YOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1 FLY TO ROME

You’ll fly direct from London to Rome, where you could opt for a two-night pre-stay. This is the home of St Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel; the Spanish Steps, leading up from the Piazza di Spagna; plus two of the Roman Empire’s architectural marvels – the Pantheon and the Colosseum. You’ll then board your luxury home for the next seven nights, the

Royal Clipper, the world’s largest full-rigged sailing ship.

DAY 2 PONZA & PALMAROLA

Today we’ll disembark in the delightful, unspoilt town of Ponza, one of the beautiful Pontine Islands off the Italian coast. Behind its busy harbour – home to sleek yachts and old-fashioned fishing boats – lie rows of pretty, pastel-coloured houses on charming streets. Our next stop, the spectacular and largely uninhabited island of Palmarola, boasts a rocky coast dotted with natural grottoes, bays, cliffs and crags. Its pink coral beaches and emerald coves are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. H&G SPECIAL INVITATION: Aldo Zilli will give an informal private talk and Q&A on board the Royal Clipper, where you will discover more about his extraordinary life and career as a chef and restaurateur.

DAY 3 SORRENTO

This pretty coastal town, whose city walls rise straight out of the Mediterranean, is one of several unmissable destinations we’ll visit on the Amalfi Coast. With views across the bay of naples, Sorrento is home to elegant piazzas, atmospheric medieval streets and beautiful baroque churches.

H&G SPECIAL INVITATION: In the late afternoon Aldo

Zilli will give a cooking demonstration on the Royal

Clipper before hosting our exclusive alfresco pre-dinner cocktail party.

DAY 4 AMALFI

This town boasts great views and historical highlights and we’ve arranged a guided walk around the cobbled streets. H&G SPECIAL INVITATION: After the walk, Aldo will prepare local specialities in a cookery demonstration at the Restaurant Sensi which enjoys sea views from its terrace. Then enjoy an included two-course lunch with a menu based on the dishes Aldo has prepared.

DAY 5 TAORMINA, SICILY

This morning the Royal

Clipper will travel at full sail through the Straits of Messina towards Taormina, the stunning town that clings to the side of Mount Etna. In the afternoon, there’s an optional excursion*** to the country estate of the aristocratic di villagrande family, where you will be welcomed by the family. They will take you on a tour of the cellar and the winery, then you will head back to the old stable, where you will be served a Sicilian meal prepared with local products and sample the wines produced on the estate.

DAY 6 LIPARI

Rising out of the turquoise seas off the northern coast of Sicily is an idyllic cluster of Unesco-protected volcanic islands, known as the Aeolian Islands. Today we’ll visit the largest, Lipari, where we’ll walk the enchanting narrow streets to the medieval castello and unwind by the sea at a secluded beach. Remember to watch out for fiery eruptions from the nearby island of Stromboli as we sail past.

DAY 7 AT SEA

Today we’ll experience the full splendour of travelling across the Mediterranean on board the splendid Royal Clipper, as she sails from the Aeolian Islands on the voyage north towards Rome.

DAY 8 RETURN TO ROME

Finally, your unforgettable trip ends where it began, in Rome, from where you’ll fly home on a direct flight to London.