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Peregrine Travel Centre

Sailing South to Seville

Sailing South to Seville

From £5,595 GBP

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Description

Join us aboard the elegant MS Hebridean Sky for a voyage that will take us along the beautiful Brittany and Aquitaine coasts to Spain’s remarkable Galicia and then continue around Iberia and along the Guadalquivir River to Seville. Follow in the footsteps of early seamen who undertook this classic voyage as they traded between the Mediterranean and Europe’s northern realms. We will see the legacy of many civilisations and kingdoms as we visit the coastal regions and towns steeped in history. In the main we will give the large ports a wide berth, preferring to call into small islands and out of the way places. We have ensured our voyage is a wellbalanced itinerary incorporating guided excursions along with time for individual exploration as well as some day time sailing.

September is the perfect time to enjoy a cruise from the United Kingdom to France, Spain and Portugal. School holidays are over, the crowds have dispersed and the weather is cooling down, making it ideal for explorations ashore. Who could fail to be enchanted by the natural splendour of the coastal scenery, the fishing villages and picturesque harbours, or by the timeless beauty of Medieval Coimbra and Lisbon. Likewise who could not be impressed as they enter the modern world of Bilbao’s iconoclastic Guggenheim Museum to view some of the world’s greatest works of modern art and admire the splendid Moorish and Christian treasures of Seville

Trip Name
Sailing South to Seville
Days
13
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 - Portsmouth, UK.
Embark the MS Hebridean Sky in the afternoon and sail out in the evening past the historic docks and coastline of Portsmouth. Transfers will be provided from Portsmouth Harbour Railway station at a fixed time.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Guernsey & Herm, Channel Islands.
Arrive this morning on Guernsey, the ‘Island of Flowers’ and anchor off St Peter Port. There will be the option of a walking tour of St Peter Port including a visit to Castle Cornet, a 12th century battlement which guards the entrance to St Peter Port Harbour. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic drive during which we will see the beautiful coastline and beaches and also visit the Little Chapel, built in 1914 as a miniature version of the famous basilica at Lourdes and covered in fragments of shattered china. Over lunch we will sail the short distance to Herm, the smallest inhabited Channel Island and at just one and a half miles long and half a mile wide, perfect for exploring on foot. You will have free time to explore, perhaps take a stroll over to Shell or Belvoir Beach.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Ile de Batz & Roscoff, Brittany.
This morning we arrive in Roscoff, on the coast of Brittany with its impressive, granite Renaissance mansions built by wealthy merchants, and the beautifully restored Gothic Church. It was here that Mary Stuart landed en-route to join the French court. We will take a short ferry ride to the nearby charming Ile de Batz, a small traffic free island which at only three square miles, is a wonderful place to spend a morning. Wander at leisure or join us as we walk to the Jardin George Delaselle. This exotic garden was developed in 1897 and now contains more than 2500 different varieties of plants originating from as far afield as New Zealand and Chile as well as an excellent collection of palms. We return to MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and sail later in the afternoon allowing for some time to explore Roscoff at leisure.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Lorient and Belle Ile.
From the port of Lorient we travel the short distance to discover the Neolithic site at Carnac where unique rows of standing stones indicate civilisations dating back to 4,000BC. We also discover the charming harbour of Saint Goustan with its half-timbered buildings. Originally a fishing port on the shores of the River Loc’h, Benjamin Franklin landed here during a storm in December 1776. Enjoy some free time wandering the quays and picturesque streets. During lunch on board we sail the short distance to Belle Ile. Lying just off the coast of Morbihan, Belle Ile the largest of all Breton islands with a dramatic coastline comprising cliffs, creeks and beaches. We land at the small port of Le Palais for some time to explore the town at leisure, maybe visit the citadel which was stormed by British troops in 1761 as they took control of the island for two years. Alternatively enjoy time to wander through the streets of the town or stop for a coffee.
Day 5 - Day 5 - La Rochelle, France.
Explore the western shores of France with a call to the port of La Pallice from where we have a choice of morning activities. Maybe choose a tour to Ile de Re, the light and landscapes here have attracted artists over the centuries. After a sightseeing drive stop at the picturesque harbour town of St Martin de Re where there will be some time to explore at leisure. Alternatively drive inland and discover the splendid Chateau La Roche Courbon. Built in the 15th century, this fortified castle was transformed into a comfortable residence in the 17th century by Jean-Louis de Courbon. Inside the Chateau, there is a Louis XII room with painted beams, a kitchen typical of the local style and a guard’s room with vaulted roof and beautiful furniture. Outside, the double half turn stairs will lead you to the French styled gardens with terraces, flowerbeds, orchards, statues and an ornamental lake. During the afternoon enjoy some time at leisure to discover La Rochelle’s old town and the harbour before we sail this evening.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Bilbao, Spain.
Spend the morning relaxing on board and enjoy a talk by our Guest Speaker. We arrive at noon to discover Bilbao, the centre of the Basque Country, lying along the banks of the Nervion River. The Romans discovered iron ore here which paved the way for the region’s industrial heritage. We will drive inland to Artxanda viewpoint looking down across the river to Bilbao followed by a visit to the impressive Guggenheim Museum which includes an unparalleled collection of twentieth century art including Picasso, Cezanne, Kandinsky and Warhol. We will also enjoy a walk in the old quarter, a labyrinth of stone lanes filled with bars and restaurants before returning to the MS Hebridean Sky and sailing in the early evening.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Gijon & Oviedo.
Gijon is the largest city in Asturias and our base for exploring nearby Oviedo, the modern capital of the Asturias region. Oviedo is recognised as the most culturally significant and historically interesting city of the province with many buildings dating back to the 8th and 9th century when Asturias first developed as a kingdom. After a panoramic drive inland we begin a walking tour where we will see the Gothic San Salvador Cathedral before exploring the restored Old Town decorated with beautiful sculptures. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Gijon before sailing later in the evening.
Day 8 - Day 8 - At Sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we cruise around the coast of Galicia. Relax with a book from the Library and listen to enlightening talks from our Guest Speaker.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Figueira da Foz for Coimbra, Portugal.
Located at the mouth of the Modego River, Figueira da Foz is one of central Portugal’s prime beach resorts. However our reason for coming is actually inland and the nearby city of Coimbra, the Medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years, and the site of the country’s greatest university for the past five centuries. On a walking tour we will view the stunning buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries, including the Paço das Escolas (Royal Palace) and the Monastery of Santa Cruz before we head to the university with its 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. We will have lunch here and this afternoon you can choose to return to Figueira da Foz or stay in Coimbra for some free time.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Lisbon.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping areas with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city’s terraced hillsides. During a morning tour we will see the famous landmarks and places of interest such as the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery as well as the renowned Azulejo (Tile) Museum. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in this historic city.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Portimao.
This morning the MS Hebridean Sky arrives on the Algarve Coast at the fishing port of Portimao on the banks of the Arade River. During a morning call we head west to explore the more rugged Algarve and discover its place in history. We visit the historic town of Lagos, its sturdy Medieval walls testify to its importance as a 15th century ship building and trading post. We then head to wild headland of Cabo Sao Vicente, its 200 foot cliffs face the Atlantic waves and it lies at the extreme south western corner of Europe. At nearby Sagres, Henry the Navigator built his school of Navigation and it was from here that many sailors set out to discover the New World. Spend the afternoon on board as we approach the coast of Andalucia.
Day 12 - Day 12 - Seville, Spain.
Having sailed up the lower reaches of the Guadalquivir River in the early morning, we will disembark this morning in the centre of vibrant Seville and 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 in the afternoon continue our exploration of Seville with an orientation drive passing the Tobacco Factory, made famous in the opera ‘Carmen’, and also visit Casa de Pilatos, one of the finest civil palaces in Seville with magnificent patio and mudejar decoration. Later in the afternoon we will enjoy an exclusive, typical Andalucian flamenco show.
Day 13 - Day 13 - Seville to London.
Disembark and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-09-201830-09-2018£6,195Mawson Corner Suite
18-09-201830-09-2018£6,595Scott Deluxe Balcony Suite
18-09-201830-09-2018£5,595Amundsen Standard Suite
18-09-201830-09-2018£5,790Byrd Superior Suite
18-09-201830-09-2018£6,290Byrd Superior Sole
18-09-201830-09-2018£5,990Mawson Premuim Suite
18-09-201830-09-2018£5,990Amundsen Standard Sole
18-09-201830-09-2018£7,295Shackleton Hebridean Suite
18-09-201830-09-2018£6,795Shackleton Owner's Balcony Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore the small and charming islands off the coast of Brittany, Ile de Batz and Belle Ile as well as Guernsey & Herm
    • Visit the cities of Oviedo and Coimbra with their rich Medieval history
    • Explore the iconic cities of Lisbon and Seville
    • Admire distinctive architecture from Moorish Alcazar Palace, Manueline Jeronimos Monastery to 17th century French Chateau and the modern Guggenheim Museum
    • Enjoy an exclusive Flamenco performance

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