Star Clippers is a journey that will provide the opportunity to meet new people, see new places and, most of all, create the holiday experience of a lifetime. Feel the wind in your hair and the salty breeze in your face as you sail aboard what feels like your own private yacht. This itinerary is packed with destinations and adventures that include Sicily, smaller islands of Italy, the Amalfi Coast. A pre or post cruise extension can easily be arranged for Rome.   Itinerary Day 1  Fly London to Rome on an early flight and transfer to Star Clipper for your seven-night full-board cruise. Once on board, take some time to explore this stunning four-masted tall ship and greet the small number of fellow travellers. Day 2 – Ponza and Palmarola 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 few tourists here, so it's a delight to wander through the unspoiled town. Palmarola is a snorkelling heaven that is part of a group called The Pontine Islands, located off the coast between Rome and Naples. Day 3 – Sorrento Sorrento, whose city walls rise straight out of the sea, is located on the lovely Amalfi Coast and overlooks the Bay of Naples. Optional excursions might include taking a trip back in history to Pompeii, where the ashen remains of ancient Romans lie frozen in time. Day 4 – Amalfi 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. In the evening we visit nearby Positano, said to be the most beautiful town in the Mediterranean. Day 5 – Taormina Barrelling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses, you arrive in lovely Taormina. Perched on the shoulder of Mt. Etna, Taormina inspired Goethe to say that It is the greatest work of art and nature. Day 6 – Aeolian Islands and Stromboli Italy's seven volcanic Aeolian Islands, just off the north coast of Sicily, are obviously a place favoured by the Gods. 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. Day 7 – Gaeta During the Middle Ages Gaeta, a coastal city south of Rome, was a fortified settlement, and vibrant port which carried out trade with countries in the eastern Mediterranean. Gaeta is shrouded in history and rich in ancient monuments. Here you will find Monte Orlando Park, a protected area with Roman ruins, Access to Monte Orlando is only on foot or by a shuttle bus during summer months. As you ascend the mountain you will pass the statue of the Madonna and Child which looks out protectively over the beautiful Bay of Gaeta. It is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Day 8 – Civitavecchia (Rome) Disembark and transferred to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively ask us about an extension in Rome.