Deckplan
Discover some of the wonders of the Mediterranean as we cruise to some of the most fascinating sites of the ancient world and spend time in some charming towns and coastal ports. Our itinerary has been devised to include a rich collection of archaeological, historical and beautiful sites in Sicily and along the shores of Italy including the beautiful city of Syracuse, the Baroque city of Gallipoli, known as ‘The Florence of the South’, in addition to a visit to a Calabrian vineyard to sample the delicious local food and wine. We will also visit the marvellous site of Butrint in Albania where settlement can be traced back to the 8th century BC and in Greece we will explore the sacred site of Delphi, Ancient Corinth and spend a morning on the culturally rich island of Corfu. Finally, ensure you are on deck when we transit the Corinth Canal which, whilst only built in the 19th century, was conceived as long ago as the 7th century BC, and is a wonderful end to our cruise and only possible on a small ship such as the 50-passenger MS Monet.
This heady mix of ports is certainly one of our most fascinating itineraries combining as it does some ‘must see’ sites together with little known places that are perfectly suited for the MS Monet. We have also included ample time at leisure for some independent exploration and by the end of the voyage you will have seen and learnt so much whilst exploring in small groups with our excellent guides.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Agrigento for Valley of the Temples, Sicily.
Although handsome in its own right and awash with Medieval atmosphere, Agrigento is not our main reason for calling at this southern coast port. Close by is the Valle dei Templi, a series of Doric temples and the most captivating of Sicilian Greek remains, a grouping unique outside Greece. Surrounded in greenery of olive and almond trees, we can admire the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Dioscuri Temple, the Temple of Olympic Jove and the Temple of Hercules. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore Agrigento and shuttles will run from the port to the town and the excellent archaeological museum which you can explore at leisure.
Day 3 Syracuse.
Syracuse was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC and by the 5th century was a political and military power throughout the Mediterranean, rivalling Athens as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek world. This morning there will be a choice of excursions, visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park to discover the 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. Alternatively, drive to Noto, a picturesque city built in 1703 located on the terraced slopes of Mount Iblei. A guided walk along the central streets will reveal the 18th century Palazzo Ducezio and some of the Baroque churches. After lunch on board we have an afternoon at leisure to explore independently before we sail this evening.
Day 4 Crotone, Italy.
After a morning at sea, we arrive in Calabria and the port of Crotone which is on the site of the ancient Greek City of Kroton. Whilst little remains of the Greek city it was one of the most important settlements of Magna Graecia, where Pythagoras set up a school in 530 BC and whose athletes were very successful at the Olympic Games. We will take a scenic drive inland this afternoon to Santa Severina, one of Italy’s prettiest towns overlooking the Neto River valley. We will explore the majestic Carafa Castle, which was built by the Normans in 1076 and is surrounded by strong, crenellated walls with a moat on three sides and contains intricate underground labyrinths and stables, with the remains of Medieval frescoes. Also see the cathedral, the beautiful Byzantine baptistery and a chance to wander the town’s tangled streets. On our return to the ship, we will stop at a local farmhouse for a tasting of typical Calabrian food served with local wine.
Day 5 Gallipoli.
This morning we drive to Lecce, often referred to as ‘The Florence of the South’ with its amazing collection of Baroque architecture. A guided walk will include a visit to the beautifully decorated Santa Croce Basilica and Piazza Duomo, considered one of the finest and most impressive squares in southern Italy. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore historic Gallipoli, with its whitewashed houses and attractive old quarter that still has a Greek air about it.
Day 6 Sarande, Albania.
The port of Sarande is our base to discover the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a guided tour explore the ruins that feature the remains of many eras and cultures. From the Hellenistic period there are temples, the promenade and the 4th century BC theatre. From the Roman era are the public baths, gymnasium and fountains. From the Byzantine era we see chapels and the large Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, whilst the Venetians are represented by a watchtower and a small castle with commanding views over the Straits of Corfu. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace.
Day 7 Corfu, Greece.
Praised by Homer in ‘The Odyssey’ and selected by Shakespeare as the setting for ‘The Tempest’, Corfu retains evidence of cultural heritage from each of its past rulers - Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia and Great Britain. Our guided tour will include the famous Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin at Paleokastritsa which is still inhabited by a community of monks. The small museum houses some priceless Byzantine icons. Spend some time in the serene monastery gardens that afford a splendid view over the turquoise waters of the bay. Continue to Mon Repos Palace, the summer residence of the British Governors of Corfu which now houses a museum including many Ionian treasures and is surrounded by a large park. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing.
Day 8 Itea for Delphi.
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 5,000 seat theatre dating from the 4th century BC. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon sailing to Corinth.
Day 9 Corinth & Corinth Canal.
Corinth flourished under both Greek and Roman rule due to its significant location on the Isthmus of Corinth which controlled trade routes as well as being home to the naval power which took colonies in Syracuse and Corfu. It has also been closely linked to St Paul who lived here for a number of years and is known through his letters to the Christian community. On a morning tour we explore the site of Ancient Corinth seeing the Temple of Aphrodite, the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo, built on a hill overlooking the marketplace, and the Roman Forum. Be on deck later this afternoon as we navigate the narrow Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893 and only 6.4 kilometres long and 21.5 metres wide, it is only small ships like the MS Monet which can now make this journey.
Day 10 Athens to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 28 April to 7 May 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | £5095 | £4795 |
| C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | £5495 | £5195 |
| B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £5795 | £5495 |
| A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £6495 | £6195 |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | £6795 | £6495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO280427
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Nine nights aboard the MS Monet on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • 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.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
We are delighted you have chosen the MS Monet for your upcoming voyage and hope this information answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel.
SHIP TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Cabins: 28
Crew: 29
Cruise speed: 9 knots
Length: 68 metres
Width: 10 metres
Draft: 3.6 metres
Built: 1970
Year refurbished: 2018AIR-CONDITIONING
The ship is centrally air-conditioned throughout.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do should an emergency occur. Life jackets are stowed in the closet in your cabin.
BAR/BEVERAGES
Beer, wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on board. Outside of mealtimes, a selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks are available to purchase from the bar. There is also a self-serve tea and coffee station in the Lounge.
CABIN SIZES & FACILITIES
All cabins are designed for comfort and have twin beds or fixed double beds. Facilities include en-suite bathroom with shower, television, mini-bar, safe, central air-conditioning and hairdryer. Category D (Camille & Parisian) cabins range in size from 9 to 14 square metres and feature two portholes. Please note that cabin numbers with twin beds are 104-107, 112, 119 & 205. All other cabins feature fixed double beds. Category C (Parisian & Lumiere) cabins range in size from 12 to 14 square metres and feature a window. Please note that cabin numbers with twin beds are 210-215. All other cabins feature fixed double beds. Category B (Lumiere) cabins are 17 square metres and feature windows and a double bed. Category A (Lumiere) cabins range in size from 21 to 22 square metres and feature windows and a double bed.
CURRENCY
It is a good idea to exchange some of your funds at a bank before leaving home. Most international airports also exchange funds, though they often charge higher exchange fees. The ship does not facilitate any currency exchange. The currency on board the MS Monet is Euros.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department in advance. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak to the Chef or Hotel Manager at dinner on your first night to reconfirm your requirements.
DISEMBARKATION
Disembarkation times will be provided by your Cruise Director or Tour Manager prior to the end of your cruise. This will include transfer information (where applicable).
DRESS CODE
On board the emphasis is on comfortable and casual clothing at all times. The dress code is very informal. You may like to wear smart casual clothing for the welcome and farewell dinners. Please note that no ties or jackets for gentlemen or occasion wear for ladies is required.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220V/50Hz (European standard) and a 220V razor socket. This is only suitable for low voltage electrical appliances, e.g. mobile phone or camera chargers. Adaptors for hairdryers, mobile phones etc. can be borrowed from Reception but we recommend that you bring a two-pin European adaptor for the 220V plug. Hairdryers are provided for your convenience in the bathrooms.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
It is mandatory that all guests participate in the safety briefing, which is normally scheduled to take place prior to departure from the port of embarkation. In the unlikely event of an emergency you will be informed by a loudspeaker announcement. Please collect your lifejacket from the cabin, proceed to the marked Muster Station and follow instructions given by the Captain or crew members.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitisers at all important contact points around the vessel.
HOUSEKEEPING
Housekeeping is available twice per day, in the morning and afternoon.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
There is a laundry service available for an additional charge. There is no dry cleaning service.
LIBRARY
There is a small library located in the Lounge.
LIFE JACKETS
The vessel is equipped with life jackets which can be located in the cabins. Additional life jackets can be obtained in the muster station from the crew.
LIFT
Please note that there is no lift on board.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed in to the ship’s reception. Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia directly. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MEALS
Meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables, for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Weather permitting, some meals are served al fresco on the Lumiere Deck. The menu is international, with a focus on local specialities.
MEDICAL SERVICES
MS Monet has crew members trained in first aid and further medical services can be obtained at ports of call.
PAYMENTS ON BOARD
All charges for services provided and products purchased on board must be settled in cash (Euros) or by credit card (Mastercard & Visa) before final disembarkation from the ship.
POST
Although reception staff are happy to post letters on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straight away or at the port of call at which you make such a request. Some postal services are unreliable and letters or postcards that you ask to be delivered on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route.
QUESTIONNAIRES
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday experience and appreciate the time you take to complete the questionnaire.
SAFE
Your cabin is equipped with a personal safe. Please take great care with your money, jewellery, cameras, binoculars, documents and any other articles that you retain in your personal control.
SAFETY DRILL
The safety briefing will take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements.
SMOKING
Aboard the MS Monet, the comfort, enjoyment and safety of all guests are paramount. All cabins are non-smoking. Smoking is only permitted on open decks.
TOILETRIES
Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and hand soap are provided in your bathroom.
VISITORS
For the safety and security of all passengers no visitors are allowed on board the ship.
WATER
The tap water on board is drinkable. There is also a water dispenser in the bar where water bottles can be refilled on request. One bottle of water is provided per passenger per day.
WI-FI
Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available on board. Depending on the ship’s location, there may be times when the connection is very slow or is disrupted and the same level of connectivity that you enjoy at home cannot be expected on board.
V.1 JULY 2022
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Deck Plan
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Deckplan
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Travelling with You
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Professor Roderick Beaton
Sir Roderick Beaton is a leading authority on the history and culture of Greece and the eastern Mediterranean and the author, most recently, of Europe: A New History (soon to be a Penguin paperback), which takes a new look at the history of our continent, from the ancient Greeks to war in Ukraine. Born and bred in Edinburgh, he went on to Cambridge to take his BA degree in English Literature, followed by a doctorate in Modern Greek. For thirty years he served as Koraes Professor of Modern Greek and Byzantine History, Language and Literature at King’s College London and is now Emeritus. He is also Chairman of the British School at Athens, an institute of advanced research in Greece supported by the British Academy.
Roderick is the author of many books, among them Byron’s War: Romantic Rebellion, Greek Revolution (2013); Greece: Biography of a Modern Nation (2019) and The Greeks: A Global History (2021). He has travelled very widely in Greece, the eastern Mediterranean and much of mainland Europe, and has many years’ experience of lecturing on cruises.
He is a Fellow of the British Academy (FBA); a Fellow of King’s College; an Honorary Fellow of his old College at Cambridge, Peterhouse; and Commander of the Order of Honour of the Hellenic Republic. In 2023 he received honorary citizenship of Greece and an honorary doctorate from the University of Patras. In February 2025 he was knighted by King Charles III for services to History and UK/Greek relations.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Malta before embarking the MS Monet, we are offering a two night hotel extension.
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. Meet this evening for dinner. (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, together with the palace where Napoleon Bonaparte is believed to have stayed in 1798. Our final stop will be at St John’s Cathedral. Enjoy the remainder 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 Monet which will be moored in Valletta. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
26 to 28 April 2027 Category Price Twin £695 Single £895 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Valletta, 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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Also of Interest
Island Hopping in the Aegean
Discover some of the most beautiful Greek Isles aboard the MS Monet
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Folegandros / Sifnos / Syros / Fourni / Samos / Kusadasi / Patmos / Lipsi / leros / Nisyros / Symi / Rhodes
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From the Adriatic to the Amalfi Coast
A voyage from Split to Naples aboard the MS Monet
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Split / Korcula / Kotor / Monopoli / Alberobello / Ostuni / Lecce / taormina / Tindari / Vibo Valentia / Paestum / Cilento / Naples
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Aegean Secrets
Island Hopping in the Greek Isles aboard the MS Monet
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Naxos / Syros / Fourni / Patmos / Nisyros / Symi / Halki / Folegandros / Sifnos / Athens
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Journey through Antiquity
A voyage from Athens to Split aboard the MS Monet with Guest Speaker David Stuttard
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Nafplio / Gytheio / Monemvasia / Olympia / Otranto / Lecce / Monopoli / Alberobello / Kotor / Hvar / Brac / Split
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Ancient Wonders of the Classical World
A voyage tracing the ancient routes between Athens & Larnaca aboard the MS Monet
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Nafplio / Syros / Patmos / Kusadasi / Fethiye / Antalya / Alanya / Tasucu / Mersin / Limassol
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Next Departure:
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000