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Iberia & Islands of the Mediterranean – A Voyage from Oporto to Rome

Iberia & Islands of the Mediterranean – A Voyage from Oporto to Rome

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Description

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.

Trip Name
Iberia & Islands of the Mediterranean - A Voyage from Oporto to Rome
Days
13
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 Oporto, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and sail this evening.
Day 2 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Day 13 Rome to London.
Disembark this morning in the port of Civitavecchia and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-09-202821-09-2028GBP £0Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
09-09-202821-09-2028GBP £0Byrd Deck Superior Suite
09-09-202821-09-2028GBP £0Mawson Deck Premium Suite
09-09-202821-09-2028GBP £0Mawson Deck Corner Suite
09-09-202821-09-2028GBP £0Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
09-09-202821-09-2028GBP £0Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
09-09-202821-09-2028GBP £0Byrd Deck Superior Sole
09-09-202821-09-2028GBP £0Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
09-09-202821-09-2028GBP £0Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite

Inclusions

    • Discover the historic cities of Iberia – Explore ancient Cádiz, Moorish Seville and Gibraltar, with visits to historic monuments, palaces, cathedrals and the Roman necropolis of Carmona.
    • Explore the Mediterranean islands – Experience Mallorca and Menorca in the Balearics, discover Sardinia’s Catalan heritage and Nuragic ruins, and explore the historic towns and landscapes of Corsica and Elba.
    • Experience island culture, history and wine – Visit traditional towns, historic estates and vineyards, from Mallorca’s Valldemossa and Menorca’s prehistoric monuments to Corsica’s Patrimonio wine region and Napoleon’s former residence on Elba.

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