Day 1: Valletta (Malta) And Embark MS Hebridean Sky

Arrive in Malta and be transferred from the airport to the MS Hebridean Sky, our home for the next 11 nights. Set sail from the historic port of Valletta at 6.30pm. Meet your fellow travellers and ship’s crew during our Welcome Dinner this evening and enjoy an after-dinner performance of jazz standards by Judith Dodsworth and Philip Walsh, our onboard entertainers for the duration of our cruise.

Stay: 11 Nights: MS Hebridean Sky
Daily: Dinner

Day 2: Syracuse (Italy), Garden Of San Giuliano And Ortigia Island

This morning, we arrive at the port of Syracuse, on the island of Sicily. Upon leaving the ship, we visit the garden of San Giuliano, nestled among citrus groves planted by the late Marquis of San Giuliano, Giuseppe, and his wife Fiamma. Afterwards, we visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Here, we find a well-preserved Greek theatre, its seats carved from ancient limestone. Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, was the primary source of that limestone, and is also the site of the curious ‘Ear of Dionysius’, a vast grotto known for its astonishing acoustics. We continue to the island of Ortigia, for explorations of the Temple of Apollo, considered Sicily’s most ancient Doric temple, and the Baroque Cathedral, erected over the ruins of the Temple of Minerva. We resume sailing late tonight, which allows for an after-dinner stroll. You may also enjoy a lecture by Judith Dodsworth on The Birth of Drama, providing an introduction into ancient Greek theatre and music, as well as its history and legacy.

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 3: Taormina, Isola Bella And Stromboli

This morning, we dock in the city of Messina, before making our way to the stunning hilltop town of Taormina, known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a walking tour of the town’s Greek-Roman amphitheatre, as well as the garden of Florence Trevelyan. Florence was an English gardener, as well as a pioneering wildlife conservationist. The scandal which followed a royal romance saw her leave England for Sicily, whereupon she created the beautiful garden on Isola Bella. Afterwards, we have free time to enjoy the atmosphere of Taormina and its stunning town square before returning to our ship for lunch. This afternoon, we sail to the island of Stromboli, where we anchor for dinner. Dine upon the Lido Deck, accompanied by the music of Philip Walsh. From our position on deck, we enjoy stunning views of the island’s active volcano.

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 4: Amalfi Coast, Garden Of Minerva And Paestum, Or Ravello, Villa Rufolo And Cimbrone

Having returned to the mainland, we leave our ship for the day; our berth in Salerno offering us a choice of tours to enjoy. The first option is to visit the Garden of Minerva, at the famous Salerno Medical School. Minerva was the first example of a botanical garden whose plants were studied for their medicinal properties. From here, head to Paestum, a well-preserved site founded by Greeks in 600 BC. The ancient ruins lay undisturbed for hundreds of years before being rediscovered in 1752. We see the imposing Temple Poseidon, the Basilica, Amphitheatre and the Temple of Athena. Afterwards, discover the exhibits of the local museum. Alternatively, board a local boat in Salerno, and sail to Amalfi. In Amalfi, board a coach to 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 striking 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. The vast Anglo-Italian Garden here is a combination of classical, Gothic and Edwardian styles. 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.

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 5: Naples, Gardens Of Villa Porfidia And Royal Palace Of Caserta Or La Mortella Garden On Ischia

Sail into the Bay of Naples this morning and see 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. Afterwards, head 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.

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 6: Gaeta And The Garden Of Ninfa

Dock in Gaeta today, a peaceful Roman fishing village. From here, we travel towards Rome, stopping at 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 of relaxed cruising or attend a lecture on ‘Musica in Horto’, or ‘Music in the Garden’. The 20th-century composers, Ottorino Respighi and Alfredo Casella were members of the Società Italiana di Musica Moderna, an organisation dedicated to the advancement of a modern Italian musical identity. Much of Respighi’s music was designed to evoke ancient settings and ideas of mythology. These include songs of fauns, running water, ancient woodlands and twilight shadows, which call to mind the gardens and destinations we have visited. The program will also include Casella’s Tre Canzoni Trecentesche.

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 7: Elba, Villa San Martino And La Chiusa Wine Estate And Portoferraio

Enjoy the morning at sea as we sail to the enchanting island of Elba, best known as the setting for Napoleon’s initial exile, from 1814 to 1815. After lunch, we depart from the island’s busy capital Portoferraio, to visit Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s summer residence, which has since been transformed into a museum. Afterwards, enjoy some time at leisure along the picturesque harbour of Porto Azzurro. Our drive then 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 late this afternoon, with some free time to explore Portoferraio, before setting sail this evening. After dinner, enjoy another performance by Judith and Philip.

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 8: Bonifacio Walking Tour, Corsica (France)

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 giant savages, the 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. We sail late this evening, to allow time for an after-dinner stroll.

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 9: Porto Torres, Sardinia (Italy), Porto Conte National Park And Alghero

Arrive in Sardinia, and the port of Porto Torres, this morning. 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 1100 BC. Abandoned in the eighth century BC, due to an extensive fire, the complex leaves clues about 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 on 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 even referred to as ‘Barceloneta’. Enjoy some free time to walk along the medieval streets of Alghero and follow the city walls, or perhaps visit the archaeological museum, before returning to your ship for lunch. Relax on board this afternoon as we cruise the Sea of Sardinia. Later, enjoy an evening of romance, tragedy, and the heightened emotions that are synonymous with grand Italian opera. Having been inspired by the magnificent sights, sounds and stories of our journey, we settle in to enjoy arias by Rossini, Catalini, Puccini and Verdi. With our arrival in Spain imminent, we may even meet the tragic and compelling gypsy, Carmen, immortalised by Bizet. 
Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 10: Mahon, Menorca (Spain) And Hauser & Wirth

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.

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 11: Palma De Mallorca, Mallorca, Gardens Of Raixa And Sóller ‘Valley Of Oranges’ And Son Marroig Garden

Arrive in Palma de Mallorca today and visit the gardens of Raixa. These were once part of a Moorish estate, but after the reconquest of Mallorca by the Spanish, and the subsequent redistribution of land, it fell into the hands of the church. During the 18th century, it was owned by a cardinal, who was responsible for its Italianate characteristics, with statuary brought from Italy, and exotic plants from the New World. The garden is divided into seven terraces with parterres, pergolas, fountains and loggias, while the cardinal had the water reservoir built over with a semi-circular belvedere, which offers a fine view over the valley towards Palma. Enjoy lunch and some free time in the beautiful town of Sóller, which sits in the heart of the ‘Valley of Oranges’. We then drive through the olive groves of the spectacular west coast and visit the garden of Son Marroig, the former residence of Archduke Luis Salvador. The garden is arranged in a series of attractive terraces, but it is the dramatic views of the rocky coastline that make this garden memorable. The famous weathered rock formation known as ‘Na Foradada’, pierced by wind and waves, can be seen rising out of the water. Return to the ship for a Farewell Dinner and a final performance by Philip and Judith, comprising jazz standards, popular songs and requests.

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 12: Valencia And Disembark MS Hebridean Sky

Arrive in the Spanish city of Valencia, known as the City of Arts and Sciences, and disembark after breakfast. Be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Daily: Breakfast 

 

*Prices are per person, twin share. Advertised price based on a Standard Suite aboard the MS Hebridean Sky. Price and availability are subject to change. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for availability and pricing. 

*Terms & Conditions apply. Prices are per person (pp), AUD, twin share and subject to change. Advertised price is based on a Standard Suite aboard the MS Hebridean Sky. Information correct as at 13 June 2024 but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, taxes or currency. Further Botanica terms and conditions apply. Trip Code BTMED12. Enquire with your RAC Travel consultant for full terms and conditions. General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.