Mediterranean Islands, Romantic Gardens & A Private Small Ship Serenade

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

• Dinner

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.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

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.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

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.

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• Dinner

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.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

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.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

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.

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• Dinner

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.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner