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Historic Towns & Gardens of Italy – A Voyage from Naples to Malta

Historic Towns & Gardens of Italy – A Voyage from Naples to Malta

From GBP £5,595

Description

Join us aboard the MS Hebridean Sky for this new springtime voyage around Southern Italy and Sicily as we immerse ourselves in the many horticultural and cultural splendours of the region. The combined effect of the natural beauty of the coast and gardens along with the intriguing history and stunning architecture of the towns and cities makes for a most appealing springtime journey and offers a very different experience to that which can be undertaken aboard the larger cruise liners in the region. May is a wonderful month for our voyage and we can expect verdant gardens, landscapes awash with blossoms, moderate temperatures and all with the absence of high season crowds.
On most days during our voyage there will be a choice of included tours which you can choose from depending on your interest or perhaps based upon where you have visited before. From Naples you can explore the magnificent site of Herculaneum or the wonderful La Mortella garden on Ischia, whilst in Catania you may wish to visit the slopes of Mount Etna or explore the gardens of the villa of Princess Borghese, and in Syracuse you can visit the Archaeological Park or enjoy a private visit to the gardens of the Marquis of San Giuliano. Other highlights of our itinerary include the impressive Greek theatre at Taormina, the fascinating site at Paestum founded by the Greeks in 600 BC and the beautiful gardens located on the ruins of the old city of Ninfa.
With just over 100 or so fellow, like-minded travellers and an expert team on board, together with informative local guides, you will have seen and learnt so much upon arrival in Malta at the end of our voyage. All will be achieved with great ease from the comfort of the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky which has the advantage of being able to access many of the region’s ports which the big ships simply cannot.

Trip Name
Historic Towns & Gardens of Italy - A Voyage from Naples to Malta
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky. Your Suite. On board there are 59 exceptionally spacious and well-designed suites. All feature a sitting area and fourteen suites have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views with suites on the Scott and Shackleton Decks featuring private balconies. Each suite affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring vanity unit with sink and walk-in rainfall shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a minifridge, flat screen television and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Additional facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The beds in each suite can be configured as twins or double with the exception of suite 601 and 602 which feature fixed double beds. The impressive Hebridean Suite, located on the Shackleton Deck consists of a separate bathroom and sitting room with extra large balcony stretching the length of the suite. Additional benefits of booking this marvellous suite include complimentary mini-bar stocked with your preferences and complimentary laundry. Your Space. The spacious and finely decorated public rooms on board the MS Hebridean Sky include a large lounge on the Byrd Deck featuring a selection of seating options from individual armchairs and sofas to side cushioned benches. Daily briefings given by the Cruise Director and talks from Guest Speakers and expedition staff take place in The Lounge which is fitted with the highest standard of presentation equipment including multiple screens. In addition to the Lounge, there is also The Club, located on the Mawson Deck which features the main bar where the onboard pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The Club also offers a 24-hour tea and coffee station. Towards the aft of the ship on the Mawson Deck is The Library which is well stocked with reference books pertaining to the destinations the vessel is visiting and a selection of essential reads. A collection of games and devices to access the internet via the ship’s satellite can also be found in the library. Access to the ship’s satellite Wi-Fi via your own device is complimentary on board (signal strength varies depending on location and demand). The Dining Room which can seat all guests at one sitting is located on the Amundsen Deck and is a bright and charming setting to enjoy the delicious meals on board. Outside there is a rear Lido Deck located on the Scott Deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. Whilst heaters and blankets make dining al fresco comfortable in cooler climates. Further to this, on the top Shackleton Deck there is an observation area which offers a fantastic platform for spotting wildlife complete with deck furniture, ideal for relaxing with a book or catching up with fellow travellers. You will also find a clinic and Doctor on board and a lift that serves all decks. Additionally there is a small hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your Dining. It is quite a task to create a dining experience as that found on board our Sky vessels when you are cruising in far-flung corners of the globe, indeed it takes a team of highly talented chefs to deliver fresh, varied dishes no matter where you are at sea. Fortunately, our catering teams are well adapted to the world of small ship cruising where no two days are the same and the menus are often scheduled and tailored around the days’ excursions. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the cuisine on board is of a consistent superior quality that befits such vessels. Where possible and when it meets their high standards, our accomplished chefs will obtain local produce in markets. Such purchases enhance the well-stocked larders and enable the chefs on board to exhibit their culinary skills and bring a local touch to the varied menus, emphasising the international expertise of the chefs on board. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés take place every day in either the comfort of the Lounge or out on the Lido Deck when the weather is favourable. Tea and coffee are also available 24 hours a day. Special diets can be catered for with sufficient notice. In keeping with the informal atmosphere on board, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements at your leisure. Whether that be joining a table of four to six other passengers outside on the Lido Deck in the evening’s sunshine or whether you prefer to enjoy meals in the à la carte restaurant. For those travelling alone, our onboard friendly restaurant staff will take care to ensure you are seated with other like-minded travellers. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order on request. Lunch and dinner are à la carte with an excellent choice of dishes, with the menu reflecting the daily catch or local delicacies. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with both meals and there is also a comprehensive wine list with a wide selection of new and old world wines from which to choose. The onboard catering and restaurant staff are experienced at sea and enthuse a passion for superb service. Whether it be ensuring you have an outdoor blanket as you enjoy the crisp sea breeze on the Lido Deck or sharing their knowledge of the characteristics of the days’ wine selections, you will experience a service on board like no other. You may also enjoy sumptuous barbeques on deck whilst at times, the chef will make your dish to order at special pasta or stir fry stations. For Your Comfort. The MS Hebridean Sky is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. During your voyage we hope to offer the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessels progress by charts and learn more about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and Doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to a specific area on deck. Life Onboard. If large resort-style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers are your ideal, then our ships are not for you as you will not find endless entertainment, round the clock buffets and the people management which is so much a part of today’s big ship on board style. However, if like us you prefer a more peaceful life at sea you will find our flagships the perfect vessels. When choosing your next voyage the choice of vessels is astounding. You can select a ship carrying in excess of 4000 passengers with impersonal service or join us aboard the MS Caledonian Sky, MS Island Sky or MS Hebridean Sky where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. Instead, the atmosphere is warm and convivial and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about the wonders of nature, culture and ancient civilisations in the company of like-minded people. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, Guest Speakers and informative port briefings from our Expedition Leader or Cruise Director and of course good food with wine included at lunch and dinner, all contribute to make any voyage aboard these wonderful vessels a memorable and joyful experience. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of an exceedingly comfortable ship. The daily programme on board is in the capable hands of our Cruise Director or Expedition Leader and staff who coordinate with the Captain and Officers to make the most of each day. Briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage together with a ‘Daily Programme’ that is distributed every evening to your suite outlining the next day’s activities. Dress on board is casual and relaxed and there will be no ‘black tie’ evenings.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London or Manchester to Naples, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky for embarkation.
Day 2 - Day 2 Naples, Herculaneum & Ischia.
From our berth in Naples we see the Norman castle that protects the port and the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. There will be a choice of tours today including a visit to Herculaneum, a wealthy Roman town which was completely submerged by volcanic mud following the 79 AD 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. Return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon to explore the vibrant city of Naples at your own pace. Alternatively, on a full day tour, we will use the local ferry to visit the island of Ischia. Here our focus will be on “La Mortella”, a wonderful garden designed by architect Russell Page for Lord and Lady William Walton. Divided into two parts called the Valley and Upper Garden, the areas are linked by a network of paths and inviting walks from where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bay of Forio. Spread over two hectares there are fountains, ponds, streams and scattered everywhere are water-loving plants. Lunch will be served on the island before we return by ferry to Naples.
Day 3 - Day 3 Gaeta & Ninfa Gardens.
Sail this morning into Gaeta, a pretty town built on the slopes of Monte Orlando. Populated since the 9th century BC the town grew during the Roman Empire as a seaside retreat for the elite. Surrounded by the mighty walls of the Angevin Aragonese Castle, Gaeta’s historic centre is a collection of narrow streets and small porticoes dominated by the 12th century Duomo. Choose to stay and explore the town or join a full day tour which visits the beautiful gardens located on the ruins of the old city of Ninfa. Founded by the Romans, the city grew as part of the pope’s estates in the middle ages. Taken over by the Caetani family in the 16th century, the town was gradually abandoned due to the expansion of the surrounding marshes and the arrival of malaria. Left neglected for centuries it was in 1921 that Gelasio Caetani began to transform the gardens around the ruins of the old city. He planted species gathered from his travels abroad that survived in the microclimate benefiting from the location between the coast and mountains. Today jasmine and wisteria wind over ruined towers and walls, rejoicing in the lush damp conditions. The setting is indescribably atmospheric, with roses scrambling for footholds in ruined archways, and the frescoed church wall still standing open to the weather.
Day 4 - Day 4 Salerno, Paestum & Cilento.
Overnight we will have sailed around the Amalfi coast to the ancient city of Salerno, our gateway to the Cilento region, a mix of small villages, coastal paths, archaeological sites, national parks and renowned as the home of the Mediterranean diet. Maybe choose to visit the site of Paestum, which was founded by Greeks in 600 BC. This well preserved and fascinating site was rediscovered in 1752 and during our time we will see the impressive Temple of Poseidon, the Basilica, Amphitheatre and Aethenian before spending some time in the museum, adjacent to the site. Alternatively, learn about one of the region’s main exports as we visit a farm to hear about the production of the local Mozzarella di Bufala or enjoy a tasting at one of the Cilento vineyards.
Day 5 - Day 5 Vibo Valentia, Tropea & Stromboli.
Arrive this morning into the Calabrian town of Vibo Valentia. Founded as a Greek colony, known as Hipponion and part of Magna Graecia, the town has since been under the rule of the Brutti, Romans, Normans, Arabs and Byzantines. This morning we can explore the Medieval historical centre which is dominated by the ancient Norman Castle, which now houses the state archaeological museum and the bell tower of San Michele. Later, we drive to nearby Tropea, a clifftop village voted one of the most beautiful in Italy. As we explore the historical centre we see the Norman Cathedral before continuing to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, an 11th century chapel originally built on an island but now connected to the town by a causeway. We will also try the town’s famous delicacy of sweet red onions. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea as we sail to Stromboli, the ‘Lighthouse of the Mediterranean’. Enjoy dinner on board and, if weather permits, we hope to view the eruptions from the island’s active volcano. Please note that we may be at anchor this morning and if so will use the onboard Zodiacs or local tenders to go ashore.
Day 6 - Day 6 Messina for Taormina, Sicily.
From the nearby port of Messina we will visit 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. For those who wish to enjoy longer here you will be able to take lunch independently in one of the local restaurants and spend an afternoon exploring at leisure before our coach returns to Messina. Alternatively, return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and enjoy free time in Messina before we sail this evening.
Day 7 - Day 7 Catania & Mount Etna.
This morning we arrive in Catania. The architecture here is particularly impressive but a little forbidding, being mainly constructed from black lava stone from Mount Etna. On a morning walking tour during which we will see the magnificent Piazza del Duomo which is a World Heritage Site, St Agatha’s Cathedral and the imposing 13th century Castello Ursino. Alternatively, leave the city as we drive to the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Our drive will take us past scenic countryside, small towns and vineyards before arriving at the Silvestri Craters that were created by the eruption of 1892. Located approximately 2,000 metres above sea level, we will walk along a comfortable path from which there is a wonderful view of the coast and then take a stroll on the lava stream with our guide. A final option will drive south to Lentini, which was founded in 729 BC by the Greeks, as we make our way to the Contrada Biviere and the villa of Princess Borghese. During a tour of the gardens we can see palms, cheerful blue jacaranda, Parkinsonia, old roses and an unusual sprawling Xanthorrea arborea which faces the Sant’Andrea chapel.
Day 8 - Day 8 Syracuse.
Our last day is spent in Syracuse which was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC and by the 5th century was a political and military power throughout the Mediterranean, rivalling Athens as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek world. This morning you may choose to visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park to discover the 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. Alternatively, enjoy a private visit to the gardens of the Marquis of San Giuliano. Set in 60 hectares and divided into ‘rooms’ we can see the Mediterranean, Arabian and Tropical gardens, the lawned park and enclosed courtyards. We can walk under vine covered pergolas and along mosaic paths all whilst enjoying the views towards Mount Etna in the distance. The afternoon is free to explore Syracuse at our own pace before we sail this evening.
Day 9 - Day 9 Valletta, Malta to London or Manchester.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight.
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-05-202515-05-2025GBP £5,595Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
07-05-202515-05-2025GBP £5,795Byrd Deck Superior Suite
07-05-202515-05-2025GBP £5,995Mawson Deck Premium Suite
07-05-202515-05-2025GBP £6,295Mawson Deck Corner Suite
07-05-202515-05-2025GBP £6,595Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
07-05-202515-05-2025GBP £6,795Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
07-05-202515-05-2025GBP £6,795Byrd Deck Superior Sole
07-05-202515-05-2025GBP £6,995Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
07-05-202515-05-2025GBP £7,395Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore the ancient ruins of Herculaneum, a wealthy Roman town submerged by volcanic mud.
    • Discover the breathtaking clifftop town of Tropea, including the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola.
    • Visit the impressive Greek Theatre in Taormina with its stunning views over the town and coast.

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