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September in the Mediterranean – Island Hopping from Gibraltar to Rome

September in the Mediterranean – Island Hopping from Gibraltar to Rome

From GBP £5,595

Description

The seas between Gibraltar and Italy offer access to a wealth of ancient sites, unspoiled islands and traditional towns and during this delightful voyage we will focus on the islands spending time on Mallorca, Menorca, Sardinia, Corsica and Elba. This itinerary with its eclectic mix of picturesque places is exactly the type of journey normally undertaken by private yachts and the 118-passenger MS Island Sky is ideal for the purpose, taking us to some of the loveliest places in the Mediterranean.
We have ensured that each day has an enjoyable mix of culture with some time at leisure to explore under your own steam or time relaxing at sea. Added to our fascinating itinerary we have the pleasure of cruising aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky. From time to time we may pass a huge cruise liner and at moments like this we can be thankful that with just over 100 fellow, like minded travellers, we are able to visit atmospheric ports and towns which the big ships cannot access. We will discover timeless islands with their aura of history, unique island lifestyles and spectacular beauty which will capture our hearts as we travel a less well trodden path across the Mediterranean.
Late September is the perfect time for our voyage when the crowds of August have dispersed and the weather is ideal for touring. There will be ample time to relax on board as we sail between our ports of call during which time you will be able to attend the informative talks by our onboard Guest Speaker.

Trip Name
September in the Mediterranean - Island Hopping from Gibraltar to Rome
Days
9
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 Gibraltar.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we start our journey across the Mediterranean.
Day 3 - Day 3 Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca.
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians when it was under the control of Carthage, the principal North African 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 and 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, runs through 13 tunnels and crosses several bridges. There will be some time to explore Soller before taking a scenic drive to the village of Valldemossa, a quiet and traditional town with narrow streets and lanes. We will take a walk around the town followed by lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Palma where we will have time to explore at our own pace and perhaps take the opportunity to visit the impressive Gothic style cathedral.
Day 4 - Day 4 Mahon, Menorca.
Over breakfast we arrive in Menorca, the most northerly of the Balearics and the least dedicated to tourism. The island offers pastoral countryside, historic towns and superb beaches. This morning choose to join an island drive including the mysterious rock mounds (talayots) and megalithic stone monuments which were erected some 4,000 years ago before making our way to aristocratic Ciudadella, the architectural showpiece of Menorca. Situated at the head of a long channel from the sea, the city has had its share of disputes over sovereignty, and its character reflects the influence of Moorish, Turkish and Spanish rule. We have the afternoon at leisure in the pretty harbour town of Mahon before we sail this evening.
Day 5 - Day 5 Porto Torres for Alghero, Sardinia.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Sardinia at Porto Torres. A panoramic drive takes us to Nuraghe Palmavera with its main tower of the Nuraghe, which still has its dome shaped ceiling that dates back to 1100 BC. The complex, which was abandoned in the 5th century BC due to fire, shows the different phases of social life and political organisation of the tribal community. Continue to the Medieval city of Alghero which was colonised by the Catalans in the 14th century. Today there is still a strong Catalan identity throughout the town and it is often even referred to as “Barceloneta”. There will be some free time to walk through the Medieval streets and along the city walls or maybe visit the archaeological museum.
Day 6 - Day 6 Bonifacio, Corsica.
Be on deck this morning as we arrive in Corsica at Bonifacio’s stunning natural harbour. Well known by Odysseus as the home of the savage and giant laestrygonians, today Bonifacio’s breathtaking clifftop setting and relaxed pace make it one of the most welcoming ports in the Mediterranean. On our morning tour we will explore the narrow streets and the historical heart of the town. We will discover the Bosco quarter with the St Francis Convent, the 14th century church of St Marie Majeure and take in the views from the clifftop on which the city is built. Afterwards maybe take a walk in the nearby Marine Park which offers some stunning views back to the town.
Day 7 - Day 7 Bastia & St Florent.
Situated on the north of the island of Corsica, Bastia was the old Genoese capital and is now a busy port. Its setting is handsome, the classic Mediterranean allure of pale, sunlit streets flanked with tall colourful buildings. Our walking tour of the historic quarter will include the 15th century cathedral, chapels and Baroque buildings such as the Oratoire St Roch, Oratoire de l’Immaculee Conception and the Roccoco church, St Jean Baptiste, famous for its twin campaniles. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon or maybe join an excursion to the small fishing port of St Florent. Our drive will take us through the Nebbio which takes its name from the thick mist that sweeps over the region and is now reputed for its fine wines from Patrimonio. On arrival in St Florent we will have time to wander the maze of narrow streets and take a coffee in one of the waterfront cafes whilst watching the yachts in the marina.
Day 8 - Day 8 Portoferraio, Elba, Italy.
Today we call into the enchanting island of Elba, best known as Napoleon’s island of exile from 1814 to 1815. Departing from the island’s busy capital Portoferraio, we set out for a delightful drive exploring the southern region of this charming island with superb views over the coastline. The first stop will be Villa San Martino which was the summer residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and has been transformed into a museum. Later enjoy some time at leisure in Porto Azzurro with its picturesque harbour. Our drive continues along the coast to the 17th century country wine farm, La Chiusa, which is beautifully nestled in a vineyard estate surrounded by olive trees and overlooking the ocean. As any self-respecting mansion on Elba, La Chiusa claims to have once housed Napoleon during his exile here. Experience the estate’s interesting cellar to learn how the wine is handled and produced and in the estate’s garden facing the sea we will enjoy a delicious sampling of the local wine. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Portoferraio.
Day 9 - Day 9 Civitavecchia to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Rome airport for the return scheduled flight.
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-09-202501-10-2025GBP £5,595Magellan Deck Standard Suite
23-09-202501-10-2025GBP £5,795Columbus Deck Superior Suite
23-09-202501-10-2025GBP £5,995Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
23-09-202501-10-2025GBP £6,295Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
23-09-202501-10-2025GBP £6,595Magellan Deck Standard Single
23-09-202501-10-2025GBP £6,795Columbus Deck Superior Single
23-09-202501-10-2025GBP £6,795Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
23-09-202501-10-2025GBP £6,995Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
23-09-202501-10-2025GBP £7,395Explorer Deck Island Suite

Inclusions

    • Palma de Mallorca: Ride a vintage train from Palma to Soller, explore the Serra de Tramuntana, and visit the Gothic-style cathedral in Palma.
    • Bonifacio, Corsica: Explore Bonifacio’s narrow streets, historical heart, and stunning clifftop views, including the Marine Park.
    • Portoferraio, Elba: Visit Napoleon’s summer residence, Villa San Martino, and enjoy wine tasting at La Chiusa estate with panoramic coastal views.

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