Western Mediterranean Sicily and Amalfi Coast Itinerary

SAT

Flight from UK to Rome – Transfer to Civitavecchia, port of Rome. St. Peter, with its breath-taking Sistine Chapel, newly restored to its former glory, the Spanish Steps, where all Rome passes by, the Coliseum, where the real gladiators fought to the death, the Pantheon, considered to be the most perfect architectural statement of the ages. Life is not lived if you haven’t been to Rome!

SUN

Civitavecchia – Ponza – The pastel houses of Ponza Town rise in neat terraced rows from the busy harbour where sleekly groomed yachts and ramshackle fishing boats moor side by side. Happily, there are only a few tourists here, so it’s a delight to wander through the unspoiled town. After that you can find yourself a private bit of beach, there are lots of them, and enjoy the feel of warm sand and cool clear water lapping your toes.

MON

Ponza – Sorrento and Capri – Sorrento’s city walls rise straight out of the sea, and they hold many charms within. Optional excursions might include taking a ferry to Capri, where the Emperor Tiberius held notorious bacchanals at his Imperial villa or a trip back in history in Pompeii, where the ashen remains of ancient Romans lie frozen in time.

TUE

Sorrento & Capri – Amalfi – From the time of the Romans, who had grand villas here, Amalfi has been a preferred destination for the wealthy and the artistic. During the Middle Ages, Amalfi was a powerful republic of 70,000 people, rivalling nearby Ravello. For a sense of Amalfi’s medieval glory, wander through the grand Duomo, containing the remains of St. Andrew. Or visit Ravello, where the annual music festival is held, or nearby Positano, said to be the most beautiful town in the Mediterranean.

WED

Amalfi – Taormina, Sicily – Barrelling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina, separating Italy’s toe from the island of Sicily is a thrill beyond comparison. We sail past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses and then we arrive in lovely Taormina, where your day is perfectly completed.

THU

Taormina, Sicily – Aeolian Islands & Stromboli – Italy’s seven volcanic Aeolian Islands are obviously a place favoured by the Gods. Just off the north coast of Sicily, they are a favourite destination for adventurers and visiting yachts that anchor in the numerous little harbours indenting the coastline. In Lipari, climb narrow streets to the medieval castello and enjoy a secluded beach. As Royal Clipper sails past Isola Strómboli, watch the sky for frequent volcanic fireworks.

FRI

At Sea – Relax and enjoy the facilities on board as the Royal Clipper makes its way back towards Civitavecchia.

SAT

Civitavecchia, Port of Rome – Disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight or to your hotel if you’re extending your stay.