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Featuring
The Royal Clipper
This is a truly unique tour. It combines the luxury and ambience of sailing on the largest true fully-rigged sailing ship in the world with two of Italy's most famous cities (Rome and Venice) and the spectacular scenery of the Italian Alps. If you are looking for something that is totally different; then this is the tour for you.
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| The Royal Clipper |
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The world's largest and only five-masted sailing ship. |
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| Italy |
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Rome - The Eternal City |
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Ponza - Unspoilt island in the Tyrrhenian Sea |
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Capri - Italy's most famous island |
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Taormina - "The greatest work of art and Nature" |
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Venice - Italy's most fascinating city |
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Verona - Setting for Shakespear's "Romeo and Juliet" |
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Lake Iseo - As beautiful as neighbouring lakes, Garda and Como |
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| Greece |
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Corfu - England's Naval H.Q. the Napoleonic Wars |
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| Montenegro |
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Kotor - Isolated and surrounded by Byzantine walls |
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| Croatia |
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Dubrovnik - The "Pearl of the Adriatic" |
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Kurcola - Photogenic island and birthplace of Marco Polo |
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Hvar - Idyllic island off the Dalmation Coast |
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Rovinj - Baroque and beautiful |
Day 1
Brisbane - Singapore
An early afternoon departure for Singapore with Singapore Airlines, where we will connect with another Singapore Airlines flight to Rome.
Overnight: In flight.
Day 2
Singapore - Rome
An early arrival into Rome, where we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Unfortunately, due to the early arrival of our flight, we will probably not be able to access our rooms immediately. However, we will be able to store our luggage at the hotel and begin our independent exploration of " The Eternal City". Due to the superb location of our hotel, the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Venezia, the Trevi Fountain and many more of Rome's principal attractions are all within walking distance.
Overnight: Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio
Day 3
Rome - Civitavecchia - Cruise
The majority of the today is at leisure for us to continue our exploration of Rome. Late this afternoon we will be transferred to Civitvecchia, the port for Rome, where we will board the magnificent Royal Clipper to commence our Mediterranean cruise.
Overnight: Royal Clipper (B.D.)
Day 4
Ponza
A relaxing start to the day as we cruise the peaceful Tyrrhenian Sea, before arriving at Ponza.
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 unspoilt town. Or, find yourself a private bit of beach, there are lots of them, and enjoy the feel of warm sand and cool clear water lapping your toes.
Overnight: Royal Clipper (B.L.D.)
Day 5
Capri
More cruising this morning, before we arrive into Capri. Is there anyone who hasn't heard of Capri ? Capri, where the Emperor Tiberius held notorious bacchanals at his Imperial Villa, has gradually become one of the most popular resorts in southern Italy. Famous for its scenery and climate, Capri is a Garden of Eden teeming with vegetation, despite the rocky landscape.
Overnight: Royal Clipper (B.L.D.)
Day 6
Taormina
Barrelling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina separating
Italy's toe from the island of Sicily, is a thrill beyond comparison. Past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses. And then we arrive in lovely Taormina. Perched on the shoulders of Mt Etna, Taormina inspired Goethe to say that " It is the greatest work of art and nature." The whisper of ancient ghosts in the Greek theatre would agree and we have until late tonight to just wander and soak up the atmosphere.
Overnight: Royal Clipper (B.L.D.)
Day 7
At sea
This is what we have been looking forward to - a chance to demonstrate our sailing skills. But, if climbing the rigging is not your cup of tea, there is always that deck chair around the pool, or that seat at the bar where you can regale your new-found mates with how good your skills used to be. All in all, it is just another day in paradise.
Overnight: Royal Clipper (B.L.D.)
Day 8
Corfu
Having successfully negotiated the Ionian Sea, we cruise into Corfu this morning. The lushest (and some say the loveliest) of all the Greek Islands, Corfu lies just a stone's throw from the Albanian coast. And nowhere is the stunning natural beauty of Corfu more evident than in the small village of Paleocastritsa, where the legend says Ulysses was washed ashore to be rescued by Nausicaa. Another site not to be missed is the Achillion Palace built for the Empress Elizabeth of Austria and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm 1. The British made Corfu a major base during the Napoleonic wars and you can see the lovely 1824 villa, Mon Repos, where Prince Philip was born.
Overnight: Royal Clipper (B.L.D.)
Day 9
Kotor
You might think you were sailing up a Norwegian fjord. In fact, this stunning rock-walled chasm splitting the coastal mountains of Montenegro is the longest arm of the sea in Southern Europe. As you venture deep into the heart of Boka Fjord, you'll see several charming villages along the shore, but at the very end, Boka harbours one of the prettiest, unspoilt towns you'll ever see - the medieval city of Kotor. Founded by the Romans, fortified with massive walls during the Byzantine era, then ruled by Venice for much of its history, Kotor has been naturally preserved by its isolation.
Overnight: Royal Clipper (B.L.D.)
Day 10
Dubrovnik
It was George Bernard Shaw who said, " Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik. " Indeed, Dubrovnik is a treasure by any measure made more precious by its miraculous restoration. Crowned by the Minceta Tower, the 10th century city walls are the proud symbol of Dubrovnik's colourful history. In the Cathedral Treasury, a collection of priceless golden reliquaries include the remains of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's patron saint. Stroll up the Stradun to the elaborately colonnaded Rector's Palace, designed by Onofrio de la Cava in 1435. This was the seat of the republic of Ragusa, a powerful Renaissance-era City-State boasting a fleet of 500 ships and today we have until late to really immerse ourselves in this legendary city.
Overnight: Royal Clipper (B.L.D.)
Day 11
Kurcola
This morning we continue north along the Dalmatian coast to Korcula. Framed by dense green forests of allepo pine and twisted cypress, the red tile roofs of Korcula make an inviting picture that makes you want to see more of this charming island town whose most famous native son was Marco Polo. The pale wheat coloured stone Cathedral of St Mark houses a treasure trove of Dalmatian and Italian art, including works by Tintoretto and Titian. Walk through the towering Land Gate for a great view of the town, try a traditional Korcula dish-spinning wheel fettuccini. And if you're lucky, you may witness Korcula's thrilling Moreska Sword Dance.
Overnight: Royal Clipper (B.L.D.)
Day 12
Hvar
The heavenly scent of lavender perfumes the air in the fields and valleys
around the island of Hvar. Idyllically located just off the Dalmatian coast, the island and the little port named after it have been a favourite getaway ever since the time of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians and even the Austro-Hungarian royalty. See the perfectly preserved Cathedral of St. Stephen, the serene cloistered Franciscan monastery and the Venetian Arsenal, where one of Europe's first public theatres was established in 1612.
Overnight: Royal Clipper (B.L.D.)
Day 13
Rovinj
Rovinj is a typical example of a Mediterranean town. From the 17th century the town started to develop outside the fortified town walls and in 1763 the islet was connected with the mainland. The town is dominated by the Baroque three-nave church of St Euphernia (Fuma). Close to the harbour is the clock tower, the baroque Baibi's Arch and the former 17th century c. Town Hall, today a museum.
To the east lies the complex of the Franciscan monastery, and to the south, Rovinj's oldest monument, the Romanesque heptagonal chapel of the Holy Trinity.
Overnight: Royal Clipper (B.L.D.)
Day 14
Venice
Throughout the night we sailed west across the Gulf of Venice, where we arrive early this morning. Upon disembarkation we will be transferred to our hotel, where we will spend the next 2 nights. So many tours save money by staying at an hotel in the Mestre, the industrial suburb on the mainland facing the islands. But to really appreciate the uniqueness of Venice, you have to stay on one of the islands and that is where we are. From our hotel you will easily be able to explore this legendary city at your leisure.
Overnight: Hotel La Fenice (or similar) (B.)
Day 15
Venice
Venice is the heart and soul of romance and you have the entire day to discover it for yourself. Cast your eyes on the rounder domes of San Marco, take a deep breath at the Bridge of Sighs, gaze on the Golden Lions and the Renaissance glories of the Doges Palace, listen for the ghosts of Verdi, Puccini and Caruso at La Fenice Opera House, gape at the Palladian proportions of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, glide in a gondola down the Grand Canal. And know that love is always in the air in Venice.
Overnight: Hotel La Fenice (or similar) (B.)
Day 16
Venice - Verona - Lake Iseo
This morning we leave Venice and travel north-west to the Italian Alps. En route, we will stop at Verona - the city of the most famous lovers in history: Romeo and Juliet. But Verona has much more to offer than just two star-struck lovers, as our tour of the city will show. Known throughout Italy as the city that has best preserved its artistic heritage, it is home to a myriad of historical and architectural attractions. After the tour, there will be some free time to have lunch, before resuming our journey into the mountains. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, a short walk from our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Araba Fenice (or similar) (B.D.)
Day 17
Lake Iseo
The Lombardy region of Italy is known for its spectacular beauty and we will see some of it today, as we take a leisurely drive around Lake Iseo. Along the way we will stop at one or two of the quaint villages that dot the shoreline. After lunch, we continue further into the countryside and the Franciacota Valley. This area is especially famous for its many vineyards and being one of the best wine growing areas in Italy. So, we will visit a winery to sample some of the local produce, before returning to our hotel late this afternoon. Tonight is free for us to try another of the many fine local restaurants.
Overnight: Hotel Araba Fenice (or similar) (B.)
Day 18
Lake Iseo
Today is a free day and our opportunity for some independent exploring. Lake Iseo, also known as Lake Sebino, is the fourth largest lake in the Lombardy region of Italy. The fact that Lake Iseo is not well known outside of Italy, makes it less touristy and therefore, much more appealing. Monte Isola, the largest inland lake island in Europe, is easily accessible by ferry from Sarnico and, with no cars on the island, makes a visit to the island an experience, unique in Europe. Tonight is our last night in Italy and an opportunity for us to reminisce about the incredible experiences that we have shared - the perfect opportunity for a few farewell drinks.
Overnight: Hotel Araba Fenice (or similar) (B.)
Day 19
Lake Iseo - Milan - Fly
This morning we will be transferred to Milan to begin the journey home with Singapore Airlines.
Overnight: In flight (B.)
Day 20
Singapore - Brisbane
Arriving into Singapore early this morning, we will connect with our Singapore Airlines flight to Brisbane, where will arrive early this evening.
Please contact us to learn more about this tour, or to reserve your place.
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