An Italian Adventure aboard the Star Clipper

ROME & CIVITAVECCHIA TO EMBARK THE STAR CLIPPER

This morning we begin a spectacular day with a guided tour of Rome, undoubtedly one of the most captivating cities in the world with such a huge amount to see and enjoy. There is probably nowhere else on earth where so much history is concentrated in such a small area. An uninterrupted recorded history for upwards of 2,500 years has left an extraordinary legacy, with an unmatched heritage from classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces to exquisite baroque plazas.

So many famous names to savour - the grandeur of the Colosseum, scene of some of the most cruel acts ever committed, the Appian Way where Spartacus was crucified, the magnificence of St Peter’s, the grandeur of the Vatican, the iconic Trevi Fountain, all and more are here. But the city is much more than its treasures; its citizens have been amongst the most colourful throughout history and its visitors, some of the most famous on the planet – from Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Nero, Atila the Hun, St Peter, the Medici, Michelangelo, Napoleon and Byron were all captivated by its magnificence. Enjoy some free time to stroll the Via Condotti, admiring the haute couture in beautifully dressed shop windows or indulge in some true Italian-style people watching as you sink back into your seat over an espresso in a pavement café and just soak up the ambience of this stylish city.

Later we transfer by coach to Civitavecchia, a coastal town northwest of Rome to embark our superb vessel, the Star Clipper. As you step on board the attentive crew are on hand to welcome you, ensuring you settle into your sumptuous surroundings and familiarise yourself with this exceptional vessel. Reconvene with your fellow travellers in the restaurant to enjoy tonight’s excellent dinner, as the ship quietly slips away from the quayside and our voyage begins! (B, D)

AT SEA

No question, this will be the trip of a lifetime and to ensure you’re savouring every second of our maritime adventure, rise refreshed and head to the ship’s restaurant where breakfast is served.

We enjoy a day at sea today, so no need to rush; linger over that second cup of tea or take it up on deck and relax in a comfy chair and drink in the exceptional views. Hear the gentle sea breeze filling the sails above as we head out into the Tyrrhenian Sea on a southerly course. If the sun is out, perhaps a spot of reading from the comfort of a sun lounger then cool off in the saltwater pools. For a little more excitement why not visit the bridge or climb up to the crow’s nest (with harness!) for exceptional panoramic views or perhaps just enjoy a peaceful corner in the ship’s library. Whatever you choose, you’ll soon be feeling completely unwound and a million miles from home! Take lunch in the restaurant, then just enjoy a lazy afternoon relaxing and absorbing the seascapes – after all what are holidays for!

This evening after another delicious dinner is served, retire to the bar for your favourite digestif whilst enjoying the soothing sounds of the ship’s pianist. (B, L, D)

LIPARI

This morning we anchor off Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, in this fascinating archipelago. Nestling between Sicily and Italy’s southern ‘foot’ legend has it that these volcanic islands formed between 20,000 and 13,000BC, were once the exclusive realm of Aeolus, God of the Winds. Emerging from the deep blue depths, they are a striking sight with pristine beaches, volcanoes and thermal spas.

We take a tender boat ashore to Marina Corta with its jumble of pastel-coloured buildings in a bustling harbour, lined with lively cafés, restaurants and quaint shops. On arrival we enjoy a walking tour of the delightful old town, a cluster of winding cobbled lanes, pretty flower-bedecked squares and ice-cream coloured buildings. Perched high above the town behind remarkably preserved huge, towering walls, is its mighty castle, dating from the 15th century. Take in the panoramic views across the bay and visit the fine baroque cathedral with its beautiful interior frescoes, magnificent columns and stonework.

Later for those who wish, there is the opportunity to join an optional cruise around this spectacular coast soaking up the views of this stunning archipelago and the remarkable volcanic landscape of Vulcano Island. We return to our superb vessel and why not enjoy a cocktail in the bar before tonight’s dinner is served. (B, L, D)

MESSINA, SICILY

Today we’ll sail southeast to Messina on the idyllic island of Sicily, the largest in the Mediterranean. Once anchored in this harbour city we’ll enjoy a scenic drive along the island’s eastern coast enjoying the unspoilt landscape – abundant pine forests, citrus and olive groves stretching into the horizon and glorious sweeping coastal views.

We arrive in one of the most beautiful and exclusive spots on the island, Taormina. Perched on a rocky headland over 800 feet above the glittering sea, you can’t fail to be enchanted by this lovely town with its medieval charm and stunning gardens. Flowers and window boxes add a vibrant splash of colour while divine smells drift from the speciality food shops selling fresh pasta, olives and the local Marsala wine. Taormina’s greatest claim to fame though, is its ancient Greek amphitheatre, possibly the most spectacularly sited in the world, with the horse-shoe shaped rows of seats overlooking the sea and Mount Etna in the distance – quite a backdrop! We’ll also visit the famous Palazzo Corvaja, an impressive medieval palace with attractive colourful stonework and fine double arched windows. After our tour enjoy strolling the Corso Umberto for a little window shopping or savour a real Italian coffee and pastry in one of the many atmospheric cafés.

Alternatively, you might prefer to join our optional full-day tour to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (lunch not included). We take an exhilarating drive towards the snow-capped summit as the landscape becomes increasingly eerie and alien, with razor-sharp black rocks in contorted formations and some areas also devoid of vegetation. We arrive at the cable car station where the views are increasingly spectacular. Subject to certain regulations, there’s the opportunity to take the cable car, jeep and guide to explore even higher levels.

We return to the Star Clipper moored in Messina with time to unwind before another excellent dinner in the ship’s elegant restaurant. (B, L, D)

AMALFI

Today you’ll have a chance to experience the sublimely beautiful Amalfi coast at first hand. This legendary stretch of spectacular coastline, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, is famed the world over for its beautiful beaches, picturesque bays, secret coves and inlets and its scattering of charming hilltop villages hugging the cliffs. For centuries artists, poets, writers and travellers have all fallen under the spell of this magical region, mesmerised by its characterful villages nestling amidst ancient vineyards and fragrant citrus and olive groves.

We head to shore enjoying dazzling views from the water and moor in the delightful village of Amalfi, a cluster of terracotta roofs and colourful shuttered facades clinging precariously to the cliffsides, and a picturesque harbour lined with lemon trees and pavement cafés. On arrival we’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride through these turquoise Mediterranean waters to legendary Positano. The iconic 1950’s movie La Dolce Vita, catapulted this sleepy traditional fishing village to stardom, soon turning it into an exclusive holiday retreat and haunt of celebrities. Have your camera at the ready as we approach as you can’t fail to be enchanted by the breath-taking sight of a rainbow of little houses, with vibrant bougainvillea tumbling from window boxes and ancient little churches cascading down the steep hillside. Step ashore with time at leisure to wander in the glorious light of this picturesque place, exploring its hidden alleys and browsing its gorgeous boutiques. Look out for locally made cotton garments typical of Positano.

We return to Amalfi by boat and there’ll be time for you to further explore; perhaps visit the striking cathedral with its highly decorative façade, intricate brickwork and beautiful arched Cloister of Paradise. Or stroll the charming waterfront stopping for a drink in one of the lively cafés. Alternatively join our optional visit to the enchanting village of Ravello, perched like an eagle’s nest on a shelf above Amalfi affording amazing views. It has an ambience all of its own, with an exquisite main square, a 13th-century cathedral and the Villa Rufolo, once the centre of a city-state and now an interesting collection of medieval buildings, statues and attractive terraced gardens. Return to our ship and relax before dinner. (B, L, D)

SORRENTO

There’s no doubt as we glide through the waves on our stunning vessel, you’ll realise we’re cruising through one of the most beautiful corners of Europe - where turquoise sea meets a rugged coastline, eucalyptus pine-scented forests blanketing the hillsides and ancient honey-coloured towns unchanged for centuries cling onto the craggy cliffs.

This morning we moor in the charming town of Sorrento, a popular resort with a magnificent Roman legacy and the area is dotted with the remains of their opulent villas. Today we drive to visit Pompeii; most people know the story of Pompeii and its fate, but today this site is so much more than a collection of ruins. Ancient Pompeii was a prosperous provincial centre with an estimated population of 20,000. In 63 AD an earthquake destroyed much of the town; rebuilding was still in process when Vesuvius erupted again 16 years later and the whole town was buried beneath more than twenty feet of ash and pumice stone.

Our guided tour of the Roman town highlights its astonishing state of preservation – streets, temples, baths and even the amphitheatre remain largely intact. The eruption on August 24, 79 A.D. not only preserved structures but also evidence of the ancient way of life, such as a fully equipped tavern with the last customer's money still on the counter. Plaster was poured into empty spaces in the lava to make body casts of some of the victims, and you cannot fail to be moved by their facial expressions. Much of our knowledge about the Roman way of life, their habits, social structure, class system and domestic arrangements has come from the discoveries at Pompeii. Admire the luxurious mansions and fabulous art of wealthy patricians who came to Pompeii to escape the turmoil in Rome. Their houses were designed around an inner garden with few windows on the exteriors, so residents could forget the outside world and get sunlight from their own courtyards.

After this fascinating visit we return to Sorrento and you will have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy this bustling coastal town; you’ll be enchanted by its maze of narrow alleyways and winding streets, its luxury shops and cosy restaurants tucked away behind crumbling facades of Mediterranean ochre, yellow and magenta. The region has a long history of lemon cultivation, with highly prized Sorrento lemons given their own protected geographical status in the same way as that of Parma ham or Moderna’s balsamic vinegar. Perhaps enjoy an aperitif – a glass of locally produced limoncello, before returning to our ship for dinner. (B, L, D)

PONZA

This morning’s sailing takes us on a north-westerly course to Ponza, perhaps an island you’ve not yet heard of, but certainly one you’ll remember. The largest of the Pontine islands in this fantastic archipelago of volcanic humps sprouting from the depths, Ponza is a hidden treasure in the Tyrrhenian Sea and legend dictates it was once the home of the sorceress Circe who famously seduced Ulysses; certainly one look at this beautiful island surrounded by turquoise sea and you’ll understand why he found it so hard to leave with its strings of pebbly beach and its unusual geology of grey and yellow rocks with ashy tufts combining to give the landscape a unique bluish hue.

Inhabited since Neolithic times, the Phoenicians and Greeks inhabited Ponza building a fortified citadel here. Traces of the gigantic Cyclopean walls, so called because of the size of the blocks used, remain to this day and as you wander this idyllic spot you might find it reminiscent of a Greek island with its transparent blue sea, scattering of little cubic houses, towering cliffs and white sandy beaches. The Romans arrived in Ponza in 313BC and in customary fashion set about improving the infrastructure and amenities, building a magnificent aqueduct, still partially used today, as well as a spectacular temple devoted to the Dioscuri and another to the Venous Epiponzia.

After centuries of naval battles and other tumultuous events, Ponza fell into the hands of the Bourbon family, who rebuilt the port area. A long period of isolation followed the island’s unification with the kingdom of Italy, which was intensified during the twenty years of fascist regime, and it was only after World War II that Ponza was rediscovered as an exquisite holiday destination; the beautiful scenery, warm climate and rich history combine to make this island a true paradise on earth. (B, L, D)

CIVITAVECCHIA & ROME

Early this morning, we arrive in Civitavecchia once again. After breakfast we say fond farewells to our crew as we disembark the Star Clipper and transfer to Rome. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this magical city under your own steam.

Take a stroll down the Spanish Steps, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain – its cascading water powered by an antique Roman aqueduct or amble through the Piazza Navona, Rome’s most famous square, built on the site of a Roman stadium now lined with elegant pastel facades, lively restaurants and pavement cafés. Gaze in awe at Saint Peter’s Basilica; inside, the Sistine Chapel experience the largest painting ever created by one man, the genius Michelangelo or visit the superb Villa Borghese, its delightful gardens housing museums containing some of the world’s greatest art collections. Seek out a spot of lunch at leisure after whichwe check in to your hotel for this evening.

Tonight enjoy dinner at one of the charismatic local restaurants, sampling delicious Italian flavours. (B)

RETURN FLIGHT

Today at the appropriate time you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight after a truly spectacular and memorable holiday. (B)