This wonderful island hopping itinerary aboard the MS Island Sky explores the islands of the Azores, the Iberian Peninsula and the Channel Islands visiting some marvellously scenic and historic 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.
Our journey begins far out in the Atlantic in the islands of the Azores, some 800 miles from the Portuguese coast, which are known for their spectacular volcanic scenery, abundant flora and peaceful lifestyle. Every new day brings a different vista and we will spend eight days exploring the raw beauty and cultural vibrancy of this remote and unsophisticated archipelago. Their appeal is difficult to define in words, but if you appreciate dramatic scenery, exploring islands where time appears to be standing still, watching for passing whales and learning about the local people and their customs, this could be the voyage for you.
Following our in-depth exploration of the Azores, we spend a relaxing two days at sea before we arrive in the Iberian Peninsula where we will witness some splendid Spanish ‘pazos’ in their springtime glory and step into the pilgrimage cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Our penultimate call will be to the ‘island of flowers’, Guernsey, where we have a full day to explore before sailing to our destination, Portsmouth. Our two-week voyage will be full of natural world and cultural highlights as we discover timeless islands, fabulous coastal scenery and the rich maritime history of the region in the company of just 100 or so like-minded travel companions.
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 to Sao Miguel, Azores.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Island Sky for embarkation. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Terceira.
This morning explore Angra do Heroismo, a charming UNESCO heritage town with a distinct Mediterranean flavour of cobblestone streets and a certain quiet charm. Enjoy a walking tour that takes in the Misericordia Church, Convent do Sao Francisco, the public gardens and museum. In the afternoon there will be free time to hike to Monte Brasil, offering wonderful views over the island, or alternatively relax and wander the historic town at your own pace.
Day 3 Graciosa.
Known as the ‘White Island’, Graciosa has a gentle rolling landscape, dotted with windmills and traditional whitewashed houses. Visit Furna do Enxofre (‘Cave of Sulphur’), a geologically unique phenomenon and one of the original examples of the volcanic Azores, and take the winding stairway down to the magnificent volcanic cavern and lake. Also see the village of Santa Cruz and the charming Matrix Church. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure to explore the small town of Vila da Praia.
Day 4 Flores & Corvo.
Named after its abundant flora, Flores is often regarded as the prettiest of the Azores. A rugged terrain island with flowers growing in the deep canyons and waterfalls casting hues of blues and green as they splash down to the sea. Visit the vertical basalt cliffs of Rocha do Bordoes, formed by the cooling of lava. See a stunning array of natural features including calderas, fajas, rivers, waterfalls and valleys. This afternoon we will use our small ship to circumnavigate the tiny island of Corvo, the smallest island in the archipelago.
Day 5 Sao Jorge.
This largely rural island is of geographical interest with its cliff shoreline marked with flat fajas sweeping to the sea. We start our full day tour on the western part of the island, Ponta dos Rosais, visiting a Forest Park and cheese factory. As we move to the north we enjoy the view over the Fajas, an area of flat land at sea level resulting from the erosion of cliffs. As we make our way to the south side towards Calheta we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to Urzelina to visit the remaining tower of a church buried under lava from the eruption of 1808. Now it is surrounded by fruit trees and vegetation. Upon our return to Velas we will take a walking tour of this charming old-world harbour town. We remain moored overnight for anyone wishing to take an after dinner stroll.
Day 6 Pico.
Explore distinctive Pico, home to Portugal’s highest peak and numerous black lava flows. The UNESCO-designated Lajido Acros tells the story of early winemakers who used the volcanic soil for the grapes and, on a visit to a vineyard, we will enjoy a tasting of the local product. After a typical Azorean lunch we will learn about whaling life in the Azores at the Museum of Lajes returning to the ship via the Lagoa do Capitao offering views over the north of the island.
Day 7 Faial.
Our day begins with an island drive where we explore the fairly recent volcanic activity at Ponta dos Capelinhos. See how a 1957-1958 volcanic eruption transformed the area and created a new land mass. Visit the Volcano Interpretation Centre before continuing to the impressive Caldera, now a nature reserve, which is 400 metres deep and nearly 1500 metres in diameter. This afternoon a walking tour of Horta will include the Scrimshaw Museum and Cafe Peter, a famous stopping point for sailors crossing the Atlantic.
Day 8 Sao Miguel.
Enjoy a full day exploring the island of Sao Miguel, known as Ilha Verde, the green island and home to some of the most stunning viewpoints in the Azores. This morning we head west towards the Sete Cidades volcano from where we can enjoy excellent views over the Lagos de Canarios. We will continue our drive along the attractive northern coast before arriving in the Furnas Valley, an enormous valley and luxuriant garden in the east of the island where we enjoy lunch. We will also visit the village of Furnas and the botanical gardens before returning to the ship and sailing this evening. For the keen hikers, if weather permits, we will arrange to walk the trail in Sete Cidades.
Days 9 & 10 At Sea.
Relax on board as we sail to the Iberian Peninsula. Take in a lecture in the lounge or maybe find a spot on deck to watch for wildlife.
Day 11 Vilagarcia de Arousa, Spain.
Arriving in Galicia over lunch we will discover the ‘Rias Baixas’ which translates as low estuaries. This afternoon we drive the short distance to 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 12 La Coruna for Santiago de Compostela.
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 opportunity 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 13 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we continue our journey north.
Day 14 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 15 Portsmouth, England.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station and our departure London airport at a fixed time.
Dates and Prices
2 to 16 May 2025 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £8395 | £7895 |
Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £8595 | £8095 |
Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £8895 | £8395 |
Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £9295 | £8795 |
Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £9595 | £9095 |
Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £9995 | £9495 |
Explorer Deck Island Suite | £10395 | £9895 |
Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £8395 | £7895 |
Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £8595 | £8095 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK020525
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel to Sao Miguel • 14 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 • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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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.
Skys Video Tour
Travelling with You
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Rear Admiral Roy Clare CBE DL
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.
Tour Extensions
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For those who would like to spend some time in Portugal prior to embarking the MS Island Sky, we have arranged a three-night extension at the beautiful Palacio Estoril Hotel, located a short distance from Lisbon. Our stay will include a half day tour of Lisbon and a half day tour of Sintra and the remainder of the time will be yours to explore at leisure.
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Estoril, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight to Lisbon. On arrival this afternoon transfer to the Palacio Estoril Hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. We will meet tonight for dinner. (D)
Day 2 Lisbon.
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, Praca do Comercio. 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 and Belem Tower and visit the famous Jeronimos Monastery. Return to the hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Sintra.
This morning we will drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra where we will visit Sintra National Palace, famous for its magnificent painted ceilings. The palace is the only survivor of the country’s Royal Halls, dating from the Middle Ages. Later enjoy some free time to explore the town which still retains much of its Medieval layout before driving back to the hotel. The remainder of the day and evening are under your own arrangements. (B)
Day 4 Estoril to Sao Miguel, Azores.
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to the Azores. On arrival we transfer to the MS Island Sky and embark. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
29 April to 2 May 2025 Category Price Twin £895 Single £1195 Price Includes: Three nights accommodation in a classic room at the Palacio Estoril Hotel, half day tours of Lisbon & Sintra, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Islands of the Azores
A nine night voyage around the Azores Archipelago aboard the MS Island Sky
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Sao Miguel / Santa Maria / Terceira / Graciosa / Flores / Corvo / Sao Jorge / Pico / Faial / Sao Miguel
Best of British
A Circumnavigation of the United Kingdom aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Portsmouth / Guernsey / Tresco / St Agnes / Fishguard / St Davids / Peel / Derry / Giant’s Causeway / St Kilda / Scrabster / Unst / Lerwick / Montrose / Lindisfarne / Alnwick Castle / Whitby / Ipswich / Portsmouth
Macaronesia & Beyond
An exploration of the Canary Islands, Madeira & Morocco aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Tenerife / La Gomera / El Hierro / La Palma / Madeira / Essaouira / Agadir / Lanzarote / Las Palmas
Island Hopping in the Canary & Cape Verde Islands
Discover the Atlantic Archipelagos aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
Atlantic Archipelagos
Discover the Canary Islands, Madeira & the Azores aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Tenerife / La Gomera / El Hierro / La Palma / Funchal / Faial / Pico / Sao Jorge / Terceira / Sao Miguel
Island Hopping in the Azores
A nine night voyage around the Azores Archipelago aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Sao Miguel / Santa Maria /Terceira / Graciosa / Flores / Corvo / Pico / Sao Jorge / Faial / Sao Miguel
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000