
The seas between Malta and Istanbul offer access to a wealth of ancient sites, unspoiled islands and traditional towns and with the 118-passenger MS Hebridean Sky we can take you on a voyage through the playground of the Greek Gods learning of the myths and legends that surround these enchanted lands. We will sail through turquoise waters, call into whitewashed villages, admire rugged landscapes and see some of the Ancient world’s most fascinating sites.
Our journey is perfectly timed to take advantage of the gentle temperatures and crowd-free sites. From Malta we sail to Sicily where we have a day to explore the wonders of Syracuse before we cross the Ionian Sea bound for Greece. Our first few days in Greece are based in the Peloponnese which is home to an extraordinary collection of great archaeological sites with tangible traces of the many civilisations which have at one point over the course of history called this region home. Our exploration of the region begins with Olympia, the principal shrine of Zeus and Hera and the site of the original Olympic Games. We continue to the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity before our transit of the Corinth Canal, which, whilst only built in the 19th century was conceived as long ago as the 7th century BC. Transiting the canal is a wonderful experience and only possible on a small ship like the MS Hebridean Sky.
Then follows two days in the pretty coastal city of Nafplio on mainland Greece where we have included ample time in order to explore the ancient Greek sites of Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nemea. Our island calls include Syros, the capital of the Cyclades and the sacred island of Patmos before we continue to Turkey for the final few days of our voyage. Here we spend a day in the Turkish port of Kusadasi for our visit to the ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning site where digging has been taking place for over a century. We also visit Pergamon one of the cultural capitals of antiquity and one of the finest archaeological sites in Turkey and finally to Troy where our tour will follow the excavations made by Heinrich Schliemann.
Our itinerary has been carefully designed to combine some ‘must see’ sites together with some smaller places that are totally unsuitable for vessels larger than ours and in addition to our guided excursions, we have also included time at leisure for individual exploration enabling you to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace. 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.
Hebridean Sky
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Syracuse, Italy.
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 before we sail tonight.
Day 3 At Sea.
Spend the day crossing the Ionian Sea towards the Peloponnese peninsula.
Day 4 Katakolon for Olympia, Greece.
The fame of Olympia rests upon the Olympic Games. During the celebrations that accompanied the Games, competitors, while not forgetting that they were Athenians, Spartans or from other city states, remembered that they were Greeks and regarded an Olympic victory as the highest honour. We will see the gymnasium, the stadium and the palestra or wrestling school. We will also explore the Altis, or sacred precinct of Zeus, which houses structures including the Temple of Zeus, one of the largest temples on the Greek mainland and the Archaeological Museum which houses some fine sculptures and artefacts from the site. This afternoon is free to explore Katakolon at your own pace before we sail this evening.
Day 5 Itea for Delphi & Corinth Canal.
The port of Itea is our gateway to the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity. The hillside ruins here are exceptional and we will explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the sacred Delphic Oracle and walk along Delphi’s Sacred Way, visiting the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5000 seat theatre dating from the 4th century BC. Alternatively, enjoy some free time in Itea or visit one of the nearby beaches. Sail over lunch and in the late afternoon we will transit the Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893 and only 6.4 kilometres long and 21.5 metres wide, it is only small ships like ours which can now make this journey.
Days 6 & 7 Nafplio for Mycenae, Nemea & Epidaurus.
We have two days in the picturesque port of Nafplio. During our time here we will offer visits to the famous citadel of Mycenae which is located high above the confluence of two boulder-strewn ravines and accessed by way of the Lion Gate. Once inside the gate, we will explore the Royal Palace, the shaft graves and the remains of the city walls. An archaeological briefing within the Treasury of Atreus (also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon) will add to our understanding and appreciation of the sights. We also visit one of Greece’s most renowned ancient sites, Epidaurus, which situated on the slopes of a beautiful and wooded valley was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, the city was filled with curative spas and baths and only priests had access to certain secret sites. Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, except for the astonishing theatre. Still used for special performances, the theatre is in an admirable state of preservation. Also see Nemea, the site of a religious sanctuary which hosted the pan-Hellenic athletic games every two years from 573 BC until 271 BC. The mythical origin of the Games is sometimes ascribed to Hercules who, after his first labour in which he had to kill the Nemean lion living in the caves of Mount Tritos above the site, established the athletic games in honour of his father, Zeus. Nemea was not a town or settlement but a venue where festivities were held during the games and our tour will include the Temple of Zeus, the bathhouse and the stadium before spending time in the small but excellent onsite museum. Nemea is also famous for its red wines and we will enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard before returning to the ship. We also ensure to have free time at leisure in Nafplio to wander the twisting labyrinthine streets and admire the Venetian and Turkish architecture of this charming town.
Day 8 Syros.
Spend the morning at sea as we sail to Syros which was the largest cultural and trade centre of the Aegean in the 19th century and the capital Ermoupolis was Greece’s principal port. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a stroll in the town of Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades. The prosperity of the island in the 19th and early 20th century created through commerce and shipping is reflected in the architecture with a beautiful square, town hall and theatre. We will sail late this evening allowing time for those who wish to take an after-dinner stroll.
Day 9 Patmos.
Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western and it was here that St John received his revelation. This morning we will make our way to the grotto of St John. This small cave, now converted into the beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. From here continue to the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches and climb to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Upon entering into the courtyard, admire the intricate pebbled laid floor, decorated arches and frescoes adorning the entrance to the chapel of Christodoulos. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and an afternoon at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a nearby beach.
Day 10 Kusadasi for Ephesus, Turkey.
Arrive in Kusadasi over breakfast. From our berth we will drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning and partially excavated site where digging has been taking place for over a century. Broad streets are lined by impressive buildings including the Library of Celsus and the temples of Serapis and Hadrian. Once the capital of Ionia, St Paul preached here on his second missionary journey and we will see the Church of the Virgin Mary, the most important Christian monument in Ephesus. Also see the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, and later expanded by the Romans to its present capacity of 24,000. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before we return to Kusadasi where the remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Day 11 Dikili for Pergamon.
From our berth in Dikili we will drive inland, past fertile fields and olive trees, to the present day modern town of Bergama, once known as Pergamon, a great centre of culture. Today Pergamon is one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. We will visit the Asclepion, a healing centre from the 4th century BC and one of the most important sites of Pergamon. Discover the Temple of Asclepios, the amphitheatre, and walk through the sacred corridor and down the ancient, arcaded, marble-paved boulevard. Continue into the town of Bergama and visit the Archaeological Museum which houses relics discovered during the excavations of Pergamon. En-route we will see the Basilica which was one of the earliest of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. We will enjoy lunch ashore and take a cable car up to the Acropolis to explore the remains of the citadel and the city walls, the foundations of the Zeus Altar, and the Royal Palace.
Day 12 Canakkale.
The port of Canakkale is our base for a choice of excursions today. Maybe visit the ancient city of Troy, where ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed nine different layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the Plain of Ilium. It was at one of these cities, as legend has it, that the Greeks fought the Trojans as told by Homer in the Iliad. We will walk the walls that held Helen of Troy and look down at the plain where Achilles dragged the dead body of Hector. We can also visit the onsite Troy Museum. Alternatively, there will be an excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula to see the World War I memorials which commemorate the Gallipoli campaign. We will visit the memorials at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair. Return to the ship and spend a final relaxing afternoon at sea as we cruise through the Dardanelles Strait.
Day 13 Istanbul to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
| 28 September to 10 October 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £7995 | £7495 |
| Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £8295 | £7795 |
| Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £8495 | £7995 |
| Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £8995 | £8495 |
| Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £9995 | £9495 |
| Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £10495 | £9995 |
| Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £10995 | £10495 |
| Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £7995 | £7495 |
| Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £8295 | £7795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS280927
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 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 • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Hebridean Sky
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.
Skys Video Tour
Travelling with You
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John Davie
John Davie is a classicist, translator and author, now living in South Devon. After graduating with First Class Honours from Glasgow University he spent three years at Balliol College as a Snell Exhibitioner and graduated as Bachelor of Letters with a thesis on Greek tragedy (also winning a Blue at golf). He taught at Harrow before becoming Head of Classics at St Paul’s School in London, and for the last 15 years of his career he taught Classics to undergraduates at various Oxford colleges, including Trinity, where he was awarded a lectureship. He has written widely on classical literature and its influence on later authors, especially Shakespeare. He has translated the 19 surviving plays of Euripides for Penguin Classics and various works of Seneca, Horace and Cicero for Oxford World’s Classics. A Visiting Lecturer for the Hellenic and Roman Societies, he has a special interest in the art of the ancient Greeks and the Italian Renaissance. Most recently he has published for Bloomsbury ‘Et Tu, Brute?’, a light-hearted look at Roman life, co-authored with Harry Mount, (editor of the Oldie magazine), and, due out in November 2026, ‘Greek To Us’, explaining why the ancient Greeks matter today.
Tour Extensions
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Before embarking the MS Hebridean Sky, we are offering a two night extension to Malta including a guided tour of Valletta and Mdina.
Valletta
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to our hotel and check in for a two night stay. After some time at leisure we will meet for dinner this evening. (D)
Day 2 Valletta.
Enjoy a morning 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. We will explore Merchants Street, containing the surviving auberges built by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. Our final stop will be at St John’s Cathedral. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Mdina.
This morning we will tour the city of Mdina. Known as the ‘Silent City’ at the heart of the island, Mdina was the fortified capital of the island before the arrival of the Knights. Enjoy a local lunch before transferring to the MS Hebridean Sky moored in Valletta. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
26 to 28 September 2027 Category Price Twin £695 Single £895 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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If you would like to spend some time in the fascinating city of Istanbul after your cruise, we are offering a two night extension.
Istanbul
The Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul, Turkey.
Disembark after breakfast and spend the morning at the impressive Topkapi Palace, a complex of buildings and annexes that was used as the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. After lunch we will check in to our hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. (B, L)
Day 2 Istanbul.
After breakfast at the hotel, our guided tour will start at the Hippodrome, the centre of civic life in the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Next, see the nearby Blue Mosque, named for its glorious 17th century painted tiles; and the Hagia Sophia, first a Byzantine patriarchal basilica and now an imperial mosque. After lunch in a local restaurant a short walk brings us to the Basilica Cistern, which dates back to the 6th century and is one of the most magnificent, covered cisterns in Istanbul. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Istanbul to London.
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
10 to 12 October 2027 Category Price Twin £595 Single £795 Price Includes: : Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000







