Deckplan
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
A voyage from the Bay of Naples to Malta aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Sailing from Naples, this wonderful voyage aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky takes us along the Amalfi coast to Salerno from where we explore this beautiful region of Italy with options to visit Amalfi or the ancient site of Paestum. We continue to the island of Sicily for an in-depth discovery of this unique island and in the company of just 100 or so fellow, like-minded travellers we will explore Sicily’s rich heritage. Our voyage is timed for September when the crowds of summer will have departed and the temperature will be pleasant for our guided tours. Your enjoyment and understanding of the history of the island will be further enhanced by our expert local guides and onboard Guest Speaker.
The geography of Sicily lends itself beautifully to exploration by sea, as most points of interest are close to the coast. The island is a celebration of the greatest achievements of Mediterranean cultures and with such a wealth of ancient sites, it is certainly not somewhere which should be visited in a hurry. With seven days to explore the island our visits will include the stunning Greek theatre at Taormina, the superbly well-preserved Greek temples of Segesta and Valle dei Templi, the Arab-Norman styled Palermo Cathedral, the Roman mosaics of Villa Romana di Casale and the beautiful Baroque villages of Noto and Ragusa.
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.
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island 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.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
From our berth in Salerno we will offer a choice of tours today as we explore this beautiful region of Italy. Maybe board a local boat and sail to Amalfi which boasts a splendid cathedral dating from the 11th century. Also visit St Andrew’s Cathedral and the Basilica of the Crucifix dating back to 596 AD before some free time to stroll along the impressive marina and discover the picturesque shops and cafes. Alternatively head to Paestum which, founded by Greeks in 600 BC, is a well preserved and fascinating site that was rediscovered in 1752. We will see the impressive Temple Poseidon, the Basilica, Amphitheatre and Athenian before spending some time in the museum, adjacent to the site. Spend the afternoon at sea as we sail to Sicily, perhaps join a lecture in the lounge or find a spot on deck.
This morning there is the option to travel inland from Trapani 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.
Arrive this morning in the Sicilian capital of Palermo. After breakfast we will explore the city, famous for its jumbled and picturesque streets punctuated with ornate Baroque churches, domed Arab mosques and the glittering Byzantine mosaics that reveal a unique and diverse heritage. We visit the impressive 12th century cathedral which houses the royal tombs of Henri VI and King Ruggiero. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon either enjoy some time to explore independently or join an excursion to Monreale Cathedral, said to be the most beautiful Norman Church in Italy, designed and completed by William the Good in 1174.
After a morning at sea we arrive into Catania where the architecture is particularly impressive but a little forbidding being mainly constructed from black lava stone from Mount Etna. On a walking tour we will see the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, a World Heritage Site, St Agatha’s Cathedral and the imposing 13th century Castello Ursino. Alternatively drive up the coast to Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna where our guided tour will include walking the characteristic alleys, the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja and the impressive Greek Theatre.
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 ‘Ear of Dionysius’, 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 and we sail late for anyone wishing to take an after dinner stroll.
From our berth in Pozzallo we will explore the Baroque villages of Noto and Ragusa. Built in 1703 Noto is a picturesque city and our guided walk along the central streets will reveal the 18th century Palazzo Ducezio and the imposing Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, built in 1737. We return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon continue to charming Ragusa which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list for its artistic architectural heritage with its Baroque palaces, churches, squares and winding narrow streets, all of which create an evocative and ancient atmosphere. We will discover the wonderful Ragusa Ibla: the “Pearl of the Baroque”, the gardens, the magnificent palaces, the splendid church of San Giuseppe and the Dome of San Giorgio.
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 before returning to the ship.
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. 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.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
From Mallorca to Malta – Combined Voyage 18th September to 5th October 2023 If you would prefer a longer voyage, it is possible to combine this cruise with the previous one which sails from Mallorca to Naples. Details of the combined voyage can be viewed here: From Mallorca to Malta. |
26 September to 5 October 2023 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £5495 | £5195 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £5695 | £5395 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £5895 | £5595 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £6195 | £5895 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £6695 | £6395 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £6995 | £6695 |
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: SCHKS260923
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 and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
From Mallorca to Malta – Combined Voyage 18th September to 5th October 2023 If you would prefer a longer voyage, it is possible to combine this cruise with the previous one which sails from Mallorca to Naples. Details of the combined voyage can be viewed here: From Mallorca to Malta. |
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island 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.
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.
If you would like to spend some time in Malta after disembarking the MS Hebridean Sky we are offering a two night hotel stay providing the chance to explore Valletta and the surrounding area.
Day 1 Valletta, Malta.
After breakfast we will disembark and begin a 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. After lunch we transfer to our hotel and check in. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. (B, L)
Day 2 Mdina.
A morning tour will take us to Mdina which is Phoenician in origin and was the fortified capital of the island before the arrival of the Knights. Spend the afternoon at leisure before we meet for dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 Valletta to London.
Check out and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
5 to 7 October 2023 | |
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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.
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Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000