
From the ancient shores of Iberia to the picturesque islands of the Mediterranean, this fascinating voyage aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky from Oporto to Rome combines ancient cities, remarkable landscapes, traditional towns and a wealth of cultural treasures.
Setting sail from Oporto we will travel south along the Atlantic coast to Cadiz, one of Spain’s oldest cities, before continuing up the Guadalquivir to Seville, where Moorish palaces, magnificent Seville churches and historic quarters reveal the layers of Spain’s rich past. Upon reaching Gibraltar we encounter a unique meeting point of Europe and Africa and the Atlantic and Mediterranean, before exploring the historic city of Malaga. As we sail eastwards, the focus of our itinerary changes to the islands of the Western Mediterranean and we will discover the artistic heritage and mountain landscapes of Mallorca, the timeless traditions and prehistoric monuments of Menorca, and the distinctive Catalan character of Alghero in Sardinia. In Corsica, we explore the elegant old port of Bastia and the picturesque coastal landscapes, whilst on the enchanting island of Elba we encounter the fascinating legacy of Napoleon.
We have ensured that each day has an enjoyable mix of culture with some time at leisure in each destination to explore under your own steam at a relaxed pace. Added to our fascinating itinerary we have the pleasure of cruising aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean 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 as we travel a less well trodden path across the Mediterranean. 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. Throughout the voyage, with a choice of included excursions in many ports we will be able to make the most of our time ashore, whilst time at sea provides the opportunity to relax, attend the onboard lectures or simply enjoy the changing scenery from deck.
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 Oporto, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and sail this evening.
Day 2 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we sail around the Iberian Peninsula. Maybe find a spot on deck, enjoy a book in the library or join one of the onboard lectures.
Day 3 Cadiz, Spain.
Located on a peninsula jutting out into a bay, Cadiz is almost entirely surrounded by water. It is the oldest surviving city in Spain and was founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC and was later occupied by the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors. There will be a choice of tours this morning and you may like to discover the city on a guided walking tour which will include the most beautiful monuments and landmarks of the city including the Santo Domingo Church, the 16th century cathedral and the city museum which is located inside a 19th century convent near the Plaza de Mina. Alternatively, visit Jerez de la Frontera, the home of Spain’s sherry and brandy industry which grew in the 18th and 19th centuries. After a visit to the old centre of Jerez, including the 11th century Alcazar, we will continue to one of the bodegas to learn about the sherry production and enjoy a tasting. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some time at leisure to explore the city further at your own pace before we sail in the early evening.
Day 4 Seville & Carmona.
Having sailed up the lower reaches of the Guadalquivir River, we arrive this morning in Seville and take a walking tour to explore the city’s greatest monuments. Enter the Alcazar Palace with its ornate Moorish interiors and exotic terraced garden. Built by Pedro the Cruel in the 14th century with the help of Moorish craftsmen, it is still used as a residence by the King of Spain. We also visit the imposing La Giralda, Seville’s cathedral, reputed to be the largest Gothic style church in the world with its distinctive Moorish tower. Alternatively, there will be the opportunity to visit nearby Carmona, a picturesque, small town with a magnificent 15th century tower built in imitation of Seville’s Giralda. After a walking tour we will continue to the impressive Roman Necropolis which lies on a low hill amid cypress trees and contains more than nine hundred family tombs, dating from the second century BC to the fourth century AD.Enclosed in subterranean chambers hewn from the rock, the tombs are often frescoed and contain a series of niches in which many of the funeral urns remain intact. Both morning tours will return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and the opportunity to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in Seville to explore further at your own pace.
Day 5 Gibraltar.
Today we will sail to this strategic British outpost in the Mediterranean. Arriving in the late afternoon, our guided tour will take in the views from Europa Point, before continuing to the Great Siege Tunnels, a labyrinth of tunnels built to defend Gibraltar from Spanish and French attacks between 1779 and 1783. This evening we will enjoy a private event at a local venue.
Day 6 Malaga, Spain.
We spend the day in the historic city of Malaga where there will be a choice of tours this morning. A city tour will take us to the 14th century Castillo de Gibralfaro, built on a hill overlooking the city and once considered the most impregnable fortress in Iberia. Continue to La Merced Square where we see the birthplace of Pablo Picasso before we visit the impressive 16th century cathedral which was built on the remains of a mosque. With its mix of Renaissance and Gothic styles it has been declared a national landmark. Alternatively there will be a visit to the Botanical Gardens, created in 1855 and home to more than 25,000 species of plants. After lunch on board the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore at your own pace from our central berth, you may wish to head to the market or perhaps visit the Picasso Museum.
Day 7 At Sea.
Enjoy a leisurely day at sea, relax on deck or in the lounge as we spend the day cruising across the Mediterranean towards the Balearic Islands.
Day 8 Palma, 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. This morning there will be a choice of tours including a drive to Valldemossa, a quiet and traditional town with narrow streets and lanes constructed with blonde stone. Each doorway and street is lined with beautiful green plants and flowers making the town one of the most beautiful in Mallorca. Popular with artists, we will see some of the studios during a walking tour which will include the 13th century monastery, which is linked with the composer Frederic Chopin, who lived here during the winter of 1838-39. Alternatively, explore Palma including the cathedral, Spain’s second largest Gothic church, before we continue to the lovely Plaza Mayor. Later take in the impressive views from Bellver Castle, a unique structure in Spain being entirely round. For many centuries the castle was used as a prison but today it houses Palma’s History Museum containing artefacts and pottery from the Talayotic, Roman, Arab and Spanish periods. After lunch on board the afternoon is at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
Day 9 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. A morning island drive will include the mysterious rock mounds (talayots) and megalithic stone monuments which were erected some 4000 years ago. We will continue 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. After lunch on board you can enjoy a few hours exploring the pretty harbour town of Mahon independently before we sail this evening.
Day 10 Porto Torres for Alghero, Sardinia, Italy.
Arrive in Sardinia and the port of Porto Torres over lunch. An afternoon 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. We will continue to the Medieval city of Alghero, which was colonised by the Catalans in the 14th century and 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 11 Bastia, Corsica, France.
Situated in the north 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 by 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. After lunch on board you can choose to either spend some free time in Bastia or alternatively 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 enjoy a coffee in one of the waterfront cafes whilst watching the yachts in the marina.
Day 12 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 will 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. We will tour the estate’s interesting cellar and learn how the wine is handled and produced before we enjoy a delicious sampling of the local wine in the estate’s garden, which faces the sea. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Portoferraio.
Day 13 Rome to London.
Disembark this morning in the port of Civitavecchia and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
| 9 to 21 September 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £8495 | £7995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £8795 | £8295 |
| Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £8995 | £8495 |
| Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £9495 | £8995 |
| Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £10495 | £9995 |
| Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £10995 | £10495 |
| Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £11495 | £10995 |
| Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £10495 | £9995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £10995 | £10495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHSK090928
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 & 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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Rear Admiral John Lippiett
John Lippiett had a 36 year career in the Royal Navy, serving in a large number of ships from aircraft carriers to minesweepers and deployed to all of the world’s operational theatres. He was second-in-command of the frigate HMS Ambuscade throughout the Falklands War, and his book “War and Peas; Intimate letters from the Falklands War” was broadcast on BBC’s Today programme for the 25th anniversary. John commanded three ships, a Frigate Squadron, and then the School of Maritime Warfare. On promotion to Rear Admiral, he flew his Flag at sea as Flag Officer Sea Training before serving in Naples as Chief of Staff of the NATO maritime forces in the Mediterranean. His final posting was as the Commandant of the Joint Services Command and Staff College. John retired and for nearly 13 years was the Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust, during which time he led the project to build the award-winning new museum and ensure Henry VIII’s flagship is conserved and displayed for future generations. John retired from the Mary Rose Trust in 2016 and spends much time back at sea as a speaker on maritime history - and this time with his wife Jenny. He much enjoys telling the stories both of exploration, often using old maps, and of naval ventures that have taken place on the world’s oceans over the last two thousand years.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Portugal prior to embarking the MS Hebridean Sky we are offering a two night hotel stay based in the city of Braga.
Bom Jesus do Monte Monastery
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Braga, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight to Oporto. On arrival transfer to our hotel in Braga and enjoy some free time before we meet for dinner this evening. (D)
Day 2 Braga.
The beautiful city of Braga in the heart of the verdant Minho region is also known as Portuguese Rome because of its wealth of religious architecture, historical buildings, monuments, gardens and fountains. During our morning tour we will visit the most famous, Bom Jesus do Monte, which has stunning views over the historic city. Continue with a walking tour through the town’s historic old centre and ancient narrow lanes including a visit to Portugal’s first cathedral. We will have lunch before returning to the hotel and the remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax or explore further at your own pace. (B, L)
Day 3 Oporto.
Check out this morning as we drive to Oporto, Portugal’s second largest city and a World Heritage Site. We will drive through its narrow streets to find 16th century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and chapels, as well as the city’s iconic 19th century iron bridge, built by the school of Gustav Eiffel. See the city’s cathedral, located on the top of Penaventosa Hill with an amazing view over the river before some free time to stroll and explore the riverfront promenade of Cais da Ribeira with its pastel buildings, restaurants and buzzing atmosphere. After lunch we will transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
7 to 9 September 2028 Category Price Twin £795 Single £995 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), local beer, wine & soft drinks with included meals, tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
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A voyage from Bilbao to Valencia aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
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Wonders of the Ancient World
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Ancient Wonders of the Classical World
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000







