Spring in the Middle Sea

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

A journey along the coasts of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Sicily to Malta with Paul Harris & Stephen Phillips aboard MS Island Sky

Spring arrives in a great flourish along the Dalmatian Coast. Even the most jaded of travellers cannot fail to be won over by the beauty of this region. The sea is an intense blue and the islands are amazingly picturesque. Mountains sweep down to the sea covered in rich vegetation, islands lace the coast creating endless inviting waterways and channels and on shore there are great historic villages, towns and cities. The whole coastline offers a wealth of historic and natural world wonders.

Unlike the majority of cruises, our voyage will take an in-depth look at a relatively small area instead of zooming from one end of the Mediterranean to the other. The highlight for many will be our overnight stay in Dubrovnik, allowing us to appreciate this endlessly fascinating place by both day and night. Most vessels sail from this marvellous place at the end of the day, thereby missing the floodlit splendour and lively café society which is so atmospheric.

Spring in the Middle Sea itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON TO DUBROVNIK, CROATIA.

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

Day 2 - DUBROVNIK, CROATIA.

From its imposing position on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Our guided tour will include the major sights including the Rector’s Palace, the Romanesque- Gothic Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries and the Sponza Palace.

Day 3 - SPLIT, CROATIA.

On a morning excursion, explore the Palace of Diocletian, built by the emperor in 295-305 A.D. as his retirement villa. Much of this large building is well preserved and the palace contains Split’s old town within its walls, making it the only Roman palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. Later, see the 15th century Papal Palace, which now houses the Museum of the City of Split. Spend the afternoon relaxing or return to further explore Split’s unique old town on your own. A visit to the Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of Illyrian, Greek, Roman and medieval artefacts, is highly recommended.

Day 4 - HVAR & VIS, CROATIA.

Today is devoted to two picturesque islands. We will spend the morning on Hvar. Here we are greeted by an impressive sight with the town’s elegant Renaissance churches and old stone buildings forming three sides of a picturesque harbour. Explore the old town on a guided tour, starting in the main square which is the largest piazza in Dalmatia, then on to the cathedral and the palatial quarter of Grad, and the more humble residential area of Burg. During lunch we sail out into the Adriatic to the remote island of Vis. This is a special island rarely visited by cruise ships. We have a few hours to absorb the peace and beauty of the island with its two medieval towns.

Day 5 - KOTOR, MONTENEGRO.

This morning we will enter the stunningly beautiful Kotor Fjord in Montenegro. 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 walking tour through the little courts and squares faced with Renaissance buildings to the 12th century cathedral of St Tryphon.

Day 6 - DURRES & TIRANA, ALBANIA.

An inland drive brings us to Tirana, Albania’s capital city, to visit the museum and the city’s bustling quarters—an intriguing mix of Ottoman buildings, Christian cathedrals and marketplaces. After lunch we visit Kruja Fortress, a fortified citadel with nine observation towers built during the 5th and 6th centuries. Perched high on a mountain spur, the fortress is famed for the resistance of the Albanians, led by national hero Skanderbeg, against the Ottomans in the mid-15th century. Time permitting, explore Albania’s largest Roman amphitheatre near Durres’ seaport.

Day 7 - SARANDE, ALBANIA.

Drive inland to the archaeological site and ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins that feature the remains of many eras and cultures. From the Hellenistic period there are temples, the promenade and the 4th century B.C. theatre. From the Roman era are the public baths, gymnasium and fountains. From the Byzantine era we see chapels and the large Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, and the Venetians are represented by a watchtower and a small castle with commanding views over the Straits of Corfu.

Day 8 - OTRANTO, ITALY.

Today we are in Puglia and the small but historic town of Otranto. There is much of interest here with a history influenced by the Byzantines, Normans, Crusaders and Turkish. Join the tour to the city of Lecce famous for its flowery style of Baroque architecture.

Day 9 - NAXOS FOR TAORMINA, SICILY.

From the nearby port of Naxos visit Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano. A morning walking tour will include the impressive Greek Theatre from where there are marvellous views over the town and the coast. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing.

Day 10 - SYRACUSE, SICILY.

Dating from the 5th century B.C., Syracuse was one of the most powerful Greek cities— defending its sovereignty against rivals such as Carthage, the Etruscans, and the Romans who later overcame the city in 212 B.C., followed by the Arabs. We drive to the Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encompasses the spectacularly preserved 15,000-seat Greek theatre and the elliptical amphitheatre where Roman gladiators fought wild animals. The museum houses stunning collections from all of Sicily.

Day 11 - GOZO & VALLETTA, MALTA.

Weather permitting we hope to call into Malta’s charming little sister Gozo, saved as she has been from the worst ravages of tourism, possesses that rare and timeless quality. Sail over to Valletta in the late evening for an overnight mooring.

Day 12 - MALTA 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.