Duration
12 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
11 Ports
5 October
Setting sail from 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.
Don't miss
Le Suquet – this quarter which overlooks the old port is a maze of narrow streets leading up to the 12th century Tour de Mont Chevalier. Enjoy great views from the ancient ramparts.
6 October
France: Bonifacio
Bonifacio sits atop brilliant white limestone cliffs on the southern tip of Corsica, with the harbour down below filled with fishing boats and glitzy yachts. The town's history as a Genoese stronghold, along with its proximity to Sardinia, means that the Italian influence is strong here.
7 October
Spain: Mahón
Smaller than Mallorca and mellower than Ibiza, Menorca is rightly feted for its beautiful, unspoilt beaches. The laid back capital, Mahón, is set on the Mediterranean’s largest natural harbour, and the city’s striking Georgian architecture is a reminder of the 18th century British occupation of the island.
8 October
Spain: Ibiza
Although Ibiza is best known as a hedonistic party island, it’s easy to give the clubbers a swerve and discover the White Isle’s mellower side. The island boasts some spectacularly beautiful coastline, and the fortified Old Town (Dalt Vila) is UNESCO listed.
9 October
At sea
10 October
Spain: Motril (Granada)
The bustling port of Motril is less than an hour’s drive from Granada, last stronghold of the Moors in Spain and home to the famous Alhambra palace. The narrow streets of the Albayzín quarter are particularly evocative of the days of Al Andalus, and you can explore Granada’s Jewish heritage in the atmospheric Realejo district.
11 October
Spain: Málaga
Málaga boasts plenty of chic restaurants and bars where you can ease into the rhythms of life in southern Spain, before exploring sights including the intriguing, unfinished Gothic cathedral, and a museum devoted to the city's most famous son, Pablo Picasso.
12 October
Spain: Puerto Banús
The marina at Puerto Banús is a prime destination for the glitterati on the Costa del Sol, a place where oligarchs’ private yachts float alongside upmarket restaurants and designer boutiques. If this doesn’t sound like your scene then try heading inland to lovely Ronda, or check out the beaches around Marbella.
13 October
Gibraltar: Gibraltar
Sovereignty of ‘The Rock’ has been a thorny issue ever since Gibraltar was ceded to Britain in 1713, though on the ground it’s clear where most locals’ sympathies lie. Gibraltar is often described as ‘more British than Britain’, a curious enclave of red postboxes, double decker buses and chip shops.
14 October
Morocco: Tangier
After years of neglect, Tangier is finally being restored to its former glory as a cosmopolitan crossroads between Europe and Africa. The Moroccan government has invested heavily in modern infrastructure, while the spruced up medina shines with a new-found cultural dynamism.
15 October
Spain: Cádiz
The crumbling, sun-baked seafront city of Cádiz is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the western world, founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC. Although the city lacks any obvious landmarks, it’s rich in atmosphere, and plays host to one of Spain’s most colourful carnivals.
16 October
At sea
17 October
Arriving in Lisbon
The roots of historic Lisbon's fame lie in its strategic position on the edge of the Atlantic and the fact it offers one of the world's greatest natural harbours. No surprise therefore that it became the home of the world's most famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Built on seven hills, we always find Lisbon to be soulful, captivating and picturesque, with architecture which reflects its status as a great port.
Our tip
The appeal of Lisbon lies in the city itself with its two distinct architectural styles: the 16th century Belem district (Manueline) and the 18th century city centre (Pomabaline). Our tip: potter about...
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
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.
Our recommended hotel
The Pousada de Lisboa, newly opened in May 2015, has a great location in the heart of the city and an interior to wow you.
Take a day trip from Lisbon
Visit Sintra – Roman and Moorish influences make this magical city with its fairytale palaces and extravagant villas a must.