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 exploring the wonders of Spain and Portugal aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Our late summer voyage from Bilbao around the Iberian Peninsula to Gibraltar offers the opportunity to experience the wonderful wine and food of the area as well as to gain an insight into the region’s splendid architecture, natural wonders and fascinating history. It is difficult to imagine a better time than the month of September for our journey, just about everything is as perfect as it can be, from the comfortable temperatures to the relatively crowd free sites.
Beginning in the Basque Country, we enjoy an overnight stay in the charming city of Bilbao with its impressive Guggenheim Museum and wonderful old town. Setting sail aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, we continue to Spain’s Asturias region where on a full day tour we can discover the stunning Lakes of Covadonga or opt to explore Oviedo with its Medieval old town. Galicia is next, a unique region with its own distinctive culture where we will explore Santiago de Compostela, one of Spain’s most beautiful cities and some of the region’s beautiful pazos and gardens. Continuing to Portugal we have three days to discover Oporto’s vibrant Ribeira district, the beautifully preserved Medieval city of Guimares, the wonderfully atmospheric university city of Coimbra and finally the captivating capital of Lisbon.
Our fascinating itinerary incorporates visits to vineyards, Medieval towns and natural wonders as well as allowing time for individual exploration. In addition we have the pleasure of cruising aboard the 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 passengers, we are able to visit atmospheric ports and villages which the big ships cannot access.
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. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our central hotel for an overnight stay. After some time at leisure we meet for dinner this evening.
Our morning tour will explore Bilbao, the centre of the Basque Country, lying along the banks of the Nervion River. The Romans discovered iron ore here which paved the way for the region’s industrial heritage. We will drive to the Artxanda viewpoint looking down across the river to Bilbao followed by a visit to the impressive Guggenheim Museum which includes an unparalleled collection of twentieth century art including Picasso, Cezanne, Kandinsky and Warhol. We will also enjoy a walk in the old quarter, a labyrinth of stone lanes filled with bars and restaurants. After lunch we transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky moored in the city and sail this evening.
Gijon is the largest city in Asturias and our base for a day of discovery in the region. Choose from a full day at the lakes of Covadonga nestled in the Picos de Europa Mountains. Drive into the mountains where we will see the two glacial lakes of Covadonga: Lagos Enol and Lagos Ercina - the original centre of the Picos de Europa National Park. Marvel at the serene, mirrorlike waters before we continue to the beautiful pinkhued, twin-spired Basilica of Santa Maria la Real. Lunch will be served at the Parador of Cangas, before we return to Gijon. Alternatively, enjoy a morning in Oviedo, the modern capital of the Asturias region. Oviedo is recognised as the most culturally significant and historically interesting city of the province with many buildings dating back to the 8th and 9th century when Asturias first developed as a kingdom. After a panoramic drive inland, we begin a walking tour where we will see the Gothic San Salvador Cathedral before exploring the restored old town decorated with beautiful sculptures. Return to Gijon for lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
Today we visit Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia. The city’s cathedral is the destination of the important Medieval pilgrimage route, the Way of St James (in Spanish the ‘Camino de Santiago’), which is still walked today. For those keen to walk some of the route there will be the opportunity to hike a short section towards Santiago. Otherwise transfer directly to the site where we will visit the Conventual de San Francisco, the Faculty of Medicine and the world-famous Plaza del Obradoiro. Inside the cathedral, we will visit the Romanic crypt and see the facade of Platerias, the Quintana Plaza, House of Parra, the facade of Azabacheria and the facade of San Martin Pinario. Enjoy lunch at a parador and some free time before returning to the ship and sailing this evening.
From our berth in Vilagarcia de Arousa we spend the morning at some of the wonderful houses and gardens of the Galicia region. Visit the Pazo de Oca, a Baroque stately home known as the ‘Galician Versailles’ and ‘El Generalife of the north’ due to the beauty of its gardens. See Pazo de Ribadulla which dates from the 16th century and is set in a beautiful location on the shores of the Ulla Valley. The garden was developed by the Armada family in the 1870s and is today renowned for its outstanding collection of camellia trees, giant magnolias, olive trees and liriodendrons. Also see the 15th century Pazo de Rubianes where we find one of the three official lordships in Spain. Visit the 11 hectare garden before we visit the Pazo’s vineyards to learn about the local Albarino wine production and enjoy a tasting.
Arriving in Portugal we dock at Leixoes, the base for our day of activities around Oporto. You can choose to join the guided tour to Oporto including the impressive St Francis Church and the Ribeira before continuing to a local port wine cellar. Here we will be able to learn all about these wines and how they are produced before enjoying a tasting. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to explore independently. Alternatively, drive to Guimaraes, the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first independent King of Portugal. Guimaraes has beautifully preserved its illustrious past; its Medieval centre is a warren of lanes and picturesque plazas framed by 14th century edifices and on an adjacent hill stands the 1,000 year old castle and the palace built by the first duke of Braganca in the 15th century.
Located at the mouth of the Modego River, Figueira da Foz is one of central Portugal’s prime beach resorts. However, the reason for our call is to visit the nearby city of Coimbra, the Medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years. On a walking tour we will view the stunning buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries before we head to the university which was recently appointed UNESCO status. Founded in the 13th century we will see the Chapel of Sao Miguel and the Joanine Library which houses over 300,000 works dating back to the 16th century. After a local lunch, choose to return to Figueira da Foz or stay in Coimbra for some free time.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marquis de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square. During our morning panoramic tour we will see the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower, and visit the famous Jeronimos Monastery. Alternatively, leave Lisbon for a full day tour visiting a trio of traditional Portuguese towns including the walled town of Obidos where the cobbled streets and whitewashed houses are adorned with colourful blooms. The old fortress has been converted into a pousada, which affords wonderful views of the town and its surroundings. Continue to Nazare, the most colourful of Portuguese fishing villages. According to legend, the fishermen here are descendants of the Phoenicians, and old prints show that they once had to pull boats onto the beach with oxen. After lunch travel to Alcobaca, which was Portugal’s spiritual centre until the 18th century, and visit the 12th century monastery where the Baroque façade conceals an early Gothic interior.
Join our lecturer in the lounge or find a spot on deck as we spend a relaxing day at sea.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
11 to 20 September 2024 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £4995 | £4795 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £5195 | £4995 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £6995 | £6795 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS110924
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Bilbao with breakfast • Dinner on Day 1 • Eight 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 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.
Kate is a naval and maritime historian, with a particular focus on the long eighteenth century and maritime exploration. Her interest in the subject stems from a visit to HMS Victory as a child, and she has made the maritime world her focus in the years since. Kate has worked in the maritime security industry since graduating from the University of Plymouth in 2013, providing security teams, working in operations for a vessel-based armoury provider, and now in offshore renewables. She gained her master’s degree in History from the University of Exeter, with a dissertation focused on the social history of Master Gunners in the British, French, Danish, and Swedish navies of the eighteenth century. Kate has been elected to council for both The Society for Nautical Research and The 1805 Club. She regularly appears on podcasts and documentaries relating to naval and maritime history and has previously delivered lectures for several organisations, including the Royal Navy, US Naval Academy, Royal Air Force, and British Army. She has worked on projects for The Smithsonian Channel, Sky News, the BBC and Channel 4, and written for both The Telegraph and BBC History on everything from famous ships around the world, to the history of whaling.
Before embarking the MS Hebridean Sky we are offering the opportunity to join a three night extension in Bilbao including a full day excursion to San Sebastian, an afternoon visit to a vineyard as well as time to explore at leisure.
Day 1 London to Bilbao, Spain.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure before we meet for dinner tonight. (D)
Day 2 San Sebastian.
Today we drive along the coast to San Sebastian in the oyster-shaped bay of La Concha. We will see the modern part of the city including the Cathedral of the Buen Pastor and the Town Hall before we continue to the Old Quarter. We will take lunch in one of the local restaurants before returning to Bilbao this afternoon. (B, L)
Day 3 Biscay Vineyards.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before we meet for lunch and spend the afternoon at one of the vineyards located on the Bay of Biscay. Here the native grapes of the Basque region, Hondarrabi Zuri, are used to make the local Txakoli wines. We will have time to learn about the growing techniques and enjoy a tasting. (B, L)
Day 4 Bilbao.
Today is at leisure before meeting your fellow travellers arriving today for dinner (as per day 1 of main itinerary). (B, D)
8 to 11 September 2024 | |
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Category | Price |
Twin | £1195 |
Single | £1595 |
Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation in Bilbao, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), tours as described, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
If you would like to spend some time in Gibraltar after disembarking the MS Hebridean Sky we are offering the opportunity to enjoy a two night stay including a half day 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 an overnight stay. (B, L)
Day 2 Gibraltar.
Enjoy a day at leisure for independent exploration. (B)
Day 3 Gibraltar to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
20 to 22 September 2024 | |
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Category | Price |
Twin | £595 |
Single | £795 |
Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Gibraltar, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), half day tour, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
A voyage from Portsmouth to Vigo aboard the MS Island Sky combined with a three night stay in Santiago de Compostela with Guest Speaker the Right Reverend Tim Stevens
A voyage from Malaga to Nice aboard the MS Island Sky with Guest Speakers Brian Healy & Olga Verstage
Discover the history, gardens & wines of Iberia aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000