alternatively discover the Rias Baixas which translates as low estuaries. Visit the 15th century Pazo de Rubianes where we find one of the three official lordships in Spain and the 11 hectare garden before we continue to a local vineyard and learn about the region’s wine production and techniques and enjoy a tasting. After a tapas lunch we drive to El Grove and board a catamaran for a journey along the estuary towards the bateas, the floating docks used for mussel farming. Learn about the local industry before enjoying some freshly caught mussels on the way back to the vessel.
Day 6 Figueira da Foz for Coimbra, Portugal.
Located at the mouth of the Modego River, Figueira da Foz is one of central Portugal’s prime beach resorts. However, the reason for our call is to visit the nearby city of Coimbra, the Medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years. On a walking tour we will view the stunning buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries before we head to the University which was recently appointed UNESCO status. Founded in the 13th century we will see the Chapel of Sao Miguel and the Joanine Library which houses over 300,000 works dating back to the 16th century. After a local lunch, choose to return to Figueira da Foz or stay in Coimbra for some free time.
Day 7 Lisbon.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping areas with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city’s terraced hillsides. During a morning tour we will see the famous landmarks and places of interest such as the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Day 8 Cadiz, Spain.
After a morning cruising we arrive in Cadiz at lunchtime. Located on a peninsula jutting out into a bay Cadiz is almost entirely surrounded by water. It is the oldest surviving city in Spain, founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC and later occupied by the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors. This afternoon you can join a guided tour on which will discover the most beautiful monuments and landmarks of the city including the Mudejar-style tobacco factory, Santo Domingo Church, the Santa Catalina Fortress and finally the Cathedral of Cadiz in the old city. Alternatively join a visit to Jerez de la Frontera, the home of Spain’s sherry and brandy industry which grew in the 18th and 19th centuries. After a visit to the old centre of Jerez, including the 11th century Alcazar, we will continue to one of the bodegas to learn about the sherry production and enjoy a tasting.
Day 9 Seville.
Overnight we will have sailed up the lower reaches of the Guadalquivir River to our berth in vibrant Seville. On a morning walking tour we will explore the city’s greatest monuments. Enter the Alcazar Palace with its ornate Moorish interiors and exotic terraced garden. Built by Pedro the Cruel in the 14th century with the help of Moorish craftsmen, it is still used as a residence by the King of Spain. We also visit the imposing La Giralda, Seville’s cathedral, reputed to be the largest Gothic style church in the world with its distinctive Moorish tower. This afternoon will be at leisure for individual exploration. You may wish to explore the maze of cobbled streets which was once the Jewish Quarter of the city, taking in the atmosphere of this historic town. This evening we will enjoy an exclusive Andalusian flamenco show in the city.
Day 10 Gibraltar.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Gibraltar where we explore this strategic British outpost of the Mediterranean. After taking in the views from Europa Point, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, we continue to the Great Siege Tunnels, a labyrinth of tunnels built to defend Gibraltar from Spanish and French attacks between 1779 and 1783 and revered as one of the finest defensive systems. Also see the Gibraltar Museum where we can learn more about the Great Siege, the geological origins of the rock and also the areas natural history. After some time to explore at your own pace we will return to the ship.
Day 11 Malaga, Spain.
Returning to Spain we will explore the historic and reinvented city of Malaga. A morning tour will take us to the 14th century Castillo de Gibralfaro, built on a hill overlooking the city and once considered the most impregnable fortress in Iberia. Continue to the Alcazabar, a citadel built by the Moors between 1057 and 1063 at the foot of the Gibralfaro Hill using materials from the nearby Roman Amphitheatre. Our tour ends at the Botanical Gardens, created in 1855 and home to more than 25,000 species of plants. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, the art lovers may wish to visit the house where Picasso was born as well as the museum dedicated to his work. See the impressive cathedral, the market or watch the world go by in the local park.
Day 12 Cartagena.
Arrive this morning in Spain’s main naval port of Cartagena. Enter the deep natural harbour through two fortified rocky headlands for an afternoon of exploration in a historic city that dates back to the Phoenicians. Hannibal used it as his capital city on the Iberian peninsula and named it after Carthage in North Africa whilst the Romans used it as a strategic port and administrative centre. The city walls remained intact until the 20th century, creating a dense historic centre. Take the lift or walk up to Concepcio Castle for amazing views of the city and harbour, view the Roman amphitheatre and the archaeological site of Molinete where work continues to uncover the Roman city. Later enjoy a stroll along the tree-lined harbour promenade as we return to the MS Hebridean Sky. We spend our final afternoon at sea as we sail to the Balearic islands.
Day 13 Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
7 to 19 September 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £6095 | £5795 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £6295 | £5995 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £6595 | £6295 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £6995 | £6695 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £7295 | £6995 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £7695 | £7395 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £8295 | £7995 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £7095 | £6795 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £7495 | £7195 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS070921
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel from Palma to London • 12 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Travelling with You
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Rear Admiral John Lippiett
John Lippiett had a 36 year career in the Royal Navy, serving in a large number of ships from aircraft carriers to minesweepers and deployed to all of the world’s operational theatres. He was second-in-command of the frigate HMS Ambuscade throughout the Falklands War, and his book “War and Peas; Intimate letters from the Falklands War” was broadcast on BBC’s Today programme for the 25th anniversary. John commanded three ships, a Frigate Squadron, and then the School of Maritime Warfare. On promotion to Rear Admiral, he flew his Flag at sea as Flag Officer Sea Training before serving in Naples as Chief of Staff of the NATO maritime forces in the Mediterranean. His final posting was as the Commandant of the Joint Services Command and Staff College. John retired and for nearly 13 years was the Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust, during which time he led the project to build the award-winning new museum and ensure Henry VIII’s flagship is conserved and displayed for future generations. John retired from the Mary Rose Trust in 2016 and spends much time back at sea as a speaker on maritime history - and this time with his wife Jenny. He much enjoys telling the stories both of exploration, often using old maps, and of naval ventures that have taken place on the world’s oceans over the last two thousand years.
Rear Admiral John Lippiett will be on the following tour dates: 7 to 19 September 2021
Tour Extensions
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After disembarking the MS Hebridean Sky we are offering the opportunity to join a two night extension in Mallorca including a city tour, a full day excursion to the charming towns of Soller and Valldemossa as well as time to explore at leisure.
Palma de Mallorca
The Itinerary
Day 1 Palma, Soller & Valldemossa, Mallorca.
Disembark this morning and take the beautifully maintained vintage train that connects Palma with the pretty town of Soller on the island’s west coast and enjoy splendid mountain views of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the course of just seven kilometres the railway rises 199 metres and runs through thirteen tunnels and crosses several bridges. We will enjoy some time to explore Soller before taking a scenic drive to the village of Valldemossa. With a population of around 2,000, Valldemossa is a quiet and traditional town with narrow streets and lanes constructed with blonde stone. Each doorway and street is lined with beautiful green plants and flowers making the town one of the most attractive in Mallorca. We will enjoy a walk around the town and lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Palma and checking into the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free for independent exploration. (B, L)
Day 2 Palma.
After breakfast, join a guided walking tour of the city’s highlights. Visit Palma’s most impressive landmark and Spain’s second largest Gothic-style cathedral. The central apse contains the high Chapel of Trinity, where the tombs of the Kings of Mallorca are located. During our walking tour, discover the avenues and a maze of quaint streets with shops and cafes. We pass by the Royal Palace, the fishing harbour and the city walls. Enjoy some free time in the city centre before returning to the hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. Meet later this evening for dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 Palma to London.
After breakfast this morning we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
19 to 21 September 2021 Category Price Twin £945 Single £1395 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, tours as described, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
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Itinerary at a glance
- Dakar / Sao Tiago / Porto Novo / Sao Antao / Mindelo / Sal / La Gomera / El Hierro / La Palma / Madeira
Passage to Andalucia
A late summer voyage from Portsmouth to Malaga aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Rear Admiral David Snelson
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Itinerary at a glance
- Portsmouth / Guernsey / Herm / Tresco / Belle Ile / Ile de Re / La Rochelle / Vilagarcia de Arousa / Oporto / Lisbon / Cadiz / Malaga
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000