Our late summer voyage aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky from Vigo to Casablanca offers the opportunity to gain an insight into the region’s splendid architecture, captivating culture and fascinating history. It is difficult to imagine a better time than late September for our journey, just about everything is as perfect as it can be, from the comfortable temperatures to the relatively crowd free sites and our itinerary has been planned to ensure that the balance is just right between exploring ashore, relaxing on board and time at leisure for individual exploration.
During our guided tours, we will witness the legacy of many civilisations and kingdoms as we visit the coastal regions and towns steeped in history combined with the city of Oporto with its vibrant Ribeira district, Coimbra the Medieval capital of Portugal contrasting with the magnificent architecture of Lisbon, the modern capital, the splendid Moorish and Christian treasures of Seville and the wonderfully atmospheric port of Tangier, Europe’s gateway to Africa. Exploring in the company of just 100 or so like-minded travel companions, and with the aid of our knowledgeable local guides and excellent Guest Speaker, makes for an endlessly fascinating cultural experience. For those wishing to spend more time in Morocco, we have arranged for a three night post-cruise extension to the enchanting city of Marrakech.
- Explore the historic charm of Seville, including the Alcazar Palace and La Giralda Cathedral.
- Discover Portugal's cultural gems, from Oporto's port wine cellars to Coimbra's UNESCO-listed university.
- Experience Tangier's vibrant Medina and serene Donabo Gardens in North Africa.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Fly by scheduled flight to Oporto. On arrival transfer to the MS Island Sky moored in Vigo. Sail this evening.
This morning we will have a choice of tours. You can choose to explore Oporto seeing the impressive St Francis Church and the Ribeira before continuing to a local port wine cellar. Here we will be able to learn all about these wines and how they are produced before we enjoy a tasting. Alternatively you can join the tour to Guimaraes, often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal, it is one of the country’s most historic cities being where the first king of Portugal was born and where the reconquest of the country from the Moors began. During the tour we will view the 10th century castle and visit the Palace of the Dukes. After a walking tour along the charming cobblestone streets and past the wonderful Medieval buildings we will return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon relax on board or explore Oporto independently.
Located at the mouth of the Modego River, Figueira da Foz is one of central Portugal’s prime beach resorts. However, the reason for our call is to visit the nearby city of Coimbra, the Medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years. During our walking tour we will view the stunning buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries before we head to the University which was recently appointed UNESCO status. Founded in the 13th century we will see the Chapel of Sao Miguel and the Joanine Library which houses over 300,000 works dating back to the 16th century. After a local lunch, you can choose to return to Figueira da Foz or stay in Coimbra and explore further independently.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, the city was rebuilt by the Marquis de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square. During our morning panoramic tour we will see the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower and visit the famous Jeronimos Monastery. Alternatively, a full day tour will visit the Alentejo region. We will drive to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a walking tour will explore the sights and Medieval history of this enchanting city. Evora is one of the oldest cities in the Alentejo region and we will see the well preserved Roman Temple, St Francisco Church and the Chapel of Bones before exploring the charming squares. Alentejo is a highly respected wine region traditionally growing red wines from the Tempranillo and Trincadeira grapes. We will enjoy lunch in a vineyard including a tasting before we return to the MS Island Sky.
Join our Guest Speaker in the lounge or find a spot on deck as we spend a relaxing day at sea sailing to Seville.
Having sailed up the lower reaches of the Guadalquivir River in the early morning, we will dock this morning in the centre of vibrant Seville and enjoy a morning walking tour to explore the city’s greatest monuments. Enter the Alcazar Palace with its ornate Moorish interiors and exotic terraced garden. Built by Pedro the Cruel in the 14th century with the help of Moorish craftsmen, it is still used as a residence by the King of Spain. We also visit the imposing La Giralda, Seville’s cathedral, reputed to be the largest Gothic style church in the world with its distinctive Moorish tower. We return to the MS Island Sky for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure to continue exploring Seville independently. Alternatively there will be the opportunity to visit the city of Cordoba on a full day tour. This beautiful city demonstrates a past where Jews, Christians and Muslims peacefully coexisted and left a beautiful legacy of architecture to be appreciated for centuries to come. Visit the Mosque and the Synagogue, and enjoy a typical lunch and some free time for further exploration before returning to the ship. We will sail down the Guadalquivir River this evening.
Having passed the Strait of Gibraltar we arrive in North Africa and the port of Tangier. A short drive will bring us to the Donabo Gardens located on the coast with wonderful sea views. Divided into ten sections we can explore the Moroccan garden that celebrates the tradition of tea, the mint maze where multiple varieties blend their fragrances along the alleys, a rose garden thriving in the cool shade and a pollinators garden purposely designed to attract bees. Later we can explore the city where on a walking tour we will visit the Medina, enjoy the views from the Kasbah situated at the highest point of Tangier, and wander through the Grand Souk.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Island Sky
| Length: | 90 Metres |
|---|---|
| Built/Refurbished: | 1992/2018 |
With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.
There is a high ratio of crew to passengers- the friendly crew of 75 crew and Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us 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. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.
Your SuiteOnboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some 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. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.
Your SpaceThe spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.
Your DiningAnother benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus.
