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European Coastal Expedition by Small Ship

European Coastal Expedition by Small Ship

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Description

A once in a lifetime epic voyage starting in the Beautiful Icelandic north sailing down through the British isles and rounding the Iberian peninsula. Once bursting into the Mediterranean, experience the sights, smells and culture before venturing further on into the Adriatic. From here, be immersed in the classical world and it’s delights ahead of a departure in the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul, formally Constantinople.

Trip Name
European Coastal Expedition by Small Ship
Days
79
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 114 (in 57 suites) Built: 1991 / refurbished 2012 The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows. If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 1-12 Iceland & the Faroe Islands
IcelandArrive in Reykjavik and board your Small Ship the MS Caledonian Sky for an exploration of spectacular Iceland over the coming days. Cross the Arctic Circle and sail past a seemingly endless expanse of glaciers, disembarking to explore by Zodiac with your knowledgeable Expedition Team and then visiting the epic Goðafoss Waterfall. The Mývatn Nature Baths will open exclusively for you for a revitalising morning of relaxation. Later, see the breathtaking Snæfellsjökull, which in English translates to “snow mountain glacier”.Faroe IslandsFarewell the rugged coast of Iceland and follow in the wake of the Viking explorers as you plot a course for the Faroe Islands, Outer Hebrides and the isolated Scottish archipelago of St Kilda. Learn the fascinating Viking history of Kirkjubour, then board local boats in Vestmanna to explore vertical cliffs that rise 500 metres from the North Atlantic to create a refuge for thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and fulmars. Continue your journey through the Outer Hebrides and discover the Scottish Stonehenge at Callanish Standing Stones, before visiting the uninhabited archipelago of St Kilda.
Day 2 - Days 13-20 The British Isles
Visit the Isle of Mull and disembark the ship to venture out onboard a Zodiac with an Expedition Leader to Fingal’s Cave. Here you’ll witness the impressive basalt pillars and awe-inspiring acoustics. Later, make landfall at the Northern Ireland port of Londonderry and visit the nearby Giants Causeway, another spectacular geological feature that mirrors its Scottish cousin. Learn of the turbulent history of Belfast before setting sail across the Irish Sea for the Isle of Man and on to the most southerly point in England, the beautiful Isles of Scilly, which feels a world away from the mainland. Call on the port of Plymouth before crossing the iconic English Channel.
Day 3 - Days 21-33 Channel Crossing & Coastal France & Iberian Peninsula
English ChannelOver the next three days we will visit the Normandy Beaches and learn of the D-Day landings, as well as the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey, where you can explore the rich history of the region. Taste the St Malo oysters, or visit the island of Mont Saint-Michel for a walk up the steep path to the abbey high on this rocky islet. Get a taste for Bordeaux on a panoramic tour, then indulge deeper on an overnight stay in the heart of this renowned French wine region.Basque CountryBack on board your Small Ship set sail for the northern coast of Spain where a stop in Bilbao will introduce you to vibrant art, mouth-watering food and colourful culture for which Spain is known. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is sure to impress.Iberian PeninsulaTurning southward after passing another place of pilgrimage, Cape Finisterre, your journey enters the coastal waters of Portugal where colourful Porto and Lisbon await. Visit a Portuguese family estate in the Douro Valley for wine tasting and enjoy lunch in picturesque Porto, before riding a colourful tramcar along the steep streets of Lisbon.
Day 4 - Days 34-43 Portugal, Spain & Morocco
Portugal, Spain & MoroccoYour final port of call in Portugal is the Algarve region’s capital Faro, where you can try the spicy local dish of piri piri. Onwards, the Spanish cities of Seville and Cadiz await to be explored. When your ship sails into the Guadalquivir River to dock overnight in the heart of Seville, you’ll enjoy a memorable experience unavailable to cruise passengers on larger ships. Your discovery of the Moorish history and culture of this region continues as you make landfall on the African continent in the Moroccan city of Tangier.Gibraltar & GranadaCross back over the Strait of Gibraltar to explore the uniquely British continental territory of Gibraltar, and uncover the secrets held within its famous Rock. Travel to Granada, where you’ll enjoy a visit to Spain’s most impressive Moorish castle, Alhambra Palace.Cartagena & ValenciaSail into Cartagena and visit the magnificent Roman Theatre Museum. Discover this historic port city with help from your knowledgeable Expedition Team, then continue to Valencia where modern architecture meets mouth-watering local cuisine. Be sure to sample the world-famous rice dish, paella, in its birthplace.BarcelonaStop off in Port De Soller on the island of Majorca in the Balearic Islands archipelago to explore before making landfall in Barcelona, famous for the flamboyant architecture and art of Antoni Gaudi. Experience Gaudi’s creations including Park Güell and the Sagrada Família.
Day 5 - Days 44-49 Southern France & French Riviera
Your ship will stop along the French Riviera in Sète for a visit to Montpellier, in Marseille for Aix-en-Provence, and in Nice for glitzy Monte Carlo. Discover the natural island wonderland of Corsica before leaving France behind and setting sail for the Italian port of Livorno, on the coast of Tuscany.
Day 6 - Days 50-60 Mediterranean
As you continue your cruise through the Mediterranean visit the intoxicating islands of Elba and Sardinia before a stopoff in the city of Tunis, capital of Tunisia. Your journey continues onwards to the island of Malta, where palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters await. On nearby Sicily natural wonders and ancient treasures will be revealed on an in-depth guided exploration, and learn of the losses suffered by the Royal Australian Navy at Syracuse during World War II. Later, cross the Ionian Sea to the iconic ancient fortified port of Dubrovnik.
Day 7 - 61-69 Adriatic and the Aegean
Adriatic CoastEnter Montenegro’s impressive Bay of Kotor and later wander through the cobblestone streets or climb the city’s ancient walls. Set a course for the nearby Adriatic port city of Durres in Albania. Perhaps explore the medieval city or choose to travel to the capital Tirana for an excursion.Ionian Islands & Corinth CanalThe Ionian islands of Corfu and Ithaca await your exploration on this coastal odyssey as you cruise towards the Corinth Canal. Before taking this famous seafaring shortcut make landfall at Katakolon and visit the ancient birthplace of the Olympic Games and enjoy lunch on a small local farm.Aegean & AthensAfter navigating the Corinth Canal visit Nafplion the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Greece, before setting a course for the history-rich Greek capital of Athens.
Day 8 - Days 70-79 Greek Islands & Turkey
Greek Islands & TurkeyCriss-cross the Aegean Sea, visiting some of the most spectacular of the Greek Islands including Milos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Symi and Kos. On arrival in Turkey set down in Kusadasi and tour the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Stop off on the Greek island of Lesbos before crossing the Dardanelles. Your journey ends at the fabled crossroads of Europe and Asia in Istanbul.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • MS Caledonian Sky, Cruise aboard this intimate vessel and enjoy less time waiting to disembark and direct access to smaller ports and towns.
    • Your Expedition Team, Made up of experts from historians to naturalists, your expedition leader and team play a key role on every expedition.
    • All Inclusive Experience, Our prices cover everything as detailed, including transfers, port charges, gratuities, meals, beverages and sightseeing.

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