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 between Malta and Gibraltar including Tunisia & Algeria aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker Chris Bradley
Located on the North African coast, betwixt the desert and the sea are some of Ancient Rome’s most magnificent sites which we will discover during this fascinating voyage from Malta to Gibraltar. This is a region that is best discovered by sea and from the historic port of Valletta we sail to Tunisia where we will visit the Roman amphitheatre of El Djem, the ancient city of Kairouan and Carthage with its Phoenician ruins. It is easy to imagine how daily life played out in Roman times in this great city which will transport you to another world and time. We also spend two days in Algeria where we can explore the ancient city of Tipaza, the mysterious Mausoleum of Mauretania and the city of Tlemcen in the north of the country known for its Moorish buildings including the 11th century Grand Mosque.
Interspersed between our calls along the North African coast will be a day in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari allowing for the opportunity to visit the ruins at Nora, one of the best preserved Roman cities in Sardinia which rises above the remains of an ancient Phoenician-Punic settlement. We will also visit Cartagena on mainland Spain, which was used by Hannibal as a strategic base and later became a Roman administrative centre, and the little known Spanish enclave of Melilla on the Moroccan coast, a fascinating place to spend a few hours before our voyage concludes in Gibraltar.
All this will be achieved with great ease aboard the MS Hebridean Sky and with just over 100 like-minded travellers, we are able to explore in a way that is impossible from aboard a large cruise vessel and being timed for October and November, we can expect pleasant temperatures, agreeable for exploration. The magnificent sites provide an unparalleled experience of life in classical times which with the help of our knowledgeable Guest Speaker and local guides, will be brought vividly back to life.
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 sail this evening.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Tunisia at the port of Sousse which will be our base for the next day and a half of discovery. During our time we drive out of the city to the small village of El Djem where we will see the great Roman amphitheatre, built to accommodate 35,000 spectators and visit the excellent museum with its collection of mosaics. A tour of Sousse will include the museum, located in the ramparts of the Kasbah and housing a fine collection of mosaics; as well as the imposing Ribat, one of the finest and best conserved buildings of the series of ‘fortress-monasteries’ that dotted the North African coastline. We will also drive to the ancient city of Kairouan where we see the Great Mosque which is a universal architectural masterpiece and one of the most impressive and largest Islamic monuments in North Africa. Finally we will see the Aghlabid Basins, the majestic cisterns built by the Aghlabids in the 9th century which represent a highly sophisticated work of engineering from the Middle Ages.
From the nearby port of Tunis we 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, we hope to 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.
Arrive over breakfast in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari, an ancient city which dates back to the Phoenicians and Romans. From the port we drive along the south-western coast to reach Nora which was founded by the Phoenicians but also has Carthaginian and Roman ruins. After a period of Roman prosperity, there was a decline and in the 3rd century AD the city was engulfed by the sea. Still visible today are the remains of Carthaginian warehouses and various Roman buildings including the baths with splendid mosaics and the theatre. After lunch on board, there will be a guided walking tour during which we will stroll around the old town with its narrow streets running along a steep hillside. See the terraced Piazza del Palazzo and the 14th century Cathedral of St Mary.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cross the Mediterranean Sea. Maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck.
Depart this morning for the ancient city of Tipaza which was probably founded by the Phoenicians but really came into being under the Romans. The city was extended by Emperor Claudius and grew wealthy on Mediterranean trade. It was built on three small hills which overlooked the sea. There are ruins of three Basilicas, two cemeteries, the baths, the theatre, the nymphaeum and the unusual oval shaped amphitheatre. After visiting the city, we will enjoy a typical Algerian lunch before continuing to the mysterious Mausoleum of Mauretania which lies in the hills above the sea about 18 kilometres away from Tipaza. It is one of the most breathtaking sights in Algeria. The vast pyramid-like structure is named the Tomb of the Christian on account of the large crosses that decorate the tomb which predates Jesus Christ. We return to the ship via the Martyrs‘ Monument which offers spectacular views over the city.
In the early afternoon 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 Theatre 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 Hebridean Sky.
This morning we reach the western side of Algeria and the port of Ghazaouet located close to the border with Melilla Morocco. From here we drive approximately 50 miles inland to Tlemcen, an interesting and cultured city. Our visit will include the 11th century Great Mosque and the deconsecrated Sidi Bel Hassan Mosque which was transformed into a museum in 1901 and houses a selection of mosaics, carvings and pottery. After a local lunch we will continue to El Mansourah to see the remains of an old minaret and El Mechouar, which was built as a citadel in 1145 before it became the royal residence of the Zianide dynasty in the 13th century.
Today we visit a little bit of Spain in North Africa. Situated on the northern coast of Morocco the Spanish city occupies a rocky peninsula which juts out into the Mediterranean. It has been in Spanish hands since 1497 and previous colonisers included the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. It is a fascinating place to spend a morning observing the co-existence of Catholic and Muslim faiths, the influences of Spanish and Moorish architecture and the old walled city, fortress and busy market place. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
14 to 24 November 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £5995 | £5695 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £6295 | £5995 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £6595 | £6295 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £6895 | £6595 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £6995 | £6695 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £7295 | £6995 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £7995 | £7695 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £6995 | £6695 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £7295 | £6995 |
23 October to 2 November 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
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: SCHKS231025
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Algeria visa.
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.
Chris Bradley is a graduate of the University of Liverpool specialising in the Middle East and North Africa having lived and worked in the region for over 40 years.
As a professional tour guide and lecturer he has led many tours throughout Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan and Jordan. His books include the Berlitz Guide to Nile Cruising; Cairo; Egypt’s Red Sea & Sinai; Libya; Oman; Abu Dhabi; plus the Insight Guides to Egypt; Jordan; The Silk Road; Travel Photography, and the Discovery Guide to Yemen.
In 2010 he was an invited consultant for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation analysis on tourism development of the Giza and Saqqara area helping to open up the rural area and attract tourists out of Cairo. He also worked to develop tourism into Libya for more than a decade. He still leads several tours each year to a variety of destinations, designing many specialist itineraries. He is a lecturer to noted societies, such as the Royal Geographical Society and the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies.
He has been a cameraman and producer on many television documentaries and films for the BBC, Channel 4 and National Geographic TV. He developed and filmed ‘Atlas Biker’ Nicholas Crane’s first television adventure documentary.
If you would like to spend some time in Gibraltar after your cruise, we are offering a two night hotel extension inclusive of a guided tour.
Day 1 Gibraltar.
Disembark this morning and discover this strategic British outpost in the Mediterranean. After taking in the views from Europa Point, we continue to the Great Siege Tunnels, a labyrinth of tunnels built to defend Gibraltar from Spanish and French attacks between 1779 and 1783. Also see the Gibraltar Museum. After lunch we transfer to our hotel for a two night stay. (B, L)
Day 2 Gibraltar.
Enjoy a day at leisure for independent exploration. Maybe take the cable car up the famous rock, see the Botanical gardens or visit the Garrison Library. (B)
Day 3 Gibraltar to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
2 to 4 November 2025 • 24 to 26 November 2025 | |
---|---|
Category | Price |
Twin | £695 |
Single | £895 |
Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Gibraltar, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch), half day tour, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
A voyage from Gibraltar to Malta along the coasts of Algeria & Tunisia aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker Michael Buerk
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000