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* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview

Highlights

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Map

Ships

HighlightsTangier
Portimao
Lisbon & Sintra
Oporto
Vilagarcia de Arousa
La Coruna for Santiago de Compostela
Tresco & St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly

                    Highlights
                    Tangier
Portimao
Lisbon & Sintra
Oporto
Vilagarcia de Arousa
La Coruna for Santiago de Compostela
Tresco & St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly

                  

Ship Hebridean Sky

Capacity: 114, Type: Luxury Small Ship Cruise

Feture image for Iberian Stepping Stones

Join the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky for this coastal journey along the Atlantic shores of Spain and Portugal as we sail from Malaga to the UK visiting some marvellously historic and special places along the way. These are perfect sailing waters and ashore we will be able to appreciate the contrasting cultures of the Iberian Peninsula enjoying the art, architecture and of course the wines. Early May is an ideal time for our voyage as we can expect moderate temperatures with the absence of the high season crowds and our itinerary has been planned to ensure that the balance is just right between exploring ashore, relaxing on board and time at leisure in picturesque ports for individual exploration.

Setting sail from Malaga, we sail south to Morocco for our visit to the port city of Tangier, Europe’s gateway to Africa where our exploration will include a visit to the newly created Donabo Gardens, a botanical oasis by the sea with ten distinct sections within the main garden. Added to this we spend time discovering Portugal’s Algarve coast including a visit to the charming town of Lagos, and enchanting Oporto with its splendid port wines. Continuing to Northern Spain we will meander through the Galician countryside visiting the most beautiful Pazos and their gardens, sample the local wines and step into the pilgrimage cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Our final days are spent sailing to Portsmouth with calls in the idyllic Isles of Scilly and Cornwall including visits to Tresco Abbey Gardens and the magnificent Caerhays Castle and Garden along the way.

Sailing in the company of just over 100 fellow travellers, we have the added benefit of excellent local guides and our knowledgeable Guest Speaker who will add much to your experience and knowledge of this fascinating region. Few itineraries in Europe can offer such a wide ranging and endlessly fascinating cultural experience and all of this combined with the rich maritime history of the region and the sheer beauty of the coastal landscapes makes for an endlessly fascinating cultural experience.

Tangier
Portimao
Lisbon & Sintra
Oporto
Vilagarcia de Arousa
La Coruna for Santiago de Compostela
Tresco & St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

show reverse itinerary

Day 1 London to Malaga, Spain.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

Day 2 Tangier, Morocco.

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 maze of mints where multiple varieties blend their fragrances along the alleys, a rose garden thriving in the cool shade and a pollinator’s 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.

Day 3 Portimao, Portugal.

Arrive this morning on the Algarve Coast at the fishing port of Portimao on the banks of the Arade River. From here we head west to explore the more rugged Algarve and discover its place in history. Visit the historic town of Lagos, its sturdy Medieval walls testifying to its importance as a 15th century ship building and trading post whilst at nearby Sagres, Henry the Navigator built his school of navigation and it was from here that many sailors set out and ushered in the Age of Discovery. We visit the fort which, largely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, has commanding views over the ocean and served to protect the coast from Barbary pirates. For those interested in the wines of the region we will visit the Morgado do Quintao. Founded in 1810, the vineyard has been in the same family ever since and specializes in indigenous Algarve grapes such as Negramole and Crato Branco. We will learn about the growing processes before enjoying a tasting amongst the vines.

Day 4 Lisbon & Sintra.

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, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marquis de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping areas with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city’s terraced hillsides. During our panoramic tour we will see the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower and visit the famous Jeronimos Monastery. Alternatively spend the day in the hill town of Sintra where we will visit the 15th century Royal Palace before heading to the Regaleira Gardens, an exotic and theatrical early 19th century creation and by complete contrast visit the Quinta Torre de Ribafria, with its Medieval origins. After lunch we will visit the Monserrate Gardens, a wonderfully romantic place designed by Sir Francis Cook in the mid-19th century.

Day 5 Oporto.

After a morning at sea we arrive into Leixoes, our base for an afternoon around Oporto. A choice of excursions includes a visit to the Quinta de Aveleda, located in the heart of the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region which creates a young fresh wine with low alcoholic content and a lightly fruity flavour. After exploring the beautiful park and gardens with rare specimens of trees, shrubs and flowers which surround the Manor House, we will learn about the wine which has been produced here since 1947. Alternatively, explore Oporto including the impressive St Francis Church and the Ribeira, a riverside quarter made up of narrow, twisting streets and shadowy arcades. We will end at one of the many port wine cellars where we hear all about the wines and how they are produced.

Day 6 Vilagarcia de Arousa, Spain.

From our berth in Vilagarcia de Arousa we spend the day at some of the wonderful houses and gardens of the Galicia region. Visit the Pazo de Oca, a Baroque stately home known as the ‘Galician Versailles’ and ‘El Generalife of the north’ due to the beauty of its gardens. See Pazo de Ribadulla which dates from the 16th century and is set in a beautiful location on the shores of the Ulla Valley. The garden was developed by the Armada family in the 1870s and is today renowned for its outstanding collection of camellia trees, giant magnolias, olive trees and liriodendrons. Also see the 15th century Pazo de Rubianes where we find one of the three official lordships in Spain. Visit the 11 hectare garden before we learn about local wine production and techniques and enjoy a tasting.

Day 7 La Coruna for Santiago de Compostela.

Today we visit Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia. The city’s cathedral is the destination of the important Medieval pilgrimage route, the Way of St James (in Spanish the ‘Camino de Santiago’), which is still Belem Tower, Lisbon walked today. For those keen to walk some of the route there will be the chance to hike a short section towards Santiago. Otherwise transfer directly to the site where we will visit the Conventual de San Francisco, the Faculty of Medicine and the world-famous Plaza del Obradoiro. Inside the cathedral, we will visit the Romanic crypt and see the facade of Platerias, the Quintana Plaza, House of Parra, the facade of Azabacheria, and the facade of San Martin Pinario. Enjoy lunch at a parador and some free time before returning to the ship and sailing this evening.

Day 8 At Sea.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we make our way to the Isles of Scilly. Maybe join a lecture in the lounge or find a spot on deck.

Day 9 Tresco & St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly, England.

This morning we arrive at the traffic-free island of Tresco, walking its idyllic lanes from the beach to the famous sub-tropical Abbey Gardens. Defying the Atlantic weather, this miracle of a garden is home to more than 20,000 species of plants from over 80 countries. Enjoy time to wander at your own pace along the paths, maybe visit the Valhalla collection of ship figureheads from ships wrecked on the islands or relax in the café. Later, we will see the northernmost island of the group, St Martin’s, a small island community of just 120 residents. Enjoy time to explore independently, climb one of the viewpoints for vistas over the islands and the offshore seal colonies, join one of our birders on a guided walk or make your way for a tasting at the local vineyard and winery. Please note that we will be at anchor today and the ship’s Zodiacs or local tenders will be used to transfer from ship to shore.

Day 10 Fowey.

Anchor this morning in the River Fowey, our base for a day exploring this picturesque part of Cornwall. We will make our way to Caerhays Castle and Garden. Situated between St Mawes and Mevagissey in a secluded valley above Porthluney Cove, this is one of the great gardens of Cornwall. The estate is one of the oldest in the country and home to a National Magnolia Collection. The origins of the historically important collection of magnolias can be traced back to the work of the great plant hunters, Ernest Wilson and George Forrest and the 120 acre woodland gardens are a springtime wonderland. This afternoon you may wish to explore the town at your own pace or join one of our expedition team on the Fowey Hall Walk, a circular four mile hike through woodland and across the tranquil Pont Creek which offers wonderful views over Fowey Harbour. Please note that we will be at anchor today and the ship’s Zodiacs will be used to transfer from ship to shore.

Day 11 Portsmouth.

Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station and our London departure airport at a fixed time.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

show main itinerary

Itineraries are subject to change.

Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station and our London departure airport at a fixed time.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we make our way to the Isles of Scilly. Maybe join a lecture in the lounge or find a spot on deck.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

* = Indicative

Hebridean Sky

Length	90 metres
Built/refurbished	1992/2016

Hebridean Sky has always been known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Now we add increased adventure options and an on-site Passenger Service Representative. Hebridean Sky is the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration. Is it a luxury ship? An adventure ship? It’s both! The vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016.

ONBOARD DINING

Great expeditions require great food! We are pleased to offer daily changing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with an emphasis on providing well balanced and nutritional cuisine. Our team of international chefs has boat loads of creativity and you are sure to experience a variety of interesting dishes throughout your voyage. The restaurant is located on Deck 2 and our service team looks forward to providing a memorable dining experience.

IMPECCABLE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES

Returning from excursions, passengers enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea and all-day coffee in The Club, a gracious space for relaxation, surrounded by panoramic windows. Other Sea Explorer features include:

Library with Internet access

Lounge with audiovisual facilities

Dining room

Wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi

Exercise room

Medical facilities with available doctor

Elevator serving all passenger decks

Swimming/zodiac platform

All Voyages Include:

Up to Two Pre-Voyage Hotel Nights

Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner

Certified Emergency MD and Clinic

World Class Cuisine

Live Entertainment

Complimentary Coffee/Tea station

Voyage Photographer

Dedicated Passenger Service Manager

Complimentary Expedition Jacket

Please note deck plan may vary.

Overview

Highlights

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Map

Ship

Iberian Stepping Stones

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