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Island Sky
Athens to Valletta
Overview
Join us for this relaxing and informative voyage exploring the Mediterranean and all its wonders as we cruise to some of the most fascinating sites of the ancient world and spend time in some scenic towns and coastal ports. Sailing from Athens, our itinerary has been devised to include a rich collection of archaeological, historical and beautiful sites in Greece and Italy before arriving at the Grand Harbour of Valletta. We will transit the Corinth Canal and explore a magnificent array of ancient sites including Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity and Olympia. We will also visit the marvellous site of Butrint in Albania where settlement can be traced back to the 8th century BC. This heady mix of islands and ports represents a fascinating itinerary combining as it does some ‘must see’ sites together with little known places that are perfectly suited for the 118-passenger MS Island Sky. We have also included ample time at leisure for independent exploration in some charming ports of call such as Preveza, Otranto and Syracuse, places where owing to our ability to moor centrally, you can easily access the delightful towns from our moorings. By the end of the voyage you will have seen and learnt so much and exploring in small groups with excellent guides, our trips ashore will be a pleasure. We have the added advantage of travelling in June when the summer crowds have yet to arrive but the weather is ideal for touring and sightseeing.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Island Sky and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Be on deck this morning as we transit the Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893 and only 6.4 kilometres long and 21.5 metres wide, it is only small ships like ours which can now make this journey. In the early afternoon we arrive at our berth in Itea to visit the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity. The hillside ruins here are exceptional and we will explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the sacred Delphic Oracle and walk along Delphi’s Sacred Way, visiting the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5000 seat theatre dating from the 4th century BC.
Pastoral and lush, Olympia’s plentiful ruins are shaded by Aleppo pines and olive trees. The fame of Olympia rests upon the Olympic Games. During the celebrations that accompanied the Games, competitors, while not forgetting that they were Athenians, Spartans or from other city states, remembered that they were Greeks and regarded an Olympic victory as the highest honour. We will see the gymnasium, the stadium and the palestra or wrestling school. We will also explore the Altis, or sacred precinct of Zeus, which houses structures including the Temple of Zeus, one of the largest temples on the Greek mainland and the Archaeological Museum which houses some fine sculptures and artefacts from the site.
This morning we arrive in Preveza, situated at the entrance of the Gulf of Amvrakikos. We will drive to the little known ancient city of Nicopolis, one of the largest and most important sites in the whole of Greece. Built by the Roman Emperor Octavianus Augustus following his victory at Aktiun in 31 BC over Antony and Cleopatra, inside its extensive walls are the Odeum, the theatre, the Nymphaeum and the monument to Augustus. Later the city flourished in the early Christian period as the seat of the archbishop of old Epiros but earthquakes and invading Goths and Vandals led to its demise. This afternoon will be at leisure to relax on board or discover the pretty yacht-lined harbour town and nearby beaches.
Arrive this morning on the island of Corfu, one of the most richly endowed of all the Greek Isles. Praised by Homer in ‘The Odyssey’ and selected by Shakespeare as the setting for ‘The Tempest’, the island retains evidence of cultural heritage from each of its past rulers - Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia and Great Britain. Our guided tour will include the famous Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin at Paleokastritsa which is still inhabited by a community of monks. The small museum houses some priceless Byzantine icons. Spend some time in the serene monastery gardens that afford a splendid view over the turquoise waters of the bay. Continue to Mon Repos Palace, the summer residence of the British Governors of Corfu which now houses a museum including many Ionian treasures and is surrounded by a large park. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon will be free to explore Corfu Town with its idyllic pastel coloured Venetian mansions and fine museums. We moor overnight for anyone wishing to take an after dinner stroll.
Arriving into Albania we will discover the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a guided tour 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 BC 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, whilst the Venetians are represented by a watchtower and a small castle with commanding views over the Straits of Corfu. Sail this afternoon to Otranto where we moor overnight.
After breakfast we will drive to Lecce, often referred to as ‘The Florence of the South’ with its amazing collection of Baroque architecture. A guided walk will include a visit to the beautifully decorated Santa Croce Basilica and Piazza Duomo, considered one of the finest and most impressive squares in southern Italy. We return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore Otranto independently, maybe walk the winding streets or along the seaside promenade. The highlight is the wonderful cathedral with its Medieval mosaic floor created by the monk, Pantaleone, between 1163 and 1165. You can also see the Chapel of the Dead which shows the bones and skulls of 813 martyrs killed by the invading Turks in 1480.
Today we drive into the Puglian countryside which is scattered with ‘trulli’, limestone dwellings built with dome or conical roofs. We will enjoy a pleasant walk in Alberobello, a fairy-tale trulli village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and see the St Anthony Church also built in trullo style. The afternoon is free to explore Taranto at your own pace and you may want to see the 15th century Aragonese Castle or the 11th century cathedral.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we sail to Sicily.
Syracuse was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC and by the 5th century was a political and military power throughout the Mediterranean which rivalled Athens as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek world. On leaving the vessel we visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park where we will find a well preserved Greek theatre with seats carved from limestone. Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, was the primary source of that limestone and is the site of the curious ‘Ear of Dionysius’, a vast grotto with an amplifying resonance. We will continue to explore the island of Ortigia where we will find the Temple of Apollo, considered to be Sicily’s most ancient Doric temple and the Baroque Cathedral, erected over the remains of the Temple of Minerva. The afternoon is free to explore independently before we meet this evening for a private concert in one of the town’s palazzos accompanied by local food and wine. We remain moored in Syracuse overnight.
After breakfast we will drive to the Baroque village of Noto. Built in 1703 Noto is a picturesque city located on the terraced slopes of Mount Iblei among olive groves and almond trees. A guided walk along the central streets will reveal the 18th century Palazzo Ducezio and some Baroque churches: San Francesco Immacolata, the cathedral, San Carlo, Santa Chiara and the imposing Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, built in 1737. We return to the ship for lunch and have some free time before we sail this evening.
From the port of Licata we travel inland to what is regarded as the finest Roman site in Sicily, the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale, which is located close to Piazza Armerina amidst wooded rolling countryside. This huge villa was built in the 3rd century and has some stunning floor mosaics. Our return drive takes us through the province of Caltanissetta, recognised today as one of the best winemaking regions in Italy thanks above all to its production of high quality, prestigious red wines including Nero D’Avola. We will break our journey at one of these vineyards and enjoy a chance to sample some wine over a Sicilian lunch before returning to the ship.
Sail this morning into the Grand Harbour of Valletta where we disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Island Sky
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116 Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 Sister ship to Hebridean Sky. Island Sky and Hebridean Sky are truly sisters. Built in the same Italian Shipyard, both boast spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and redundant core technology that allows them to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging of conditions. Both ships are all-suite, all-inclusive small expedition vessels with touches of elegance throughout. The Island Sky is scheduled for additional upgrades in 2017, including the addition of tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on the Promenade Deck. Services: World-Class Cuisine Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner Live Entertainment Complimentary Coffee/Tea station Voyage Photographer On-board MD and Facilities Dedicated Passenger Service Manager Pre-voyage hotel night Complimentary Expedition Jacket Facilities: Elevator serving all passenger decks Upgraded WIFI Internet Library with computers Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities DVD Movie Library Tinted sliding glass doors in all cabins on the Promenade Deck World-Class Cuisine: Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. Accommodations: All Suites Feature: Exterior views Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds Sitting area with sofa and side chair Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player Telephone Independent temperature controls Mini-Bar Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries Hair dryer 220 square feet or more Sofa can be converted to bed for third person PLEASE NOTE - DECK PLANS CAN VARY.
Highlights
• Travelling with You - Nigel McGilchrist. Nigel McGilchrist has lived and worked in the Mediterranean – Italy, Turkey and Greece – for nearly forty years. After graduating from Oxford with a starred First in English, he began teaching at the University of Rome and subsequently worked for the Italian Superintendence of Fine Arts. All his spare time was spent in exploring the lands, coasts and the cultures of the Mediterranean world. He has lectured for many years on the art and history of the area for museums and institutions in Europe and America – among them, the Getty Museum and the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. He has taken many specialist tours to Italy, Greece, Sicily and Malta; and has been a Guest Speaker for several Noble Caledonia cruises. He was formerly Dean of European Studies for a consortium of American universities. He is the author of a twenty-volume series of survey/guides of the archaeology, history and art of the sixty inhabited Aegean Islands. He lived previously in Umbria, where he produced wine and oil; he now lives in Greece.
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