Gardens & Vines of the Atlantic Edge
A voyage from Malaga to Portsmouth aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Rosemary Legrand
- 27 May 2022
Join the 95 passenger MS Serenissima for this springtime voyage exploring the Iberian Peninsula, France and the Channel Islands visiting some marvellously historic and scenic places along the way. We have chosen the perfect time of year for our voyage and can expect verdant gardens and landscapes awash with blossoms and moderate temperatures with the absence of high season crowds. We have allowed time to explore the horticultural splendours and delightful towns of the region in depth and 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 picturesque ports for individual exploration.
On many days during our voyage there will be a choice of excursions for you to choose between depending on your interest or perhaps based upon where you have visited before. Whilst in Cadiz there will be a choice of a city tour or a visit to Jerez de la Frontera to learn about sherry production and enjoy a tasting; during our time in Figueira da Foz visit Medieval Coimbra and its wonderful Botanical Gardens or the Bairrada wine producing region; and in Guernsey you can choose between a walking tour of St Peter Port and Castle Cornet or a scenic island drive. Each day holds something new and we will also step into the pilgrimage cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, spend a day exploring Brittany and the charming village of Locronan and visit the tranquil island of Sark with its horse-drawn carriages and La Seigneurie gardens.
Our voyage offers an insight into the contrasting cultures of the regions visited and we will be able to learn more of the history as well as the beautiful architecture and gardens. Along the way we will encounter some of the fine wines of Portugal and France and sample the splendid ports in the enchanting city of Oporto. Our journey includes fabulous coastal scenery and timeless beauty which combined with the rich maritime history of the region makes for an endlessly fascinating cultural experience.
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. Extensively renovated in 2003 she was rechristened MS Andrea and began her life as a classic cruise ship, and was chartered by Noble Caledonia for a number of years. In spring 2012 MS Andrea was purchased by our longstanding associates Volga Dream and renamed the MS Serenissima. After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for the majority of each year since knowing her to be perfect for small ship cruising. With her small size she 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 Cadiz.
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 morning you can join a guided tour during which we will discover the most beautiful monuments and landmarks of the city including the Santo Domingo Church, the Santa Catalina Fortress and 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 sherry production and enjoy a tasting. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Day 3 Lisbon, Portugal.
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. Arriving over lunch we will have a choice of tours this afternoon. On a city tour you will see the famous landmarks and places of interest such as the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Alternatively, visit the Queluz Palace to explore these very formal, yet intimate gardens. Often referred to as the Versailles of Portugal, this former royal palace is surrounded by extensive grounds. See the Malta Garden famous for its musical concerts, the Hanging Garden, its statues, ponds, grotto and the azulejo-tiled canal where the royal family would go boating.
Day 4 Figueira da Foz.
Located at the mouth of the Modego River, Figueira da Foz is one of central Portugal’s prime beach resorts. However, our reasons for visiting are actually inland and we have a choice of excursions today. Choose to visit the nearby city of Coimbra, the Medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years, and the site of the country’s greatest university for the past five centuries. On a walking tour we will view the stunning buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries, including the Paco das Escolas (Royal Palace) and the Monastery of Santa Cruz before we head to the university which was recently appointed UNESCO status. After a local lunch choose to return to Figueira da Foz or to stay longer in Coimbra to explore independently. Alternatively visit the Botanical Gardens, created in the 18th century and designed to complement the Natural History and Medicinal Studies taking place at the university. Another option is to join a drive through the Bairrada wine-producing region and visit the Alianca Underground Museum which is part winery, part art museum. Here we can explore a network of underground tunnels housing an extraordinary collection of African and Portuguese art alongside cellars crammed with huge oak barrels of maturing wines and brandies. Continue to the Bussaco Palace which was built in the late 19th century by King Charles I and is surrounded by the forests of the Bussaco National Park. After lunch in the Palace we will have a chance to explore the paths of the forest and its spectacular landscape of rare trees and exotic plants.
Day 5 Oporto.
For our last call in Portugal we arrive into the port of Leixoes, the base for our day of activities around Oporto. We will visit the Quinta de Aveleda, located in the heart of the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region which creates a young fresh wine with a low alcoholic content and a lightly fruity flavour. After exploring the beautiful park and gardens with rare specimens of trees, shrubs and flowers which surround the Manor House we will learn about the wine which has been created here since 1947. This afternoon we explore Oporto including the impressive St Francis Church and the Ribeira, a riverside quarter made up of narrow, twisting streets and shadowy arcades. We will end at one of the many port wine cellars where we hear all about the wines and how they are produced.
Day 6 Vilagarcia de Arousa, Spain.
From our berth in Vilagarcia de Arousa we will head to 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. 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. In the afternoon we will visit the Pazo de Rubianes which was originally founded in 1411 and was one of the three official lordships in Spain. Enjoy a guided walk through the stunning gardens, famous for their thousands of camellias but also home to eucalyptus trees, sequoias and camphors. Also visit the Pazo’s extensive vineyards to learn about the local Albarino wine production and enjoy a tasting before exploring the historical palace itself.
Day 7 At Sea.
After a busy few days take the opportunity to relax as we spend a day at sea. Join our lecture programme in the lounge or find a spot on deck to watch the world go by.
Day 8 Douarnenez & Locronan, France.
Arrive today in 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 old fisherman’s houses that line the harbour, whilst at the Port Musee you may find a number of traditional boats at anchor. A morning tour takes us to nearby 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 Serenissima for lunch and this afternoon will be at leisure to relax on board or to explore this lovely town at your own pace.
Day 9 Guernsey & Sark, Channel Islands.
On Guernsey, the ‘Island of Flowers’ there will be the option of a walking tour of St Peter Port including a visit to Castle Cornet, a 12th century battlement which guards the entrance to St Peter Port harbour. Alternatively, enjoy 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. Over lunch we sail to Sark where we will use our Zodiacs to land on this peaceful traffic-free island. Horse-drawn carriages take us along the narrow lanes alive with the songs of chaffinches, skylarks and mistle thrush as we see the narrow isthmus which joins Little Sark and Big Sark and the enchanting gardens at La Seigneurie. Those feeling active may wish to hire a bicycle and explore independently.
Day 10 Portsmouth, England.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station at a fixed time.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 27 May to 5 June 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 2 Standard Stateroom | £4195 | £3995 |
| 3 Classic Stateroom | £4395 | £4195 |
| 4 Superior Stateroom | £4695 | £4495 |
| 5 Deluxe Stateroom | £5095 | £4895 |
| 6 Junior Suite | £5595 | £5395 |
| 7 Owner’s Suite | £5995 | £5795 |
| 8 Serenissima Suite | £6295 | £6095 |
| 10 Standard Single | £4895 | £4695 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE270522
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel to Malaga • 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. Extensively renovated in 2003 she was rechristened MS Andrea and began her life as a classic cruise ship, and was chartered by Noble Caledonia for a number of years. In spring 2012 MS Andrea was purchased by our longstanding associates Volga Dream and renamed the MS Serenissima. After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for the majority of each year since knowing her to be perfect for small ship cruising. With her small size she 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.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted to have had the MS Serenissima on long term charter since 2013. There are so few ships of her generation still cruising and she is a great testament to her owners who invest considerable sums to keep her on top form. At the end of 2018 she underwent a refurbishment which included both of the lounges and in November 2019 further refurbishments were completed including the cabins on Decks 3 & 4, the reception area and the Venice Restaurant. MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features is her unique style.
The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation.
We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Number of crew: 52
Beam: 43.6 feet
Draft: 15.5 feet
Length: 286 feet
Gross tonnage: 2598 tonnes
Classification: CRS
Cruising Speed: 14 knots
Built: 1960
Refurbished: 2018 & 2019
Registered: St Vincent & GrenadinesAIR-CONDITIONING
The ship is air-conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning.
ALTERATIONS TO THE SCHEDULE
Our planned schedule may be changed at short notice due to weather conditions or technical reasons. Should there be any alterations the Captain or Cruise Director will inform you of any changes.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all cabins.
CABINS
The cabins are attractively designed for comfort and convenience. There are eight different grades of cabins arranged over five decks, and all cabins feature either windows or portholes. Windows and portholes do not open in the cabins/suites, except for the Serenissima Suites (numbers 701 – 704) which have a window and a balcony door which opens out onto the balcony.
Facilities include: • Air-conditioning (please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning) • Dressing table with chair or stool • En-suite bathroom with shower, (please note cabins 601-605 and 507 have a bath with shower attachment) • Hairdryer • Minibar (Serenissima Suites only) • Balcony (Serenissima Suites only) • Dressing gown and slippers • Safe • Flat screen television • Telephone (charges apply) • Wardrobe • Wi-Fi access – You will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone (charges apply).
COMMUNICATION
In case you wish to contact the ship, please call + 47 2367 4607. This is a Norwegian telephone number so calls will be charged at an international rate. The ship can also be contacted by email at cruise@msserenissima.com (please indicate passenger name and cabin number as the subject).
The telephone system for ship to shore functions is via satellite and charged at €7 Euros per minute for outgoing calls. Please be advised of the following for internal communication:
Cabin to cabin: dial cabin number International line: dial 000+ code of the country + telephone number Reception: dial 800 Doctor: dial 331 or 332
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service.
DINING, DRINKING & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea Lounge.
Please advise of any special dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan, low salt, low cholesterol, gluten free, lactose intolerant to Noble Caledonia (in writing) in advance and we recommend that you also reconfirm with your Cruise Director and Maitre D’ once on board. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual (e.g. a shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a skirt/trousers and blouse for ladies). There will be a welcome and farewell dinner, so you may like to bring something a little dressier for these events. For example, gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket and tie, and ladies a dress or trouser suit. Black tie is not required.
DOCTOR
A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require. If you have any medication which must be kept cold, please ask at reception to store it in the fridge.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor.
EMERGENCIES
In case of an emergency please leave your cabin/suite and follow the instructions given by the Captain and Hotel Manager. All public areas have an emergency button. We request that you read the safety instructions on the back of your cabin door.
FIELD STAFF
Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by your Noble Caledonia Cruise Director/Expedition Leader and an experienced team who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests.
GOING ASHORE
Please leave your cabin key at reception and take your ship card with you. As soon as you are back on board please hand back your boarding card and pick up your key as this will confirm your presence on board.
When you go ashore individually, please be back on board at least 30 minutes before the advertised departure time of the ship.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitisers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway. We kindly ask you to use these regularly.
INTERNET
Wi-Fi access is available in public areas with your own laptop, tablet or smartphone and charges apply – 500MB for €15 Euros, or 1GB for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location.
LANGUAGE
All members of the crew speak English.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
If you require the laundry service, please leave your laundry bag together with the completed laundry list on your bed before 0900. The laundry bag and list can be found in your wardrobe. Every effort will be made to return your laundry to your cabin within 24 hours. There is no dry cleaning service onboard.
LIFE JACKETS
All life jackets are stored on Deck 6 near the Muster station.
LIFT
There is a lift on board that serves decks 3 to 6. Please note that, due to the layout of the ship, the following cabins are accessible by at least one flight of stairs: 417 – 421, 424 & 701 – 704.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within seven days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MONEY
The official currency on board is the Euro, but British Pounds are also accepted. All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign for purchases and services such as bar drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. throughout your cruise. The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts:
• Cash (Euros,British Pounds or US Dollars) • Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express) • Debit Card (MasterCard & Visa) Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted.
As a result of Russian ownership, please note that credit/debit card payments will be charged in Russian Rubles. The debited amount shown on your bank/building society statement in British Pounds will be based on the relevant exchange rates on the day of the transaction. You may need to make your bank/building society aware that your card payment will be authorised ‘in Russia’ so that payment is not declined, and also to ascertain if any additional charges will be applied. Unfortunately, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service onboard, as this would be contravening official regulations.
PASSPORTS
Your passport will be kept securely at reception throughout the duration of the cruise, and you will be issued with a ship card which we advise you carry with you at all times when ashore.
POST
Please note that although the reception staff may be happy to post letters and postcards on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or indeed at the port of call at which you make such a request. Please also note that some postal services are unreliable and that any letters or postcards that you ask to be sent on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route.
PUBLIC AREAS
• Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 09.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and small fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas
RECEPTION
Reception is open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. Overnight the reception’s phone will be switched over to the bridge.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in to your Cruise Director.
QUIETVOX AUDIO SYSTEM
During our excursions, we use an audio headset system called Quietvox. In your cabin there is a charging station with two devices and two sets of earpieces. Please keep your devices in the charging station (and the station plugged in) whilst you are not on an excursion. Bring the sets with you on excursions as your guides with speak to you through their microphone. The use of the equipment will be explained before the first excursion starts.
SAFE
Although there is a safe in your cabin, we recommend that you leave all extra valuables at home, and bring with you only what you consider necessary. Neither the ship, nor Noble Caledonia, are responsible for any valuables left in the cabins. Beware of petty crime and pickpockets whilst ashore. A money belt worn underneath clothing is useful. Do not take all your money with you when out sightseeing. We advise utmost caution at popular tourist spots. Please do not leave any luggage unattended at any time.
SAFETY & LIFEBOAT DRILL
The safety briefing will take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill you will be instructed on how to wear and operate your life jacket.
SEA SICKNESS
As on any seagoing vessel, some marked motion may be anticipated in certain areas, dependent upon weather, season, etc. It is recommended that you bring anti-motion sickness medication just in case, even if you have never experienced motion sickness in the past. Please consult your Doctor/General Practitioner (GP) or local pharmacist regarding which medication is appropriate and its side effects. To avert motion sickness, avoid alcohol, tobacco, excess liquids and confined spaces. Most people feel better sitting on deck looking at the horizon or lying down with their eyes shut. Oddly, you will feel better with some food, such as crackers or dry toast in your stomach. Many people eat to avoid feeling sick. Remember, once you start to experience motion sickness, medications are of little help. SHOP The shop sells branded MS Serenissima merchandise.
SHOP
The shop sells branded MS Serenissima merchandise.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins or public areas. Smoking will only be permitted outside in the designated areas.
SNORKELLING
There is snorkelling equipment available on board the vessel.
TELEVISION
The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 13 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship and another which displays the Daily Programme and activities.
TOILETS
The ship is fitted with a sensitive vacuum system. Please do not put anything into the toilet except toilet paper.
TOWELS
Towels will be changed once in the middle of your cruise. Should you need new towels earlier, please let the housekeeper know. Please do not use the bathroom towels on the beach. A separate towel for swimming will be provided.
WATER
Previously the MS Serenissima used 200 plastic bottles of water every day. In order to help reduce the damage caused to the environment by waste plastic, we are replacing plastic water bottles where possible with eco-friendly, reusable water bottles. We have chosen stainless steel bottles, made of durable, high quality stainless steel. It will keep your drink fresh and cool for longer and fit neatly into your bag or backpack. You can fill it up from the water station on board, located in Reception area, deck 5. We recommend that you do not drink nor refill your bottles from the tap in your cabin. The tap water is not potable. The bottle in your cabin is for your personal use during the cruise to take on excursions. Please leave the bottle/s in your cabin at the end of the cruise.
ZODIACS
Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
V.6 December 2019
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
Travelling with You
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Rosemary Legrand
Rosemary is a former nursery owner and daughter of the late George Hyde, who was a hybridist of azaleas and rhododendrons. Many of his awardwinning hybrid plants can be seen at the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens at Wisley, Surrey, the de Rothschild rhododendron gardens at Exbury, Hampshire, and the National Trust Gardens at Kingston Lacy in Dorset. Rosemary had the honour of presenting HM The Queen with a collection of her late father’s azaleas named after the Queen’s former Head Gardener, Fred Nutbeam, at Chelsea Flower Show in 1996. She has travelled extensively to gardens in many parts of the world and is an experienced public speaker. She is on RHS Speakers Register and also speaks for NAFAS; she wrote a number of contributions for the book, ‘1001 Gardens you must see before you die’ and an article for the Royal Horticultural Society ‘Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia 2014 Year Book’.
Rosemary Legrand will be on the following tour dates: 27 May to 5 June 2022 -
Henry Blofeld
Henry Blofeld is an English sports journalist whose rich, plummy tones are known and loved worldwide thanks to his extensive cricket commentary career on both television and radio. Since 1962, he has been a newspaper journalist and written for publications including The Guardian, The Observer, The Daily Mirror, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, and The Express. He tours theatres around the country with fellow cricket commentator Peter Baxter, and is regularly invited to events across the country as an after dinner and motivational speaker.
Henry Blofeld will be on the following tour dates: 27 May to 5 June 2022 -
Rear Admiral Roy Clare CBE DL
We are delighted to be joined on board by Rear Admiral Roy Clare who has almost three decades’ experience as a professional museum director and as a non-executive in social businesses. His roles have included Director National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House & Royal Observatory, Greenwich, Chief Executive Museums, Libraries & Archives Council and Director Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealand. Previously in the Royal Navy, Roy served worldwide from Junior Seaman to Rear Admiral. His commands included destroyers, the aircraft carrier Invincible and Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. He retired voluntarily to develop opportunities in museums. An active yachtsman, Roy has raced in the Fastnet and Sydney-Hobart races. Nowadays he sails purely for pleasure, mainly in British waters. In 2007 Roy was made CBE ‘for services to museums’.
Rear Admiral Roy Clare CBE DL will be on the following tour dates: 27 May to 5 June 2022
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 an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 4 Seville to Malaga.
Check out after breakfast and 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
24 to 27 May 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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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000