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 from Limassol to Istanbul with Guest Speaker Right Reverend Tim Stevens aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
The Lycians were definitely on to something when they set their empire on the peninsula nestled between Antalya and Fethiye. It is an astoundingly beautiful stretch of azure coastline backed by the luscious, forested hills. Whilst the Turquoise Coast may appear all sun-and-sea, join us aboard the 118-passenger MS Hebridean Sky and let us show you an alternative aspect of the region as we explore some of the most historic and scenically beautiful places in Turkey and Greece.
We begin our spring voyage in Limassol and from here head to Turkey where we will be captivated by ancient relics from the Roman and Byzantine eras. Discover the ancient cities of Perge and Xanthos, floating over the slopes, with the decorative tombs engraved into the cliffs at Myra. Sailing on, we will explore the Turkish Coast in some depth visiting charming ports, many of which are out of bounds to the big ships and where the laid back atmosphere will complement our small ship as we explore delightful towns. We also visit some truly wonderful sites such as Patmos where we will visit the grotto of St John, Ephesus, one of the most famous Graeco-Roman sites in the Mediterranean and Pergamon, one of the cultural capitals of antiquity and a city of endless fascination. Our enthralling voyage concludes in Istanbul, which since its first incarnation as the 7th century BC Greek colony of Byzantium has played an important role in the fortunes of the eastern Mediterranean, and a final day discovering the many wonders of the city makes for a fitting end to our journey.
Our itinerary represents small ship cruising at its best and is timed for April when the absence of high summer crowds will contribute towards making this a very memorable journey during which over 3,000 years of history can be viewed in relative peace. Every new day brings a different vista and whether you are interested in ancient history or simply enjoy cruising amongst beautiful scenery, this voyage has something to offer for everyone.
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 the MS Hebridean Sky for embarkation. Sail this evening.
Spend the morning at sea as we sail towards the Turkish coast arriving after lunch. This afternoon, choose to drive through the town, with views of the Taurus Mountains in the east, then along the beautiful Turkish Riviera towards the ancient city of Side which was one of the leading Pamphylian cities on the south coast of Anatolia. Visit the Grand Theatre, a perfect example of a Roman theatre built on vaults on flat land. Walk through the town, view the old harbour and see the remains of the Apollo Temple. Alternatively, spend the afternoon exploring the town of Alanya with its Medieval fort perched on a rocky peninsula.
Over breakfast we will arrive in Antalya from where we explore the principal Roman ruins along Turkey’s southern coast. We pass the modern city of Antalya en-route to the ancient city of Perge which dates back to 1000 BC and was founded by Mopsus and Calchas after their retreat from Troy. See the Basilica of Perge, which played an important role in the spread of Christianity, the 2nd century AD stadium, the baths complex and two magnificent round towers of the Greek Gate. We drive further east for a visit to Aspendos, whose amphitheatre built in the 2nd century AD is considered the best preserved in the Mediterranean. After lunch in a local restaurant continue to Antalya to visit the excellent Archaeological Museum or return to the ship.
From our anchorage in the Bay of Cayagzi we will use local boats to visit the ancient port of Myra, the former capital of Lycia and the departure point of Paul to Rome in 60 AD. Surrounded by orchards and miles of greenhouses stands a large, well-preserved Roman theatre backed by splendid Lycian cave-tombs with delicately carved façades. In the town of Myra, the birthplace of St Nicholas, we visit the 11th century Church of St Nicholas, only recently excavated, with its faded frescoes and beautiful mosaic floors. We will return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and the afternoon is free to relax on board or join a local boat excursion into Kekova Bay where the narrow island of Kekova forms a number of beautiful bays and indented waterways. Here we can view the half-submerged ruins of the ancient city of Simena. We will also land at the village of Kalekoy where a strenuous walk will take us up to the Lycian castle with sarcophagi overlooking the sea.
From the harbour at Fethiye, we travel to the southeast to discover the rich Lycian towns of the past. Drive along the Esme River to the ancient city of Xanthos, Lycia’s prominent capital city built on a great cliff overlooking the river. Xanthos boasts several significant ruins including the Nereid Monument, an exquisite Ionic building whose figured friezes are in the British Museum. Continue to Letoon, a city named after Leto, Mother Goddess of Lycians. We will see the ruins of the temples dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo and the amphitheatre. Enjoy a local lunch before visiting Patara, located amidst sand dunes and by a long sandy beach. The city was conquered by Alexander the Great and St Paul stopped here on his way to Rome in AD 60. It was also the birthplace of St Nicholas. See the Grand Theatre and the ruins of the temples. Please note that we may be at anchor today in which instance the vessel’s Zodiacs will be used for transport ashore.
After breakfast we will drive inland to Kaunos which was a city of ancient Caria and said to have been founded by Kaunos, son of Miletos and Kyane. Located at the foot of Mount Tarbelos, its acropolis was called Imbros and it exported highly prized figs chiefly to Rome. It was the home of the painter Protogenes and was a member of the Chrysaorian League. The ruins of the city are near Dalyan, on the right bank of the ancient Kalbis (Dalyan River) and include a theatre, a large rectangular building that may have been a temple, a Roman bath, a Byzantine church, and rock-hewn tombs. Accessible only by river, we will take local boats to the site. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky and spend a leisurely afternoon at sea.
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 a beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. From here we 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. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala.
Return to Turkey at Kusadasi, our base to explore 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. We will enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Kusadasi.
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. 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. Lunch today will be served ashore.
Arrive this morning into the port of Canakkale, our gateway for Troy. 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. Our tour follows the excavations made by Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who discovered Troy and ‘Priam’s Treasure’, the jewels that, Schliemann claimed, were worn by Helen of Troy. 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 on-site Troy Museum. This afternoon and evening we will cruise through the Dardanelles and into the Sea of Marmara.
Be on deck this morning as we cruise into Istanbul. We will 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. Since 1924 it has been preserved as a museum, and it is noted for its beautiful, shaded courtyards and elegant architecture. Return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace. Maybe visit the Hagia Sophia, 6th century Basilica Cistern or find a bargain at the Grand Bazaar.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
11 to 22 April 2025 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £7495 | £6995 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £7995 | £7495 |
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 | £11495 | £10995 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £8495 | £7995 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £8995 | £8495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS110425
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 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.
Tim Stevens read Classics and English at Cambridge. In 1968 he joined BOAC as a graduate trainee and entered the Foreign Office in 1972 working in the South Asian Dept until starting training for ordination in Oxford. He was a parish priest in East London and Essex before being appointed Archdeacon of West Ham, Bishop of Dunwich and eventually Bishop of Leicester where, from 1999 to 2015, he was heavily engaged in interfaith relations and a visiting professor in Church and Society at De Montfort University. Tim was chair of the Children’s Society between 2004 and 2010 and Convener of the Bishops in the House of Lords, between 2009 and 2015, where he spoke regularly on public policy issues especially on Welfare Reform and inter-faith relations. In 2015 he was responsible for planning and leading the events surrounding the re-interment of Richard lll in Leicester Cathedral. Tim is now on the global governance board of St John International and a trustee of the Woolf Institute in Cambridge which researches and supports understanding between Jews, Christians and Muslims.
If you would like to spend some time in Cyprus before your cruise, we are offering a two night stay in Limassol.
Day 1 London to Limassol, Cyprus.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure before we meet for dinner this evening. (D)
Day 2 Limassol.
This morning we drive to the Temple of Apollo, one of the main religious centres of ancient Cyprus. We will continue to the ruins of Kourion, a city built in 1200 BC. The most spectacular site at Kourion is the Greco-Roman Theatre which has been completely restored and is used today for open-air musical and theatrical performances. The remainder of the day is at leisure before we meet for dinner in the hotel this evening. (B, D)
Day 3 Paphos.
Leaving Limassol we make a brief stop at the most famous landmark in Cyprus - Aphrodite’s Rock. See Saint Neophytos Monastery and continue to Paphos where we will visit the 13th century Chrysopolitissa Church. Saint Paul visited Paphos in 45 AD in an attempt to convert the ruler of the time to Christianity. He was successful in his efforts, but not before being tied and whipped to an otherwise unremarkable lump of stone, the Pillar of Saint Paul which we will see during our visit. After lunch and some free time in Paphos, we continue to the archaeological park, known as the House of Dionysus to see the fabulously preserved mosaics which date back to the 2nd century AD and the Tombs of the Kings. Return to Limassol this afternoon to embark the MS Hebridean Sky. (B, L)
9 to 11 April 2025 | |
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Category | Price |
Twin | £795 |
Single | £895 |
Price Includes: Two nights accommodation in Limassol, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, tours as described, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000