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.
$4,6102-3 travelers
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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.
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Category 5
Located on the Commodore Deck, this outside cabin features a double bed, a marble bathroom with shower and is 118 sq. ft.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
Gratuities
Visa
Port Fees
All transfers to/from the boat from airports.
Laundry services
Medical services
Shore Excursions
Alcoholic drinks and sodas.
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
