fbpx

Art & History in the Mediterranean – A Voyage from Malaga to Marseille

Art & History in the Mediterranean – A Voyage from Malaga to Marseille

From GBP £5,995

Description

Join us aboard the MS Hebridean Sky and set sail across the Mediterranean spending time in Spain, Mallorca, Menorca and France for what promises to be an informative and relaxing journey discovering the artistic, historical and cultural gems of the region. We have timed our nine night voyage for September when just about everything is as perfect as it can be, from the comfortable temperatures to the relatively crowd free sites.
Following an overnight stay in Malaga with time to discover the history and art of the city, we will embark the MS Hebridean Sky and set sail. Our explorations in Spain will include the naval port of Cartagena with its fine Roman remains and the historic city of Tarragona in Catalonia, a veritable museum-town with remains of all the civilisations that have crossed the Iberian Peninsula. We will also discover the Medieval town of Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali and in the Dali Theatre Museum we can view many of his surrealistic works; to balance the day the afternoon will be spent in the Graeco-Roman site of Empries. Other highlights will include time spent on the islands of Menorca and Mallorca and upon arriving in the South of France we will explore the ‘Cote Vermeille’ or rocky coast, one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean which has inspired some of the world’s most famous artists. Finally, from Marseille you can choose to discover Aix en Provence, renowned as the home of artist Paul Cezanne, to view many of the painter’s most celebrated works, or to spend the day in Avignon, the great City of the Popes.
We have devised the schedule for our voyage to include daily guided excursions with excellent local guides, with a choice of tours in many ports of call, as well as time at leisure in some of the charming towns. 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 Hebridean Sky is ideal for the purpose, taking us to some of the loveliest places in the Mediterranean.

Trip Name
Art & History in the Mediterranean - A Voyage from Malaga to Marseille
Days
11
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 to Malaga, Spain.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is free before we meet for dinner this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 Malaga.
After breakfast in the hotel a morning tour will take us to the 14th century Castillo de Gibralfaro, built on a hill overlooking the city and once considered the most impregnable fortress in Iberia. Continue to the impressive 16th century cathedral which was built on the remains of a mosque. With its mix of Renaissance and Gothic styles it has been declared a national landmark. Alternatively, our Picasso tour will start in La Merced Plaza to view the house where he was born before we continue to the Museo Picasso which contains over 200 pieces of his works. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before we transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky moored in the city. Sail this evening.
Day 3 - Day 3 Cartagena.
In the early afternoon we arrive in Spain’s main naval port of Cartagena. 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. Hannibal used it as his capital city on the Iberian peninsula and named it after Carthage in North Africa whilst the Romans used it as a strategic port and administrative centre. 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 Theatre and the archaeological site of Molinete where work continues to uncover the Roman city. Later enjoy a stroll along the tree-lined harbour promenade as we return to the MS Hebridean Sky.
Day 4 - Day 4 Valencia.
A morning walking tour will explore this vibrant city and visit some of the fine Baroque buildings including the 15th century Gothic Silk Exchange and the old ‘El Carmen’ quarter where we see the Cathedral. Construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century but took nearly 300 years to complete and is a fascinating mix of Gothic, Baroque and Rennaisance styles. Alternately, visit the Fine Arts Museum, one of the best in Spain with works by Valencian, Flemish and Spanish masters including Van Dyck, Goya and Velazquez as well as interesting archaeological pieces. Later we visit the Colegio del Patriarca with its wonderful Renaissance courtyard, church and museum with works including The Last Supper by Ribalta. The afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace.
Day 5 - Day 5 Palma de Mallorca & Valldemossa, 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. This morning there is a choice of tours. Join us as we drive to Valldemossa, a quiet and traditional town with narrow streets and lanes constructed with blonde stone. Each doorway and street is lined with beautiful green plants and flowers making the town one of the most beautiful in Mallorca. Popular with artists, we can see some of the studios during a walking tour which will include the 13th century monastery linked with the composer Frederic Chopin, who lived here during the winter of 1838-39. Alternatively, explore Palma including the cathedral, Spain’s second largest Gothic church, before we continue to the lovely Plaza Mayor. Later take in the impressive views from Bellver Castle, a unique structure in Spain due to the fact that the building is entirely round. For many centuries the castle was used as a prison but today it houses Palma’s History Museum containing artefacts and pottery from the Talaiotic, Roman, Arab and Spanish periods. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace.
Day 6 - Day 6 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. Alternatively, enjoy a few hours exploring the pretty harbour town of Mahon at your own pace before we sail in the early afternoon.
Day 7 - Day 7 Tarragona.
During the second Punic War in 218 AD the city of Tarraco was established as a garrison which developed into the main military base for the Roman army in Spain. Today we can still see remnants of the Roman period as we explore the city by foot. See the impressive walls that once surrounded the city, the 2nd century amphitheatre and the Roman Circus where chariot races were held. After lunch on board there will be time to explore more of Tarragona at your leisure. Maybe see the 12th century cathedral, visit one of the food stalls in the market or take in the street art whilst strolling in the old town.
Day 8 - Day 8 Palamos, Figueres & Empuries.
Arriving on the Costa Brava and the port of Palamos, we travel inland to Medieval Figueres, an impressive town of Modernist and Neoclassical architecture that is most renowned as the birthplace of Salvador Dali. Our tour includes the impressive 18th century castle of St Ferran and the old city walls before continuing to the Dali Theatre Museum. Designed by Dali himself, the museum takes us through the life of the artist. After lunch in the city you can choose to return to the ship and spend the afternoon at leisure or drive along the coast to the archaeological site of Empuries. Founded by Greek merchants in the 6th century BC as Emporion, it was a commercial hub and became a major port. In 218 BC the town was taken by the Romans who built an even greater city above the Greek town.
Day 9 - Day 9 Port Vendres, France.
The ‘Cote Vermeille’, or rocky coast, is one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean and has inspired some of the world’s most famous artists. We will drive the short distance to Collioure which has always been a source of inspiration for artists. Here we will have time to explore the colourful streets and visit the local artist studios and the 12th century Royal Castle. This afternoon choose to explore the historic town of Port Vendres independently or join a tour to the charming town of Ceret located in the foothills of the Vallespir Mountains. After a walking tour of the town we visit the wonderful Musee d’art Moderne containing works from Picasso, Chagall and Dali as well as pieces drawn in Collioure by Matisse.
Day 10 - Day 10 Marseille for Aix en Provence & Avignon.
From our berth in Marseille, we will offer a choice of excursions today. You can choose to head inland to Aix en Provence which was founded by the Romans in the 1st century and is renowned as the home of artist Paul Cezanne. We will visit his studio which still houses his equipment and the objects he used for models and the Jas de Bouffan estate, Cezanne’s parents’ country house which contains many of the painter’s celebrated works. We will continue to the ‘Terrain des Peintres’ which is located on the heights of Aix en Provence, a few hundred metres from the Atelier Cezanne. It is famous for the wonderful views of the Montagne Sainte Victoire which Cezanne often painted in the latter part of his life. After lunch in a local restaurant we will spend some time in Aix with its leafy boulevards and public squares lined with 17th and 18th century mansions. Alternatively spend the day in Avignon, the great City of the Popes which boasts a number of splendid museums, churches and palaces. Our guided walking tour will include the Palais des Papes, one of the wonders of Provence and the largest and most important Medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, built in the 14th century as a fortified palace for the pontifical court. We also visit the cathedral and the famous Pont Saint-Benezet, a bridge that spans the Rhone between Villeneuve les Avignon and Avignon, and the Pont du Gard, one of the wonders of antiquity, built by Agrippa in 19 BC in order to provide the city of Nimes with fresh water from the Uzes area.
Day 11 - Day 11 Marseille to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 12 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-09-202526-09-2025GBP £5,995Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
16-09-202526-09-2025GBP £6,195Byrd Deck Superior Suite
16-09-202526-09-2025GBP £6,395Mawson Deck Premium Suite
16-09-202526-09-2025GBP £6,595Mawson Deck Corner Suite
16-09-202526-09-2025GBP £6,995Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
16-09-202526-09-2025GBP £6,995Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
16-09-202526-09-2025GBP £7,195Byrd Deck Superior Sole
16-09-202526-09-2025GBP £7,295Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
16-09-202526-09-2025GBP £7,795Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore the historic Castillo de Gibralfaro and the impressive 16th-century cathedral in Malaga.
    • Visit the Dali Theatre Museum in Figueres, designed by Salvador Dali himself.
    • Choose between exploring Aix en Provence, home of Paul Cezanne, or the grand Palais des Papes in Avignon.

Map