Mediterranean Islands, Romantic Gardens & A Private Small Ship Serenade

Arrive in Valencia and be transferred from the airport to the MS Hebridean Sky, our home for the next 11 nights. Set sail from the port of Valencia at 6.00 pm. Meet your fellow travellers and ship’s crew during our Welcome Dinner this evening and enjoy an after-dinner performance of jazz standards by our onboard entertainers, a Soprano and a piano accompanist, who will join us for the duration of our cruise.

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has a rich history dating back to the time of the Phoenicians. It was then under the control of Carthage – the principal North African city at that time – before later flourishing under Roman rule. A walking tour here takes in Mallorca’s impressive cathedral – Spain’s second-largest Gothic church – before we continue to the Plaza Mayor. Then take in the spectacular views from Bellver Castle. For many centuries the castle was used as a prison, but today it houses Palma’s History Museum, which contains artefacts from the Talaiotic, Roman, Arab, and Spanish periods. After lunch aboard the ship, we visit Alfabia Gardens, a historic oasis of exotic plants, tranquil fountains, and centuries-old olive trees.

After breakfast we arrive on Menorca, the most northerly of the Balearic Islands and the one least dedicated to tourism. The island is blessed with pastoral scenery, historic towns and superb beaches. This morning, choose to join an island drive, taking in the mysterious rock mounds known as talayots and megalithic stone monuments that were erected around 4,000 years ago. We then make our way to aristocratic Ciutadella de Menorca, the island’s architectural showpiece. Situated at the head of a long channel, the city has had its share of disputes over its sovereignty; its character reflects the influence of Moorish, Turkish and Spanish rule.

This afternoon, enjoy a few hours to explore the pretty harbour town of Mahon at your own pace.

Alternatively, visit the gallery and garden of Hauser & Wirth, a short boat ride from Mahon, on Isla del Rey. The gardens and landscapes here were designed by Piet Oudolf, who used native plants, such as purple agapanthus, among other perennials and grasses.

Enjoy a morning at sea and attend a fascinating botanical lecture, along with a musical performance that recalls our time in Spain. Arrive in Sardinia and the port of Porto Torres. A scenic drive takes us to Nuraghe Palmavera, an ancient archaeological site. The main tower of the Nuraghe still has its dome-shaped ceiling, which dates back to 1,100 BC. Abandoned in the eighth century BC, due to an extensive fire, the complex leaves clues regarding various aspects of the social lives and political organisation of its tribal community. Continue through the Porto Conte National Park to see the natural flora of the island, then to the medieval city of Alghero. Colonised by the Catalans in the 14th century, the city still has a strong Catalan identity, and is often referred to as ’Barceloneta’. Enjoy some free time to walk the medieval streets of Alghero, following the city walls. Or perhaps visit the archaeological museum.

Be on deck this morning as we arrive in Bonifacio’s stunning natural harbour on the island of Corsica. Thought to be the inspiration for the home of the savage and giant Laestrygonians, in Homer’s Odyssey, Bonifacio’s breathtaking clifftop setting and relaxed pace make it one of the Mediterranean’s most welcoming ports. During our morning tour, we explore its narrow streets and the town’s historical heart. Discover the Bosco quarter and its St Francis Convent, as well as the 14th-century church of St Marie Majeure. Afterwards, perhaps take a walk through the nearby Marine Park, which offers some stunning views on the way back to the town.

Arrive on the enchanting island of Elba, best known as the setting for Napoleon’s exile from 1814 to 1815. We depart from the island’s busy capital, Portoferraio, to visit Villa dei Mulini, one of Napoleon’s residences, which has since been transformed into a museum. Afterwards, enjoy some time at leisure along the picturesque harbour of Porto Azzurro. Our drive continues along the coast to the 17th-century country wine farm, La Chiusa, whose seafront estate is surrounded by olive trees. As with any self-respecting mansion on Elba, La Chiusa claims to have once housed Napoleon during his exile. Explore the estate’s cellar and learn how the wine is produced. Retreat to the estate’s garden and enjoy a taste of the delicious local wine, accompanied by sea views. Return to the ship for lunch, enjoying an afternoon at sea and another performance by our Soprano.

Dock in Gaeta, a coastal city halfway between Rome and Naples. Having been inhabited since the ninth century BC, the town grew during the time of the Roman Empire to become 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. From here, we travel to the Garden of Ninfa, described as the most romantic garden in the world. The garden was created on the ruins of a medieval city. Today the gardens intertwine with the ruins of a castle, palazzos, churches, and medieval clock towers. Numerous streams run down from the mountain to form a small lake. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon to explore Gaeta at your own pace before we sail this evening.

From our berth in Salerno, we enjoy a choice of tours today.

Choose to visit the archaeological site of Pompeii and see remnants of the forum, temples, and other structures that were buried by ash and pumice stone during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. 

You may otherwise travel to Amalfi, from where you will then ascend to the hillside town of Ravello. Thrilling views of the coastline below are available from one of Ravello’s lookout points. Visit the evocative garden of Villa Rufolo, a wonderful 13th-century palace with dramatic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. At nearby Villa Cimbrone, admire the succession of marble busts lining the Terrace of Infinity, as well as Lord Grimthorpe’s expansive Anglo-Italian Garden. The garden features classical, Gothic and Edwardian elements arranged beneath a vast pergola. This evening, enjoy an illustrated lecture and recital of Baroque vocal works of the 17th- and 18th-century composers who comprised the ‘Neapolitan School’ of music, including Cimarosa, Durante, Giordani, Paisiello, Pergolesi, Porpora and Scarlatti.

ail into the Bay of Naples and see the Castel dell’Ovo, the city’s oldest castle, with Mount Vesuvius as its extraordinary backdrop. Choose from two options today.

Visit the delightful gardens of Villa Porfidia. Established in the second half of the 18th century, the property represents a blend of Italian style and English influence. Continue to the Royal Palace of Caserta. Influenced by Versailles, Rome and Tuscany, the palace was designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, one of the greatest Italian architects of the 18th century. Considered a triumph of Italian Baroque architecture, the property stretches across 11 acres, with the garden's pools, fountains and cascades extending as far as the eye can see.

Alternatively, board a hydrofoil for the Island of Ischia to visit the garden of La Mortella. This spectacular subtropical and Mediterranean garden was developed from 1956 by the late Susana Walton and designed by landscape architect Russell Page. The two-hectare garden includes a major collection of exotic and rare plants.

Be on deck this morning as we pass the active volcanic island of Stromboli. Arriving on the shores of Sicily, our ship then docks in the city of Messina. This afternoon brings a choice of excursions.

Visit Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano. A guided tour here features a walk along its winding alleyways before a visit to the 15th-century Palazzo Corvaja and the impressive Greek Theatre, which enjoys remarkable views over the town and the coast below.

Alternatively, visit Isola Bella, which features an extraordinary variety of vegetation. Florence Trevelyan bought the tiny island in 1890 and created an English-style garden on the property, adding new varieties to the lush Mediterranean scrub. In 1984, Isola Bella was listed as a site of historical, cultural and naturalistic interest. It was subsequently declared a Nature Reserve, in 1998, to protect the flora and fauna of the bay.

Arrive this morning in the port of Syracuse. Enjoy a private visit at the gardens of the Marquis of San Giuliano. Set upon 60 hectares, the grounds are divided into several garden ‘rooms’. Admire the Mediterranean, Arabian and Tropical gardens, as well as the lawned park and enclosed courtyards. Walk beneath vine-covered pergolas and along mosaic paths, with views of Mount Etna in the distance.

Later, take the option to visit Villa Borghese, on whose grounds a property has stood since 1392. The gardens that surround the current house were initiated in 1967 at the behest of the Borghese princes. They comprise a broad variety of Mediterranean species, including yuccas and palms; flowering trees, such as Jacaranda and Judas trees; along with more exotic plants such as Xanthorrhoea arborea and Encephalartos horridus.

You may otherwise choose to explore the island of Ortigia independently. See the Temple of Apollo, considered Sicily’s most ancient Doric temple. While the island’s grand Baroque Cathedral stands on the site formerly occupied by the temples, churches and mosques of successive civilisations. The columns of the original Greek temple can still be seen, having been incorporated into the cathedral. Return to the ship for a Farewell Dinner and a final performance by our Soprano, comprising jazz standards, popular songs and requests.

Following our arrival in Valletta this morning, we disembark the ship after breakfast. You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.