Embark on this 19-day Grand Voyage: Athens to Rome aboard Royal Clipper. Depart from Piraeus and sail through Monemvasia, a perfectly preserved Byzantine fortified port with tons of history and legends. Visit Palmarola, a snorkeling heaven that is part of a group called The Pontine Islands, located off the coast between Rome and Naples. Then tour Porto Cervo, the heart of Costa Smeralda, a luxury destination that plays host to many celebrities and VIPs throughout the peak of the summer season.
Highlights
Tour around Porto Cervo, surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery
Discover Corsica's wild and mountainous landscapes
Explore Alghero, one of Sardinia's most beautiful medieval cities
Visit Palmarola, the snorkeling heaven in The Pontine Islands
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Walking in the shadow of the Acropolis in the Agora, you can almost hear the voices of Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle arguing about who was the greatest philosopher. Ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy and the epicenter of western civilization is a city for all eternity.
From the shore, it's a big rock sticking out into the sea. Then you pass over the causeway, and through an iron fortress gate, and suddenly, the town of Monemvasia is before you, a perfectly preserved Byzantine fortified port, once 60,000 strong, now home to just a few hundred. You can readily see why the name Monemvasia means single entrance! In the rocky hills above, ancient Byzantine ruins loom over the town, while below a maze of red-tiled roofs and twisting alleys hide tavernas and cafes and the home of revered Greek poet Yannis Ritsos.
The beach at little Katakolon is an inviting diversion, but you surely want to go inland to Olympia for a bigger game. Set in a stunningly lovely valley overlooked by Kronos Hill, Olympia began hosting athletic games in the 11th century BC. Walk through the sacred Temples of Zeus and Hera, stand on the still visible starting line in Stadium, and imagine the chariots about to hurtle around the Hippodrome.
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, a revitalizing spa (Royal Clipper only), and a peaceful library.
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.'
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. In the evening you visit nearby Positano, said to be the most beautiful town in the Mediterranean.
The pastel houses of Ponza Town rise in neat terraced rows from the busy harbour 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 beckons so don't forget your swimsuit and flippers. Totally unique, isolated, and stunning.
Porto Cervo in the heart of Costa Smeralda is a luxury destination that plays host to many celebrities and VIPs throughout the peak summer season. There are plenty of fine restaurants and luxury boutiques and the village has been described as utopian with architectural influences from Greece, North Africa, Spain and Italy. All surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery.
Alghero is the main resort in the northwest of Sardinia and one of its most beautiful medieval cities. Its bustling historic center is packed with excellent bars and restaurants making it a great place to hang out. It is also ideally placed for exploring the beaches of nearby Riviera del Corallo. Interestingly a form of medieval Catalan is still spoken even though the Iberians left three centuries ago.
Napoleon once said that he could recognize his native island blindfolded because of the wonderful perfume of the maquis. Approaching by sea, it is the first thing you experience about Corsica. The second is its wild and mountainous landscape. Nearby are secluded beaches and the eerie Grottes des Veaux Marins, offering fantastic diving opportunities.
Monaco is the fabled domain of princes and movie stars. The magnificent Palais du Prince and opulent casinos remind you of an elegant, pre-war era. With more wealth concentrated in one small area than almost any place on earth, this tiny principality retains its gilt-edged allure.
Glittering Cannes is the archetypal Mediterranean resort city discovered by wealthy English nobles who came to the sunny south of France to escape their drafty old castles during the dreary British winters. Cannes' high-flying lifestyle has attracted notables and the notorious ever since. Every year, the stars flock to celebrate the Cannes Film Festival at the colossal Palais des Festivals.
Monaco is the fabled domain of princes and movie stars. The magnificent Palais du Prince and opulent casinos remind you of an elegant, pre-war era. With more wealth concentrated in one small area than almost any place on earth, this tiny principality retains its gilt-edged allure.
It was in the Villa Magni near Lerici that Percy Bysshe Shelley spent his last happy days before sailing his small boat on its stormy fatal voyage on July 8, 1822. Lord Byron, another Lerici literary resident, once swam across what is now called the 'Golfo dei Poeti.' The small fishing villages of San Terenzo, Tellaro and Fiascherino, and Montemarcello are similar to the more famous Cinque Terre.
From his villa in Portoferraio, Napoleon, the exiled Emperor of France, looked out over the waiting ships in the harbor and dreamed of returning to glory. Enjoy a local vineyard tour, and near Portoferraio, discover the remains of an ancient Etruscan civilization.
Day 16: East Corsica (Beach) | Bastia (Old Town), Corsica - France
One of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. The water is crystal clear, calm, and warm, but the main attraction of the beach is that it is never crowded.
It's amazing in this day and age to find a Mediterranean city that looks like it stepped right out of the travel diary of a 19th-century Grand Tour. Bastia's gracious Italianate buildings were created to house the administrative offices of the capital of Haute Corse.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. The water is crystal clear, calm, and warm, but the main attraction of the beach is that it is never crowded.
Bonifacio's almost land-locked harbor is one of the most dramatic, totally protected harbors. 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.
Porto Cervo in the heart of Costa Smeralda is a luxury destination that plays host to many celebrities and VIPs throughout the peak summer season. There are plenty of fine restaurants and luxury boutiques and the village has been described as utopian with architectural influences from Greece, North Africa, Spain, and Italy. All are surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery.
Day 19: Civitavecchia, Italy | Disembark
1 Breakfast
St. Peter's, with its breathtaking Sistine Chapel, newly restored to its former glory; the Spanish Steps, where all of 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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Select a Date
Category 6
Located on the Clipper Deck, this inside cabin features double beds, a marble bathroom with shower and is 108 sq. ft. There is one 97 sq. ft dedicated solo cabin as well.
Select a Date
Category 5
Located on the Commodore Deck, this outside cabin features a double bed, a marble bathroom with shower and is 118 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category 4
Located on the Clipper & Commodore Decks, this outside cabin features twin/double/triple beds, a marble bathroom with shower and is 150 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category 3
Located on the Clipper & Commodore Decks, this outside cabin features twin/double/triple beds, a marble bathroom with shower and is 150 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category 2
Located on the Clipper Deck, this superior outside cabin features twin/double/triple beds, a marble bathroom with shower and is 150 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category 1
Located on the Main Deck, this deluxe deck cabin features double beds, minibar, marble bathroom with whirlpool, cabin doors that open onto deck and is 226 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite
Located on the Main Deck, this deluxe outside suite features a private verandah, twin/double beds, sitting area, minibar, marble bathroom with whirlpool, room service and is 225 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Owner's Suite
Located on the Clipper Deck, this deluxe outside suite features two double beds (sleeps 2-4 guests), separate sitting area, minibar, marble bathroom with whirlpool, room service and is 450 sq. ft.
Notes
Single supplement: A single supplement fare is available at 150% of the published cruise fare for categories 2-6 during the season in which passengers are traveling. It is available at 200% for category 1 cabins, Deluxe Suites, and Owner's Suites. Single space is capacity controlled.
Children's rate: Savings may be available for children under 18 years when traveling with a full-paying adult on select sailings and subject to availability. Contact us for details.
Initial deposit is $400 pp for Cat 2-6 and $800pp for Cat 1, Deluxe and Owner's, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check, or credit card
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
18 Breakfasts, 17 Lunches, 18 Dinners
18 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
All meals and snacks (open seating) including: Coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day. Different juices are included only for breakfast.
Ocean transportation to remote ports.
Complimentary snorkeling, kayaks, paddle boarding, water-skiing, windsurfing, and sunfish sailing (subject to weather conditions and
local authorities).
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 251 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 251 reviews on
4 days ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
5 days ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.
Mary Warren
6 days ago
Jess was very easy going and answered all our questions. It’s not easy dealing with 6 people at once but she did an outstanding job!
Diane Foster
1 week ago
Kassandra and the Adventure Life team have been incredible! Kassandra was very knowledgeable and attentive to our asks while making sure we kept within our budget. This was our first experience with a travel agent and we were blown away by the booking/initial exploration service. We will use Adventure Life again.