The seas between Gibraltar and Italy offer access to a wealth of ancient sites, unspoiled islands and traditional towns and during this delightful voyage we will focus on the islands spending time on Mallorca, Menorca, Sardinia, Corsica and Elba. This itinerary with its eclectic mix of picturesque places is exactly the type of journey normally undertaken by private yachts and the 118-passenger MS Island Sky is ideal for the purpose, taking us to some of the loveliest places in the Mediterranean.
We have ensured that each day has an enjoyable mix of culture with some time at leisure to explore under your own steam or time relaxing at sea. Added to our fascinating itinerary we have the pleasure of cruising aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky. From time to time we may pass a huge cruise liner and at moments like this we can be thankful that with just over 100 fellow, like minded travellers, we are able to visit atmospheric ports and towns which the big ships cannot access. We will discover timeless islands with their aura of history, unique island lifestyles and spectacular beauty which will capture our hearts as we travel a less well trodden path across the Mediterranean.
Late September is the perfect time for our voyage when the crowds of August have dispersed and the weather is ideal for touring. There will be ample time to relax on board as we sail between our ports of call during which time you will be able to attend the informative talks by our onboard Guest Speaker.
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 Gibraltar.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Sail this evening.
Day 2 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we start our journey across the Mediterranean.
Day 3 Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca.
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians when it was under the 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. There will be some time to explore Soller before taking a scenic drive to the village of Valldemossa, a quiet and traditional town with narrow streets and lanes. We will take a walk around the town followed by lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Palma where we will have time to explore at our own pace and perhaps take the opportunity to visit the impressive Gothic style cathedral.
Day 4 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. We have the afternoon at leisure in the pretty harbour town of Mahon before we sail this evening.
Day 5 Porto Torres for Alghero, Sardinia.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Sardinia at Porto Torres. A panoramic drive takes us to Nuraghe Palmavera with its main tower of the Nuraghe, which still has its dome shaped ceiling that dates back to 1100 BC. The complex, which was abandoned in the 5th century BC due to fire, shows the different phases of social life and political organisation of the tribal community. Continue to the Medieval city of Alghero which was colonised by the Catalans in the 14th century. Today there is still a strong Catalan identity throughout the town and it is often even referred to as “Barceloneta”. There will be some free time to walk through the Medieval streets and along the city walls or maybe visit the archaeological museum.
Day 6 Bonifacio, Corsica.
Be on deck this morning as we arrive in Corsica at Bonifacio’s stunning natural harbour. Well known by Odysseus as the home of the savage and giant laestrygonians, today Bonifacio’s breathtaking clifftop setting and relaxed pace make it one of the most welcoming ports in the Mediterranean. On our morning tour we will explore the narrow streets and the historical heart of the town. We will discover the Bosco quarter with the St Francis Convent, the 14th century church of St Marie Majeure and take in the views from the clifftop on which the city is built. Afterwards maybe take a walk in the nearby Marine Park which offers some stunning views back to the town.
Day 7 Bastia & St Florent.
Situated on the north of the island of Corsica, Bastia was the old Genoese capital and is now a busy port. Its setting is handsome, the classic Mediterranean allure of pale, sunlit streets flanked with tall colourful buildings. Our walking tour of the historic quarter will include the 15th century cathedral, chapels and Baroque buildings such as the Oratoire St Roch, Oratoire de l’Immaculee Conception and the Roccoco church, St Jean Baptiste, famous for its twin campaniles. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon or maybe join an excursion to the small fishing port of St Florent. Our drive will take us through the Nebbio which takes its name from the thick mist that sweeps over the region and is now reputed for its fine wines from Patrimonio. On arrival in St Florent we will have time to wander the maze of narrow streets and take a coffee in one of the waterfront cafes whilst watching the yachts in the marina.
Day 8 Portoferraio, Elba, Italy.
Today we call into the enchanting island of Elba, best known as Napoleon’s island of exile from 1814 to 1815. Departing from the island’s busy capital Portoferraio, we set out for a delightful drive exploring the southern region of this charming island with superb views over the coastline. The first stop will be Villa San Martino which was the summer residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and has been transformed into a museum. Later enjoy some time at leisure in Porto Azzurro with its picturesque harbour. Our drive continues along the coast to the 17th century country wine farm, La Chiusa, which is beautifully nestled in a vineyard estate surrounded by olive trees and overlooking the ocean. As any self-respecting mansion on Elba, La Chiusa claims to have once housed Napoleon during his exile here. Experience the estate’s interesting cellar to learn how the wine is handled and produced and in the estate’s garden facing the sea we will enjoy a delicious sampling of the local wine. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Portoferraio.
Day 9 Civitavecchia to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Rome airport for the return scheduled flight.
Dates and Prices
23 September to 1 October 2025 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £5595 | £5295 |
Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £5795 | £5495 |
Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £5995 | £5695 |
Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £6295 | £5995 |
Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £6795 | £6495 |
Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £6995 | £6695 |
Explorer Deck Island Suite | £7395 | £7095 |
Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £6595 | £6295 |
Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £6795 | £6495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK230925
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Eight 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.
Travelling with You
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Major General Patrick Cordingley
Patrick commanded the Desert Rats during the 1991 Gulf War. His huge tank formation led the British and American attack, which breached the Iraqi defences. In 1992 he took command of the 2nd UK Division before being appointed as the military adviser to Sultan Qaboos of Oman.
Patrick retired from the Army in 2000 and then completed eight years as chairman of a technology company. During this time he also worked for the BBC as a military commentator. He is now chairman of the Defence and Security Forum, past chairman of the trustees of the Gilbert White’s House with the Oates Collection, the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal, past Master of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers and past chairman and vice-chairman of the governors of two schools. He was a visiting scholar at Hull University, where he is a Doctor of Science. He is the author of two best selling books.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Gibraltar before embarking the MS Island Sky we are offering the opportunity to enjoy a two night stay including a half day tour.
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Gibraltar.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to The Rock Hotel for a two night stay. Meet this evening for dinner. (D)
Day 2 Gibraltar.
Enjoy a day at leisure for independent exploration. Maybe take the cable car up the famous rock, see the Botanical Gardensor visit the Garrison Library. (B)
Day 3 Gibraltar.
This morning during our guided tour we willl 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 transfer to the MS Island Sky for embarkation. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
21 to 23 September 2025 Category Price Twin £795 Single £995 Price Includes: Two nights accommodation at the Rock Hotel in Gibraltar, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D - Dinner), half day tour, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
The Rock Hotel
The Rock Hotel has been the landmark and most historic luxury hotel in Gibraltar since 1932. Each of the elegant 94 guest rooms has breathtaking views over the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain and the distant coast of Africa. The hotel is filled with history in every corner with notable past guests including Sir Winston Churchill and Errol Flynn. After a day exploring, take afternoon tea on the Westeria Terrace or a peaceful dip in the outdoor seawater swimming pool, set in a quiet garden surrounded by wisteria trees. On the edge of town opposite the magnificent Botanical Gardens, the hotel is located a 10-minute uphill walk from town, with regular buses and taxis available for those not wishing to walk.
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Also of Interest
Classical Treasures of the Aegean
A voyage from Istanbul to Cyprus aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker David Stuttard
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Istanbul / Canakkale / Troy / Pergamon / Kusadasi / Ephesus / Patmos / Rhodes / Antalya / Alanya / Limassol
Mediterranean Odyssey
A voyage from Malta to the Canary Islands including the Lost Cities of North Africa aboard the MS Island Sky
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Valletta / Sousse / Tunis / Carthage / Cagliari / Algiers / Cartagena / Malaga / Gibraltar / Casablanca / Essaouira / Santa Cruz de Tenerife / Las Palmas
Cape Verde, the Canary Islands & Morocco
A voyage from Cape Verde to Gibraltar aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Sao Tiago / Sao Vicente / La Palma / El Hierro / Tenerife / Essaouira / Casablanca / Gibraltar
Cruising the Western Mediterranean
A voyage from Gibraltar to Naples aboard the MS Hebridean Sky in association with Criterion Travel & the Archaeological Institute of America
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Gibraltar / Granada / Mahon / Cagliari / Trapani / Taormina / Salerno / Naples
Late Summer in the French & Italian Rivieras
A voyage between Marseille & Livorno aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Marseille / Aix en Provence / Avignon / La Seyne sur Mer / Cannes / Nice / Genoa / Portofino / La Spezia / Cinque Terre / Lucca / Livorno
La Dolce Vita
An in-depth exploration of Italy’s wonders from Rome to Venice aboard the MS Island Sky with Guest Speaker Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Rome / Naples / Herculaneum /Salerno /Paestum / Cilento / Taormina / Tindari / Syracuse / Otranto / Lecce / Monopoli / Alberobello / Ostuni / Urbino / Loreto / Ravenna / Bologna / Rovinj / Croatia / Venice
Treasures of the Peloponnese & Ionian Islands
A voyage from Athens to Corfu aboard the MS Monet
Monet
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Nafplio / Gythio / Monemvasia / Pylos / Katakolon / Olympia / Argostoli / Preveza / Corfu
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000