
Few regions of the Mediterranean can rival Sicily and Tunisia for the richness and variety of their ancient heritage. During this fascinating voyage we will discover some of the most magnificent sites from the Greeks and Phoenicians to the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans, all of which will be brought vividly back to life with the help of our knowledgeable Guest Speaker and local guides.
Setting sail from the historic port of Valletta, we begin with two days of exploration in Sicily, an endlessly fascinating island which lends itself beautifully to discovery by small ship with most points of interest located close to the sea. Here the Roman world will come vividly to life at the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale, renowned for its extraordinary mosaics, and at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a series of beautifully preserved Doric temples. Crossing to Tunisia, our explorations continue among the extraordinary remains of Roman North Africa. We will visit the Roman amphitheatre of El Djem and Carthage, with its Phoenician ruins, which later became an important Roman administrative centre. It is easy to imagine how daily life played out in Roman times in this great city which will transport you to another world and time. Returning to Sicily, we have five full days to further explore the island’s rich heritage with visits to the impressive ruins of the ancient city of Selinunte, the superbly preserved Greek temples of Segesta, Monreale Cathedral in Palermo, the stunning Greek theatre at Taormina and the timeless city of Syracuse.
We have timed our voyage for autumn when the temperatures are pleasant and agreeable for exploration and we have planned a choice of excursions in many ports, as well as ample time for independent exploration, allowing you to maximise your enjoyment at each destination. All this will be achieved with great ease aboard the MS Hebridean Sky and with just over 100 like-minded travellers, we are able to explore in a way that is impossible from aboard a large cruise vessel.
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 Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and embark. Sail this evening.
Day 2 Licata, Sicily, Italy.
From the port of Licata we travel inland to what is regarded as the finest Roman site in Sicily, the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale, which is located close to Piazza Armerina amidst wooded rolling countryside. This huge villa was built in the 3rd century and has some stunning floor mosaics. After our visit, our return drive will take us through the province of Caltanissetta, recognised today as one of the best winemaking regions in Italy thanks above all to its production of high quality red wines including Nero D’Avola. We will break our journey at one of the vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting over a Sicilian lunch before returning to the MS Hebridean Sky.
Day 3 Agrigento for Valley of the Temples.
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, 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 at leisure to explore Agrigento, and shuttle buses will run from the port to the town and the excellent archaeological museum which you can explore at leisure.
Day 4 Sousse for El Djem, Tunisia.
After a leisurely morning at sea we begin our exploration of Tunisia in the port of Sousse. This afternoon we will drive out of the city to the small village of El Djem. Here we will see the great Roman Amphitheatre, constructed between 230 and 238 CE by order of the Imperial official Gordian and built to accommodate 35,000 spectators. After our visit we will continue to the excellent museum with its collection of wellpreserved mosaics.
Days 5 & 6 Tunis for Carthage & Uthina.
We will spend the next two days exploring from our berth in Tunis. During our time here we will drive to the site of Carthage which, founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, became one of the most influential cities in the Mediterranean. This prosperity led to rivalry with Rome and it was during the Third Punic War, in 146 BC, that the Roman forces destroyed the city. Due to its strategic location the Romans rebuilt Carthage in the 1st century AD to become one of the most important cities in their empire. See the Phoenician remains of Tophet, the sanctuary of the gods Tanit and Baal as well as some interesting monuments from the Roman era including the baths and the amphitheatre. We also hope to explore the Bardo Museum which houses some renowned Roman mosaics from the archaeological sites of El Djem, Sousse and Dougga as well as artefacts and sculptures from Carthage. We will also travel inland to the ruins of ancient Uthina, one of the Roman Empire’s oldest cities in Africa. Here our guided walk will include the nearly fully restored Hadrian era amphitheatre which was dug into the hillside and could hold about 16,000 spectators, the grand Capitole, pinned down on one side by five partially reconstructed columns, and the baths of the Laberii, which take their name from an inscription found on a mosaic of Orpheus charming the animals, now in the Bardo Museum.
Day 7 Mazara del Vallo for Selinunte, Sicily, Italy.
We return to Sicily today and the city of Mazara del Vallo which was founded in the 9th century BC by the Phoenicians. The city was used as a strategic location for their trans- Mediterranean trading interests, before it became part of Magna Graecia when it served as a port for the nearby city of Selinunte. Arriving at lunchtime we spend the afternoon visiting the impressive remains of the ancient city of Selinunte. Once one of the most eminent cities of Magna Graecia, it was ransacked by the Carthaginians, led by Hannibal, who sent 100,000 soldiers to attack in 409 BC, massacring thousands of the inhabitants with the remainder taken into slavery. The city was destroyed and forgotten until 1823 when excavations began. Situated on a high plain overlooking the sea, it is a lovely place to walk and our guided tour will explore the Acropolis, the eastern temples and the ancient city.
Day 8 Trapani.
Trapani was the landing point for Peter of Aragon in 1282 to start the Spanish occupation of Sicily. This morning there will be the opportunity to travel inland to explore Segesta, one of the grandest Doric monuments to survive. See the unfinished temple dating from 424 BC as well as the theatre from where you can enjoy excellent views of the countryside and distant coastline. Alternatively, visit the fascinating salt pans that are located between Trapani and Marsala. This area, used by the Phoenicians who first understood how favourable the natural conditions were for salt extraction, is now a nature reserve, rich in colour thanks to the unique flora and fauna. We will visit the Museum of Salt before we continue to a nearby farmhouse which is dedicated to promoting Sicilian produce including olive oils and wines which we will sample before returning to the ship.
Day 9 Palermo.
Arrive this morning in the Sicilian capital of Palermo. After breakfast we will explore the city, famous for its jumbled and picturesque streets punctuated with ornate Baroque churches, domed Arab mosques and the glittering Byzantine mosaics that reveal a unique and diverse heritage. We will visit the impressive 12th century cathedral which houses the royal tombs of Henri VI and King Ruggiero. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon either enjoy some time to explore independently or join an excursion to Monreale Cathedral, said to be the most beautiful Norman Church in Italy, designed and completed by William the Good in 1174. With its thick walls and powerful towers, the exterior looks like an austere fortress yet it is the interior of this great cathedral which is its crowning glory. Here the large nave, with its side aisles and grey granite columns set off the exquisite Byzantine mosaics on the walls above the arches.
Day 10 Messina for Taormina or Tindari.
From the nearby port of Messina we will visit Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano. The town has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century and our guided tour will include walking the characteristic alleys before visiting the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja and the impressive Greek Theatre from where there are marvellous views over the town and coast. Alternatively, join an excursion to Tindari, a town which was founded by Syracusan merchants during the war against Carthage in 396 BC. The ruins of the ancient city are relatively well preserved and the structure that impresses above all others is the 4th century Greek Theatre which is a marvel of acoustic engineering. However, the foremost attraction is the Sanctuary of the Madonna Nera containing the sculpture of the Virgin and Child in citron wood, which is said to have reached Tindari in an attempt by the faithful to keep it safe from the 8th century Byzantine Iconoclast movement.
Day 11 Syracuse & Noto.
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. This morning you may wish to 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. Alternatively visit the Baroque town of Noto, a picturesque city built in 1703 and located on the terraced slopes of Mount Iblei among olive groves and almond trees. A guided walk along the central streets will reveal the 18th century Palazzo Ducezio and some Baroque churches. After lunch on board the afternoon is at leisure to explore the island of Ortigia at your own pace before we sail this evening.
Day 12 Valletta, Malta to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
| 31 October to 11 November 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £8295 | £7795 |
| Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £8495 | £7995 |
| Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £8795 | £8295 |
| Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £9295 | £8795 |
| Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £9995 | £9495 |
| Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £10495 | £9995 |
| Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £11495 | £10995 |
| Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £10295 | £9795 |
| Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £10495 | £9995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS311028
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 11 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.
Hebridean Sky Video Tour
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend more time in Malta before embarking the MS Hebridean Sky, we are offering a two night hotel stay which inclues a guided tour in both 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’ which was 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. The remainder of the day and evening is free for independent exploration. (B)
Day 3 Valletta.
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
29 to 31 October 2028 Category Price Twin £895 Single £1295 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), local beer, wine and soft drinks with included meals, 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







