Italy's Southern Jewels

Civitavecchia stands as a vital seaport serving Rome, the Italian capital. As a primary entry point for Mediterranean cruises and ferries crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea, the port provides a gateway to numerous destinations throughout Italy and beyond. The city is located 70 km from Rome and 62 km from Fiumicino airport.

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges, and a peaceful library.

The Aeolian archipelago is made up of 7 islands of volcanic origin, of which only Stromboli and Vulcano are still active volcanoes. The main island is Lipari, which offers travelers arriving by boat a beautiful panorama of its Acropolis, presided over by the Cathedral. Its marina is bustling with shops, boutiques and stalls... it's an island where life is good.

Known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” Stromboli is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, rising dramatically from the sea in a perfect cone of black lava. As the ship sails in the surrounding waters, passengers gather on deck to watch the island’s smoking summit and the famous Sciara del Fuoco, where glowing ash and stones occasionally tumble down the slope. The volcano last erupted significantly in 2019, and its gentle, frequent activity creates a mesmerizing natural spectacle. Whether at sunrise or sunset, sailing near Stromboli is an unforgettable moment of raw beauty and quiet awe.

Barreling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses, you arrive in lovely Taormina. Perched on the shoulder of Mt. Etna, Taormina inspired Goethe to say that 'It is the greatest work of art and nature.'

Perched above the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, Agropoli is a captivating coastal town at the gateway to the Cilento region. Its medieval center, crowned by an ancient castle, overlooks winding lanes, vibrant cafés, and golden beaches below. From here, passengers can join an optional excursion to Paestum (available at an additional cost), one of Italy’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Strolling among the beautifully preserved Greek temples, passengers can imagine life in this ancient colony of Magna Graecia. With its blend of seaside charm, history, and authentic southern Italian warmth, Agropoli is the perfect base for exploring the timeless wonders of Paestum and the surrounding coast.

During the Middle Ages, Amalfi was a powerful republic of 70,000 people, rivalling nearby Ravello. For a sense of Amalfi's medieval glory, wander through the grand Duomo, containing the remains of St. Andrew. Amalfi is a magnificent coastal town offering an enchanting blend of natural beauty, rich history and Mediterranean charm.

Sorrento, whose city walls rise straight out of the sea, is located on the lovely Amalfi Coast and overlooks the Bay of Naples. Optional excursions might include taking a trip back in history to Pompeii, where the ashen remains of ancient Romans lie frozen in time.

The pastel houses of Ponza Town rise in neat terraced rows from the busy harbor where sleekly groomed yachts and ramshackle fishing boats moor side by side. Happily, there are few tourists here, so it's a delight to wander through the unspoiled town.

Civitavecchia is an important seaport serving Rome, the Italian capital. As a key entry point for Mediterranean cruises and ferries crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia offers a gateway to a variety of destinations in Italy and beyond. The city is 70 km from Rome and 62 km to Fiumiccino airport.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.