The Royal Clipper - A Mediterranean Odyssey

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The Royal Clipper - A Mediterranean Odyssey

Just imagine this: gentle waves rhythmically lapping against a wind-driven hull, the smell of the salty spray on the freshening breeze, the huge taut sails majestically towering above, reflecting the dazzling sun which glints on the clear azure waters before you; a pod of young dolphins playfully dance in the curling bow wave and the backdrop – some of the most outstandingly beautiful coastlines in the world. Nothing beats the romance of being at sea on a true ‘Tall Ship’ so we invite you to join us aboard the magnificent SPV Royal Clipper- where ultimate relaxation and true pampering in sublime luxury await you! This beautifully, traditionally built ship is living proof that craftsmanship is far from dead with both making extensive use of rich hardwoods, polished brass and wrought iron fittings, marble, deep pile carpets and tasteful furnishings which all together have created a ship of outstanding harmony, beauty and luxury. The Royal Clipper is not cruise ship and is of a sufficiently intimate size to sail close to the shore where the views are stunning, plus visiting small, fascinating ports: so not only do you have a wonderful seafaring experience, you are simultaneously able to learn much about the areas you are sailing through. Ships are nothing without their crew and as you would expect on this prestigious craft, from the Stewards to the Captain – all are commensurate professionals. You will love the informality of life on board too and you will be amazed that even within the confines of the ship you can always find places to be alone if you wish, perhaps catch up on some reading or as the sun sets, just lean over the teak rail, drink in hand, reflect how good life can be and how lucky you are.

Holiday Highlights

Flight to Rome and return flight from Venice
Flights available from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle or Norwich
Superbly appointed cabins, beautifully crafted using teak and marble on the world’s only authentic five-masted sailing ship
Exquisite fine dining prepared by inspired chefs
Stay in hand-picked hotels in Rome and Venice with hotel upgrade option available
A fascinating voyage of discovery visiting Venice, Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Taormina, Capri, Pompeii and Rome
Guided tour of romantic Venice, probably the most unique city in the world
Sail along the truly breathtaking Dalmatian and Amalfi coasts
Visit to Rovinj, one of the most picturesque ports on the Adriatic
Tour of Dubrovnik, glistening Pearl of the Adriatic
Visit Kotor, a nostalgic journey to the Mediterranean as it was thirty years ago in Montenegro’s most dramatic setting
Absorb the history of the ancient Greek Amphitheatre in Sicily’s Taormina – one of the most attractive hill-top villages in Italy
Tour Corfu’s atmospheric old town – unchanged for centuries
Sail past the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli, the most consistently active volcano in Europe
Visit the stunning island of Capri
Visit to gorgeous Sorrento and guided tour of thought-provoking Pompeii – a city frozen in time
Guided tour of Rome, home to the ancient world’s mightiest empire, the Vatican and some of the world’s best shopping
Escorted by an experienced tour manager

What's Included

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of single cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone choosing to stay on the ship may of course have lunch in the restaurant; morning/afternoon tea and coffee; all visits and excursions as mentioned in the brochure, airport transfers, coach travel as mentioned, travel to and from port of embarkation and the services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager.

Itinerary

Day 1

You should arrive at the airport to take your flight to Rome where we stay one night with breakfast. Your hotel is the four-star Crowne Plaza with breakfast.

Day 2

Rome was, is and always will be, one of the world’s most compelling cities with probably more to see here than in any other capital on earth. Boasting an uninterrupted recorded history for upwards of 2,500 years, nowhere else seems to have managed to combine, and with such finesse, a heritage of classical antiquities and medieval buildings from Renaissance palaces to intricate baroque piazzas. The grandeur of the Colosseum, scene of some of the most cruel acts ever committed, the Appian Way where Spartacus was crucified, the magnificence of St. Peter’s, the grandeur of the Vatican, the sheer brilliance of the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain and flamboyant Baroque buildings are all here – and the list is endless. But Rome is much more than monuments alone, incredible though they are! A city is nothing without people and Rome’s citizens have been amongst the most colourful in history with probably nowhere having been visited by so many of the world’s famous for so long: Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Nero, Atilla the Hun, St Peter, the Medici, Michelangelo, Napoleon, Byron, Garibaldi and Pope Jean-Paul II - all captivated by its magnificence. There is a host of other things to experience too. Take a coffee in the famous Caffè Greco, once the haunt of Keats, Byron and Wagner. You could shop along the Via Condotti for some of the finest clothes you will find anywhere – fashion straight from the catwalk. Perhaps the most satisfying activity though, is simply to wander where your feet take you and explore this wonderful city at your leisure stopping off where you wish. Rome will not fail to captivate you. This afternoon the adventure begins. We drive to the port of Civitavecchia to board the SPV Royal Clipper and the crew, ready to welcome you, ensure you settle in and familiarise yourself with the ship, your first-class floating hotel. As we sit down for the first of our delectable dinners, the ship gently slips her mooring and heads off into the Thyrhenian Sea – bon voyage!

Day 3

The first morning on board is always a thrill: the unique sound of the hull powerfully cutting through the clear waters below is quite electrifying. Today we anchor below the multi-hued villas and houses of Sorrento, which came to fame during the late 18th century when it became part of the ‘Grand Tour’ for Europe’s aristocracy. Today it’s everything you imagine an Italian town to be: cobbled streets and quaint squares, bright flowers decorating every pastel-coloured, crumbling building, the stylish young astride their ‘vespas’ and the wondrous aroma of fresh coffee drifting from the pavement cafés which grace almost every street corner. Or you can visit nearby Pompeii where we have an included guided tour of this amazing site. The story is well known, but this is more than a series of ruins; the state of preservation is remarkable and even if you are not so interested in the history, you cannot fail to be moved by the scale of the city, the construction of which puts many of our modern structures to shame. Much of our knowledge of the life of the ordinary Roman, their habits, social structure, class systems and domestic arrangements comes from the excavations at Pompeii. Some of the baths are virtually complete as are various murals and mosaics, with some buildings displaying graffiti describing political events of the period, romantic entanglements and some just plain gossip! You can even see the traffic-calming measures and how the one-way system operated and appreciate the high standard of living of the Roman elite. You will be moved by the simultaneously fascinating yet eerie, pained expressions of the victims of Vesuvius, preserved as a monument for all time. We continue our tour with a visit to the perpetrator of this cataclysmic act, Vesuvius itself. Bizarrely enough, the foot of the volcano is now populated and the lower slopes produce some of the finest wine in the area! The coach will take will take you most of the way up, giving panoramic views of the whole bay and the almost lunar landscape caused by the last eruption.

Day 4

This morning feast your eyes on the legendary coast of Capri! Cited by most guidebooks as Europe’s most beautiful, a claim, once seen, it is difficult to refute. High ochre-coloured cliffs, topped with thick forest plunge dramatically into the calm blue Mediterranean, with sea birds soaring on the many thermals and the air full of the scent of pine forests and wild flowers. Capri has long been sought after: three Roman Emperors were attracted here; both D.H. Lawrence and George Bernard Shaw sought inspiration, whilst Graham Greene and Gracie Fields made it their home. It is easy to see why it is so adored: as we approach the island, you can see fishing boats at anchor rising and falling with the waves and pretty shops lining the quaint quayside. The picturesque main town is perched high above and you may wish to visit the ‘Blue Grotto’ whilst you are here, a large cavern reachable only by boat, and which by a freak of nature is bathed in an incandescent blue light. Early evening we return to the Royal Clipper and as we enjoy another magnificent sunset we set sail southwards towards Sicily, passing the volcanic Aeolian Islands and the occasionally glowing crater of Stromboli during the night

Day 5

As you wake this morning you will again be treated to the continuing delight of the Dalmatian coast before we gently round the headland when the unique city of Dubrovnik, Pearl of the ‘Adriatic’, makes its astonishing debut. An independent city-state for much of its history, Dubrovnik has evolved differently to the rest of Croatia. The city threw off its Venetian masters in medieval times and founded a commercial empire trading with the eastern Mediterranean, France, Spain and later the Ottoman Empire. As so often happened, the city began to reflect its resultant wealth and today this wonderfully baroque city proudly nestles behind its huge imposing ramparts in a situation of outstanding natural beauty. The main avenue, lined by unspoilt intimate cafés, is completely paved with marble, which dazzles in the sunlight and gives credence to its description as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Throughout the city you will find a wonderful array of monasteries, beautifully decorated churches and civic buildings dating from the 14th century, reflecting Dubrovnik’s outstanding artistic heritage. We have an included guided walking tour seeing all this and more, after which you are free to explore at your leisure before rejoining the Royal Clipper for dinner.

Day 6

As the wind fills the sails today we head east across the Adriatic past the southernmost point of Italy towards the coastline of the Peloponnese in Greece. We are at sea today, so what is it to be? Top up your tan on the sun deck or have a dip in one of the pools. You are most welcome to visit the bridge too, but for the most outstanding view of all why not ascend up to the ‘crow’s nest’ (with harness!) or perhaps just catch up on some reading. Let your mind wander and reflect on who, in the same manner, has crossed these seas before you: Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, the Crusaders, the Venetians, Napoleon and countless others.

Day 7

This morning we arrive in Katakolon, a small port on the western coast of the Peloponnese and the gateway to one of the world’s greatest ancient sites: Olympia. The ancient Olympic Games were as major an occasion then as they are today – though hopefully cheaper to stage! Taking place every four years, the ancient stadium had a staggering capacity of 45,000, a huge number and a clear indication of the event’s importance. All military conflicts ceased for the duration and huge rewards were conferred on the winners, whilst penalties for cheating included fines, bans and public embarrassment - how little has changed! The Olympiad continued for about 1,000 years and this morning we experience a fascinating tour of the site, also visiting the excellent museum housing numerous extraordinary finds, which include superb bronze artefacts displaying exquisite workmanship.

Day 8

As the wind fThis morning we arrive in the enchanting island of Corfu, at the mouth of the Adriatic. Between Italy and mainland Greece, with just a narrow channel of sea separating it from Albania, this is Greece’s emerald isle, cloaked in olive, pine and cypress trees and well renowned for the beauty of its spectacular coastline. The island has a chequered past: colonised by the ancient Corinthians, then the Romans and the Byzantines, it fell to the Venetians, was captured by the French, and finally the British, before joining modern Greece in 1864. All have influenced picturesque Corfu Town, one of the most attractive and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe which owes much of its charm to the disparate architectural elements it contains: its two massive Venetian fortresses and the grand palaces and public buildings from the French and British eras. We have a choice of two included tours. Our Achilleion & Corfu Town trip visits the splendid palace built by the Empress Elizabeth of Austria, also used by the Greek royal family. We return to Corfu Town, for a walking tour amongst the maze of charming narrow lanes, ending with some free time around the ‘Spianada’, the town’s main square, lined with cafés where you can relax with some traditional meze. Our second option is a drive towards the famous bays of Paleokastritsa, known as the Amalfi coast of Greece. As you cross the countryside, you’ll see how little things have changed: in the villages black-robed women carrying firewood still ride along side-saddle on their mules! We visit the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin – still inhabited by a community of monks - and its small museum, housing a unique collection of Byzantine icons. From the gardens you can admire breathtaking views over the beautiful bays of Paleokastritsa below, with their crystal-clear waters and rocky promontories. Opposite is the 13th century fort of Angelokastro, perched high on a rocky pillar, rising a thousand feet from the sea. We return to the Old Town of Corfu for a walking tour and some free time. The Royal Clipper sets sail from Corfu in the late afternoon. ills the sails today you head west across the Adriatic to the southernmost point of Italy and the enchanting island of Sicily. You are at sea today, so what is it to be? Top up your tan on the sun deck or have a dip in one of the pools. You are most welcome to visit the bridge too, but for the most outstanding view of all why not ascend up to the ‘crow’s nest’ (with harness!) or perhaps just catch up on some reading. Let your mind wander and reflect on who, in the same manner, has crossed these seas before you: Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, the Crusaders, the Venetians, Napoleon and countless others.

Day 9

By morning you will have crossed into outstandingly beautiful Montenegro with its sapphire-blue coastline. Prepare to be truly amazed by the views! We sail into a huge inland sea, almost a lake, with the topography rather reminiscent of Switzerland. Reflections of the surrounding mountains dance on the water whilst sleepy, timeless fishing villages hug the shoreline. At lunchtime we anchor and visit Kotor, nestling below a mountainside in probably Montenegro’s most dramatic setting. Walled, with a labyrinth of cobbled streets surrounding its Orthodox Cathedral that radiate to quiet intimate squares, it is a delight to explore. Its bustling market really is from yesteryear, selling homemade cheese, cured hams, honey and Mediterranean vegetables of every colour, shape and size in a refreshingly chaotic manner! You can try some of the local wine too, which despite its lack of international exposure, is rather good – and exceptional value. We weigh anchor late evening and continue our northward voyage.

Day 10

Day 11

Part of the Roman Empire, Croatia was then ruled in medieval times by the Venetians. Subsequently, it became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and finally Italian. Latterly it was incorporated into Yugoslavia before eventually becoming independent. Totally unspoilt, Croatia today is how the Mediterranean was perhaps a generation ago: the towns still very traditional with little unsightly development spoiling the wonderful natural coastline. A stunning island in the Dalmatian archipelago, Hvar is one of the most enchanting spots in the entire Mediterranean. We disembark into this delightful and bewitching little town where wandering is a joy! Compact and cosy, even the streets have no names. Should you wish to explore the island itself, there is a jeep safari that you can purchase locally which visits the legacies left by the Romans and Greeks and abandoned medieval villages. As we enjoy another assault on the taste buds during dinner we continue our southward journey sailing along one of the most beautiful stretches of water in the world - the amazing Dalmatian coast. This archipelago has to be seen to be believed: a series of islands, some small, some large, some with tiny medieval fishing villages clinging to the seashore, all covered by a green carpet of lush Mediterranean forest that exudes its typical pine scent in the warm night air. This evening nothing will beat the exhilaration of a ‘sundowner’ on deck, as the sun sets in the west and the stars twinkle above in the clear night sky.

Day 12

Day 12 Today as the morning unfurls we approach the dramatic Istrian peninsula. We disembark at the pretty fishing port of Rovinj where a maze of Italianate waterside buildings perches above the crystal blue of the Adriatic. The most satisfying activity here is to simply lose oneself in the web of medieval alleyways and lanes spreading out from the waterfront. From the splendid baroque church enjoy the views across the 22 small islands that form a natural park, or stroll along the steps of Grisia Street lined with art galleries, before resting for a quiet drink in one of the charming harbour-side cafés. This afternoon the Royal Clipper sets sail on the final leg of our odyssey, towards Venice. This is the final opportunity to relax on board so take a dip in the pool and watch the sun setting for the final time in a blaze of colour before enjoying your last dinner on board this spectacular ship.

Day 13

This morning we disembark at Venice and there is still plenty to enjoy: we have an included tour of the city before checking into our hotel, the four-star Plaza in Mestre, staying one night with breakfast. Venice is quite unique in the truest sense of the word and this morning’s included tour will reveal the city’s most famous sights including the glorious Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s with its magnificently decorated Basilica and grandiose square, the legendary Bridge of Sighs, the Rialto plus a host of other fascinating gems. After this you will have some free time to explore as you wish, perhaps starting with a peaceful gondola ride on Venice’s backwaters, or a trip on the iconic vaporetto water bus along the Grand Canal which teems with vessels of all sorts, just as it has for centuries. For art lovers, the Accademia houses a world-class collection of incredible masterpieces, whilst the markets near the Rialto are as traditional as you can get and the view from the Campanile bell tower is unrivalled possibly anywhere in the world. Away from the bustle though, is another equally fascinating Venice - endless quiet corners waiting to be discovered, washing stretched high across narrow canals between picturesque yet crumbling buildings, curious little shops dotted here and there and locals putting the world to rights in tiny tucked-away bars.

Day 14

Today at the appropriate time you will be taken to the airport for your flight home. Whilst the holiday may be over, reminiscences of the sights you have seen, experiences you have had and people you have met on this unique and special voyage of discovery will remain with you for a very long time to come.

The inspiration for the luxurious Royal Clipper was the 1904-built Preussen and this is now the largest, and only, five-masted sailing ship conceived since that time. With her 42 sails fully deployed she is truly an awesome sight! With state-of- the-art navigation systems, all the comforts you could wish for and 106 crew attending just 223 guests, service levels on board are truly impeccable. The 1,760 square metres of open deck and three swimming pools create a wonderfully spacious outdoor environment and the open-air bar is the ideal place to chat with your like-minded traveling companions, discussing how the ancient Romans lived in Pompeii, why Dubrovnik is called the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ and if the Amalfi coast really is Europe’s most beautiful. There is even a marine biologist on board who holds lectures so you can understand more of the marine environment of you which you will be a part. As the sun slips gently below the horizon in an explosion of reds and oranges, unwind, sip an aperitif and acknowledge that life really doesn’t get much better than this!

The ship is constructed to the highest standards and comprises three accommodation decks: Commodore, Clipper and Main deck - all air-conditioned throughout and topped by an extensive Sun Deck. In an imaginative design, a three-deck atrium allows natural light to penetrate into the elegantly furnished dining-room which tastefully reflects the first-class nautical heritage of yesteryear. Also leading on to the atrium is the piano bar, again tastefully furnished with beautiful carpets and comfortable armchairs, wonderful to relax in after dinner with a digestif. If you feel like pampering yourself you can visit the spa for a variety of treatments, or to keep in trim there is a gym too, featuring rather unusual under-sea portholes. On the Sun Deck you can relax, catch up on some reading, take a dip in one of the three small pools or for the more adventurous, why not lie in the netting around the bowsprit and be mesmerised by the bow slicing though the waves below you. Admire the constantly changing views as the Captain expertly uses the wind to steer our passage past the stunning archipelagos into timeless ports of call on our fascinating journey of discovery – and what a journey this is!

Cabin Information

Like a fine resort, all the amenitiesare here; double bed ot twin beds, marble lined bathroom, private safe, television video system and DVD player, direct dial telephone, hairdryer and comfortable furnishings. The decor is tastefully traditional. You'll find the accoutrements of a luxurious classic yacht, where everything is ingeniously designed for comfort, ease and efficiency. Burnished brass fittings and mahogany brightwork recall our nautical heritage. Soft natural fabrics reflect the colours of the sun, sea and sky. Prints of famous clipper ships and sailing yachts grace the walls.

Dining Information

The outstanding cuisine on board really is an exceptional experience with a highly professional team of chefs, genuinely surpassing your expectations. For early risers, complimentary tea, coffee and fruit juices are available in the bar. Breakfast is a 5-star sumptuous international buffet with all the dishes, hot, cold and fresh tropical fruits you’d possibly imagine, plus an omelette station with bread and pastries freshly baked on-board daily. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day and lunch consists of a truly superb buffet, so you can eat as little or as much as you wish. There are so many choices and the desserts are legendary. Highlight of the day though, is your delicious dinner, with a choice of superbly created dishes both local and from all over the world. The setting is perfect too; tasteful wood furniture, crisp table linen with fine tableware, crowned by excellent and yet unobtrusive service. This is much more akin to on-shore fine dining than cruise ship catering, whilst the open seating policy promotes the relaxed ambience we seek to achieve.

Deck Plan

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