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Glorious Gardens & Cities of the Atlantic Edge – Cruise from Casablanca to Portsmouth

Glorious Gardens & Cities of the Atlantic Edge – Cruise from Casablanca to Portsmouth

From GBP £5,295

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Description

Join us aboard the MS Hebridean Sky in Casablanca for this springtime voyage along the Atlantic coasts of Portugal and Spain before sailing across to the idyllic Isles of Scilly and Cornwall. Our journey combines historic cities, beautiful gardens and captivating coastal scenery with time to explore ashore as well as some time relaxing at sea. 
Setting sail from Casablanca, we have the joy of a relaxing day at sea before we arrive in Lisbon where you can visit the magnificent Fronteira Palace with its remarkable collection of seventeenth-century azulejos. Alternatively you may venture inland to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora, where Roman, Medieval and Renaissance monuments reflect more than two thousand years of history, before sampling the renowned wines of the Alentejo. Continuing north, we arrive in Oporto, famed for its riverside setting, Baroque architecture and centuries-old wine traditions. Next is the Spanish region of Galicia we will explore some of the region’s finest historic houses and gardens, sample local wines and visit the great pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela. After a busy few days of exploration, we have a relaxing day at sea before our call in the Isles of Scilly where we hope to visit traffic-free Tresco and its famous subtropical Abbey Gardens, as well as the small island community of St Martin’s. Our final call is the Cornish port of Falmouth from where we will visit the exotic woodland valley garden of Glendurgan before we sail along the River Fal and on to Portsmouth.
With the MS Hebridean Sky as our comfortable base and accompanied by just 100 or so fellow travellers, this voyage offers a wonderful mix of horticultural splendours, fascinating history, and the timeless beauty of the Atlantic coast at the most rewarding time of year.

Trip Name
Glorious Gardens & Cities of the Atlantic Edge - Cruise from Casablanca to Portsmouth
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is a beautifully appointed small ship, designed to offer an atmosphere of refined elegance and intimate comfort. With just 59 spacious suites, many featuring private balconies, she provides all guests with an outside view and a sense of relaxed luxury. Suites are finished in warm wood panelling and brass, with thoughtful details such as rainfall showers, dressing gowns, Noble Isle toiletries and flexible bed configurations. The public areas are equally welcoming, from the bright dining room and convivial Club bar to the well-stocked library and panoramic observation deck. A clinic with doctor, hairdressing facilities, a lift serving all decks and complimentary Wi-Fi ensure that every journey is made in comfort and ease. Life on board the MS Hebridean Sky is calm, sociable, and tailored to those who value discovery and relaxation over large-scale entertainment. Dining is a highlight, with talented chefs crafting exquisite à la carte menus often enhanced by fresh local produce, complemented by fine wines included with meals. Guests may enjoy al fresco meals on the Lido Deck, afternoon tea, or informal evenings with music in the lounge. Enrichment comes through fascinating lectures, daily briefings, and the company of like-minded travellers, while the warm and attentive service creates the feel of a private yacht or country house hotel. With her understated elegance, exceptional service, and focus on exploration, the Hebridean Sky offers a truly memorable and distinguished cruising experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Casablanca, Morocco.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 At Sea.
Spend the day on board as we cruise to Portugal.
Day 3 - Day 3 Lisbon, Portugal.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century and is a city famous for its majestic architecture, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Our guided morning tour will visit the beautiful Fronteira Palace located in the heart of the city. Built in 1670 the palace holds the largest collection of seventeenth-century ‘azulejos’ (Portuguese tiles) preserved in situ and is classified as a national monument. The palace is surrounded by a romantic garden with lush greenery, colourful flower beds and beautiful fountains, whilst at the Galeria das Artes we see an extraordinary tile decoration on the surrounding walls. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon to explore further at your own pace. Alternatively, there will be a full day tour to the Alentejo region. We will drive to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore the sights and Medieval history of this enchanting city during a walking tour. Evora is one of the oldest towns in the Alentejo region and we will see the well preserved Roman Temple, St Francisco Church and the Chapel of Bones before exploring the charming squares. Alentejo is a highly respected wine region traditionally producing red wines from the Tempranillo and Trincadeira grapes. We will enjoy lunch in a vineyard including a tasting before we return to the MS Hebridean Sky.
Day 4 - Day 4 Oporto.
After a leisurely morning at sea we will arrive in Oporto, Portugal’s second largest city and a World Heritage Site. On an afternoon tour we will drive through the city’s 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 a pupil 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. Alternatively, visit Quinta de Villar d’Allen, the last living example of the 19th century bourgeoisie properties near Oporto. The house has been the Allen family’s mansion for more than 180 years following the family’s involvement in the port and wine industry. We can view the historical artefacts in the house as well as exploring the tranquil gardens which feature several centenary trees and a collection of more than 600 camellias.
Day 5 - Day 5 Vilagarcia de Arousa, Spain.
Arrive in Galicia this morning from where we have a choice of excursions. There will be a half day tour to 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. Continue to Pazo de Ribadulla, dating from the 16th century and 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. Return to the vessel for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively enjoy a full day discovery of ‘Rias Baixas’ which translates as low estuaries. Visit the 15th century Pazo de Rubianes, one of the three official lordships in Spain. Visit the 11 hectare garden and a nearby cellar to learn about local wine production and enjoy a tasting. After a tapas lunch we will drive to El Grove and board a catamaran for a journey along the estuary towards the bateas, the floating docks used for mussel farming. Learn about the local industry before enjoying some freshly harvested mussels on the way back to the vessel.
Day 6 - Day 6 La Coruna for Santiago de Compostela.
From our berth in La Coruna our full day tour will 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 chance to hike a short section towards Santiago. Otherwise, we will 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 Romanesque 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 before returning to the ship. Alternatively you can join a morning tour of La Coruna which will include a drive along the promenade stopping at the Tower of Hercules. We will then explore the old city, passing by the convent of Santo Domingo, which contains a chapel dedicated to La Coruna’s patron ‘La Virgen del Rosario’, and the church of Santa Maria del Campo, built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Also see the churches of Santiago and Santa Barbara, Azcarraga Square and Maria Pita Square, where the town hall stands. We will return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
Day 7 - Day 7 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cross the Bay of Biscay and sail towards the English coast.
Day 8 - Day 8 Isles of Scilly, England.
Arrive this morning in the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago of five inhabited islands and around 140 uninhabited islets, located 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall. Our day will depend on weather and sea conditions. From our anchorage we will use the local tenders to visit traffic-free Tresco, walking along its idyllic lanes from the beach to the famous subtropical Abbey Gardens. Defying the Atlantic weather, this miracle of a garden is home to more than 20,000 species of plants from over 80 countries. Enjoy time to wander the paths, perhaps visit the Valhalla collection of ship figureheads recovered from ships wrecked on the islands, or relax in the café. Later we hope to visit the northernmost island of the group, St Martin’s, a small island community of just 120 residents. Enjoy time to explore independently, climb to one of the viewpoints for vistas over the islands and the offshore seal colonies or maybe visit the vineyard.
Day 9 - Day 9 Falmouth.
Over breakfast we sail into Cornwall and the historic port of Falmouth. A morning tour will head to Glendurgan for a tour of the subtropical woodland gardens created by the Fox family in the early 1800s. Three valleys can be explored at their springtime best with thousands of wildflowers carpeting the slopes amid displays of camellias and rhododendrons. Those who wish may stroll through the gardens to the hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River. Alternatively, spend the morning exploring Falmouth independently or perhaps take the local ferry to St Mawes and walk to the castle and charming chapel. In the early afternoon we will depart for a scenic cruise along the River Fal before continuing our journey to Portsmouth.
Day 10 - Day 10 Portsmouth.
Disembark this morning after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station and our departure London airport at a fixed time.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-05-202823-05-2028GBP £5,295Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
14-05-202823-05-2028GBP £5,295Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
14-05-202823-05-2028GBP £5,495Byrd Deck Superior Sole
14-05-202823-05-2028GBP £5,495Byrd Deck Superior Suite
14-05-202823-05-2028GBP £5,795Mawson Deck Premium Suite
14-05-202823-05-2028GBP £5,995Mawson Deck Corner Suite
14-05-202823-05-2028GBP £6,295Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
14-05-202823-05-2028GBP £6,595Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
14-05-202823-05-2028GBP £6,895Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite

Inclusions

    • Discover Portugal’s historic cities and wine regions – Explore Lisbon and Oporto, visit Fronteira Palace and historic Évora, and sample renowned Alentejo and Portuguese wines.
    • Experience Galicia’s gardens, culture and heritage – Visit magnificent historic estates and gardens, discover Rías Baixas wine country and explore Santiago de Compostela, the destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
    • Explore the Atlantic coast and Isles of Scilly – Visit traffic-free Tresco and its spectacular Abbey Gardens, discover St Martin’s and Falmouth, and explore Cornwall’s Glendurgan Garden in spring.

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