Grand Voyage: Balearic Islands & Corsica

Malaga's fortress palace of the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro are splendid examples of Moorish architecture. But it is in Granada that you can see the most romantic and magnificent expression of the Arabesque style in the glorious Alhambra Palace. Embark on Royal Clipper and enjoy your first dinner on board. 

Enjoy this day offshore, relaxing and taking in the smell of the fresh ocean breeze up on deck.

Ibiza is a place where people hang out because, except for the medieval walls, you could almost think it was the Med's version of Key West. But away from the hustle of town, some lovely beaches await.

Towering over the harbor, Palma's enormous Gothic cathedral is a powerful symbol of the religious fervor which gripped all of Spain shortly after the defeat of the Moors. Built by Jaumé I, its vast open nave and soaring Gothic columns have been added to over the centuries. Behind the Cathedral, a maze of twisting streets leads to designer boutiques and open-air markets.

Gracious Georgian buildings that climb the steep hills backing the Moll Ponent. Mahon's heritage also includes the invention of mayonnaise and the first distillation of gin from juniper berries.

Enjoy this day offshore, relaxing and taking in the smell of the fresh ocean breeze up on deck.

Bonifacio's almost land-locked harbour is one of the most dramatic, totally protected harbours. It is a bustling port with excellent seafood restaurants, and a modern marina. The ancient citadel town is perched high atop a seemingly impenetrable cliff.

St. Peter's, with its breathtaking Sistine Chapel, newly restored to its former glory; the Spanish Steps, where all Rome passes by; the Colosseum, where gladiators fought to the death, and the Pantheon, considered to be the most perfect architectural statement of the ages.

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.

Palmarola is a snorkeling heaven that is part of a group called The Pontine Islands, located off the coast between Rome and Naples. A craggy landscape with pink coral beaches and emerald coves beckon so don't forget your swimsuit and flippers. Totally unique, isolated and stunning.

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.

During the Middle Ages, Amalfi was a powerful republic of 70,000 people, rivaling nearby Ravello. For a sense of Amalfi's medieval glory, wander through the grand Duomo, containing the remains of St. Andrew. Or visit nearby Positano, said to be the most beautiful town in the Mediterranean.

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.

Italy's seven volcanic Aeolian Islands, just off the north coast of Sicily, are obviously a place favored by the Gods. In Lipari, climb narrow streets to the medieval Castello and enjoy a secluded beach. As Royal Clipper sails past Isola Strómboli, watch the sky for frequent volcanic fireworks.

Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea between the Italian mainland and the island of Sicily is the volcanic island of Stromboli. With three active craters at the peak, the volcano of Stromboli is known for its frequent eruptions – the most recent taking place in 2009. Eruptions are so frequent, in fact, that the island has been given the nickname “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean”.

Enjoy this day offshore, relaxing and taking in the smell of the fresh ocean breeze up on deck.

St. Peter's, with its breathtaking Sistine Chapel, newly restored to its former glory; the Spanish Steps, where all Rome passes by; the Colosseum, where gladiators fought to the death, and the Pantheon, considered to be the most perfect architectural statement of the ages. Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.