Catalonia to Croatia

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

A voyage from Barcelona to Dubrovnik with Major JGH & Imogen Corrigan aboard the MS Island Sky

It is difficult to imagine a better time than the month of September for cruising in the Mediterranean. Just about everything is as perfect as it can be, school holidays are over, the crowds have dispersed and the weather is cooling down, making it ideal for explorations ashore.

This itinerary is very much a classic that has been enjoyed over the decades but with some interesting variations in the Mediterranean, where we will explore Sicily and its beautiful offshore islands.

It combines some ‘must see’ sites together with little known and rarely visited places that are totally unsuitable for vessels larger than ours. We will visit ancient sites and see some of the loveliest scenery imaginable, whilst enjoying all the civilised comforts of our delightful vessel.

Catalonia to Croatia itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON TO BARCELONA, SPAIN.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival, transfer to the MS Island Sky and embark.

Day 2 - SETE FOR CARCASSONNE, FRANCE.

Land this morning in the charming French port of Sete, the Venice of the Languedoc. On our excursion, drive to Carcassonne, the walled city of towers, turrets and drawbridges which is said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Our guided tour will include the medieval core, the Cite, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the lower medieval town and then rise to the upper walled city with its picture postcard beauty and unique charm. Return to Sete in the afternoon and enjoy some free time in this historic port with its wonderful fish restaurants, yacht harbour and galleries.

Day 3 - PORTOFINO, ITALY.

After a leisurely morning at sea we will arrive at our first Italian port. Portofino is surely one of the most perfectly sited villages imaginable, with its colourful, yet restrained huddle of pastel coloured houses, shops and restaurants. Enjoy an afternoon exploring the town and surrounding cliffs with their magnificent views. See Castello di San Giorgio, an important and strategically placed fort. If the legs are willing, ascend the 2000 feet up Monte Portofino, from where on a clear day you can see as far as Corsica.

Day 4 - BASTIA, CORSICA & PORTOFERREIRO, ELBA.

This morning we arrive in Bastia, a fortified Corsican town where Nelson assisted Corsican patriots and the British army in their endeavours to rid the island of the French. Bastia is one of the most beautiful towns on the island. Join a guided walk through the old town which dates back to 1380, with its attractive Genoese influenced villas and churches. From St Nicholas Square which faces the sea, there are picturesque views of the old town as it snakes up the hill. This afternoon we will call into the enchanting island of Elba. An absence of good beaches and an airport has kept mass tourism at bay. It is best known as Napoleon’s island of exile in 1814/15 and we will visit his main residence, Villa Mulini. Enjoy some time in the old town; the more energetic might care to walk up to Villa Medici, a fort high above the old town.

Day 5 - BONIFACIO, CORSICA & LA MADDALENA, SARDINIA.

Arrive into the stunning natural harbour of Bonifacio. Bonifacio’s cliff-top setting and relaxed pace make it one of the most welcoming ports in the western Mediterranean. This afternoon we will sail to the superb anchorage at La Maddalena on Sardinia’s northern coast which was used by Nelson as a base for his fleet during the long blockade of Toulon in 1803-5. We have the afternoon to enjoy this simply stunning location, well off the beaten tourist track with not a cruise ship in sight. It is, however, much loved by yachtsmen and it is not difficult to see why. Weather permitting, we will visit the village of La Maddalena which is proud of its Nelson connections. The local church proudly displays silver candlesticks and a crucifix which was presented to them by Nelson in 1804.

Day 6 - CAGLIARI, SARDINIA, ITALY.

We will enter the wide Gulf of Cagliari on Sardinia’s south coast for a morning of exploration in this ancient city that dates back to the Phoenicians and Romans. Visit the old town with its narrow streets running along a steep hillside. See the terraced Piazza del Palazzo and the 14th century cathedral of St. Cecilia.

Day 7 - ISOLA LEVANZO & ISOLA MARETTIMO, EGADI ISLANDS, ITALY.

These little visited and beautiful islands off Sicily’s west coast make for a fascinating day. This morning we will visit Isola Levanzo and enjoy a few hours exploring this pretty island. This afternoon sail across to Isola Marettimo for an evening mooring. The island has one village and a few fishing families are the only population, the lovely unspoilt coastline is dotted with sea caves, coves and small beaches. Enjoy a pre-dinner walk around this enchanting island.

Day 8 - TAORMINA, SICILY.

From the nearby port of Naxos we will visit Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano. Our tour will include the impressive Greek Theatre from where there are marvellous views over the town and coast.

Day 9 - GALLIPOLI, ITALY.

Today, we are in Puglia in the far south of Italy, on the remote Salentine Peninsula. We will land at historic Gallipoli, with its whitewashed houses and attractive old quarter that still has a Greek air about it. There is much of interest here, with a history influenced by the Byzantines, Normans, Crusaders and Turkish. Join the excursion to the city of Lecce famous for its flowery style of Baroque architecture.

Day 10 - KOTOR, MONTENEGRO.

In the early morning we will enter the stunningly beautiful Kotor Fjord. Be on deck to enjoy this lovely spot as we make our way up the fjord past towering mountains to the town of Kotor, which looks almost Lilliputian nestling under mountains that rise to over 5000 feet. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the little courts and squares faced with Renaissance buildings, to the 12th century cathedral of St Tryphon.

Day 11 - DUBROVNIK, CROATIA.

Morning arrival in Dubrovnik. From its imposing position on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. A tour of the old city will include the Franciscan Monastery. The cloister of the Monastery houses the old pharmacy, which has been in existence since the 15th century. Continue to the Dominican Monastery and the Baroque cathedral which contains works by Titian and Andrea del Sarto. Also view the wonderful interior courtyard of the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral of Our Lady, known for its rich treasury. We will moor overnight in Dubrovnik, allowing us to go ashore after dark when the walled city takes on a very special atmosphere.

Day 12 - DUBROVNIK TO LONDON.

Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight.

Island Sky

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.

On board there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our 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 Suite
Onboard 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 Space
The 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 Dining
Another 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. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

Exploring Ashore & Expedition Cruising
Our inclusive pricing policy for the MS Island Sky means that the majority of shore excursions are included in the price of your cruise. Due to her size the MS Island Sky has the freedom of the seas and can come alongside in small docks or drop anchor in any suitable spot. In remote, undeveloped areas or places with restricted access, we will use the vessel’s tender to go ashore and when the vessel is operating expedition cruises in areas such as the British Isles, we will employ the vessel’s Zodiacs. These inflatable craft offer marvellous manoeuverability allowing us access to otherwise impossible landing places. There is snorkelling equipment onboard and when weather and location permits, the expedition team will set up a snorkelling platform. One of the joys of expedition cruising aboard a small vessel is the flexibility it allows. We have twenty years experience of designing trips to some of the most remote places in the world and although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey. It is our belief that you do not go on holiday to be part of the all engulfing masses which descend on a town when a number of large ships dock at the same time. Arriving at a port for the first time should be an invigorating experience and can certainly be so when the right place is chosen and your arrival is on a small ship. With only 116 passengers, there is no queuing to disembark or embark the MS Island Sky for an excursion and when required there will only be three coaches waiting on the quayside to transport you to the day’s attraction as opposed to a whole fleet waiting for the passengers travelling on the big ships.

For Your Comfort & Security & Safety
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. The captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.