Island Hopping in the Mediterranean - A Voyage from Malaga to Livorno

Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. Sail this evening.

Spend a relaxing day at sea as we begin our journey across the Mediterranean.

Our first call in the Balearic Islands is Ibiza where vast Medieval walls guard the maze of cobbled streets of the UNESCO listed Old Town. There will be a choice of excursions this morning and you may like to join a guided tour of the old town starting at the 13th century Cathedral of Santa Maria which stands at the highest point in the fortified old town and offers marvellous views. After our visit we continue meandering down through the winding paths towards the Portal de Ses Taules, a dramatic drawbridge entrance into the old town. Alternatively, take a scenic drive to the beautiful north of the island and spend time in San Miguel, a typical village with its parish church high up on the hill and San Juan Bautista before we take the scenic woodland road to Santa Eulalia. Here you can stroll at your leisure along the promenade which is lined with open-air cafes and restaurants and has been a favourite haunt of painters since the time of Sorolla. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace.

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 will a choice of tours including a 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 will 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 being 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.

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. A morning island drive will include the mysterious rock mounds (talayots) and megalithic stone monuments which were erected some 4000 years ago. We will continue 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. After lunch on board you can enjoy a few hours exploring the pretty harbour town of Mahon independently before we sail this evening.

We will arrive in Sardinia and the port of Porto Torres over lunch. An afternoon 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 and 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.

Be on deck this morning as we arrive at Bonifacio’s stunning natural harbour. Well known by Odysseus as the home of the savage and giant laestrygonians, today Bonifacio’s breathtaking cliff-top 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. We plan to sail late this evening allowing time for an after dinner stroll.

The capital of Corsica is famed as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte whose family arrived here in 1492 with about 100 other Genoese and Ligurian families intent on colonising this part of Corsica. During our leisurely morning walking tour of the old town we will take in many of the places associated with Napoleon including the late 17th century Maison Bonaparte, which is now a museum, and Ajaccio Cathedral, where it is rumoured Napoleon was born on the cathedral steps. After lunch on board enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further independently.

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 by 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. After lunch on board you can spend some free time in Bastia or alternatively 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.

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. We will tour the estate’s interesting cellar and learn how the wine is handled and produced and in the estate’s garden, which faces 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.

Disembark this morning and transfer to Pisa airport for our scheduled flight to London or Manchester.

Itineraries are subject to change.