Sail Italy’s southern coastline on an 11-day cruise aboard the Star Clipper. Explore Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, Calabria, and the Amalfi Coast while navigating historic ports, volcanic islands, and quiet harbors. Pass close to Stromboli’s smoking summit and observe the dramatic volcanic slopes, and admire Lipari’s Acropolis from the marina. Wander coastal towns including Trapani, Palermo, Cefalu, Vibo Marina, Agropoli, Sorrento, and Ponza, discovering local streets, scenic viewpoints, and centuries-old architecture. Experience smaller ports and secluded bays inaccessible to larger ships, volcanic landscapes, historic towns, and picturesque island harbors throughout this Mediterranean cruise.
Highlights
Sail Sicily coastline through Trapani and Palermo historic ports
Cruise Aeolian Islands exploring Lipari volcanic island landscapes
Visit Trapani port along western Sicily coastal city
Explore Palermo streets showcasing Norman and Arab architecture
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Civitavecchia serves as the primary seaport for Rome, offering access to Italy’s central regions and the Mediterranean routes. The city connects travelers to surrounding coastal towns and is conveniently located roughly 70 kilometers from Rome and 60 km from Fiumicino Airport, making it a strategic starting point for exploration.
Each Star Clippers ship delivers a traditional, elegant way to see the world. You feel the wind fill the sails as the ship carries you smoothly from one striking destination to the next. On board, you choose how to spend the day: relax on a sun lounger, cool off in one of the top deck pools, or take a more hands on approach by climbing the rigging or trying the helm. You also explore interior spaces, where comfortable lounges invite downtime and a quiet library offers a calm retreat.
On Sicily’s western coast, Trapani is a graceful port city where salt pans, sea breezes, and centuries of history blend in golden light. Passengers can explore the charming old town, with its baroque churches and bustling markets, or join an optional excursion to the medieval hilltop village of Erice (available at an additional cost). Reached by a scenic drive or cable car, Erice enchants with cobbled streets, stone houses, and sweeping views across the coast and the Egadi Islands. Whether exploring history, tasting Sicilian sweets, or strolling the seafront, Trapani offers a captivating blend of culture and coastal serenity.
Vibrant and full of character, Palermo is the spirited capital of Sicily - a city where history, culture, and cuisine blend in irresistible harmony. Passengers can explore its dazzling mix of Norman, Arab, and Baroque architecture, from the golden mosaics of the Palatine Chapel to the grand Teatro Massimo. The narrow streets bustle with markets overflowing with color and fragrance, while elegant piazzas invite a slower pace. Whether sampling authentic Sicilian street food, admiring ancient treasures, or simply soaking in the city’s southern warmth, Palermo captures the essence of the Mediterranean - bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Day 5: Termini Imerese, Sicily | Transfer to Cefalu
Situated on the northern coast of Sicily, the quiet port of Termini Imerese is surrounded by rolling hills and sparkling sea views. Passengers can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, or take the transfer to Cefalù, one of Sicily’s most beautiful seaside towns, which is just 32 km away. Nestled beneath a dramatic cliff, Cefalù captivates visitors with its medieval streets, golden beaches and magnificent Norman cathedral. Cobbled lanes lined with cafés and boutiques are perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace. Whether you wish to admire local craftsmanship, enjoy a swim or simply soak up the Sicilian sunshine, Termini Imerese offers a gateway to the island’s charming north coast.
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 travellers 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.
Nestled on the Calabrian coast, Vibo Marina is a quiet coastal town surrounded by lush green hills with a long sandy beach close to the port. Vibo Marina is a gateway to explore Calabria, one of Italy’s most authentic and wild regions. Passengers can relax onboard or join an optional excursion to the coastal town of Tropea, built on the top of a cliff and called the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian”. Tropea delights with its dramatic cliffside views, narrow streets, and vibrant piazzas overlooking the turquoise sea. Its sandy beaches and warm hospitality capture the essence of Calabria at its finest.
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.
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.
Day 11: Civitavecchia (Rome) | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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.
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.
$3,3502-3 travelers
Category 6
Located on the Commodore Deck, this inside cabin features upper/lower berths and a bathroom with shower.
Category 5
Located on the Clipper & Commodore Decks, this inside/outside cabin features a raised double bed, two lower beds, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
Category 4
Located on the Commodore Deck, this outside cabin features two lower beds, double bed, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
Category 3
Located on the Clipper & Commodore Decks, this outside cabin features two lower beds, double bed, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
Category 2
Located on the Clipper Deck, this large outside cabin features two lower beds, double bed, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
Category 1
Located on the Main & Sun Decks, this deluxe deck cabin features two lower beds that can convert to a double bed, minibar, marble-lined bathroom with whirlpool bath, and cabin doors that open onto the deck.
Owner's Cabin (Double)
Located on the Clipper Deck, this deluxe outside cabin features a double bed, sitting area, minibar, and marble-lined bathroom with whirlpool.
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. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
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)
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.