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.
Discover the history, gardens & wines of Iberia on a springtime voyage from Malaga to Portsmouth aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Join the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky for this coastal journey along the Atlantic shores of Spain and Portugal as we sail from Malaga to the UK visiting some marvellously historic and special places along the way. These are perfect sailing waters and ashore we will be able to appreciate the contrasting cultures of the Iberian Peninsula enjoying the art, architecture and of course the wines. Early May 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 Malaga, we sail south to Morocco for our visit to the port city of Tangier, Europe’s gateway to Africa where our exploration will include a visit to the newly created Donabo Gardens, a botanical oasis by the sea with ten distinct sections within the main garden. Added to this we spend time discovering Portugal’s Algarve coast including a visit to the charming town of Lagos, and enchanting Oporto with its splendid port wines. Continuing to Northern Spain we will meander through the Galician countryside visiting the most beautiful Pazos and their gardens, sample the local wines and step into the pilgrimage cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Our final days are spent sailing to Portsmouth with calls in the idyllic Isles of Scilly and Cornwall including visits to Tresco Abbey Gardens and the magnificent Caerhays Castle and Garden along the way.
Sailing in the company of 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.
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.
Having passed the Strait of Gibraltar we arrive in North Africa and the port of Tangier. A short drive will bring us to the Donabo Gardens located on the coast with wonderful sea views. Divided into ten sections we can explore the Moroccan garden that celebrates the tradition of tea, the maze of mints where multiple varieties blend their fragrances along the alleys, a rose garden thriving in the cool shade and a pollinator’s garden purposely designed to attract bees. Later we can explore the city where on a walking tour we will visit the Medina, enjoy the views from the Kasbah situated at the highest point of Tangier, and wander through the Grand Souk.
Arrive this morning on the Algarve Coast at the fishing port of Portimao on the banks of the Arade River. From here we head west to explore the more rugged Algarve and discover its place in history. Visit the historic town of Lagos, its sturdy Medieval walls testifying to its importance as a 15th century ship building and trading post whilst at nearby Sagres, Henry the Navigator built his school of navigation and it was from here that many sailors set out and ushered in the Age of Discovery. We visit the fort which, largely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, has commanding views over the ocean and served to protect the coast from Barbary pirates. For those interested in the wines of the region we will visit the Morgado do Quintao. Founded in 1810, the vineyard has been in the same family ever since and specializes in indigenous Algarve grapes such as Negramole and Crato Branco. We will learn about the growing processes before enjoying a tasting amongst the vines.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marquis de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square. 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 our panoramic tour we will see the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower and visit the famous Jeronimos Monastery. Alternatively spend the day in the hill town of Sintra where we will visit the 15th century Royal Palace before heading to the Regaleira Gardens, an exotic and theatrical early 19th century creation and by complete contrast visit the Quinta Torre de Ribafria, with its Medieval origins. After lunch we will visit the Monserrate Gardens, a wonderfully romantic place designed by Sir Francis Cook in the mid-19th century.
After a morning at sea we arrive into Leixoes, our base for an afternoon around Oporto. A choice of excursions includes a visit to the Quinta de Aveleda, located in the heart of the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region which creates a young fresh wine with 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. Alternatively, 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.
From our berth in Vilagarcia de Arousa we spend the day at some of the wonderful houses and gardens of the Galicia region. Visit the Pazo de Oca, a Baroque stately home known as the ‘Galician Versailles’ and ‘El Generalife of the north’ due to the beauty of its gardens. See Pazo de Ribadulla which dates from the 16th century and is set in a beautiful location on the shores of the Ulla Valley. The garden was developed by the Armada family in the 1870s and is today renowned for its outstanding collection of camellia trees, giant magnolias, olive trees and liriodendrons. Also see the 15th century Pazo de Rubianes where we find one of the three official lordships in Spain. Visit the 11 hectare garden before we learn about local wine production and techniques and enjoy a tasting.
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, the facade of Azabacheria, 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.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we make our way to the Isles of Scilly. Maybe join a lecture in the lounge or find a spot on deck.
This morning we arrive at the traffic-free island of Tresco, walking its idyllic lanes from the beach to the famous sub-tropical 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. Later, we will see the northernmost island of the group, St Martin’s, a small island community of just 120 residents. Enjoy time to explore independently, climb one of the viewpoints for vistas over the islands and the offshore seal colonies, join one of our local guides on a guided walk or make your way for a tasting at the local vineyard and winery. Please note that we will be at anchor today and the ship’s Zodiacs or local tenders will be used to transfer from ship to shore.
Anchor this morning in the River Fowey, our base for a day exploring this picturesque part of Cornwall. We will make our way to Caerhays Castle and Garden. Situated between St Mawes and Mevagissey in a secluded valley above Porthluney Cove, this is one of the great gardens of Cornwall. The estate is one of the oldest in the country and home to a National Magnolia Collection. The origins of the historically important collection of magnolias can be traced back to the work of the great plant hunters, Ernest Wilson and George Forrest and the 120 acre woodland gardens are a springtime wonderland. This afternoon you may wish to explore the town at your own pace or undertake the Fowey Hall Walk, a circular four mile hike through woodland and across the tranquil Pont Creek which offers wonderful views over Fowey Harbour. Please note that we will be at anchor today and the ship’s Zodiacs will be used to transfer from ship to shore.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station and our London departure airport at a fixed time.
1 to 11 May 2024 | ||
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Category | Price | |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | Fully Booked | |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | Fully Booked | |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | Fully Booked | |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | Fully Booked | |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | Fully Booked | |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | Fully Booked | |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | Fully Booked |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS010524
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel from London to Malaga • 10 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 • Gratuities • Transfers • Shore excursions • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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.
David went to Germany in 1968 for three months’ work experience in the wine cellars of H Sichel Söhne, Mainz and ended up staying with the company for 25 years. After finishing his apprenticeship at Maison Sichel Bordeaux, he returned to London where he later became the company’s purchasing director. This involved frequent trips to Germany, spending time in the key regions of Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Nahe, Palatinate, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, as well as the Ahr, Baden, Franconia and Württemberg. He also made regular buying trips to the wine producing regions of France, focusing in particular on Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône and Loire where he was responsible for purchasing wines in bulk and in bottle for the Sichel portfolio. This included buying French classed growth clarets “en primeur” or “futures”. He spent time in Oporto, where he helped to blend port and in Spain including Jerez where he got to appreciate and understand the joys and complexities of sherry. David then spent 20 years with Wine and Spirit Education Trust lecturing on all aspects of wine. He is holder of the Diploma qualification and lectured regularly to Diploma students on his specialist subjects of Bordeaux, France in general and Germany, Austria and Hungary as well as the fortified wines of Port, Madeira, and Jerez. He has visited some of the wine regions further afield, including California, South Africa and Australia. David is a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, which dates back to the reign of King Charles 1st where he is secretary of their Spirits and Wine Committee.
Drawing on a lifetime at sea and twenty years’ experience heading world-class collections in two leading institutions - north and south of the equator - Roy brings a unique combination of deep professional insight and a passion for history. He served worldwide in the Royal Navy, from Junior Seaman to Rear Admiral. He was second in command to His Majesty King Charles III in HMS Bronington in 1976. His own commands included destroyers, the aircraft carrier Invincible and Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. He took early retirement from the navy in 2000 to become the Director (CEO) of the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and Royal Observatory, Greenwich. Later, he became the Director (CEO) of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealand. Currently, he is a non-executive director and trustee of several charities. An active yachtsman, Roy took part in the first Whitbread Round the World yacht race in 1973 and he has participated in many ocean races, including the Fastnet and Sydney-Hobart. Nowadays he sails purely for pleasure in his own boat, mainly in British waters. He and his wife Sarah – an Anglican Minister – live in Tollesbury, Essex, and have three adult children and two granddaughters. In 2007 Roy was made CBE ‘for services to museums’ and awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Greenwich. In 2022 he was appointed Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Essex.
If you would like to spend some time in Seville before embarking the MS Hebridean Sky we are offering a two night hotel extension.
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 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 have some time in the town, maybe see La Merced Square, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, or the impressive 16th century cathedral which was built on the remains of a mosque. In the late afternoon we transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky for embarkation. (B, L)
29 April to 1 May 2024 | |
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Category | Price |
Twin | £1095 |
Single | £1295 |
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.
A voyage from Portsmouth to Vigo aboard the MS Island Sky combined with a three night stay in Santiago de Compostela with Guest Speaker the Right Reverend Tim Stevens
A voyage from Malaga to Nice aboard the MS Island Sky with Guest Speakers Brian Healy & Olga Verstage
A voyage exploring the wonders of Spain and Portugal aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Discover the history, gardens & wines of Iberia aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
A voyage from Gibraltar to Tenerife including Morocco & Madeira aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker Michael Buerk
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000