Coastal Cruise
14 day Greece and Italy Cruise
Mediterranean Gardens and Wildflowers of Greece and Italy by Small Ship
Join Botanica’s privately chartered Mediterranean voyage aboard MS Hebridean Sky to the shores of Greece, Italy and Malta. Explore the experimental Sparoza Garden, featured by Monty Don, which occupies an otherwise arid setting. Discover some of the hundreds of plant species, many of them endemic, that grace the island of Crete. Our journey also takes us to the best wildflower viewing sites in all of Greece. Be invited to private gardens on the idyllic island of Corfu, traverse Santorini, and discover the traditional villages and scenic landscapes of Paros. We also admire the historical and botanical wonders of southern Italy.
This journey departs:
30 March 2028
Highlights
The following highlights provide an overview of some of the captivating encounters awaiting you on tour.
Cruise Aboard MS Hebridean Sky
Enjoy a 12-night small ship cruise from Athens to Malta. Visit the islands of Greece and Italy’s south-eastern shores.
Alberobello’s Whitewashed Homes
Marvel at rows of iconic trulli houses. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, they are unique to this part of Italy.
Santorini’s Stunning Sights
Cast your gaze over the whitewashed houses and domed structures of Oia, a postcard-perfect coastal village.
Explore Ancient Sites
Step back in time at the historic site of Olympia. See the Temple of Zeus and visit the Archaeological Museum.
Expert Botanical Guides
Be escorted by three expert Botanical Guides who will bring the gardens to life - Sophie Thomson, Colin Crosbie & Dr. Toby Musgrave.
Inclusions
See below for an overview of your tour’s inclusions and featured sightseeing.
Escorted by expert Botanical and History Guides, Colin Crosbie, Sophie Thomson & Dr. Toby Musgrave, as well as a Cruise Director
12-night cruise aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, taking up to 100 guests, and one night in a centrally located five-star hotel
Return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage, port taxes, plus 37 meals. Select beverages are available during lunch and dinner aboard the ship
All sightseeing, shore excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Botanical discoveries of the Greek Islands of Santorini, Paros, Crete, Kefalonia and Corfu, then cruise to Italy and Malta
Spot wild orchids and various other wildflowers in Crete
Visit a range of different Mediterranean gardens from the experimental Sparoza garden outside Athens, private gardens of Corfu, and much-loved Florence Trevelyan and San Giuliano Gardens in Sicily
Immerse yourself in the ancient history of Greece with visits to Olympia, Monemvasia and Knossos Palace
Itinerary
Your day-by-day itinerary details the gardens and other sights that make up your journey.
Gallery
Olympia, Greece
Sparoza Garden
Snakes Head Iris
Botanical Gardens, Crete
Greek-Roman Amphitheatre, Taormina
Botanical Gardens, Crete
Sparoza Garden
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
Our experience of gardens, their flora, and other aspects of nature, is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which may vary