Taking a small-ship cruise is the perfect way to explore new destinations: the slow pace provides a relaxing feel, vistas are breathtaking from the water, wildlife encounters are plentiful, trips can encompass an array of different locations, ships can dock at smaller harbours with fewer tourists and a high level of on board service provides an added element of luxury.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - April 30th, 2018 - Independent inspiring holiday specialist Artisan Travel offers a range of small-ship cruises with comfortable cabin accommodation and fascinating itineraries. These include:

NEW: Small-Ship Sailing from Andalucía to the Algarve – from £2,845 pp

Sail the southern coast of Spain from Málaga to Portimão in Portugal’s Algarve, on the MY Harmony G, a 46-passenger mega yacht. Stopping at key locations on the way, with the chance to take part in a selection of optional excursions, look forward to the outstanding historical architecture of Cádiz, be amazed by the landscape of Gibraltar, and wander around stunning Seville, amongst many other Iberian highlights. This nine-night trip is priced from £2,845 pp (two sharing), including transfers, two nights’ hotel B&B accommodation, seven nights’ full board cabin accommodation, equipment for snorkelling and fishing during stops at sea and a dedicated onboard cruise co-ordinator for the duration. International flights extra. Departs 15 June to 19  October, 2018.

NEW: Glaciers, Whales & Hidden Coves Cruise – from £4,075 pp

Alaska is a region packed with glaciers, whales, fjords and mountains, with South East Alaska being particularly jaw-dropping. Set sail on a small-ship cruise in this most glorious part of Alaska, far away from the tourist trail that the larger cruise vessels follow. Setting out from Juneau, discover the true wilderness at a slower, more relaxed pace, allowing for more time to take in the stunning surroundings and, weather permitting, use the skiffs, kayaks and paddle boards on board to explore further. This itinerary features new additions, including a visit to Kuiu Island, home to one of the world’s densest populations of black bears, with the journey through Chatham Strait - arguably one of the best place to see whales in the region - another of the many highlights of this epic cruise. The seven-night trip is priced from £4,075 pp (two sharing), including transfers, seven nights’ full-board accommodation and all taxes and port charges. International flights extra. Departures from 14 July to 11 August, 2018.

Greenland and Iceland: Natural Wonders Cruise – from £4,935 pp

Discover the captivating and wild beauty of Greenland and the magnificent natural wonders of Iceland on this unforgettable grand tour during the Arctic summer. Enjoy the beautiful lush south of Iceland, with its fascinating Viking history, take in Nuuk, a modern capital in a traditionally Inuit society, and Ilulissat, the town of icebergs and Ilulissat Ice Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The landscape throughout is dominated by steep fjords, floating icebergs and immense glaciers, with a final visit to the Westman Islands and Iceland’s coastal capital of Reykjavik. This 13-night trip is priced from £4,935 pp (two sharing), including a charter flight from Keflavik to Kangerlussuaq, transfers, two nights’ B&B hotel accommodation and 11 nights’ full-board cabin accommodation on board. International flights extra. Departs 22 August, 2018.

Small-Ship Cruise on the Aegean Sea – from £2,655 pp

Cruise the Aegean on a mega yacht exploring Greece’s Cycladic and Saronic islands - eight in total. Make port at lesser-known islands, such as Kea, and explore Delos, one of the most important mythological historical and archaeological sites in Greece and rumoured birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Stroll the cobbled back streets of Nafplio’s medieval castle and Venetian old town and marvel at the coastal fortress town of Monemvasia, whilst also experiencing the ‘must-see’ destinations of Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. This nine-night trip is priced from £2,655 pp (two sharing), including transfers, two nights’ B&B hotel accommodation, seven nights’ on-board B&B cabin accommodation, three lunches, four dinners (including a BBQ and a locally-themed evening) and a captain's dinner drinks reception. International flights extra. Departs 26 April to 24 May, 2018.

Cruise the Islands and Cities of the Dalmatian Coast – from £755 pp

Step aboard a small ship sailing from the ancient town of Dubrovnik to islands and towns of the Dalmatian Coast filled with history, culture and beauty on this relaxing Croatian cruise. Head north west to some of the country’s most picturesque islands and towns, such as Hvar, Korčula and Pomena, enjoy basking in the sun on deck and swimming in shimmering crystal blue waters. With scenery of jagged mountains, rolling hills and pine-covered islands, this truly is a holiday to remember. The seven-night trip is priced from £755 pp (two sharing), including transfers, seven nights’ half-board accommodation on board and one dinner. International flights extra. Departs 5 May to 29 September, 2018.

For more information, or to speak to an expert, please visit www.artisantravel.co.uk, or call 01670 785 085.

ENDS/ 30 April 2018

Note to editors: Independent specialist holiday company Artisan Travel provides life-enriching holidays, crafted by experts, which marry expertise and local knowledge to deliver unforgettable bucket-list experiences for adults. It is a sister company to family travel specialist Activities Abroad, and to Northern Lights specialist, The Aurora Zone.

Press: For more information, quotes, high-resolution photography or to discuss a commissioned press trip, please contact Julia Farish or Kate Chapman at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or j.farish@travelpr.co.uk or k.chapman@travelpr.co.uk.

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