Côte d’Azur, Corsica & Sardinia: Bonifacio and Portovenere
Ligurian Sea: the stirring tall ship experience aboard Royal Clipper
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Sailing cruise from/to Nice (Villefranche)
Seven nights under white sails between the Côte d’Azur, the Tuscan Archipelago and Corsica. From Nice the Royal Clipper calls at the Cinque Terre, Elba, Sardinia and southern Corsica, a route of dramatic cliffs, sheltered bays and some of Italy’s finest nature parks.
Highlights of the route
- Portovenere on the Gulf of Poets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Cinque Terre, and the cliff-top church of San Pietro
- Portoferraio on Elba, the capital of Napoleon’s island of exile and part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park
- Bonifacio on Corsica, a fortress town on 70-metre limestone cliffs above the Mediterranean
- Alghero on Sardinia with its Catalan heritage and the nearby Porto Conte nature park
- Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon and capital of Corsica
Life on board
The Royal Clipper, with five masts and 42 sails, is one of the largest fully rigged sailing ships in the world. Life aboard is sporty and unhurried: no dress code, open seating in the two-storey dining room, three pools including a glass-floor pool above the Captain Nemo Lounge. Guests are welcome to climb the rigging with the crew, take the helm beside the captain or enjoy the bowsprit net suspended above the water.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Nice (Villefranche)
7 nights
Nice (Villefranche)
How the route could go:
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Nice (Villefranche) · Embarkation
Nice offers the Cours Saleya with one of the finest flower markets in France and the Promenade des Anglais, where the Belle Époque feel is still tangible. Excursions reach Monaco in minutes, or the hilltop villages of the Côte d'Azur such as Eze and Gourdon.
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Portovenere
Portovenere lies at the western end of the Gulf of Poets in Liguria and shares UNESCO World Heritage status with the Cinque Terre. Tall, narrow houses, the church of San Pietro on a rocky headland and Byron's Grotto define the village.
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Portoferraio
Portoferraio is the capital of Elba and lies in one of the best-protected natural harbours of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Elba is known as Napoleon's place of exile (1814-15), as a hiking island and for its crystal-clear waters along granite shores.
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Bonifacio (Corsica)
On white limestone cliffs at the southern tip of Corsica - Bonifacio literally hovers above the sea. The medieval citadel town lies just 12 kilometres from the Sardinian cape; below, boats anchor in the fjord-like harbour bay.
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Alghero (Sardinia)
Alghero in north-western Sardinia carries the nickname "Little Barcelona" - Catalan influences shape its architecture and language. Excursions lead to the Grotta di Nettuno, one of the most impressive stalactite caves in the Mediterranean, reached by boat or via 654 steps.
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Ajaccio (Corsica)
Ajaccio spreads around a wide bay on the west coast of Corsica and is regarded as the sunniest capital in France. Napoleon Bonaparte was born here in 1769; his birthplace and the cathedral where he was baptised shape the old town.
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Menton
On the French Riviera right on the Italian border lies Menton with the mildest microclimate on the entire Côte d'Azur. The annual lemon festival in February and the pastel-coloured old town with the baroque Basilica Saint-Michel-Archange make it France's southernmost gem on the Ligurian Sea.
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Nice (Villefranche) · Disembarkation
The route of a sailing voyage may change without giving rise to mutual claims.
Shore Excursions
Selected highlights at the ports on this route. Water sports – kayaking, snorkelling, paddleboarding, windsurfing – are complimentary directly from the ship. Shore excursions are bookable on board.
Alghero
- Neptune's Grotto by boat
- Old town with Catalan influences
Nice (Villefranche)
- Promenade des Anglais & Cours Saleya
- Hilltop village of Eze
- Excursion to Monaco
Ajaccio (Corsica)
- Napoleon's birthplace
- Scandola Nature Reserve by boat
Destination
Royal Clipper
Royal Clipper is the world's largest full-rigged sailing ship: five masts, 42 sails, 5,202 square metres of canvas. 227 guests experience genuine sailing on the open sea - sporty and relaxed, never formal, with three pools and the legendary Captain Nemo Underwater Lounge.
In the Mediterranean, Royal Clipper sails along the coasts of Corsica, Sardinia and the Amalfi coast - with swimming stops in crystal-clear coves reachable only by ship.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner Suite
Without private balcony, two double beds, separate sitting area, minibar, whirlpool and room service.
Deluxe Suite
With private balcony, two single beds convertible to a double, sitting area, minibar, whirlpool and room service.
Cabin layout
Category 1
Fixed double bed, minibar, whirlpool and direct deck access.
Category 2
Double bed or two adjustable single beds, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Category 3
Double bed or two adjustable single beds, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom. Cabins on the Clipper Deck are slightly smaller than those on the Commodore Deck.
Category 4
Double bed or two adjustable single beds, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom. Cabins on the Clipper Deck are slightly smaller than those on the Commodore Deck.
Cabin layout
Category 5
Double bed, shower bathroom.
Category 6
Double bed, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom.
Deck plan · Royal Clipper
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innenkabine Kat. VI | € 2.945 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine Kat. V | € 3.075 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine Kat. IV | € 3.345 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine Kat. III | € 3.530 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine Kat. II | € 3.710 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine Kat. I | € 4.120 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Aussensuite, Deluxe Suite | € 5.365 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Aussensuite, Eigner Kabine | € 5.685 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Cabin in booked cabin category
- Full board
- Beverages with meals: tap water in carafes, coffee and tea, and juices (breakfast only)
- Water sports (except diving)
- Port fees
- Regular cabin cleaning
Not included
- Onboard beverages
- Shore excursions
- Travel to/from ship
- All alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, cocktails and coffee/tea creations outside regular meal times
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, etc.
- Travel cancellation insurance and additional travel/health insurance
- Gratuities (voluntary - recommended 10 EUR per person per day)
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 7 nights from EUR 2.945 p.p.
How many guests sail on the Royal Clipper?
A maximum of 227 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
