Italy & her Islands
An exploration of Italy’s islands & Corsica aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker Captain Peter Hore
- 23 September 2022
Here is a wonderful opportunity to discover the Italian islands of Elba, Sardinia and Sicily combined with two days on the beautiful French island of Corsica. All of the islands we will call into are easy enough to visit individually but difficult to combine independently in a nine night trip. The islands feature an array of ancient ruins, attractive towns and villages and we will have time on each each to visit the main sites but to also explore some of the smaller ports and less visited regions. We have ensured that each day has an enjoyable mix of culture with guided excursions as well as ample time at leisure. Our voyage is planned for late summer, the perfect time of year for exploration, when the crowds of August have dispersed but the weather is ideal for touring and sightseeing.
Sailing from the Tuscan port of Livorno, we will cruise to the enchanting island of Elba, best known as Napoleon’s island of exile. From there we continue to Corsica which, despite officially being a part of France, has its own identity in everything from customs to language and benefits from magnificent geographical diversity ranging from stunning natural harbours to picture perfect hilltop villages and a majestic countryside. Leaving the charms of Corsica behind we spend two days in Sardinia where from the Medieval city of Alghero we will discover Nuraghe Palmavera and from Cagliari, will have the opportunity to visit the wonderful ruins of Nora. Our last days are spent on Sicily which, with a history of 3000 years has a wealth of sites to discover from magnificent Doric temples to great Byzantine cathedrals and bizarrely styled villas.
In addition to our fascinating itinerary we have the pleasure of cruising aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky which with just 118 passengers is able to visit atmospheric ports and villages which the big ships cannot access. This is a voyage that will appeal to those who love Italy, and who enjoy hopping between islands. Local guides and our onboard guest speakers will contribute greatly to our enjoyment and understanding of these Italian gems and you will find yourself wanting to return time and time again.
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.
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 London to Pisa, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight to Pisa. On arrival transfer to the port of Livorno to embark the MS Hebridean Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail tonight.
Day 2 Portoferraio, Elba.
After breakfast we will explore the enchanting island of Elba, best known as Napoleon’s island of exile from 1814 to 1815. From our berth we set out for a delightful drive exploring the southern region of this charming island with superb views over the coastline. The first stop will be 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 explore this delightful town which is dominated by an ancient Spanish fortress and a picturesque harbour. Our drive continues along the coast to the 17th century country wine farm, La Chiusa which is beautifully nestled in a vineyard estate surrounded by olive trees and overlooking the ocean. As with every self-respecting mansion on Elba, La Chiusa claims to have once housed Napoleon during his exile here. Experience the estate’s interesting cellar to learn how the wine is produced and enjoy a delicious sampling of the local wine. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some free time in Portoferraio before we sail later this evening.
Day 3 I’Ile Rousse & Calvi, Corsica.
Arrive this morning on the island of Corsica and the prosperous Balagne region of the island. A morning tour will take us to Calvi where our guide will lead us through the alleyways and cobbled streets before continuing uphill to the imposing citadel. Built by the Genoese, this 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 spend some time exploring L’Ile Rousse at your own pace or see 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, figs and over 100 varieties of olive trees.
Day 4 Bonifacio.
Be on deck this morning as we arrive in Bonifacio’s stunning natural harbour. Well known by Odysseus as the home of the savage and giant laestrygonians, today Bonifacio’s breathtaking clifftop setting and relaxed pace make it one of the most welcoming ports in the Mediterranean. On our morning tour we will explore the narrow streets and the historical heart of the town. We will discover the Bosco quarter with the St Francis Convent, the 14th century Church of St Marie Majeure and take in the views from the clifftop on which the city is built. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon in port to explore further at your own pace. Maybe take a local boat ride to the Lavezzi Islands or a walk in the nearby Marine Park which offers some stunning views.
Day 5 Alghero, Sardinia.
The Medieval city of Alghero was colonised by the Catalans in the 14th century and today there is still a strong Catalan identity throughout the town, it is often even referred to as “Barceloneta”. We will use the attractive port as our base for a day of exploration in the region. This morning’s panoramic drive takes us to Nuraghe Palmavera with its main tower of the Nuraghe, which still has its dome shaped ceiling that dates back to 1100 years BC. The complex, which was abandoned in the 5th century BC due to fire, shows the different phases of social life and political organisation of the tribal community. Return to the ship for lunch or spend a little longer ashore to explore the town at your own pace. Please note that we will be at anchor today and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs or local tender to transfer ashore.
Day 6 Cagliari.
Spend the morning exploring the Sardinian capital of Cagliari, an ancient city which dates back to the Phoenicians and Romans. On a walking tour we will stroll around the old town with its narrow streets running along a steep hillside. See the terraced Piazza del Palazzo and the 14th century Cathedral of St Cecila. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, drive along the southwestern coast to reach Nora which was founded by the Phoenicians but also has Carthaginian and Roman ruins. After a period of Roman prosperity, there was a decline and in the 3rd century AD the city was engulfed by the sea. Still visible today are the remains of a Carthaginian warehouse and various Roman buildings including the baths with splendid mosaics and the theatre.
Day 7 Trapani, Sicily.
Spend the morning at sea arriving at Trapani over lunch. This was the landing point for Peter of Aragon in 1282 to start the Spanish occupation of Sicily. This afternoon there is the option to travel inland to explore Segesta, one of the grandest Doric monuments to survive. See the unfinished temple dating from 424 BC as well as the theatre from where you can enjoy excellent views of the countryside and distant coastline. Alternatively visit Erice, famed in antiquity for its temple dedicated to the goddess of love, the Phoenician Astarte, Greek Aphrodite or Roman Venus. A tour via cable car will take us to this stunning site high above the sea and to the beautifully preserved Medieval town characterised by its winding cobblestone streets and beautiful courtyards.
Day 8 Licata for Piazza Armerina.
From the port of Licata we travel inland to what is regarded as the finest Roman site in Sicily, the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale, which is located close to Piazza Armerina amidst wooded rolling countryside. This huge villa was built in the 3rd century and has some stunning floor mosaics. Our return drive takes us through the province of Caltanissetta, recognised today as one of the best winemaking regions in Italy thanks above all to its production of high quality, prestigious red wines including Nero D’Avola. We will break our journey at one of these vineyards and enjoy a chance to sample some wine over a Sicilian lunch.
Day 9 Syracuse.
Syracuse was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC and by the 5th century was a political and military power throughout the Mediterranean which rivalled Athens as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek world. On leaving the vessel we visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park where we will find a well preserved Greek theatre with seats carved from limestone. Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, was the primary source of that limestone and is the site of the curious ‘Dionysus’ Ear,’ a vast grotto with an amplifying resonance. We will continue to explore the island of Ortigia where we will find the Temple of Apollo, considered to be Sicily’s most ancient Doric temple and the Baroque Cathedral, erected over the remains of the Temple of Minerva. The afternoon is free to explore independently.
Day 10 Valletta, Malta to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
23 September to 2 October 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £5295 | £4995 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £5495 | £5195 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £5695 | £5395 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £5995 | £5695 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £6495 | £6195 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £6795 | £6495 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £7795 | £7495 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £6595 | £6295 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £6995 | £6695 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS230922
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Nine nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • 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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Captain Peter Hore RN rtd
Captain Peter Hore served worldwide as a logistician in the Royal Navy before spending ten years in the film and television industry, and then becoming a fulltime author. Peter’s interests include naval history, strategy and biography, and he has written over 1,200 obituaries for the Daily Telegraph. He has also skippered STC Wyvern to a gold medal in the Tall Ships Race, and walked the Camino de Santiago. As guest speaker he has appeared at Hay Festival and Chalke Valley History Festival, and his books include the award-winning Habit of Victory and HMAS Sydney, Cipher and Search. He is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, Chartered Member of the Institute of Linguists, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and of the Society for Nautical Research, and an elected member of the Swedish Royal Society of Naval Sciences.
Captain Peter Hore RN rtd will be on the following tour dates: 23 September to 2 October 2022
Tour Extensions
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