Voyage to Valletta - A Journey Along the Balkan Coast from Venice to Valletta

Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky for embarkation. Moor overnight.

From our central berth enjoy a free morning to explore at your own pace. In the early afternoon we will take a walking tour to discover the hidden corners of Venice. An off the beaten track itinerary takes us to the Church of San Giovanni in Bragora, where Antonio Vivaldi was baptised, the San Giorgio dei Greci Church and its secret courtyard, and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the city’s largest squares and Marco Polo’s House. After a walk to the Rialto area, we will make our way back to St Mark’s waterfront via Campo San Zaccaria and its beautiful church, before ending our tour at the Chiesa della Pieta, a former convent and orphanage and an authentic masterpiece of the 18th century by Giorgio Massari. The young orphans that stayed here were encouraged to study music and their most famous teacher was Antonio Vivaldi. It was here that he composed the Four Seasons and we have arranged for an exclusive private concert of Vivaldi themed music performed by a Venetian orchestra. It will be a thrilling experience to hear the music performed where it was created.

Overnight we sail the short distance to Koper for a day in Slovenia. This morning we drive to Piran, one of the most photogenic cities in the Mediterranean. Influenced by the Venetian Republic, which left its mark on most Istrian towns, Piran has maintained the clustered Medieval structure of narrow winding streets, houses huddled close together and numerous squares and churches. Tartini Square is the gem found in the very centre of the city and named after the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore Koper at your own pace or alternatively drive to Lipica, the village giving its name to the Lipizzan horse breed. We will visit the Lipica Stud Farm, one of the very first farms to develop the Lipizzan breed in the 16th century, for a guided tour and a show to learn more about their majestic horses.

Arrive in Croatia at the the tip of the Istrian Peninsula at the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On a walking tour we will discover one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres left in the world. The Arena, built in the 1st century AD was designed to host gladiatorial contests with seating for up to 20,000 spectators. This afternoon is free to explore at your own pace or alternatively join a tour to the atmospheric town of Rovinj where the houses inside the old town are small and lean into each other creating a unique atmosphere. Our guided walking tour will include the Franciscan Monastery, City Palace and the 17th century clock tower before we visit the town’s main landmark, St Euphemia Church, which is built on the top of a small hill. This Baroque building built in Venetian style was dedicated to the saint and martyr whose sarcophagus, according to a legend, was miraculously washed ashore somewhere around 800 AD.

Today we appreciate the benefits of our small ship as we cruise into Mali Losinj which sits at the foot of a protected harbour on the southeast coast of Losinj Island. It is the island’s mild climate and rich flora that give Mali Losinj its reputation as one of the most fragrant islands in Croatia. The morning is free to wander along the seafront of the old town which is lined with a string of imposing 19th century houses and villas or maybe visit the fascinating Museum of Apoxyomenos. Spend the afternoon at sea as we continue our journey south along the Croatian coastline.

Dubrovnik is a breathtaking sight and its many historic and cultural treasures have earned it the designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by the Romans in the 7th century, it eventually came under the influence of the Byzantine Empire, then Venice, Hungary and finally Turkey. This morning our local guides will lead us through the bustling old town taking in the beautiful civic buildings, the Rector’s Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries and the Sponza Palace. This afternoon is free to relax on board or explore independently. Maybe take a walk on the city walls or ride the cable car up Mount Srd for the wonderful views over the city.

Be on deck this morning as we sail through the stunning fjord-like scenery into Kotor. On arrival we will take a morning walking tour to explore this Medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This really is an extraordinary place full of marvellous architecture and pretty town squares. Our tour will include the 12th century Cathedral of St Tryphon, the ancient town gates, the Maritime Museum and Romanesque churches including St Luke’s. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon to explore at your own pace. Those feeling active may wish to take the strenuous climb to the Castle of San Giovanni which offers wonderful views over the bay and town below. Please note that we may be at anchor today and if so will use local tenders to go ashore.

Arrive in Albania at the coastal city of Durres which was colonised by the Greeks in 627 BC and still has the remains of a 15,000 seat amphitheatre, the second largest in the Balkans. This morning we will head inland to Tirana where we will see the fascinating nuclear bunker built by the dictator Enver Hoxha in the 1970s and only recently opened to the public. This underground building is packed with original artefacts from the communist period. Afterwards, continue walking through the city centre to see the mosque, Clock Tower and the “Bloku” area of the city. After lunch at a local farm, we return to Durres to visit the Medieval city and the Archaeological Museum before sailing late this evening.

We continue our exploration of Albania in the southern port of Sarande from where we have a choice of excursions. Maybe visit 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. Alternatively, drive inland to Gjirokastra, a charming hillside town which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its cobbled streets and fortified Ottoman houses have changed little over time. We will visit the interesting museum before time to explore the 17th century Ottoman Bazaar.

From our berth in Otranto 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 a leisurely afternoon 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.

Enjoy a day at sea with time to relax on deck or perhaps join a lecture in the lounge.

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 sail tonight.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Itineraries are subject to change.