AIA Tours: cruise

Cruising the Western Mediterranean

Tour Dates: April 27 - May 7, 2025 (11 days)

Tour Leader(s): Jenifer Neils ,

Gibraltar to Naples aboard the 59-cabin, all-suite Hebridean Sky

Join Archaeological Institute of America lecturer and host Jenifer Neils aboard the elegant, 59-cabin, all-suite Hebridean Sky for an eight-night western Mediterranean cruise. This unique educational program highlights phenomenal architecture in Spain and Italy, and fascinating archaeological sites from Gibraltar to Spain’s Balearic Islands, Sardinia, Sicily, and mainland Italy. Begin the program in Gibraltar, U.K., where we will witness where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meet at Europa Point; and stop at Gorham’s Cave Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where four caves have provided archaeological and paleontological evidence of more than 100,000 years of Neanderthal occupation. Embark the spectacular Hebridean Sky and cruise to Spain to visit the outstanding Alhambra fortress and Generalife Gardens, with a special Andalusian lunch to follow. On Menorca, the most northerly of the Balearic Islands, see the UNESCO Prehistoric Site of Talayotic Menorca with its mysterious rock mounds (talayots) and megalithic, T-shaped stone monuments.

Call at Cagliari, Sardinia, home to the ruins of Nora, an ancient Punic-Roman city, and Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the largest and best preserved of the island’s 700 Bronze Age nuraghi (stone fortresses). On Sicily, you will have the chance to visit the hilltop fortress of Erice, and see the Greco-Roman theater at Taormina.

Finally, witness the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paestum with its three Doric Greek temples before cruising along the spectacular Amalfi Coast to Naples. There will be opportunities to participate in a pre-trip extension in Gibraltar, and/or a post-trip extension in Naples and Pompeii. Throughout this program you will be joined by expert study leaders, including popular AIA lecturer/host Jenifer Neils, an archaeologist and professor who has accompanied many study tours, who together will offer a series of illustrated lectures and informal discussions. This is not an exclusive AIA program and is co-sponsored by other organizations. With only 59 cabins available, I encourage you to reserve your preferred cabin today by contacting AIA Tours at aia@studytours.org or (800) 748-6262.

Tour Prices (9 nights)

Per person, double occupancy
Tour prices start at $6,990 double occupancy and $10,990 single occupancy.

Download the detailed brochure for all cabin prices.

To reserve your space using the online form, click here.
For reservations or questions, please email us at aia@studytours.org (and include your full name) or call us toll-free at (800) 748-6262 (toll: 603-756-2884)

Itinerary


Sunday – Monday, April 27 – 28, 2025: Home / Gibraltar, U.K.

Tuesday, April 29: Gibraltar / Embark

Wednesday, April 30: Granada, Spain

Thursday, May 1: At Sea

Friday, May 2: Mahón, Menorca

Saturday, May 3: Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

Sunday, May 4: Trapani, Sicily

Monday, May 5: Messina / Taormina

Tuesday, May 6: Salerno / Amalfi Coast

Wednesday, May 7: Naples / Home

Optional Pre-Tour Extension: Gibraltar April 26–28, 2025

Optional Post-Tour Extension: Naples & Pompeii May 7–9, 2025

View Detailed Itinerary

Sunday – Monday, April 27 – 28, 2025: Home / Gibraltar, U.K.
Depart home on an overnight flight to Gibraltar, U.K. Arrive Monday, April 28, and transfer to your luxurious, centrally located hotel, The Eliott, for an orientation and welcome reception with fellow travelers. THE ELIOTT HOTEL (R)

Tuesday, April 29: Gibraltar / Embark
Spend the day in Gibraltar, formerly a strategic British military outpost. After taking in stunning views from Europa Point, where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meet, stop at Gorham’s Cave Complex to learn about its Neanderthal history. In St. Michael’s Cave, watch an immersive light and sound show illuminating the geological wonders while weaving in tales of Gibraltar’s rich history. Also tour the fascinating Great Siege and WWII Tunnels to learn about their construction and military use over nearly 200 years. Embark Hebridean Sky in the afternoon and enjoy the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner this evening. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,R,D)

Wednesday, April 30: Granada, Spain
From the port of Motril, travel to Granada for a visit to the incomparable Alhambra fortress and Generalife Gardens, followed by an Andalusian lunch in a beautiful carmen – a traditional home unique to Granada. Spend the afternoon on a walking tour of Old Granada, with visits inside the Cathedral and Capilla Real before returning to the ship. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

 Thursday, May 1: At Sea
Experience a full day at sea as the lecture program continues. Relax and enjoy the many amenities of Hebridean Sky and the pleasures of cruising. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

Friday, May 2: Mahón, Menorca
During breakfast arrive in Menorca, the most northerly of the Balearic Islands, and wander the UNESCO Prehistoric Site of Talayotic Menorca with its mysterious rock mounds (talayots) and megalithic T-shaped stone monuments erected some 4,000 years ago. Next visit Ciudadella, the architectural showpiece of Menorca. Alternatively, stroll the picturesque harbor town of Mahón, with free time for individual pursuits. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

Saturday, May 3: Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Enjoy a morning at sea before calling at the Sardinian capital of Cagliari, with a choice of afternoon activities: 1) drive along the spectacular southwestern coast to explore the extensive ruins of Nora, an ancient Punic-Roman city with splendid mosaics; 2) head inland to Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest and best preserved of the more than 700 Bronze Age nuraghi, or stone fortresses, that dot the island; or 3) explore Cagliari, an ancient city dating back to the Phoenicians and Romans, on a guided walking tour through its charming narrow streets with stops at the terraced Piazza del Palazzo and the 14th-century Cathedral of St. Cecilia. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

Sunday, May 4: Trapani, Sicily
Arrive in Sicily this morning and begin the day with a visit to Segesta, one of the most important cities of the Elymians, an indigenous population of Sicily. This afternoon there is a choice of tour options: 1) venture to the hilltop fortress of Erice; or 2) savor a wine tasting in Marsala. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

Monday, May 5: Messina / Taormina
This morning, travel from the port to the hilltop resort town of Taormina on the east coast of Sicily for a leisurely walking tour along the pedestrian friendly and historic Umberto Street to the stunning 3rd-c. B.C. Greco-Roman theater. Admire the stunning views of Mt. Etna and the Ionian Sea, then enjoy several hours on your own to have lunch, shop, walk on the beach, and explore independently before the return drive to Messina. After a short orientation tour of this port city, there will be time to explore on your own. Return to the ship early in the evening before dinner onboard. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,D)

Tuesday, May 6: Salerno / Amalfi Coast
Dock this morning in Salerno for a short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paestum, an ancient Greek city famous for its three excellently preserved Doric Greek temples, dating from 550 to 450 B.C. Marvel at the magnificent Temple of Neptune—the most complete of the three temples—which is said to be modeled after the Temple of Zeus in Olympia. This afternoon, cruise along the picturesque Amalfi Coast and enjoy the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner on board. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,R,D)

Wednesday, May 7: Naples / Home
Disembark in Naples this morning for flights home or join the post-tour extension in Naples and Pompeii. (B)


Optional Pre-Tour Extension: Gibraltar April 26–28, 2025
Spend an extra day in Gibraltar before the main tour begins for an in-depth look at its role in WWII, including Eisenhower’s Operation Torch, and enjoy a local gourmet wine and tapas experience.

Optional Post-Tour Extension: Naples & Pompeii May 7–9, 2025
Extend your stay in the beautiful, history-rich, food forward city of Naples and visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, the ancient city that was buried by an eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius and uniquely preserved as a result. Further details and pricing will be sent to confirmed participants.


For reservations or questions, please email us at aia@studytours.org (and include your full name) or call us toll-free at (800) 748-6262 (toll: 603-756-2884). To reserve your space using the online form, click here.

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