Coastal Cruise
12 day Mediterranean Islands Cruise
Mediterranean Islands, Romantic Gardens & A Private Small Ship Serenade
This exclusively chartered cruise takes place aboard the MS Hebridean Sky for up to 100 guests. Explore Italy’s Garden of Ninfa, which Monty Don described as the most romantic garden in the world. Gain inspiration for your own garden from Mediterranean plants suited to sustainable and dry conditions. Take advantage of late sailings that allow you to enjoy after-dinner strolls through the enchanting towns and cities of the Mediterranean. And enjoy musical performances, inspired by the regions we travel through, by Judith Dodsworth and a piano accompanist aboard the ship, as well as lectures on garden design history from our experienced Botanical Guides.
This journey departs:
17 September 2027
Highlights
The following highlights provide an overview of some of the captivating encounters awaiting you on tour.
The Garden of Ninfa
Appreciate the diversity of gardens across the Mediterranean, including Ninfa, said to be the most romantic garden in Europe.
Discover Napoleon’s Elba
On the island of Elba, learn about Napoleon’s exile while visiting his former residence, Villa dei Mulini. Continue to the seafront wine estate of La Chiusa and sample its delicious local wine.
Visit Villa Rufolo
Take in sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea from Villa Rufolo’s sky-scraping terraces. The 13th-century villa boasts a storied past and a prized position along the Amalfi Coast.
Historic Greek Monuments
Visit the small Sicilian island of Ortigia, whose ancient Temple of Apollo is considered Sicily’s oldest Doric temple.
Florence Trevelyan’s Garden
Tour the garden of Florence Trevelyan in Taormina and contemplate its decorative follies.
Alfabia Garden, Mallorca
Admire the oasis of exotic plants, tranquil fountains, and age-old trees at Alfabia Garden on the island of Mallorca.
Menorca’s Harbour Town of Mahon
The most northerly of the Balearic Islands, Menorca sees us exploring far from the tourist trail. Enoy its idyllic scenery during an island drive or cruise.
Expert Botanical Guides
Be escorted by three expert Botanical Guides who will bring the gardens to life - Dr Toby Musgrave, Teena Crawford and Tracey Foster.
A classical cruise
Our special guest, classical soprano Judith Dodsworth, will serenade us with the music of the Mediterranean.
Cruise aboard MS Hebridean Sky
Access smaller ports and islands during our 11-night, exclusively chartered cruise. Our nimble vessel, MS Hebridean Sky, sails from Valencia, in Spain, to Malta’s historic port of Valletta.
Inclusions
See below for an overview of your tour’s inclusions and featured sightseeing.
Escorted by three expert Botanical Guides - Simon Rickard, Teena Crawford and Tracy Foster. As well as a Cruise Director and classical soprano Judith Dodsworth
Privately chartered 11-night cruise aboard MS Hebridean Sky taking a maximum of 100 guests
Return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage, port taxes, plus 32 meals and select beverages
All sightseeing, shore excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Explore the Islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Sardinia, Corsica, Elba and Sicily and learn about the history of iconic sites, including Pompeii
Visit the gardens of Ninfa, Ravello, Caserta, and La Mortella
Spend time at Hauser & Wirth on Menorca, as well as Napoleon’s summer residence on Elba
Enjoy musical performances and lectures aboard the cruise
Itinerary
Gallery
Ninfa Garden
Florence Trevelyan Garden
Villa Borghese
Villa Rufolo Garden
Villa Borghese
Taormina
Temple of Apollo
Alfabia Gardens
Trip Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness rating: Medium
Exclusive charter of the MS Hebridean Sky for up to 100 guests. To view deck plans, visit www.botanica.travel/cruise-fleet