Sicily and Greece - 8 Night Sailing Cruise

Walking in the shadow of the Acropolis in the Agora, you can almost hear the voices of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle arguing about who was the greatest philosopher. Ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy and epicenter of western civilization, is a city for all eternity.

Nafplio is a seaport town in the Peloponnese that is one of Greece's prettiest and most romantic towns. Elegant Venetian houses, neoclassical mansions and interesting museums nestle beneath the towering Palamidi fortress. There are also plenty of quayside cafes to relax in and some lovely boutiques to keep the keen shoppers occupied. The town is an ideal base from which to explore many nearby ancient sites. it is a popular destination for locals from Athens so it is busy in peak season.

From the shore, it's a big rock sticking out into the sea. Then you pass over the causeway, and through an iron fortress gate, and suddenly, the town of Monemvasia is before you, a perfectly preserved Byzantine fortified port, once 60,000 strong, now home to just a few hundred. You can readily see why the name Monemvasia means single entrance! In the rocky hills above, ancient Byzantine ruins loom over the town, while below a maze of red tiled roofs and twisting alleys hide tavernas and cafes and the home of revered Greek poet Yannis Ritsos.

Homer's 'Wise King Nestor' was very wise indeed to build his magnificent palace near Pilos. For the city's harbour of Navarino Bay and the land-locked lake that was the original harbour were a perfect refuge from storms - and invaders. And it was at this site on October 20, 1827, with the help of Britain, Russia and France, that modern Greece attained independence, defeating the Turkish navy in the Battle of Navarino Bay.

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges, a revitalising spa (Royal Clipper only) and a peaceful library.

Barreling 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.'

Syracuse is a city on the Ionian coast of Sicily that's known for its ancient ruins. It was once the largest city in the world, bigger than Athens and Corinth and as you can imagine it's steeped in history. Visit Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, one of Sicily's greatest archaeological sites. Relax in one of it's stylish little cafes that surround it's beautiful baroque piazzas before wandering down it's medieval lanes towards the sparkling blue sea.

The charm of Malta's sister island Gozo is immediately apparent Steeped in myth Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso's isle of Homer's Odyssey. It's green, rural and calm relying on fishing and agriculture as well as tourism. It is one of the Mediterranean's top diving destinations with an incredible range of shore and boat dives including reefs, caves and wrecks. There are also Knight's watchtowers, tiny chapels and beautiful peaceful beaches to explore.

Valletta is the tiny capital of the island of Malta. The walled city was established in the 1500s on a peninsula by the Knights of St. John, a Roman Catholic order. It has a rich historical past and is a European Art City and a World Heritage City. It's has an abundance of museums, palaces and grand churches to visit but be sure not to miss out on exploring one of it's beautiful gardens.

Itineraries are subject to change.

Vessel Type: Tall Ship

Length: 109.7 m

Passenger Capacity: 170

Star Clipper is a gorgeous four-masted ship just 360 feet long and carries only 170 guests in pampered comfort. Star Clipper is a true clipper ship, reflecting her proud heritage in every inch of the polished brass and gleaming brightwork that graces her decks and superstructure. Step aboard this striking vessel and you’ll be greeted by a new generation of sailing culture. Here, the grand traditions of the past, which characterise what sailing is all about, exist alongside the comforts and amenities found on the contemporary cruise liners of today.

Star Clipper is a modern ship through and through, welcoming luxury-loving passengers from all over the world who hold the legacy and customs of the grand era close to their hearts yet yearn for a new and exciting adventure. Life aboard is very relaxed, much like travelling on a private yacht. You’ll never feel restricted or disorientated as the staff work tirelessly to meet your needs and make you feel comfortable.

Accommodation
There are six categories of generous staterooms; giving you plenty of choice when deciding which one suits you best, whilst the expansive decks give the whole ship an uncluttered feel. In fact, you’ll find that, due to the small number of passengers on board and the spacious surroundings, Star Clipper offers more outdoor space per person than most conventional cruise ships.

The interior design of Star Clipper again harks back to nautical days gone by. Famous sailing ships are remembered in paintings that are hung on the walls, while teak and lustrous mahogany rails are richly reminiscent of Star Clippers’ proud maritime heritage.

She has an exquisite dining room, in which you can eat when and where you like, and a convivial indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar and Piano Bar, multiple swimming pools, and an Edwardian style library where a Belle Époque fireplace glows with a warmth that reflects the friendliness and enthusiasm of Star Clippers’ hospitable officers and crew.

Vessel Type: Tall Ship

Length: 109.7 m

Passenger Capacity: 170

Star Flyer is a true clipper ship reflecting it's proud heritage in every inch of her polished brass and gleaming brightwork. Step aboard this unique vessel and discover a new age of sail, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and amenities of the present day. Star Flyer is a modern cruise ship in every way, created for luxury-loving passengers who also love the traditions and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships. Star Flyer is 360 feet long and carries just 170 guests in pampered comfort.

Life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like traveling on a private yacht. You’ll never feel confined on Star Flyer. Ship offers spacious accommodations and expansive teak decks with ample space and not one, but two swimming pools. In fact, you’ll find that this ship offers more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships.

The décor of Star Flyer is reminiscent of the grand age of sail. Antique prints and paintings of famous sailing ships please the eye, while teak and gleaming mahogany rails are richly reminiscent of Star Clippers’ proud nautical heritage.

All Star Clippers ships feature open-seating dining in an elegantly appointed dining room, our convivial indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar and Piano Bar, and an Edwardian style library where a Belle Époque fireplace glows with a warmth that reflects the friendliness and enthusiasm of Star Clippers’ hospitable officers and crew.