Join us aboard the 95 passenger MS Serenissima for this relaxing and informative voyage as we explore the Mediterranean and all its wonders. There is of course no shortage of cruise vessels plying the major ports and cities of the Mediterranean, but few are inclined to focus on the islands as we have done on this delightful voyage. Our intention has been to design a journey as if it were to be undertaken on a small private sailing ship, staying away from the larger commercial centres and concentrating on some of the most picturesque and interesting places in the region.
Late summer is the perfect time for our voyage, when the crowds of August have dispersed but the weather is perfect for touring and sightseeing. Upon leaving mainland Spain, we have designed our itinerary to reach the islands of the Mediterranean combining time in Majorca, Menorca, Sardinia, Sicily and Malta, all of which are easy to visit individually but difficult to combine independently in a nine night trip. Owing to the fact that our small ship can moor centrally, we have the advantage of being able to access the towns by foot in many ports of call and we have also included time at leisure for individual exploration enabling you to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.
We have the added benefit of excellent local guides and our knowledgeable Guest Speaker who will add much to your experience and knowledge of this fascinating region. Enjoy discovering timeless islands with their aura of history, unique island lifestyles and spectacular beauty as we travel a less well-trodden path across the Mediterranean.
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.
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Malaga, Spain.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Cartagena.
This morning we arrive in Spain’s main naval port of Cartagena. Enter the deep natural harbour through two fortified rocky headlands for a morning 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 Serenissima. Spend the afternoon at sea as we sail to the Balearic islands.
Day 3 Palma, Mallorca.
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians when it was under control of Carthage, the principal North African city at that time, before flourishing under Roman rule. From our berth in Palma we will 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, runs through 13 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 2000, Valldemossa is a quiet and traditional town with narrow streets and lanes. We will enjoy a walk around the town followed by lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Palma where we will have some time to explore at leisure or return to the MS Serenissima.
Day 4 Mahon, Menorca.
Over breakfast we arrive in Menorca, the most northerly of the Balearics and the least dedicated to tourism. The island offers pastoral countryside, historic towns and superb beaches. This morning choose to join an island drive including the mysterious rock mounds (talayots) and megalithic stone monuments which were erected some 4,000 years ago before making our way to aristocratic Ciudadella, the architectural showpiece of Menorca. Situated at the head of a long channel from the sea, the city has had its share of disputes over sovereignty, and its character reflects the influence of Moorish, Turkish and Spanish rule. After lunch on board there will be a little time to explore the pretty harbour town of Mahon at your own pace before we sail in the mid afternoon.
Day 5 Cagliari, Sardinia.
After a morning at sea we arrive in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari, an ancient city which dates back to the Phoenicians and Romans. Choose to take a walking tour 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. 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 6 Trapani, Sicily.
Trapani was the landing point for Peter of Aragon in 1282 to start the Spanish occupation of Sicily. This morning 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. Both tours will then enjoy a Sicilian lunch at a nearby olive oil farm. We return to the ship later in the afternoon and there will be the opportunity to wander around Trapani at leisure as we plan to sail later in the evening.
Day 7 Agrigento & Valley of the Temples.
Although handsome in its own right and awash with Medieval atmosphere, Agrigento is not our main reason for calling at this southern coast port. Close by is the Valle dei Templi, a series of Doric temples and the most captivating of Sicilian Greek remains, a grouping unique outside Greece. Surrounded in greenery of olive and almond trees, admire the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Dioscuri Temple, the Temple of Olympic Jove and the Temple of Hercules. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore Agrigento and shuttles will run from the port to the town and the excellent archaeological museum which you can explore at leisure.
Day 8 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. This morning we will visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park where we 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. Continuing to explore the island of Ortigia 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 before meeting this evening for a private concert in one of the town’s palazzos accompanied by local food and wine.
Day 9 Gozo, Malta.
Arrive this morning off the Maltese island of Gozo, thought to be the Calypso Isles of Homer’s Odyssey and a lovely place to spend a day. On a morning drive we will visit the Ggantija Temples in Xaghra. Dating back to 3600 BC the temples, which are now recognised as a World Heritage Site, are one of the most significant archaeological finds in Malta. Continue to Our Lady of Victories Church, one of the most richly embellished places of worship on the island which was elevated to the rank of a minor Basilica in 1967. We return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Shuttle buses will run to the capital of Victoria where you can take your time to walk the walls or through the narrow streets of this small picturesque city. Be on deck this evening as we sail and enter the grand harbour of Valletta where we moor overnight.
Day 10 Valletta to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
8 to 17 September 2022 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
2 Standard Stateroom | £4395 | £4195 |
3 Classic Stateroom | £4595 | £4395 |
4 Superior Stateroom | £4895 | £4695 |
5 Deluxe Stateroom | £5295 | £5095 |
6 Junior Suite | £5895 | £5695 |
7 Owner’s Suite | £6395 | £6195 |
8 Serenissima Suite | £6695 | £6495 |
10 Standard Single | £5495 | £5295 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE080922
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Nine nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Travelling with You
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Dr Steve Kershaw
Dr Steve Kershaw is a tutor in Classics for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society (ex- NADFAS), and lectures for the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Early Medieval: 300 - 1250 and The Classical World and Classical Revivals courses. His publications include The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology, A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths, A Brief Guide to Classical Civilization, A Brief History of the Roman Empire, A Brief History of Atlantis: Plato’s Ideal State, Barbarians: Rebellion and Resistance to Rome, and Mythologica (a children’s book on the Greek myths). Steve is the author and tutor for Oxford University’s online courses in Greek Mythology, The Fall of Rome, and Minoans and Mycenaeans. In 2016 he appeared as an Expert Contributor to The History Channel’s Barbarians Rising series, and he has travelled widely in the world of the Greeks and Romans, both physically and intellectually. Steve is also an honors graduate of the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, and is regarded as one of the finest jazz double bass players in the UK.
Tour Extensions
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Before embarking the MS Serenissima we are offering the opportunity to join a three night extension in Seville including a full day tour to the ancient city of Cordoba as well as time to explore at leisure.
Gardens in Reales Alcazares
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Seville, Spain.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to our hotel where we have free time before we meet for dinner tonight. (D)
Day 2 Seville.
On a morning walking tour we will explore the city’s greatest monuments. Visit the Alcazar Palace with its ornate Moorish interiors and exotic terraced garden and the imposing La Giralda, Seville’s cathedral which is reputed to be the largest Gothic style church in the world with its distinctive Moorish tower. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. Meet this evening as we take in a flamenco show with dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 Cordoba.
Our full day excursion will take us to Cordoba, the city that was both the Roman and the Moorish capital of Spain. We visit the Old Town and the Mezquita-Cathedral which was built between the 8th and 10th centuries and is one of the earliest and most breathtakingly beautiful examples of Spanish Islamic architecture. After our visit we will take a walk through the fascinating Jewish Quarter. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant before we return to Seville for a free evening. (B, L)
Day 4 Seville to Malaga.
Check out after breakfast as we drive to Malaga where our first call will be at the Botanical Gardens which features more than 25.000 species of plants. After lunch we will see the 14th century Castillo de Gibralfaro, the Alcazabar and the nearby Roman amphitheatre. Embark the MS Serenissima in the late afternoon. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
5 to 8 September 2022 Category Price Twin £1095 Single £1345 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation in Seville, meals as indicated (B -Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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If you would like to spend some time in Malta after disembarking the MS Serenissima we are offering a two night stay providing the chance to explore Valletta and the surrounding area.
Valletta harbour
The Itinerary
Day 1 Valletta.
Disembark this morning as we take a walking tour of Valletta, the 16th century “Fortress City”. We will explore Merchants Street, containing the surviving auberges built by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, together with the palace where Napoleon Bonaparte is believed to have stayed in 1798. Our final stop will be at St John’s Cathedral. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to our hotel for check in. The remainder of the day and evening will be at leisure. (B, L)
Day 2 Mdina.This morning we will tour the city of Mdina, the “Silent City” at the heart of the island. Mdina is Phoenician in origin and was the fortified capital of the island before the arrival of the Knights. Return to the hotel for a free afternoon before we meet for dinner tonight. (B, D)
Day 3 Valletta to London.Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
17 to 19 September 2022 Category Price Twin £695 Single £945 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Malta, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000