Duration
11 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
12 Ports
14 May
Setting sail from Athens (Piraeus)
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance. Towering over the city are the gleaming columns of the Parthenon, surely one of the most iconic sights in the whole of Europe. And yet Athens is much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding. For all its faults, the Greek capital possesses an energy and an optimism that are manifest in everything from the burgeoning art scene to the restaurants and bars that continue to pop up on a regular basis.
Don't miss
Obviously don’t miss the Acropolis, nor the new adjacent museum, where space has pointedly been left for the frieze we call the Elgin Marbles – it is really excellent. Then take time to stroll on the hills and slopes around the outcrop.
15 May
Greece: Monemvasia
The beautiful Byzantine town of Monemvasia is dramatically located on a steep chunk of rock, originally a coastal headland until an earthquake in AD 375 turned it into an island. Nowadays access is via a narrow causeway, and the pretty streets of the medieval citadel are home to more churches than people.
16 May
Greece: Katakolon (Olympia)
The little seaside town of Katakolon, on the western coast of the Peloponnese, is the gateway to ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Games and the place where the Olympic flame begins its journey every four years. Make the most of your visit with a guided tour of the ruins, and don’t miss the treasures of the Archaeological Museum.
17 May
At sea
18 May
Italy: Taormina
Taormina enjoys a truly spectacular setting on Sicily’s east coast, perched on a mountainside looking out towards the smouldering Mount Etna. The medieval streets are pleasant but often crowded in high season, so we’d recommend getting out and exploring the surrounding countryside.
19 May
Italy: Amalfi
The picturesque little town of Amalfi was once a major Mediterranean naval power, but a devastating earthquake in 1343 cut the city down in its prime and destroyed most of its historic buildings. These days, of course, Amalfi is best known for the eponymous stretch of stunning coastline on which it sits.
20 May
Italy: Ponza
Ponza is the largest of the Pontine islands, situated out in the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west of Naples. Sometimes described as a more authentic alternative to Capri, the island is notable for its natural beauty and Neapolitan-influenced cuisine, and has a reputation as a hideaway for the rich and famous.
20 May
Italy: Palmarola
Rugged, rocky and almost entirely uninhabited, Palmarola is a secret even to many Italians, yet Jacques Cousteau described this as ‘the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea’. Landings are possible at a handful of craggy coves, and the crystal clear water is perfect for snorkelling.
21 May
Italy: Porto Cervo
Created in the 1950s and ‘60s by a group of investors including the Aga Khan, the resort of Porto Cervo was conceived as the perfect Mediterranean village, drawing on architectural influences from Spain, Italy, Greece and North Africa. It’s a glitzy retreat for the international jet set, at the heart of Sardinia’s glorious Costa Smeralda.
22 May
Italy: Alghero
The Sardinian city of Alghero is home to one of the loveliest old towns in the Mediterranean, with its cobbled lanes, elegant churches and golden sandstone architecture. The city was ruled for some 300 years by the Crown of Aragon and retains a uniquely Hispanic feel, with a dialect of Catalan still spoken by some locals.
23 May
France: Calvi
The Corsican port of Calvi is a popular summer destination for both sun-seeking tourists and the yachts of the super-rich, with a swanky harbour and five miles of beautiful beach. The town is said by some to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and the skyline is dominated by the imposing 15th century Genoese citadel.
24 May
Monaco: Monte Carlo
Renowned for its casino, its Grand Prix and its oligarch-friendly tax policies, Monte Carlo is glamour and hedonism personified, with a price tag to match. This little principality enjoys a lovely setting, the villas and penthouses tumbling down the hillside towards the sweeping blue expanse of the Mediterranean.
25 May
Arriving in Cannes
Few ports conjure up images of glitz and movie star glamour quite so readily as Cannes. Even if you find yourself unmoved by the ostentatious displays of wealth on show along the Croisette, where multi-million dollar yachts bob in the azure waters, you'll still find this stretch of the Côte d'Azur to be rich in natural beauty. May is when the glitterati roll into town for the Film Festival, but there's still plenty to divert you the rest of the year; Le Suquet, the old quarter, merits exploration, and the tranquil Îles de Lérins, just off the coast of Cannes, make for a relaxing day trip.
Our tip
Cannes is a great base to explore the Riviera and the back country. Travelling by rail is a good option and there are reduced fares for over 60s.
Your home from home
The world’s largest sailing ship, Royal Clipper is the only five-masted full-rigged sailing ship in the world, with 42 sails creating a combined area of 56,000 square feet.
What we love
Royal Clipper certainly stands out from the crowd. In full sail she is an awe-inspiring sight, reminiscent of a bygone age, yet she combines this beauty with comfort and balances grandeur, adventure and tradition for guests who wish to experience a tall ship cruise. Climb the mast or relax by the pool; you can be as involved as you wish on this easy-going and friendly ship.
Capacity | 227 Guests |
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Crew | 106 Staff |
Style | Friendly, welcoming staff help make this an informal and relaxed style of cruise. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Extend your stay in Athens
At Mundy, we have long been hunting for the perfect Athenian hotel - our favourite so far is the Electra Palace in Plaka.
Excursions from Athens
Delphi is an absolute must – you’ll need a full day though, it’s quite a drive.
Where to stay in Cannes
Some great options, but we think the ultimate is the Martinez, with its large private beach and double Michelin starred restaurant.
Private tours from Cannes
Visit the perfume centre at Grasse and design your very own fragrance.