Island life mediterranean style

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

A voyage to the Hidden Islands of the Mediterranean and Aegean aboard the MS Island Sky

There is something special about visiting islands. Each island although it may be part of France, Italy or Greece develops its own character and lifestyle. It is unusual for any one cruise in this part of the world to be dedicated solely to islands, but they are unashamedly our passion. There are no shortages of cruise vessels plying the major ports and cities of the Mediterranean, but few are inclined to seek out hidden islands and devote a complete itinerary to them.

Our journey begins in Barcelona from where islands become our stepping stones across the Mediterranean to the Corinth Canal and from there across the Aegean to the island of Rhodes. We will enjoy the French influences on Porquerolles and Corsica, the laid back Italian style of Elba, Ponza, Ischia, Lipari and Sicily, and the Aegean late summer beauty of Folegandos, Santorini, Tilos and Rhodes.

Only a few Mediterranean Islands have managed to keep big-time tourism at bay and during the course of our 13 day trip we will visit some of the best. Timeless islands with their aura of history, unique island life styles and spectacular beauty will capture our hearts as travel a less well trodden path across the Mediterranean.

Island life mediterranean style itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON TO BARCELONA

Fly by scheduled flight and transfer to the MS Island Sky for embarkation. Sail in the late afternoon.

Day 2 - PORQUEROLLES

After a morning at sea as we sail along the French Riviera coast we will call into the small island of Porquerolles located close to Toulon and Iles d’Hyeres. This little known resort started life as a retirement village for Napoleon’s finest soldiers and even today retains a certain colonial air, especially around the main village. But, essentially most visitors come here to enjoy the peace and beauty of the island, its lush landscape and beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect place for a walk, perhaps up to the old fort or a stroll through the tree plantations or vineyards.

Day 3 - BASTIA, CORSICA & PORTOFERREIRO, ELBA

This morning we will call into Bastia on the beautiful island of Corsica a fortified 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 Corsica. We will walk through Terra Vecchia (Old Town) which dates back to 1380 with its attractive Genoese influenced villas and churches. Back on board for a leisurely lunch as we sail over to the enchanting island of Elba. Best known as Napoleon’s island of exile, we will visit his main residence, Villa Mulini. Enjoy some time in the old town and the more energetic might care to walk up to Villa Medici, a fort high above the old town. The views from the lighthouse are stunning.

Day 4 - ISOLA DEL GIGLIO

Spend the morning on this captivating little Tuscan Island. See the picturesque town of Giglio Porto, the only harbour of the island, with its colourful houses nestled along a cove between two piers. High above the town is medieval Castello built by the Medici’s to combat the numerous assaults by pirates. Wander around its narrow lanes and alleys where nothing seems to have hanged for centuries.

Day 5 - PONZA & ISOLA D’ISCHIA

As you approach this island with its brightly painted houses you will begin to realise why the Italians have kept Ponza such a secret from the rest of the world. This delightful little island which is in fact the rim of a long dead volcanic crater rises above the sea some 40 miles off the Italian mainland. The scenery is strikingly dramatic, stark white cliffs, grottoes and tall columns of rock in the sea. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at sea as we head for Isola d’Ischia. We will moor for the evening in its enchanting harbour for those who would like a pre or after dinner walk and perhaps a taste of the islands legendary ice cream. Ischia is one of the more commercial islands on our itinerary, but in the evening after the ferries have departed with day visitors it has a special charm.

Day 6 - LIPARI

Relax this morning as we sail past the island of Stromboli with its active volcano, arriving in the Aeolian archipelago after lunch. On Lipari we will find an amazing collection of ruins from the prehistoric through to the Roman period. Lipari town is a thriving little place prettily located between two harbours. Our excursion this afternoon includes a visit to the upper town set within fortress walls, a drive around the volcano followed by a visit to the Archaeological Museum.

Day 7 - TAORMINA

From the nearby port of Messina visit Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano. This famous Sicilian resort will come as a bit of a shock following the peace of the previous few days but is well worth the visit to see the impressive Greek Theatre with its marvellous vistas over the town and the coast.

Day 8 - AT SEA

Crossing the Ionian Sea.

Day 9 - ITHACA

Ithaca is one of the seven Greek islands that forms the group of the Ionian Islands. It is a beautiful island full of verdant vegetation and forest and amazing beaches. The island is famous for being the island of the mythical Odysseus (Ulysses) whose exploits have been described by the famous Greek lyric poet Homer, in the Odyssey. Visit the bay of Dexia, Homers harbour of Phorkys, where the Phaeacians left Odysseus sleeping on the beach. See the Cyclopean Walls (Alalkomenia), a ruined site known as Odysseus’s Castle.

Day 10 - ITEA

This morning we dock at Itea in southern Greece, our only non island call. Depart by coach on an excursion for the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity. The ruins here are exceptional. We explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, site of the sacred Delphic oracle, and walk along Delphi’s Sacred Way, visiting the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5,000 seat theatre dating from the fourth century BC. Back on board for lunch and a transit of the Corinth Canal which will bring us into the Aegean.

Day 11 - FOLEGANDROS & SANTORINI

Over breakfast we will cruise to the western edge of the Cycladese to the little known island of Folegandros. Visit the clifftop capital of Chora a wonderfully picturesque village with alleys lines with bougainvillaea and hibiscus and a dramatic seascape over an edge which drops some 700 feet directly into the Aegean. During lunch sail to Santorini. Once a single volcanic cone, Santorini is now an island archipelago. We will first visit Santorini’s highest peak, crowned by the Mount Profitis Ilias monastery from where there are spectacular views of the island. Continue to the north of the island, to the village of Oia and explore the narrow cobbled streets, many with tiny shops offering unusual crafts.

Day 12 - TILOS & RHODES

Close to the Turkish coast and just north of Rhodes is magical and timeless Tilos. This lovely Dodecanese island has still to find its way onto the pages of tour operators brochures so retains its time-warp and traditional atmosphere. See Livadia a lively little town and Megalo Chorio its tiny capital rich in Crusader castles. In the afternoon continue across to Rhodes. This historic island was known in antiquity for its schools of philosophy, rhetoric and sculpture. On a guided tour explore the Old Town, one of the great medieval towns of the Mediterranean.

Day 13 - RHODES TO LONDON

Disembark this morning and return to London by scheduled indirect 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.