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Passage to Andalucia – A Voyage from Oporto to Malaga

Passage to Andalucia – A Voyage from Oporto to Malaga

From GBP £4,095

Description

Join us aboard the wonderfully comfortable MS Hebridean Sky for this voyage from Oporto to Malaga which has been timed for September when just about everything is as perfect as it can be, from the comfortable temperatures to the relatively crowd free sites. Our six night voyage promises to be a relaxing and rewarding journey allowing you to immerse yourself in some of the cultural and historical gems of Portugal, Spain and Morocco. Although only six nights, we have ensured that the itinerary is well balanced incorporating guided excursions along with time for individual exploration as well as some day time sailing.
Our journey begins in Portugal where we will discover Coimbra which was the Medieval capital of Portugal for over 1000 years before sailing to the current capital of Lisbon, a beautiful coastal city with some stunning architecture. Following a leisurely day at sea we arrive into Spain and the vibrant city of Seville with its joyous and colourful riches including the fabulous Alcazar and La Giralda, one of the most famous monuments of Moorish architecture in Spain. Sailing the short distance south to Morocco, we spend a day in Tangier, Europe’s gateway to Africa where our exploration will include a visit to the newly created Donabo Gardens, a botanical oasis by the sea, and a guided walk around the atmospheric old town. Our final port is the charming Andaluican city of Malaga from where you can return to the UK or join our post-cruise extension.

Trip Name
Passage to Andalucia - A Voyage from Oporto to Malaga
Days
7
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 Oporto, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. Sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 Figueira da Foz for Coimbra.
Located at the mouth of the Modego River, Figueira da Foz is one of central Portugal’s prime beach resorts. However, the reason for our call is to visit the nearby city of Coimbra, the Medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years. On a walking tour we will view the stunning buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries before we head to the university which was recently appointed UNESCO status. Founded in the 13th century we will see the Chapel of Sao Miguel and the Joanine Library which houses over 300,000 works dating back to the 16th century. After a local lunch, you can choose to return to Figueira da Foz or remain in Coimbra to explore further independently.
Day 3 - Day 3 Lisbon or Alentejo.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marquis de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square. During our morning panoramic tour we will see the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower. Alternatively, a full day tour will visit the Alentejo region which will begin with a drive to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a walking tour will explore the sights and Medieval history of this enchanting city. 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 also a highly respected wine region traditionally growing 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 via the picturesque port of Setubal.
Day 4 - Day 4 At Sea.
Spend a leisurely day on board cruising. Maybe join our Guest Speaker in the lounge or find a spot on deck.
Day 5 - Day 5 Seville, Spain.
Having sailed up the lower reaches of the Guadalquivir River in the early morning to the vibrant city of Seville, we will enjoy a morning 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. We return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and the afternoon is at leisure to explore further at your own pace before we sail back down the Guadalquivir River in the early evening.
Day 6 - Day 6 Tangier, Morocco.
Arrive over breakfast in North Africa and the port of Tangier. A short drive will bring us to the Donabo Gardens located on the coast with wonderful sea views. Divided into ten sections we can explore the Moroccan garden that celebrates the tradition of tea, the maze of mints where multiple varieties blend their fragrances along the alleys, a rose garden thriving in the cool shade and a pollinator’s garden purposely designed to attract bees. Later we can explore the city where on a walking tour we will visit the Medina, enjoy the views from the Kasbah situated at the highest point of Tangier, and wander through the Grand Souk.
Day 7 - Day 7 Malaga, Spain to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 8 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 9 - Days 9 & 10 Funchal, Madeira.
We have two days on Madeira and will offer a choice of excursions including a visit to Monte, a charming village high in the hills overlooking Funchal. We will reach Monte by cable car experiencing wonderful views along the way and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. This garden collection has been enriched with plants from all over the world and about 100,000 plant species have been planted. The garden also features a collection of cycads (encephalartos) which, because of their age, are considered living fossils. We will also plan a visit to the Botanical Gardens. Situated in the grounds of a former private house, the gardens are host to a profusion of plants and flowers, from all parts of the world, which thrive in the island’s temperate climate. The active may wish to join a Levada walk. Levada are irrigation channels that were created by the Portuguese settlers in the 19th century, who painstakingly carved them out of the rock by hand. Designed to carry fresh water from the north to the drier southern regions of the island, they helped to create many of the lush landscapes that can be seen today. The walk will follow the course of ‘levadas’ for over three miles, seeing the verdant plants, mountain views and green farmland that cover Madeira. We will also dine ashore at a traditional restaurant and enjoy a performance by a local folklore group.
Day 10 - Day 11 Madeira to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-09-202517-09-2025GBP £4,095Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
11-09-202517-09-2025GBP £4,095Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
11-09-202517-09-2025GBP £4,195Byrd Deck Superior Suite
11-09-202517-09-2025GBP £4,195Byrd Deck Superior Sole
11-09-202517-09-2025GBP £4,295Mawson Deck Premium Suite
11-09-202517-09-2025GBP £4,395Mawson Deck Corner Suite
11-09-202517-09-2025GBP £4,795Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
11-09-202517-09-2025GBP £4,995Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
11-09-202517-09-2025GBP £5,295Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore Coimbra, Portugal, with its UNESCO-listed university and historic architecture.
    • Discover the stunning Alcazar Palace and Seville’s Gothic cathedral.
    • Experience the vibrant culture and scenic gardens of Tangier, Morocco.

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