Glorious Gardens & Cities of the Atlantic Edge
Flights from London→Casablanca → Lisbon → Oporto → Vilagarcia de Arousa → Santiago de Compostela → Isles of Scilly → Falmouth → Portsmouth→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £4995
per person
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable springtime voyage from Casablanca to Portsmouth aboard the MS Hebridean Sky. This meticulously crafted itinerary by Noble Caledonia traverses the Atlantic coasts of Portugal and Spain before crossing to the idyllic Isles of Scilly and the scenic shores of Cornwall. Noble Caledonia’s journey perfectly balances visits to historic cities and beautiful gardens with captivating coastal scenery and restorative time at sea.
Setting sail from Casablanca, guests will enjoy a relaxing day at sea before arriving in Lisbon. Here, Noble Caledonia offers the opportunity to visit the magnificent Fronteira Palace, home to a remarkable collection of seventeenth-century azulejos. Alternatively, guests may venture inland to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora—where Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance monuments reflect more than two thousand years of history—before sampling the renowned wines of the Alentejo.
Continuing north, the MS Hebridean Sky arrives in Oporto, a city famed for its riverside setting, Baroque architecture, and centuries-old wine traditions. The voyage then reaches the Spanish region of Galicia, where guests will explore some of the region's finest historic houses and gardens, sample local wines, and visit the great pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela.
After a busy few days of exploration, guests will enjoy a relaxing day at sea before Noble Caledonia’s call in the Isles of Scilly. The schedule includes a planned visit to the traffic-free island of Tresco and its famous subtropical Abbey Gardens, as well as the small island community of St Martin's. The final call is the Cornish port of Falmouth, where guests will visit the exotic woodland valley garden of Glendurgan before sailing along the River Fal toward the voyage’s conclusion in Portsmouth.
Highlights
- Experience luxury small-ship cruising aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, featuring welcome drinks and dinner upon embarkation.
- Discover the 17th-century Fronteira Palace in Lisbon, renowned for its extensive collection of preserved Portuguese azulejos.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Évora, including its ancient Roman Temple, St Francisco Church, and the unique Chapel of Bones.
- Indulge in a vineyard tour and wine tasting in the Alentejo region, celebrated for its traditional red wine production.
- Tour Oporto’s iconic landmarks, including its historic iron bridge and the scenic riverfront promenade of Cais da Ribeira.
- Visit the Pazo de Oca in Galicia, an exquisite 18th-century stately home widely known as the "Galician Versailles."
- Embark on a unique catamaran excursion in the Rías Baixas to learn about mussel farming and enjoy a freshly harvested tasting.
- Visit the historic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the renowned final destination of the medieval Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
- Explore the subtropical Abbey Gardens on the traffic-free island of Tresco, home to over 20,000 exotic plant species.
- Enjoy a morning visit to the historic Glendurgan Garden in Cornwall, followed by a scenic afternoon cruise along the River Fal.
Explore further
More ocean cruises
The ship
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Casablanca, Morocco.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
- 2
Day 2 At Sea.
Spend the day on board as we cruise to Portugal.
- 3
Day 3 Lisbon, Portugal.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century and is a city famous for its majestic architecture, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Our guided morning tour will visit the beautiful Fronteira Palace located in the heart of the city. Built in 1670 the palace holds the largest collection of seventeenth-century ‘azulejos' (Portuguese tiles) preserved in situ and is classified as a national monument. The palace is surrounded by a romantic garden with lush greenery, colourful flower beds and beautiful fountains, whilst at the Galeria das Artes we see an extraordinary tile decoration on the surrounding walls. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon to explore further at your own pace. Alternatively, there will be a full day tour to the Alentejo region. We will drive to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore the sights and Medieval history of this enchanting city during a walking tour. Evora is one of the oldest towns in the Alentejo region and we will see the well preserved Roman Temple, St Francisco Church and the Chapel of Bones before exploring the charming squares. Alentejo is a highly respected wine region traditionally producing red wines from the Tempranillo and Trincadeira grapes. We will enjoy lunch in a vineyard including a tasting before we return to the MS Hebridean Sky.
- 4
Day 4 Oporto.
After a leisurely morning at sea we will arrive in Oporto, Portugal's second largest city and a World Heritage Site. On an afternoon tour we will drive through the city's narrow streets to find 16th century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and chapels, as well as the city's iconic 19th century iron bridge, built by a pupil of Gustav Eiffel. See the city's cathedral, located on the top of Penaventosa Hill with an amazing view over the river before some free time to stroll and explore the riverfront promenade of Cais da Ribeira with its pastel buildings, restaurants and buzzing atmosphere. Alternatively, visit Quinta de Villar d'Allen, the last living example of the 19th century bourgeoisie properties near Oporto. The house has been the Allen family's mansion for more than 180 years following the family's involvement in the port and wine industry. We can view the historical artefacts in the house as well as exploring the tranquil gardens which feature several centenary trees and a collection of more than 600 camellias.
- 5
Day 5 Vilagarcia de Arousa, Spain.
Arrive in Galicia this morning from where we have a choice of excursions. There will be a half day tour to some of the wonderful houses and gardens of the Galicia region. Visit the Pazo de Oca, a Baroque stately home known as the ‘Galician Versailles' and ‘El Generalife of the north' due to the beauty of its gardens. Continue to Pazo de Ribadulla, dating from the 16th century and set in a beautiful location on the shores of the Ulla Valley. The garden was developed by the Armada family in the 1870s and is today renowned for its outstanding collection of camellia trees, giant magnolias, olive trees and liriodendrons. Return to the vessel for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively enjoy a full day discovery of ‘Rias Baixas' which translates as low estuaries. Visit the 15th century Pazo de Rubianes, one of the three official lordships in Spain. Visit the 11 hectare garden and a nearby cellar to learn about local wine production and enjoy a tasting. After a tapas lunch we will drive to El Grove and board a catamaran for a journey along the estuary towards the bateas, the floating docks used for mussel farming. Learn about the local industry before enjoying some freshly harvested mussels on the way back to the vessel.
- 6
Day 6 La Coruna for Santiago de Compostela.
From our berth in La Coruna our full day tour will visit Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia. The city's cathedral is the destination of the important Medieval pilgrimage route, the Way of St James (in Spanish the ‘Camino de Santiago'), which is still walked today. For those keen to walk some of the route there will be the chance to hike a short section towards Santiago. Otherwise, we will transfer directly to the site where we will visit the Conventual de San Francisco, the Faculty of Medicine and the world famous Plaza del Obradoiro. Inside the cathedral, we will visit the Romanesque crypt and see the facade of Platerias, the Quintana Plaza, House of Parra, the facade of Azabacheria, and the facade of San Martin Pinario. Enjoy lunch at a Parador before returning to the ship. Alternatively you can join a morning tour of La Coruna which will include a drive along the promenade stopping at the Tower of Hercules. We will then explore the old city, passing by the convent of Santo Domingo, which contains a chapel dedicated to La Coruna's patron ‘La Virgen del Rosario', and the church of Santa Maria del Campo, built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Also see the churches of Santiago and Santa Barbara, Azcarraga Square and Maria Pita Square, where the town hall stands. We will return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
- 7
Day 7 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cross the Bay of Biscay and sail towards the English coast.
- 8
Day 8 Isles of Scilly, England.
Arrive this morning in the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago of five inhabited islands and around 140 uninhabited islets, located 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall. Our day will depend on weather and sea conditions. From our anchorage we will use the local tenders to visit traffic-free Tresco, walking along its idyllic lanes from the beach to the famous subtropical Abbey Gardens. Defying the Atlantic weather, this miracle of a garden is home to more than 20,000 species of plants from over 80 countries. Enjoy time to wander the paths, perhaps visit the Valhalla collection of ship figureheads recovered from ships wrecked on the islands, or relax in the café. Later we hope to visit the northernmost island of the group, St Martin's, a small island community of just 120 residents. Enjoy time to explore independently, climb to one of the viewpoints for vistas over the islands and the offshore seal colonies or maybe visit the vineyard.
- 9
Day 9 Falmouth.
Over breakfast we sail into Cornwall and the historic port of Falmouth. A morning tour will head to Glendurgan for a tour of the subtropical woodland gardens created by the Fox family in the early 1800s. Three valleys can be explored at their springtime best with thousands of wildflowers carpeting the slopes amid displays of camellias and rhododendrons. Those who wish may stroll through the gardens to the hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River. Alternatively, spend the morning exploring Falmouth independently or perhaps take the local ferry to St Mawes and walk to the castle and charming chapel. In the early afternoon we will depart for a scenic cruise along the River Fal before continuing our journey to Portsmouth.
- 10
Day 10 Portsmouth.
Disembark this morning after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station and our departure London airport at a fixed time.
The Ship
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Deck plan
Life aboard Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is an intimate, 118-passenger vessel offering a refined experience akin to a private yacht. It is ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful, service-focused voyage with an emphasis on destination exploration rather than large-scale ship entertainment.
Quick facts
Passengers
118
Crew/Staff
75
Year Built
1992
Language
English
Gross Tonnage
4200
Suites
The ship features 59 spacious, wood-panelled suites with outside views and en-suite bathrooms. Accommodation ranges from standard suites to the premium Hebridean Suite, with some options including private balconies.
- •All suites include air-conditioning, mini-fridge, safe, hairdryer, telephone, and TV.
- •Bathrooms feature walk-in rainfall showers but no baths.
- •Private balconies are available in 14 suites, located on the Scott and Shackleton Decks.
- •Beds can be configured as twins or doubles, except in suites 601 and 602 which have fixed doubles.
- •The Hebridean Suite offers a separate sitting room, extra-large balcony, complimentary laundry, and stocked mini-bar.
Life on board
Life aboard focuses on relaxation, enrichment talks, and socialising in a low-key, elegant environment. Guests can enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck or visit the lounge for daily briefings and guest speakers.
- •Public areas include a main lounge, The Club bar with a pianist, and a library stocked with reference books.
- •There is no large-scale entertainment, deck games, or black-tie events.
- •Wi-Fi is available via satellite in public areas and suites.
- •An observation area on the top deck provides seating for wildlife spotting.
- •A small beauty salon offers hairdressing and massage treatments on request.
Dining
The dining experience is informal and flexible, featuring open seating in the restaurant and potential al fresco options on the Lido Deck. Menus focus on international cuisine, incorporating fresh local produce when available.
- •Breakfast is buffet-style, while lunch and dinner are à la carte.
- •House wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner.
- •Open seating allows guests to choose their table and companions at every meal.
- •Afternoon tea and daily pre-dinner canapés are served.
- •Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice, though cannot be guaranteed.
Practical information
The ship operates in a casual, professional manner with a strong emphasis on safety and service. Guests should prepare for satellite internet limitations and note the 110v electrical system.
- •Voltage is 110v/60Hz (American standard); bring a two-pin American adaptor.
- •Dress code is casual during the day and smart casual in the evenings; no formal nights.
- •Smoking is restricted to a designated outdoor area only.
- •Medical services and a doctor are available on board 24/7, with consultations charged to your account.
- •Laundry service is available with a 24-hour turnaround; no self-service launderettes provided.
- •Personal electronic devices like irons or coffee makers are strictly forbidden in suites.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 14 to 23 May 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £5295 | £4995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £5495 | £5195 |
| Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £5795 | £5495 |
| Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £5995 | £5695 |
| Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £6295 | £5995 |
| Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £6595 | £6295 |
| Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £6895 | £6595 |
| Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £5295 | £4995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £5495 | £5195 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS140528
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel to Casablanca • Nine nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes
Not Included:
- Travel insurance.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787