Venice-Rovinj-Hvar-Dubrovnik-Corfu-Capri-Pompeii-Rome

Twelve nights from £2,999 per person

Departing 3 July 2012

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!

Within the setting of this evocative and stylish Tall Ship is a world for those who seek a genuine sailing experience and wish to re-discover a maritime tradition, without sacrificing hard-earned creature comforts. The ship glides effortlessly through the waves, just like her predecessors did a century and a half ago, but unlike then, nowadays the sails are unfurled by computer, hammocks have been replaced by sumptuously appointed cabins and ‘hard tack’ by exquisite cuisine!

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.

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 travelling 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 airconditioned throughout and topped by an extnsive 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!

Fully escorted price includes:

• Flight to Venice and return flight from Rome

• 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 upgrades available at a supplement

• 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

• Visits to the beutiful island of Hvar and 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

• Full breakfast, buffet lunch and a la carte dinner daily whilst on Royal Clipper (lunch excluded on shore excursions)

• All port taxes, porterage of one item of luggage per person and all transfers

• Escorted by an experienced Tour Manager

• The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room/cabin

• Single rooms/cabins are subject to availability at a relevant supplement of £1,649 to £4,349, dependent on cabin category.

• Please note guests in the Owners’ suites will be allocated suites and guests in deluxe suites will be allocated superior rooms at the Crowne Plaza in Rome. In the event of unsatisfactory weather or wind conditions, Royal Clipper reserves the right to proceed under motor power or reschedule itinerary. Availability of watersports subject to weather and local port authority regulations

Venice and Rome Hotel Upgrades

We can offer the 4-star Hotel Papadopoli in Venice and the 5-star Bernini Bristol Hotel in Rome on bed and breakfast basis at a supplement of £189pp in a twin room for both nights (single supplement £199)