fbpx

Passage from Southern Italy to Seville

Passage from Southern Italy to Seville

From £3,895 GBP

Description

Fly south to Naples for an overnight stay allowing us time to visit the remarkable site of Herculaneum before we embark the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky and sail west to Sardinia, an island of untouched beauty. We continue to the Balearic Islands of Menorca and Mallorca before reaching mainland Spain and the great naval port of Cartagena followed by a full day spent discovering the beautiful city of Cordoba from Malaga. Our exploration of Andalucia then continues with a three night stay in Seville, ample time for us to discover the city’s many riches including the breathtaking Alcázar Palace. We will also experience the local cuisine and an exclusive Flamenco performance and spend time in the picturesque town of Carmona.

Our voyage from Naples to Andalucia will be particularly enjoyable as it includes some day time sailing, allowing for time to relax on deck and attend the informative lectures by our knowledgeable guest speaker who, along with our excellent local guides will bring to life all we see.

Trip Name
Passage from Southern Italy to Seville
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 110 Built: 1992 - newly re-launched 2016 The Hebridean Sky (formerly the Sea Explorer) underwent a 6.5 million dollar refurbishment. Always  known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie, the Hebridean Sky continues that tradition adding a host of new amenities as well as state of the art stabilization, fuel efficiency, and upgraded communications systems. Its all-suite accommodations and increased adventure options make the Hebridean Sky the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration. SPACIOUS SUITES Hebridean Sky is an all-suite yacht accommodating up to 110 guests. Built in 1992, refurbished 2014 and again in 2016, each suite features: • 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 In adition Promenade, Deluxe, Veranda & Penthouse Suites include: • En suite Champagne & Chocolates on Arrival • Complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks) • $100 per person Gift Shop credit • En suite Nespresso machine Penthouse Suites (325 sq.ft.) and Veranda Suites (260 sq.ft.) feature private balconies. ONBOARD DINING 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. SERVICES • World-Class Cuisine • Complimentary Wine 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 • Boot Room • Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities • DVD Movie Library Deck plans may very depending on the ship operator.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Naples, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to our central hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Naples & Herculaneum.
After breakfast in the hotel we will enjoy a leisurely morning to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore Naples independently. In the late morning we will check out and enjoy a Neapolitan lunch before continuing for a tour to nearby Herculaneum. This wealthy Roman town was completely submerged by volcanic mud following the AD79 eruption of Vesuvius. Since its rediscovery in 1709, excavations have revealed beautiful public baths, villas and gardens of noble families decorated with murals and floor mosaics, and the remains of a theatre. Later this afternoon we return to Naples and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky where we will enjoy a welcome drink and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Olbia, Sardinia.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Sardinia. From our berth in Olbia there is the option to travel to La Maddalena by local boats from the port of Palau and spend the afternoon exploring this pretty island well off the beaten tourist track. In 1789 Napoleon, then a young artillery commander, was thwarted in his attempt to take the Maddalena archipelago by local Sardinian forces and in 1803 Lord Nelson arrived. The superb anchorage at La Maddalena was used by Nelson to shelter his fleet during the long blockade of Toulon from 1803 to 1805. In recognition of the kindness shown by the islanders Nelson gave some silver candle holders and a crucifix which can still be seen today in the church. Alternatively, enjoy time at leisure to explore Olbia, a fetching city whose historic centre is full of boutiques, wine bars and café-rimmed piazzas.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Alghero.
The Medieval city of Alghero was colonised by the Catalans in the 14th century and even today there is a strong Catalan identity throughout the town which is often referred to as “Barceloneta”. This attractive port will be our base for a day of exploration in the region. This morning we take a panoramic drive to Nuraghe Palmavera and the main tower of the Nuraghe, which still has its dome shaped ceiling and dates back to 1100 years B.C. The complex, which was abandoned in the 5th century B.C. due to fire, shows the different phases of social life and political organisation of the tribal community. We return to the ship for lunch on board, taking a panoramic drive past Capo Caccia en route. This afternoon is free to explore the town independently, enjoy walking through the medieval streets along the cobblestoned alleyways or along the city walls, visit the archaeological museum or simply relax in a café.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Mahon, Menorca.
Most northerly of the Balearics and the least dedicated to tourism, the island of Menorca offers a pastoral countryside, historic towns and superb beaches. During our guided tour we will see the mysterious rock mounds (talayots) and megalithic stone monuments which were erected some 4000 years ago. Stroll the streets of aristocratic Ciudadela, the architectural showpiece of Menorca, and see the 18th century buildings in the island’s capital of Mahon that were built during the British occupation. At the height of British Naval superiority in the Mediterranean, the island of Menorca featured strongly resulting in its capture on a number of occasions in the late 18th century. It is an excellent example of an English 18th century dockyard.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Palma, Mallorca.
The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians when it was under control of Carthage, the principal city at that time, before flourishing under Roman rule. From our berth in Palma we will take the beautifully maintained vintage train that connects Palma with the pretty town of Soller on the island’s west coast. Whilst onboard we enjoy splendid mountain views of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the course of just seven kilometres the railway rises 199 metres and runs through thirteen tunnels and crosses several bridges. We will enjoy some time to explore Soller and have lunch before returning to our ship in Palma this afternoon.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Cartagena, Spain.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Spain’s main naval port of Cartagena. We will enter the deep natural harbour through two fortified rocky headlands for an afternoon of exploration in this historic city that dates back to the Phoenicians. The city walls remained intact until the 20th century, creating a dense historic centre. Take the lift or walk up to Concepcio Castle for amazing views of the city and harbour, view the Roman amphitheatre and the archaeological site of Molinete, where work continues to uncover the Roman city, and later enjoy a stroll along the treelined harbour promenade before we return to the MS Hebridean Sky.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Malaga, Cordoba and Seville.
We disembark this morning in Malaga for a full day tour of Cordoba, a beautiful city that demonstrates a past where Jewish, Christian and Muslims peacefully coexisted and left a beautiful legacy of architecture to be appreciated for centuries to come. It was the Romans who founded Cordoba, due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point on the river however Cordoba’s heyday occurred when it became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of Al Andalus. They began the construction of the Grand Mosque, or Mezquita, which became one of the largest in the world. When the city was reconquered by the Christians they were so impressed by the beauty of the mosque that, rather than demolish it they simply built a cathedral inside it. We will also visit the Jewish Quarter including a visit to the Mudejar Synagogue before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant. In the early afternoon we will visit the Royal Stables, created in 1570 by King Philip II and where they bred the Andalusian horses, before ending the day in Seville where we check into our hotel for a three night stay.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Seville.
On our morning excursion we will see one of Seville’s greatest monuments, the Alcazar with its exotic terraced garden. Built by the Moors in the 14th century, it is still used as a residence by the King of Spain. We will also see the Christian Cathedral, reputed to be the largest Gothic style church in the world. Here we will find the 138 foot high central nave and fine gothic carvings in the altar. This afternoon will be at leisure and you may wish to take in the atmosphere of this historic town and explore the maze of cobble streets which was once the Jewish Quarter of the city. This evening we will enjoy an exclusive Flamenco performance at the Museo del Baile Flamenco and a visit of the museum before dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Seville & Carmona.
Located on a low hill overlooking a fertile plain only 30 kilometers from Seville, Carmona is a picturesque, small town with a magnificent 15th century tower built in imitation of Seville’s Giralda. Not surprisingly given its proximity, Carmona, once an important Roman city, shares a similar history with Seville. The architectural and sculptural remains of this period are of great importance, especially the impressive Roman Necrópolis of Carmona from where we will start today’s excursion. It 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. Some of the larger tombs have vestibules with stone benches for funeral banquets and several retain carved family emblems. Opposite is a partly excavated amphitheatre. We then proceed to Carmona for a walk through this enchanting village and lunch at Parador de Carmona before returning to Seville for an afternoon at leisure. This evening is free to enjoy dinner independently at one of the many restaurants in Seville.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Seville to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-10-201711-10-2017£6,495Byrd Superior Sole
01-10-201711-10-2017£5,995Amundsen Standard Sole
01-10-201711-10-2017£5,695Shackleton Owner's Balcony Suite
01-10-201711-10-2017£6,695Shackleton Hebridean Suite
01-10-201711-10-2017£3,895Amundsen Standard Suite
01-10-201711-10-2017£4,095Byrd Superior Suite
01-10-201711-10-2017£4,395Mawson Premuim Suite
01-10-201711-10-2017£4,895Mawson Corner Suite
01-10-201711-10-2017£5,395Scott Deluxe Balcony Suite

Inclusions

    • Travel to La Maddalena by local boats from the port of Palau and spend the afternoon exploring this pretty island well off the beaten tourist track.
    • Explore the island of Menorca that offers a pastoral countryside, historic towns and superb beaches.
    • Enjoy splendid mountain views of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Enjoy a full day tour of Cordoba, a beautiful city that demonstrates a past where Jewish, Christian and Muslims peacefully coexisted and left a beautiful legacy of architecture to be appreciated for centuries to come.
    • See one of Seville’s greatest monuments, the Alcazar with its exotic terraced garden.

Map