fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Voyage to Valletta with Island Sky

Voyage to Valletta with Island Sky

From GBP £6,195

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

Join us aboard the all suite MS Island Sky for this relaxing and informative voyage exploring the Mediterranean and all its wonders as we cruise to some of the most fascinating sites of the ancient world along with idyllic villages and coastal ports. Our intention has been to design a voyage as if it were to be undertaken on a small private sailing ship and there will be some daytime cruising allowing us to enjoy the magnificent views, as well as some late departures from port which afford the opportunity to take a stroll after dinner in some marvellous places that are particularly atmospheric in the evening.

Setting sail from Istanbul we will visit Turkey’s remarkable site of Troy before cruising through the turquoise waters of the Aegean and learning of the myths and legends which surround the enchanted islands. We have devised our itinerary to allow ample time to wander through whitewashed villages and picturesque harbours of some hidden Greek Island gems such as Nisyros and Tilos and we will discover the 11th century Monastery of Nea Moni on the island of Chios and spend time on Patmos where we will visit the grotto of St John. Ensure you are on deck as we transit the Corinth Canal which, whilst only built in the 19th century, was conceived as long ago as the 7th century BC, and visit a rich collection of archaeological, historical and beautiful sites in Sicily before sailing to our final port of Valletta.

This heady mix of islands and ports is certainly one of our most fascinating itineraries combining as it does some ‘must see’ sites together with little known places that are perfectly suited for our small ship. By the end of the voyage you will have seen and learnt so much and exploring in small groups with excellent guides, our trips ashore will be a pleasure.

Trip Name
Voyage to Valletta with Island Sky
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116  Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 Sister ship to Hebridean Sky. Island Sky and Hebridean Sky are truly sisters. Built in the same Italian Shipyard, both boast spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and redundant core technology that allows them to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging of conditions. Both ships are all-suite, all-inclusive small expedition vessels with touches of elegance throughout. The Island Sky is scheduled for additional upgrades in 2017, including the addition of tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on the Promenade Deck. Services: World-Class Cuisine Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner Live Entertainment Complimentary Coffee/Tea station Voyage Photographer On-board MD and Facilities Dedicated Passenger Service Manager Pre-voyage hotel night Complimentary Expedition Jacket Facilities: Elevator serving all passenger decks Upgraded WIFI Internet Library with computers Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities DVD Movie Library Tinted sliding glass doors in all cabins on the Promenade Deck World-Class Cuisine: Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. Accommodations: All Suites Feature: Exterior views Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds Sitting area with sofa and side chair Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player Telephone Independent temperature controls Mini-Bar Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries Hair dryer 220 square feet or more Sofa can be converted to bed for third person PLEASE NOTE - DECK PLANS CAN VARY.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Istanbul, Turkey.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Island Sky and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 Canakkale for Troy.
Arrive this morning into the port of Canakkale, our gateway for Troy. Ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed nine different layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the Plain of Ilium. It was at one of these cities, as legend has it, that the Greeks fought the Trojans as told by Homer in the Iliad. Our tour follows the excavations made by Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who discovered Troy and ‘Priam’s Treasure’, the jewels that, Schliemann claimed, were worn by Helen of Troy. We will walk the walls that held Helen of Troy and look down at the plain where Achilles dragged the dead body of Hector. We can also visit the on-site Troy Museum. Return to the ship for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 3 - Day 3 Chios, Greece.
The birthplace of Homer, Chios remained a significant Aegean island into the Byzantine period. Homer mentions the island by name several times in the Odyssey, calling it ‘paipaloessa’, or craggy, a richly deserved epithet. The island is rich in ancient ruins and this morning we will visit the 11th century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and this afternoon is free to explore the town of Chios independently or join a tour to the south of the island where we visit the beautifully preserved, 14th century fortress village of Mesta and the elaborately decorated houses of Pirgi enjoying time to wander through their maze-like streets.
Day 4 - Day 4 Patmos.
Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western and it was here that St John received his revelation. This morning we will make our way to the grotto of St John. This small cave, now converted into the beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. From here continue to the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches and climb to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Upon entering into the courtyard, admire the intricate pebbled laid floor, decorated arches and frescoes adorning the entrance to the chapel of Christodoulos. This afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a nearby beach.
Day 5 - Day 5 Nisyros & Tilos.
Arrive this morning at the small island of Nisyros. From the port of Mandraki you may wish to wander through the village and climb to the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani or visit the archaeological museum. Alternatively, join the drive to the Polyvotis Volcano named after the Titan imprisoned under the rock of Nisyros during the battle with the gods. Here we will learn more of the legends and have the chance to walk into the caldera. Over lunch we sail to timeless Tilos, this lovely island has still to find its way onto the pages of tour operator’s brochures and so retains its traditional atmosphere. See Livadia, a lively little town and Megalo Chorio, its tiny capital rich in Crusader castles. There is a beach nearby for those that prefer to have a swim.
Day 6 - Day 6 Syros.
After a morning at sea we arrive in the Cyclades and the island of Syros which was the largest cultural and trade centre of the Aegean in the 19th century and the capital Ermoupolis was Greece’s principal port. We take a walk in the town of Ermoupolis, the capital of the Cyclades. The prosperity of the island in the 19th and early 20th century created through commerce and shipping is reflected in the architecture with a beautiful square, town hall and theatre. Overlooking Ermoupoli stands the hill-top Ano Syros, the original Medieval district with narrow lanes and whitewashed houses.
Day 7 - Day 7 Nafplio & Epidaurus.
Looking out across the translucent water of the bay towards the Arcadian Mountains, Nafplio’s sheltered location below a rocky headland and large natural fortress crowned by a Venetian castle is perhaps unrivalled in Greece and this morning we will visit one of the most renowned of Greece’s ancient sites. Situated on the slopes of a beautiful and wooded valley, Epidaurus was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Dedicated to Aesclepius, the god of healing, the city was filled with curative spas and baths and only priests had access to certain secret sites. Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, with the exception of the astonishing theatre which is in an admirable state of preservation. Built into the ground, rather than above it, it is known for its fantastic acoustics, which we will observe during our visit. Return to Nafplio and enjoy time wandering the twisting labyrinthine streets, view the Venetian and Turkish architecture and maybe enjoy a predinner drink ashore.
Day 8 - Day 8 Corinth Canal & Delphi.
Be on deck this morning as we transit the Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893 and only 6.4 kilometres long and 21.5 metres wide, it is only small ships like ours which can now make this journey. In the early afternoon we arrive at our berth in Itea to visit the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity. The hillside ruins here are exceptional and we will explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, site of the sacred Delphic Oracle and walk along Delphi’s Sacred Way, visiting the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5000 seat theatre dating from the 4th century BC.
Day 9 - Day 9 Katakolon for Olympia.
Pastoral and lush, Olympia’s plentiful ruins are shaded by Aleppo pines and olive trees. The fame of Olympia rests upon the Olympic Games. During the celebrations that accompanied the Games, competitors, while not forgetting that they were Athenians, Spartans or from other city states, remembered that they were Greeks and regarded an Olympic victory as the highest honour. We will see the gymnasium, the stadium and the palestra or wrestling school. We will also explore the Altis, or sacred precinct of Zeus, which houses structures including the Temple of Zeus, one of the largest temples on the Greek mainland and the Archaeological Museum which houses some fine sculptures and artefacts from the site. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea as we sail to Sicily.
Day 10 - Day 10 Catania & Taormina, Sicily.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Sicily and the port of Catania. The architecture here is particularly impressive but a little forbidding being mainly constructed from black lava stone from Mount Etna. On an afternoon walking tour we will see the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, a World Heritage Site, St Agatha’s Cathedral and the imposing 13th century Castello Ursino. Alternatively drive up the coast to Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano. The town has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century and our guided tour will include walking the characteristic alleys before visiting the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja and the impressive Greek Theatre from where there are marvellous views over the town and coast.
Day 11 - Day 11 Syracuse.
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 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 meet this evening for a private concert in one of the town’s palazzos accompanied by local food and wine.
Day 12 - Day 12 Valletta, Malta to London.
Be on deck as we sail into the Grand Harbour of Valletta this morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-06-202326-06-2023GBP £6,195Magellan Deck Standard Suite
15-06-202326-06-2023GBP £6,495Columbus Deck Superior Suite
15-06-202326-06-2023GBP £6,695Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
15-06-202326-06-2023GBP £7,195Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
15-06-202326-06-2023GBP £7,595Magellan Deck Standard Single
15-06-202326-06-2023GBP £7,695Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
15-06-202326-06-2023GBP £7,795Columbus Deck Superior Single
15-06-202326-06-2023GBP £8,095Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
15-06-202326-06-2023GBP £9,095Explorer Deck Island Suite

Inclusions

    • Chios, Greece
    • Patmos
    • Nisyros & Tilos
    • Syros
    • Nafplio & Epidaurus
    • Corinth Canal & Delphi
    • Catania & Taormina, Sicily

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Turkey
More of activity:
Mediterranean Cruises