Grand Voyage: Rome to Lisbon

Civitavecchia is a vital seaport serving Rome, Italy’s capital. As a major hub for Mediterranean cruises and ferries crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea, it provides a key gateway to destinations across Italy and beyond. Located 70 km from Rome and 62 km from Fiumicino Airport, it offers convenient access for travelers.

With its city walls rising directly from the sea, Sorrento sits along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Optional excursions may include visiting Pompeii, where the preserved remains of ancient Romans offer a glimpse into history frozen in time.

Amalfi was a powerful republic of 70,000 people during the Middle Ages, rivaling nearby Ravello. For a sense of Amalfi's medieval glory, wander through the grand Duomo, containing the remains of St. Andrew. Amalfi is a magnificent coastal town offering an enchanting blend of natural beauty, rich history, and Mediterranean charm.

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, ' It is the greatest work of art and nature.'

Syracuse is a city on the Ionian coast of Sicily known for its ancient ruins. It was once the largest city in the world, bigger than Athens and Corinth, and as you can imagine, it's steeped in history. Visit Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, one of Sicily's greatest archaeological sites. Relax in one of its stylish little cafes that surround its beautiful baroque piazzas before wandering down its medieval lanes towards the sparkling blue sea.

The Aeolian archipelago comprises seven islands of volcanic origin, of which only Stromboli and Vulcano are active volcanoes. The main island is Lipari, which offers travelers arriving by boat a beautiful panorama of its Acropolis, presided over by the Cathedral. Its marina is bustling with shops, boutiques, and stalls, and it's an island where life is good.

Sail around Stromboli with the backdrop of its famous active volcano, which had its last major eruption in April 2019.

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.

Palmarola is a snorkeling heaven 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. Unique, isolated, and stunning.

Civitavecchia is a vital 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 various destinations in Italy and beyond. The city is 70 km from Rome and 62 km from Fiumicino Airport.

Bonifacio's almost land-locked harbor is one of the most dramatic, 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.

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.

Gracious Georgian buildings that climb the steep hills backing the Moll Ponent. Mahon's heritage also includes the invention of mayonnaise and the first gin distillation from juniper berries.

Towering over the harbor, Palma's enormous Gothic Cathedral is a powerful symbol of the religious fervor that gripped all of Spain shortly after the defeat of the Moors. Built by Jaume I, its vast open nave, and soaring Gothic columns have been added over the centuries. Behind the Cathedral, a maze of twisting streets leads to designer boutiques and open-air markets.

Ibiza is where people hang out because, except for the medieval walls, you could think it was the Med's version of Key West. But away from the hustle of town, some lovely beaches await.

The city's naval, maritime, and historical museums provide insight into the 2,000 years this city has been a major port. It's now developing into a vibrant tourist attraction. Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors used the deep water harbor and walled town before the Spanish navy. Visit Torres Park and the Castillo de la Concepción for the best views in the city.

Motril is a vibrant port city steeped in history, culture, and Mediterranean charm on Spain's southern coast. It is a popular seaside destination with beautiful beaches, historical monuments, and culinary delights. Motril is an excellent base for exploring the city of Granada, the villages of the Alpujarras, or the rum distillery and tropical fruit plantation.

Malaga's fortress palace of the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro are splendid examples of Moorish architecture. But it is in Granada that you can see the most romantic and magnificent expression of the Arabesque style in the glorious Alhambra Palace.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and headland on Spain's south coast. It's dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 426m-high limestone ridge. The Cable Car is one of the ways to the Top of the Rock and a must-see attraction for all visitors to Gibraltar. The view is spectacular; you can watch the island's famous apes. A lesser-known wildlife attraction is the dolphins leaping in the sparkling waters of Gibraltar Bay. Whole families of dolphins visit the bay, and the chances of seeing them are good."

Tangier was the real model for the famous American film «Casablanca» with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. It retains its faded mongrel charm - not entirely Moroccan, European, or African, but a heady mix of all three.

Cadiz, called 'the cup of silver,' is almost African in appearance; its streets are lined with palm trees, and its churches are topped with dome-like cupolas. Take advantage of the optional tours to Seville, the irresistible capital and cultural center of Andalusia, which has a colorful and festive lifestyle.

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.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.