An Italian Adventure aboard Star Clipper

Your holiday begins with a flight to Rome or Perugia. From there we’ll transfer to our hotel located on the outskirts of Perugia or Assisi. After checking in, spend the rest of the day at leisure (flight time permitting) in this beautiful part of Umbria, relaxing in your hotel or exploring the local area.

Tonight, you can enjoy your first taste of Umbria’s mouthwatering cuisine with an evening at leisure. We recommend trying dishes that feature truffles, lentils, focaccias or pig-derived charcuterie, they’re specialties in this region.

This morning we’ll visit Assisi, an elegant hill town dominated by the vast Basilica of St Francis complex, which includes a Franciscan monastery and two churches. Sitting on the green hillside with the town climbing ever higher behind it, this UNESCO World Heritage site attracts pilgrims from around the world.

As we wander the flower-hung streets with our local guide, we’ll learn how St Francis came to be so highly revered in Italy, from his early life as the spoilt son of a silk merchant, to his renouncement of riches and founding of the Franciscan Order of monks. Built as a shrine to St Francis in 1228, two years after his death, the exterior of the basilica and friary complex is befittingly austere. Inside, however, is a different matter, with both the upper and lower basilicas adorned with colourful frescos, including a series attributed to the famous Florentine painter, Giotto.

The simple-living St Francis rests in the crypt below the basilica, together with his friend, benefactor and follower, Jacoba of Settesoli, who is said to have fed him his favourite almond treats on his deathbed.

We’ll have some free time to explore the old-world town centre with its shuttered stone houses, 'hole-in-the-wall' shops and tiny family-run cafes – the silky ‘strangozzi’ pasta with rich, earthy black truffles is a must-try! A varied collection of churches and cathedrals dot the piazzas, while two medieval castles, Rocca Maggiore and Rocca Minore, jostle for dominance on the skyline.

This afternoon, we’ll continue to the bustling university city of Perugia, which uses an escalator system to connect the lower town to the historical core above. A wander along the Corso Pietro Vannucci is a treat for the senses, as its traffic-free status allows the subtler sounds and smells of local life to come through – the clink of china as cups are set out for coffee and the friendly chatter of Italians passing the time.

This wide avenue leads up past a mix of shiny designer boutiques and tiny timeworn shops to the Piazza IV Novembre – the centrepiece of the city. This flagstone square boasts the gothic San Lorenzo cathedral, the imposing 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori and the intricately carved Maggiore fountain. Fanning out from the square is a jumble of narrow alleyways lined with crumbling buildings in shades of peach, ochre, russet and cream, providing plenty of places to people-watch over a local craft beer, a chilled glass of Orvieto Classico or a creamy gelato.

From the Piazza Italia you could take an escalator down to the atmospheric streets of medieval Perugia, an underground world hidden within the 16th-century Rocca Paolina fortress. You can also enter the foundations of the fortress through the Porta Marzia gate, one of the stone portals chiselled into the crumbling Etruscan wall that encloses Perugia. Interestingly, this under-city maze is more than just a tourist attraction – you'll see locals hurrying through it to the bus station!

This morning, we’ll transfer to Civitavecchia, stopping en route in Orvieto, whose ancient ruins lie in eerie underground caves. With the city built from the precipitous chunk of volcanic rock on which it sits, Orvieto looks almost at one with the red-hued rock – although the cathedral is a stand-out feature.

After a ride up the tree-lined funicular tracks to the old town, we marvel at the intricate façade of this incredible Gothic building, featuring gilded frescoes that give it the appearance of being illuminated from within.

After some free time in Orvieto, we’ll continue to the port of Civitavecchia to board the Star Clipper where the crew, ready to welcome you to our first-class floating hotel. Then settle in and familiarise yourself with the ship.

As we sit down for the first of our delectable dinners, the ship will gently slip her mooring and head off along the Italian coastline – bon voyage!

No question, this will be the trip of a lifetime and to ensure you’re savouring every second of our maritime adventure, rise refreshed and head to the ship’s restaurant where breakfast is served. We’ll enjoy a day at sea today, so no need to rush; linger over that second cup of coffee or take it up on deck and relax in a comfy chair and drink in the exceptional views. Hear the gentle sea breeze filling the sails above as we head out into the Tyrrhenian Sea on a southerly course.

Perhaps a spot of reading from the comfort of a sun lounger, then cool off in the saltwater pools. For a little more excitement why not visit the bridge or climb up to the crow’s nest (with harness!) for exceptional panoramic views or perhaps just enjoy a peaceful corner in the ship’s library. Whatever you choose, you’ll soon be feeling completely unwound and a million miles from home! Take lunch in the restaurant, then just enjoy a lazy afternoon relaxing and absorbing the seascapes – after all what are holidays for!

This evening after another delicious dinner is served, retire to the bar for your favourite digestif whilst enjoying the soothing sounds of the ship’s pianist.

The volcanic islands known collectively as the Aeolian or Lipari Islands emerge from the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea between Sicily and Southern Italy. Legend has it that they were once the exclusive realm of Aeolus, God of the Winds, but now visitors are welcome to enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty of the islands with their pristine beaches, volcanoes and thermal spas, not to mention the excellent local cuisine.

Anchoring off Lipari, the main island in the archipelago, we’ll take a tender boat ashore to Marina Corta - the bustling heart of the village, with lively cafés, restaurants and quaint shops.

On arrival, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the delightful old town, a cluster of winding cobbled lanes, pretty flower-bedecked squares and ice-cream-coloured buildings. Perched high above the town behind remarkably preserved huge, towering walls, is its mighty castle, dating from the 15th century. You can take in the panoramic views across the bay and visit the fine baroque cathedral with its beautiful interior frescoes, magnificent columns and stonework. Later, for those who wish, there is the opportunity to join an optional cruise around this spectacular coast soaking up the views of this stunning archipelago and the remarkable volcanic landscape of Vulcano Island.

Returning to our vessel, you could enjoy a cocktail in the bar before tonight’s dinner is served. Later this evening (around 10pm) the ship is planned to sail past Stromboli. Keep an eye out and watch the sky for frequent volcanic fireworks against the night sky, this volcano has been almost continuously erupting for the past 2,000 –5,000 years.

*Ship is expected to anchor at this port and guests will be tendered ashore.

This morning we’ll arrive at Messina on the idyllic island of Sicily, the largest in the Mediterranean. Once berthed in this harbour city, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive along the island’s eastern coast enjoying the unspoilt landscape. See pine forests, citrus and olive groves stretching into the horizon and sweeping coastal views.

Soon, we’ll arrive in one of the most beautiful and exclusive spots on the island, Taormina. Perched on a rocky headland over 800 feet above the glittering sea, you can’t fail to be enchanted by this lovely town with its medieval charm and verdant gardens. Flowers and window boxes add a vibrant splash of colour while tempting smells drift from the speciality food shops selling fresh pasta, olives and the local Marsala wine. Taormina’s greatest claim to fame though, is its ancient Greek amphitheatre, possibly the most well-located in the world, with the horse-shoe shaped rows of seats overlooking the sea and Mount Etna in the distance – quite a backdrop! We’ll also see the famous Palazzo Corvaja, an impressive medieval palace with attractive colourful stonework and fine double arched windows. After our tour, you can stroll the Corso Umberto for a little window shopping or savour a real Italian coffee and pastry in one of the many atmospheric cafés.

Then we’ll return to Messina where you’ll have some time to explore this bustling city. We recommend the famous mezza con panna al caffe – a half glass of coffee, flavoured granita and cream.

Alternatively, you might prefer to join our optional full-day tour to Taormina and a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We’ll drive to picturesque Taormina for a guided walking tour to see the theatre, Cathedral and Odeon followed by some free time.

Then, continue towards Mount Etna following a scenic route around the mountain, past the town of Giarre and across vineyards, orchards and forest. Your destination? The Gambino Estate where you can enjoy a cellar and winery tour and tasting together with a typical Sicilian brunch of local specialities.

After a relaxing morning and leisurely lunch on board, you’ll have a chance this afternoon to experience the sublimely beautiful Amalfi coast first hand.

This legendary stretch of spectacular coastline, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, is famed the world over for its beautiful beaches, picturesque bays, secret coves and inlets and its scattering of charming hilltop villages hugging the cliffs. For centuries artists, poets, writers and travellers have all fallen under the spell of this magical region, mesmerised by its characterful villages nestling amidst ancient vineyards and fragrant citrus and olive groves.

We’ll head to shore enjoying dazzling views from the water and moor in the delightful village of Amalfi to see the cluster of terracotta roofs and colourful shuttered facades clinging precariously to the cliffsides, and a picturesque harbour lined with lemon trees and pavement cafés. On arrival we’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride through these turquoise Mediterranean waters to legendary Positano. The iconic 1950’s movie La Dolce Vita, catapulted this sleepy traditional fishing village to stardom, turning it into an exclusive holiday retreat and haunt of celebrities. Have your camera at the ready as we approach as you can’t fail to be enchanted by the breathtaking sight of a rainbow of little houses, with vibrant bougainvillea tumbling from window boxes and ancient little churches cascading down the steep hillside. When we step ashore, there’ll be time at leisure to wander in the glorious light of this picturesque place, exploring its hidden alleys and browsing its boutiques. Look out for locally made cotton garments typical of Positano.

We’ll return to Amalfi by boat with time for you to further explore. Perhaps you’ll visit the striking cathedral with its highly decorative façade, intricate brickwork and beautiful arched Cloister of Paradise. Or stroll the charming waterfront stopping for a drink in one of the lively cafés.

Alternatively, join our optional visit to the enchanting village of Ravello, perched like an eagle’s nest on a shelf above Amalfi affording amazing views. It has an ambience all of its own, with an exquisite main square, a 13th-century cathedral and the Villa Rufolo, once the centre of a city-state and now an interesting collection of medieval buildings, statues and attractive terraced gardens. Return to our ship and relax before dinner.

*Ship is expected to anchor at this port and guests will be tendered ashore.

There’ll be no doubt as we glide through the waves on our stunning vessel, that we’re cruising through one of the most beautiful corners of Europe. Here turquoise sea meets a rugged coastline, eucalyptus pine-scented forests blanket the hillsides and ancient honey-coloured towns unchanged for centuries cling onto the craggy cliffs. We’ll moor in the charming town of Sorrento, a popular resort with a magnificent Roman legacy and the area is dotted with the remains of their opulent villas.

This morning, we’ll drive to Pompeii; most people know the story of Pompeii and its fate, but today this site is so much more than a collection of ruins. Ancient Pompeii was a prosperous provincial centre with an estimated population of 20,000. In 63 AD an earthquake destroyed much of the town. Rebuilding was still in process when Vesuvius erupted again 16 years later and the whole town was buried beneath more than twenty feet of ash and pumice stone.

Our guided tour of the Roman town highlights its astonishing state of preservation – streets, temples, baths and even the amphitheatre remain largely intact. The eruption on August 24, 79 A.D. not only preserved structures but also evidence of the ancient way of life, such as a fully equipped tavern with the last customer's money still on the counter. Plaster was poured into empty spaces in the lava to make body casts of some of the victims, and you cannot fail to be moved by their facial expressions. Much of our knowledge about the Roman way of life, their habits, social structure, class system and domestic arrangements has come from the discoveries at Pompeii. You’ll also have time to admire the luxurious mansions and fabulous art of wealthy patricians who came to Pompeii to escape the turmoil in Rome. Their houses were designed around an inner garden with few windows on the exteriors, so residents could forget the outside world and get sunlight from their own courtyards.

After this fascinating visit we’ll return to Sorrento and you will have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy this bustling coastal town; you’ll be enchanted by its maze of narrow alleyways and winding streets, its luxury shops and cosy restaurants tucked away behind crumbling facades of Mediterranean ochre, yellow and magenta. The region has a long history of lemon cultivation, with highly prized Sorrento lemons given their own protected geographical status in the same way as that of Parma ham or Moderna’s balsamic vinegar. Perhaps enjoy an aperitif – a glass of locally produced limoncello, before returning to our ship for dinner.

*Ship is expected to anchor at this port and guests will be tendered ashore.

This morning, we’ll arrive at Ponza. We considered this island one of Italy’s hidden gems, you may not have heard of it already, but you’ll soon be telling your friends all about it! It’s certainly one you’ll remember. This is the largest of the Pontine islands in this archipelago of volcanic humps sprouting from the depths of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Legend dictates it was once the home of the sorceress Circe who famously seduced Ulysses. One look at this beautiful island surrounded by turquoise sea and you’ll understand why he found it so hard to leave with its strings of pebbly beach and its unusual geology of grey and yellow rocks with ashy tufts combining to give the landscape a unique bluish hue.

Inhabited since Neolithic times, the Phoenicians and Greeks inhabited Ponza building a fortified citadel here. Traces of the gigantic Cyclopean walls, so called because of the size of the blocks used, remain to this day. As you wander the idyllic Ponza town at your leisure, you might find it reminiscent of a Greek island with its transparent blue sea, scattering of little, pastel-coloured cubic houses, towering cliffs and white sandy beaches. It was only after World War II that Ponza was rediscovered as an exquisite holiday destination and, even now, there are few tourists, so the island is still unspoiled. With beautiful scenery, warm climate and rich history, we’ve heard it called “paradise on earth” (and who are we to argue).

*Ship is expected to anchor at this port and guests will be tendered ashore.

It is time to savour your last breakfast on board this morning and say farewell to your ship as you disembark in Civitavecchia.

The adventure, however, is far from over. After disembarking Star Clipper, we’ll transfer to the magical city of Rome. Undoubtedly one of the most captivating cities in the world, Rome is akin to a living museum with historic sites around every corner. Our sightseeing tour will take us past some of the numerous highlights of the city, including the Colosseum where Spartacus was crucified. An uninterrupted recorded history for upwards of 2,500 years has left an extraordinary legacy, with an unmatched heritage in antiquities and medieval buildings from Renaissance palaces to intricate baroque piazzas. Check into your hotel this afternoon for the rest of the day at leisure.

Today, we’ll bid a fond farewell to the baroque beauty of Rome, transferring to the airport in Rome for your flight home.