From the ambrosial Tuscan isle of Elba, we journey to Corsica, land of wild and rugged beauty, and on to charming Ischia, home to one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. En route we salute the Roman empire, visiting landmarks from the Appian Way to Herculaneum, Pompeii’s equally submerged and wonderfully preserved sister town.
GUEST SPEAKER
Humphrey Burton
Nice - Naples
10/06/2008 -17/06/2008
Number of Nights: 7

INCLUSIVE
PRICES FROM
704 704
TRAVEL PLAN
TUESDAY 10TH JUNE
Nice, France
Guests embark Hebridean Spirit in Nice.
WEDNESDAY 11TH JUNE
Portoferraio, Elba, Italy – See Privately Escorted Tour Highlights
The morning sees us depart for a drive around the Tuscan island of Elba, taking in its
wonderful panoramic views. During our tour, we stop at the pretty harbour town of
Porto Azzurro, overlooked by the 17th century Spanish forts of San Giacomo and
Del Focardo.We then visit the estate of Tenuta La Chiusa, which dates back to the
1700s, to enjoy a tasting of its delicious local wines, cheeses and olive oil.There is the
opportunity for lunch ashore and an afternoon of free time, during which guests can
relax, have a coffee in the piazza and wander among the winding alleys lined with
pastel-coloured houses.
THURSDAY 12TH JUNE
Porto Vecchio, Corsica
We disembark on the south-eastern coast of Corsica for a drive through the Massif de
l’Ospedale, a breathtaking mountain range flanking the gulf of Porto Vecchio.The tour
will reveal spectacular scenery of dense pine forests and giant granite boulders, and
guests will be able to stop for coffee and photo opportunities en route. A relaxing
afternoon is spent at sea en route to Bonifacio.
FRIDAY 13TH JUNE
Bonifacio, Corsica
Bonifacio lies on Corsica’s southernmost tip, a beautiful town built on white limestone
cliffs.We take a tour by train of the Haute Ville (old town), set on a promontory 70m
above the harbour.There is an opportunity for lunch ashore, followed by an afternoon
of leisure. Guests will be able to ramble around the maze of narrow streets lined with
tall Genoese buildings, and imbibe the distinctly Italian atmosphere.
SATURDAY 14TH JUNE
Ischia, Italy – See Privately Escorted Tour Highlights
After a morning at sea, we disembark on the island of Ischia to visit one of the world’s
most remarkable gardens, La Mortella. Created by the late composer Sir William
Walton and his wife Susana and designed by Russell Page, the gardens are an oasis of
1,000 exotic plant varieties in a dramatic stone landscape. Our visit will culminate in an
evening performance in the Recital Room by students of Italy’s leading music schools.
SUNDAY 15TH JUNE
Gaeta, Italy
We arrive in Lazio and drive to the medieval walled village of Sermoneta, perched high
on a hill with steep, cobbled pathways.The noble Caetani family acquired Sermoneta in
1297 and proceeded to construct its vast castle, which dominates the village. Guests
will see the castle’s great courtyard, House of the Cardinal and 15th century frescoed
bedrooms. After lunch, we drive to the Gardens of Ninfa.These romantic gardens were
created around the ruins of a village, part of the Caetani estate neglected since the
Middle Ages. Descendents of the family began its transformation in 1920. Now, plants
wind over the towers, walls and arches: an atmospheric secret garden known only
to enthusiasts.
MONDAY 16TH JUNE
Naples, Italy – See Privately Escorted Tour Highlights
After a morning at sea and lunch on board, we depart for a tour of Herculaneum.This
UNESCO World Heritage Site was destroyed with Pompeii during the eruption of
Mount Vesuvius in AD79, and lay hidden until accidentally discovered in 1709. Still under
excavation, the remains of this well-preserved Roman resort town include a gymnasium
with swimming pool, bars with recesses from which wine was served and some superb
mosaics and sculptures.
TUESDAY 17TH JUNE
Naples, Italy
Guests disembark Hebridean Spirit in Naples.
2 Gala Dinners
ROUTE MAP

PRIVATELY ESCORTED TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WEDNESDAY 11TH JUNE
ELBA
Napolean was exiled to Elba after his forced abdication
in 1814 and spent over nine months on the island,
including two nights at Tenuta La Chiusa, the estate and
vineyard guests will visit during our tour.
SATURDAY 14TH JUNE
THE GARDENS OF LA MORTELLA
Called ‘The Place of the Myrtles’, the gardens of La
Mortella have beautiful water features and sweeping
vistas of Ischia and its coastline.The garden was but a
craggy ravine when Sir William Walton saw and fell in
love with it in 1946.
MONDAY 16TH JUNE
HERCULANEUM
The inhabitants of Herculaneum worshipped Hercules,
who was believed to be the founder of both the town
and Mount Vesuvius.
PRICES
BOOKING INFORMATION
- Call 01756 704 704 to talk to our UK based specialist cruise advisors or click here to make on online enquiry.
- Alternatively click here to request a brochure.
- * The Best Price consists of the maximum savings available for occupancy rated deductions, full payment and past guest loyalty savings.
- Please note that these prices are per person. Prices include house wines and spirits, meals, gratuities and shore visits as detailed.
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