fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Voyage to Valletta – A Journey Along the Balkan Coast from Venice to Valletta

Voyage to Valletta – A Journey Along the Balkan Coast from Venice to Valletta

From GBP £8,495

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

During this unique voyage aboard the 118-passenger MS Hebridean Sky we will sail from Venice to Valletta visiting Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Italy, cruising through turquoise waters, admiring the spectacular landscapes and visiting some of the region’s greatest sites along the way. Regular travellers to this part of the world will know that autumn is one of the loveliest times of year in the region with crowd-free sites and ideal weather for touring.
After an overnight stay and full day to explore the delights of Venice, we will sail south along the stunningly beautiful Adriatic Coast where even the most jaded of travellers cannot fail to be won over by the intense blue sea and timeless quality of the towns. Our visits ashore include a day in Slovenia where we visit the pretty town of Piran, Croatia’s beautiful Istrian coast, including quiet and unspoilt spots such as Rovinj and Mali Losinj island, and the enchanting city of Dubrovnik. A highlight for many will be our arrival in the 14th century walled fortress town of Kotor in Montenegro which is fronted by a sublime bay and surrounded by limestone cliffs. We also spend time in Albania which, often overlooked, is full of treasures and our visits will include the vibrant city of Tirana and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. Crossing to the heel of Italy, we will discover Puglia’s beautiful city of Lecce with its splendid Baroque architecture and, after a relaxing day at sea we reach the fascinating island of Sicily where our last day will be spent exploring beautiful Syracuse and the ancient Doric Temple of Apollo.
This is a journey very much for the connoisseur of romantic landscapes and ancient history and will be particularly enjoyable as our trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore in small groups with our Guest Speaker and local guides who will add immeasurably to our knowledge of the region. All will be achieved with great ease from the comfort of the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky which has the advantage of being able to access many of the region’s ports which the big ships simply cannot.

Trip Name
Voyage to Valletta - A Journey Along the Balkan Coast from Venice to Valletta
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three elegant sister ships—alongside the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky—renowned for their small size, comfort, and service. Built in the same Italian shipyard, this refined vessel underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment in 2016, enhancing its private yacht-like atmosphere. SuitesThe ship offers 59 spacious, outside-facing suites over five decks, with 14 featuring private balconies. Each suite includes a sitting area, en-suite bathroom with rainfall shower, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, dressing table, Molton Brown toiletries, robes, slippers, and individually controlled climate settings. Beds can be configured as twins or doubles, except in suites 601 and 602. The luxurious Hebridean Suite includes a large balcony, sitting room, and complimentary minibar and laundry. Public AreasPublic spaces include a panoramic lounge for talks and briefings, The Club bar with live piano music, a library with books and games, and ample outdoor deck space including a wildlife observation area. A lift serves all decks, and there is a small hair salon and an onboard doctor. Complimentary satellite Wi-Fi is available, though signal strength may vary. DiningMeals are served in a single sitting in the elegant dining room or al fresco on the Lido Deck. Cuisine is fresh and varied, often featuring local produce. Enjoy daily afternoon tea, pre-dinner canapés, and wines with lunch and dinner. Breakfast is buffet-style with cooked-to-order options. Barbecues and live cooking stations are also offered. Special diets can be accommodated with notice. ExperienceDesigned for those who prefer a quiet, enriching cruise, the Hebridean Sky offers a relaxed, yacht-like ambiance without large ship distractions. There’s no organised entertainment or dress codes—just thoughtful service, enriching lectures, and scenic cruising among like-minded travellers. Comfort & SafetyThe vessel is fitted with stabilisers, modern navigation systems, and safety equipment. Guests can visit the Bridge, view route information on suite TVs, and enjoy peace of mind with a fully equipped clinic on board.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Venice, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky for embarkation. Moor overnight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Venice.
From our central berth enjoy a free morning to explore at your own pace. In the early afternoon we will take a walking tour to discover the hidden corners of Venice. An off the beaten track itinerary takes us to the Church of San Giovanni in Bragora, where Antonio Vivaldi was baptised, the San Giorgio dei Greci Church and its secret courtyard, and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the city’s largest squares and Marco Polo’s House. After a walk to the Rialto area, we will make our way back to St Mark’s waterfront via Campo San Zaccaria and its beautiful church, before ending our tour at the Chiesa della Pieta, a former convent and orphanage and an authentic masterpiece of the 18th century by Giorgio Massari. The young orphans that stayed here were encouraged to study music and their most famous teacher was Antonio Vivaldi. It was here that he composed the Four Seasons and we have arranged for an exclusive private concert of Vivaldi themed music performed by a Venetian orchestra. It will be a thrilling experience to hear the music performed where it was created.
Day 3 - Day 3 Koper, Piran & Lipica, Slovenia.
Overnight we sail the short distance to Koper for a day in Slovenia. This morning we drive to Piran, one of the most photogenic cities in the Mediterranean. Influenced by the Venetian Republic, which left its mark on most Istrian towns, Piran has maintained the clustered Medieval structure of narrow winding streets, houses huddled close together and numerous squares and churches. Tartini Square is the gem found in the very centre of the city and named after the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore Koper at your own pace or alternatively drive to Lipica, the village giving its name to the Lipizzan horse breed. We will visit the Lipica Stud Farm, one of the very first farms to develop the Lipizzan breed in the 16th century, for a guided tour and a show to learn more about their majestic horses.
Day 4 - Day 4 Pula & Rovinj, Croatia.
Arrive in Croatia at the the tip of the Istrian Peninsula at the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On a walking tour we will discover one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres left in the world. The Arena, built in the 1st century AD was designed to host gladiatorial contests with seating for up to 20,000 spectators. This afternoon is free to explore at your own pace or alternatively join a tour to the atmospheric town of Rovinj where the houses inside the old town are small and lean into each other creating a unique atmosphere. Our guided walking tour will include the Franciscan Monastery, City Palace and the 17th century clock tower before we visit the town’s main landmark, St Euphemia Church, which is built on the top of a small hill. This Baroque building built in Venetian style was dedicated to the saint and martyr whose sarcophagus, according to a legend, was miraculously washed ashore somewhere around 800 AD.
Day 5 - Day 5 Mali Losinj.
Today we appreciate the benefits of our small ship as we cruise into Mali Losinj which sits at the foot of a protected harbour on the southeast coast of Losinj Island. It is the island’s mild climate and rich flora that give Mali Losinj its reputation as one of the most fragrant islands in Croatia. The morning is free to wander along the seafront of the old town which is lined with a string of imposing 19th century houses and villas or maybe visit the fascinating Museum of Apoxyomenos. Spend the afternoon at sea as we continue our journey south along the Croatian coastline.
Day 6 - Day 6 Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is a breathtaking sight and its many historic and cultural treasures have earned it the designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by the Romans in the 7th century, it eventually came under the influence of the Byzantine Empire, then Venice, Hungary and finally Turkey. This morning our local guides will lead us through the bustling old town taking in the beautiful civic buildings, the Rector’s Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries and the Sponza Palace. This afternoon is free to relax on board or explore independently. Maybe take a walk on the city walls or ride the cable car up Mount Srd for the wonderful views over the city.
Day 7 - Day 7 Kotor, Montenegro.
Be on deck this morning as we sail through the stunning fjord-like scenery into Kotor. On arrival we will take a morning walking tour to explore this Medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This really is an extraordinary place full of marvellous architecture and pretty town squares. Our tour will include the 12th century Cathedral of St Tryphon, the ancient town gates, the Maritime Museum and Romanesque churches including St Luke’s. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon to explore at your own pace. Those feeling active may wish to take the strenuous climb to the Castle of San Giovanni which offers wonderful views over the bay and town below. Please note that we may be at anchor today and if so will use local tenders to go ashore.
Day 8 - Day 8 Durres & Tirana, Albania.
Arrive in Albania at the coastal city of Durres which was colonised by the Greeks in 627 BC and still has the remains of a 15,000 seat amphitheatre, the second largest in the Balkans. This morning we will head inland to Tirana where we will see the fascinating nuclear bunker built by the dictator Enver Hoxha in the 1970s and only recently opened to the public. This underground building is packed with original artefacts from the communist period. Afterwards, continue walking through the city centre to see the mosque, Clock Tower and the “Bloku” area of the city. After lunch at a local farm, we return to Durres to visit the Medieval city and the Archaeological Museum before sailing late this evening.
Day 9 - Day 9 Sarande.
We continue our exploration of Albania in the southern port of Sarande from where we have a choice of excursions. Maybe visit the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a guided tour explore the ruins that feature the remains of many eras and cultures. From the Hellenistic period there are temples, the promenade and the 4th century BC theatre. From the Roman era are the public baths, gymnasium, and fountains. From the Byzantine era we see chapels and the large Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, whilst the Venetians are represented by a watchtower and a small castle with commanding views over the Straits of Corfu. Alternatively, drive inland to Gjirokastra, a charming hillside town which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its cobbled streets and fortified Ottoman houses have changed little over time. We will visit the interesting museum before time to explore the 17th century Ottoman Bazaar.
Day 10 - Day 10 Otranto & Lecce, Italy.
From our berth in Otranto we will drive to Lecce, often referred to as ‘The Florence of the South’ with its amazing collection of Baroque architecture. A guided walk will include a visit to the beautifully decorated Santa Croce Basilica and Piazza Duomo, considered one of the finest and most impressive squares in southern Italy. We return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon to explore Otranto independently, maybe walk the winding streets or along the seaside promenade. The highlight is the wonderful cathedral with its Medieval mosaic floor created by the monk, Pantaleone, between 1163 and 1165. You can also see the Chapel of the Dead which shows the bones and skulls of 813 martyrs killed by the invading Turks in 1480.
Day 11 - Day 11 At Sea.
Enjoy a day at sea with time to relax on deck or perhaps join a lecture in the lounge.
Day 12 - Day 12 Syracuse, Sicily.
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. On leaving the vessel we 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. We will continue to explore the island of Ortigia where we will find the Temple of Apollo, considered to be Sicily’s most ancient Doric temple and the Baroque Cathedral, erected over the remains of the Temple of Minerva. The afternoon is free to explore independently before we sail tonight.
Day 13 - Day 13 Malta to London.
Disembark this morning 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
09-10-202621-10-2026GBP £8,495Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
09-10-202621-10-2026GBP £8,795Byrd Deck Superior Suite
09-10-202621-10-2026GBP £8,995Mawson Deck Premium Suite
09-10-202621-10-2026GBP £9,495Mawson Deck Corner Suite
09-10-202621-10-2026GBP £9,995Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
09-10-202621-10-2026GBP £10,195Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
09-10-202621-10-2026GBP £10,495Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
09-10-202621-10-2026GBP £10,495Byrd Deck Superior Sole
09-10-202621-10-2026GBP £11,495Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite

Inclusions

    • Venice’s Vivaldi Concert: Experience an exclusive private performance of Vivaldi’s music in the historic Chiesa della Pieta, where the composer taught, after exploring hidden Venetian gems.
    • Dubrovnik’s UNESCO Old Town: Wander through the stunning medieval streets of this Croatian gem, visiting historic sites like the Rector’s Palace and Dominican Monastery.
    • Butrint’s Ancient Layers: Explore Albania’s UNESCO-listed Butrint, with its Hellenistic temples, Roman baths, and Byzantine basilicas, showcasing a rich tapestry of civilizations.

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Italy
More of activity:
Mediterranean Cruises