This early summer voyage will take us on a leisurely journey along the Mediterranean coast, the Iberian Peninsula and to the Isles of Scilly and Guernsey as we journey from Malta to Portsmouth visiting some marvellously historic and scenic 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. Early summer is an ideal time for our voyage as we can expect moderate temperatures with the absence of the high season crowds and our itinerary has been planned to ensure that the balance is just right between exploring ashore, relaxing on board and time at leisure in picturesque ports for individual exploration.
Setting sail from Malta to Sicily, we explore Agrigento and the magnificently sited Doric temples before sailing south to Tunisia for our visit to the great city of Carthage with its Phoenician ruins. Continuing to the Balearic Islands we will visit Menorca and Mallorca where we step back in time and board the vintage train from Palma to Soller which winds through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery. In mainland Spain our explorations will include the naval port of Cartagena with its fine Roman remains, the historic city of Malaga and the wonderful region of Galicia from where we will enjoy a wine tasing and step into the pilgrimage cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Added to this are some Portuguese treasures including the enchanting city of Oporto. Our final days are spent sailing to Portsmouth with calls in the idyllic Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands along the way.
Sailing aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky with just over 100 fellow travellers, 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. 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.
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.
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 London Heathrow to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Island Sky and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Agrigento for Valley of the Temples, Sicily.
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 the 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. This afternoon is free to explore Agrigento and shuttle buses will run from the port to the town, and the excellent archaeological museum which you can explore at leisure.
Day 3 Carthage & Tunis, Tunisia.
From the nearby port of Tunis drive to the site of Carthage, founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC it became one of the most influential cities in the Mediterranean. This prosperity led to rivalry with Rome and it was during the third Punic war, in 146 BC, that the Roman forces destroyed the city. Due to the strategic location the Romans rebuilt Carthage in the 1st century AD to become one of the most important cities in their Empire. See the Phoenician remains of Tophet, the sanctuary of the gods Tanit and Baal as well as some interesting monuments from the Roman era including the baths and the amphitheatre. Later, explore the Bardo Museum which houses some renowned Roman mosaics from the archaeological sites of El Djem, Sousse and Dougga as well as artefacts and sculptures from Carthage.
Day 4 At Sea.
Spend a leisurely day at sea as we continue our journey across the Mediterranean.
Day 5 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 time this afternoon to explore the pretty harbour town of Mahon at your own pace.
Day 6 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 our own pace.
Day 7 Cartagena, Spain.
After a relaxing morning at sea we arrive in Spain’s main naval port of Cartagena. Enter the deep natural harbour through two fortified rocky headlands for an afternoon of exploration in this 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 Island Sky.
Day 8 Malaga.
Having spent the morning cruising we will have the afternoon to explore the historic city of Malaga. A 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 La Merced Square where we see the birthplace of Pablo Picasso before we visit the impressive 16th century cathedral which was built on the remains of a mosque. With its mix of Renaissance and Gothic styles it has been declared a national landmark. Alternatively spend some time exploring at your own pace, you may wish to head to the market, watch the world go by or, for the art lovers, visit the Picasso Museum.
Day 9 At Sea.
Enjoy the day at sea as we cruise around the Iberian Peninsula.
Day 10 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. 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. After lunch on board enjoy an afternoon at leisure in this historic city before we sail tonight.
Day 11 Oporto.
The port of Leixoes is our base for a 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 produced 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 12 Vilagarcia de Arousa, Spain.
Arriving in Galicia we will 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. This afternoon 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 13 La Coruna.
Today we 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 and sailing this evening.
Day 14 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we continue our journey north. Our lecture programme will continue in the lounge or alternatively find a spot on deck.
Day 15 Isles of Scilly, England.
From our central anchorage, we will use local tenders to visit a couple of the islands in the group. Spend the morning on traffic-free Tresco, walking its idyllic lanes from the beach to the famous subtropical Abbey Gardens. Defying the Atlantic weather, this miracle of a garden is home to more than 20,000 species of plants from over 80 countries. Enjoy time to wander at your own pace along the paths, maybe visit the Valhalla collection of ship figureheads from ships wrecked on the islands or relax in the café. This afternoon we head to Bryher, the smallest of the inhabited Isles of Scilly. Take the chance to wander along the tracks that cross the island amongst hedgerows and fields bursting with wildflowers. Those feeling active may wish to climb Watch Hill, where in the past islanders would keep watch for ships in distress or alternatively take a stroll to one of the beautiful beaches.
Day 16 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.
Please note that we will be at anchor today and will use the vessel's Zodiacs to transfer ashore.
Day 17 Portsmouth, England.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station and London Heathrow airport at a fixed time.
Dates and Prices
26 June to 12 July 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £8295 | £7995 |
Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £8495 | £8195 |
Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £8795 | £8495 |
Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £8995 | £8695 |
Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £9395 | £9095 |
Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £9595 | £9295 |
Explorer Deck Island Suite | £9995 | £9695 |
Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £9495 | £9195 |
Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £9995 | £9695 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK26062023
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel from London to Malta • 16 nights aboard the MS Island 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.
-
Deckplan
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Travelling with You
-
Rear Admiral David Snelson CB FNI
David Snelson served in the Royal Navy from 1969 to 2006; commanding 2 destroyers and the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal. In 2003 he was the UK maritime Task Force Commander for the second Gulf War. From 2006 to 2011 he was the Chief Harbour Master of the Port of London, the UK’s second largest Port. During the same period, he was also an adviser to the House of Commons Defence Committee. From 2011 to 2018 David was a Non-Executive Director of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and of the Port of Milford Haven. David is currently an Elder Brother of Trinity House, a member of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and a Fellow of the Nautical Institute. David was made a Companion of the Bath in the 2004 New Year’s honours list and was awarded the Legion of Merit by the US government in 2005.
Tour Extensions
-
-
If you would like to spend some time in Malta before embarking the MS Island Sky we are offering the opportunity to enjoy a two night stay in Valletta.
Valletta Harbour
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to our hotel and check in for a two night stay. After some time at leisure we will meet for dinner this evening. (D)
Day 2 Valletta.
Enjoy a morning walking tour of Valletta, the 16th century “Fortress City” built by the Knights of St John. Our morning tour will include the highlights of Valletta with its stunning views across the harbour from the Barakka Gardens. 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. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Valletta.
This morning we will tour the city of Mdina. Originally this city was given the name of “Citta Nobile” and is now known as 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. We will enjoy a local lunch before transferring to the MS Island Sky moored in Valletta. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
24 to 26 June 2023 Category Price Twin £795 Single £995 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
-
Also of Interest
September in the Islands of the Mediterranean
A voyage of discovery from Menorca to Sicily aboard the MS Island Sky with Guest Speaker Rear Admiral Roy Clare
FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Mahon / Bonifacio/ Calvi / L’Ile Rousse / Portoferraio / Porto Torres / Alghero/ Cagliari / Valley of the Temples / Valletta / Syracuse / Messina / Taormina/ Palermo
Atlantic Island Odyssey
An island hopping expedition through the Hebridean, Shetland & Faroe Islands aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Oban / Staffa / Iona / Lunga / Loch Scavaig / Canna / Isle of Lewis / Shiant Islands / St Kilda / Sudroy / Vestmanna / Torshavn / Unst / Fetlar / Lerwick / Fair Isle / Westray / Aberdeen
Wonders of the Ancient World
A journey through antiquity from Cairo to Athens aboard the MS Island Sky
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Cairo / Giza / Sokhna / Suez Canal Transit / Alexandria / Rhodes / Symi / Patmos / Ephesus / Syros / Nafplio / Epidaurus / Mycenae
September in the Mediterranean
A voyage of discovery from Mallorca to the Bay of Naples aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Palma / Mahon / Porto Torres / Alghero / Calvi / L'Ile Rousse / Portoferraio / Ponza / Naples
Islands of Italy
An exploration of Italy’s Islands & Corsica aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Pisa / Portoferraio / Bonifacio / Porto Torres / Alghero / Cagliari / Trapani / Valley of the Temples / Catania / Taormina / Syracuse / Valletta
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000