Includes return flights from the UK. Spend seven nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky sailing through the islands of the Mediterranean from Barcelona to Valletta. Highlights include a gourmet tour of Palma de Mallorca and a visit to the UNESCO-listed Su Naraxi in Cagliari. Explore spectacular islands including Menorca and Corsica.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Barcelona, Embark Ship

Fly from the UK and arrive in Barcelona, transfer to your ship. This evening, get to know your Cruise Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

Day 2: Palma de Mallorca

Today, you’ll reach the shores of Mallorca, where the island’s capital of Palma is set against a spectacular white-sand bay. The morning is at your leisure to explore. Perhaps head out on an optional tour of the city’s historic quarter with a guide. Stroll through a medieval maze of streets and delve into the district’s Moorish heritage. This afternoon, enjoy an Insider Experience. Later, join your fellow travellers for a Gala Welcome Dinner.

Insider Experience – Explore Mallorca

Join a local guide on a tour to find the city’s finest tapas.

Day 3: Mahón

Journey to the island of Menorca, known for its sweeping countryside, historic towns and superb beaches. The morning is yours to discover the capital, Mahón, at leisure. Mahón, locally known as Mao, features one of the largest natural harbours in the world and in 1708, the British and Dutch joined forces and captured the island. Perhaps join an optional guided tour.

Enhance Your Journey — Tour of Menorca

Ascend Menorca’s highest mountain, Monte Toro, with an English-speaking guide. At 358 metres high, the mountain towers over the island and is a prime location for breathtaking vistas over Menorca. Enjoy a visit to the impressive Sanctuary of the Virgin of Monte Toro. On your return journey, pause in Binibeca, a coastal fishing village boasting architectural beauty. Relish free time to wander through the lanes lined with whitewashed buildings. Lastly, in Mahón, you’ll sample the famous Menorcan gin, Xoriguer, and learn about the gin-making process at a local distillery. In the 18th century, the distillation of gin began in Mahón to satiate the thirst of British sailors. Mahón gin is recognised as being one of the first gins made in the Mediterranean.

Day 4: Bonifacio

Relish a relaxing morning on board. Later, arrive in the stunning natural harbour of Bonifacio, located on the fashionable French island of Corsica. The busy marina boasts a collection of private yachts, an array of chic restaurants and bars along the waterfront. With the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to visit the fascinating Old Town, where quaint narrow streets are lined with impressive historical buildings. Marvel at the charming medieval houses perched on the edge of the limestone cliffs.

Enhance Your Journey – Bonifacio Boat and Small Train Tour

Board a mini-tram and travel through the oldest part of this enchanting town. Enjoy a quick overview as you pass the Bosco quarter, home to the St Francis convent and a fascinating cemetery dedicated to mariners, showcasing an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Weather permitting, catch a glimpse of the nearby Italian island of Sardinia. Continue past the Church of St Dominique, a rare example of Corsican gothic architecture dating back to 1270, likely built by the Templars. Explore Bonifacio on foot, wandering through narrow streets lined with historic buildings. Discover the Church of St Marie Majeure, a blend of romanesque and baroque styles from the 14th century. Visit Rue des Deux Empereurs, where Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles V once stayed. Then, see the scenic Place d’Armes and Jardins des Vestiges. Reach the old market, featuring a viewpoint over the dramatic 230-foot cliffs that the town is built upon. Proceed through the Porte de Gênes, the former entrance to the citadel and visit the Chapel of St Roch, located at the site where the last plague victim died in 1528. Descend via the Rastello steps to the marina, where you’ll embark on a boat ride along the stunning cliffs. Experience breathtaking views and venture into the carved grottoes, where the sea is a mesmerising shade of turquoise. At the end of your walking tour, you have the option to either walk down the steps to the marina and continue to the boat station or take the mini-tram back to the car park for a shorter walk. 

Day 5: Alghero

Today, dock in Alghero, located on the attractive Coral Coast of Sardinia. With the day at leisure, perhaps join an optional guided visit to the Coral Museum. Located inside an elegant art nouveau villa, the Coral Museum pays tribute to the red coral found along the coast of Alghero. In addition to the exhibit, explore the garden filled with coral sculptures and the villa the museum is housed in. Alternatively, you may wish to take an optional tour.

Enhance Your Journey – City Tour & Coral Museum

Explore Alghero, a historic Sardinian town with Catalan heritage. Stroll through medieval streets, admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and walk along the Bastioni sea walls for stunning sea views. Finish with a visit to the Coral Museum to see a collection of red coral artifacts and learn about its significance to local culture.

Enhance Your Journey – Neptune’s Grotto

Experience the natural wonder of Neptune’s Grotto, a stunning marine cave near Capo Caccia. Enjoy a scenic drive, descend the Escala del Cabirol steps, and explore the cave’s impressive limestone formations and underground lake, La Marmora’s Lake. Learn about the cave’s geology and history from your knowledgeable guide. 

Day 6: Cagliari

Discover Sardinia’s capital of Cagliari on a guided excursion. Visit a selection of the city’s main sights, including the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria and Monte Urpinu, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Stroll through the historic Castello district. Later, travel by coach to the World Heritage-listed Su Naraxi in Barumini, Sardinia’s most significant archaeological site. Admire the mysterious beehive-looking structures, built by the Nuragic civilization in the Bronze Age.

Day 7: Palermo

Join a sightseeing tour of Palermo and discover the heart of this vibrant city accompanied by a local expert guide. Visit the Arab-style street markets and delight in the architecture of medieval and baroque churches, fascinating squares and fountains. Other highlights include the Palatine Chapel and the Royal Chapel of the Norman Kings of Sicily, situated on the ground floor at the centre of the Royal Palace. This afternoon, your ship will set sail for Malta. Later, join your fellow travellers for a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Day 8: Disembark Ship, Depart Valletta

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.