Sicily and the Greek Islands: Taormina and Athens
The stirring tall ship experience aboard the Royal Clipper
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Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens (Piraeus)
9 nights under white sails aboard the Royal Clipper, from Rom / Civitavecchia to Athen (Piräus). The voyage takes you through the Aegean with ancient sites, Byzantine monasteries and the authentic island life of the Cyclades and Dodecanese.
Ports of call
- Ponza
- Liparische Inseln
- Stromboli
- Taormina
- Crotone
- Parga
- Katakolon
- Pylos
- Monemvasia
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.
Route Highlights
- Aeolian Islands: Volcanic archipelago and UNESCO World Heritage Site, home of the wind god Aeolus in Homer
- Stromboli: Active volcano with regular lava eruptions visible at night
- Taormina (Sicily): Ancient Greek theatre above the coast with panoramic views of Mount Etna
- Parga: Colourful harbour town on the Ionian Sea with a Venetian fortress and natural beaches
- Katakolon: Gateway to ancient Olympia with ruins of the first Olympic Games of 776 BC
- Monemvasia: Medieval rock-perched town, accessible from the mainland by a single narrow causeway
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
Rome (Civitavecchia)
9 nights
Athens (Piraeus)
How the route could go:
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Rome (Civitavecchia) · Embarkation
Civitavecchia lies about 80 kilometres north-west of Rome and is the classic cruise gateway to the Eternal City. The harbour is guarded by the 16th-century Forte Michelangelo, completed to designs by Michelangelo.
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Ponza
Ponza is the largest of the Pontine Islands off the coast of Lazio. Turquoise grottoes, steep pumice cliffs and a small lively harbour village make it a hidden favourite of the Tyrrhenian yachting world.
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Aeolian Islands
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Stromboli
Stromboli is one of the few permanently active volcanoes in the world. Glowing eruptions every 15 to 20 minutes turn the "Sciara del Fuoco" into a natural light show; the black sand beaches and the tiny village of San Vincenzo provide the contrast.
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Taormina
Taormina sits on a rocky spur above the Ionian Sea and is regarded as the loveliest spot in Sicily. The Greek-Roman theatre with Mount Etna in the background is one of the most spectacular ancient settings; ships moor at Giardini-Naxos at the foot of the hill.
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Crotone
Crotone lies on the Ionian coast of Calabria in southern Italy and, as Kroton, was one of the most powerful Greek colonies of Magna Graecia. The mathematician Pythagoras founded his famous school here, and of the ancient Hera temple on Capo Colonna a single Doric column still stands by the sea.
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Parga
On the western coast of the Greek mainland facing the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, this amphitheatre of white and pastel houses tumbles down to the sea. The Venetian fortress on the rock above the harbour recalls its time as a bulwark against the Ottomans.
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Katakolon
The port of Katakolon is the gateway to ancient Olympia - the birthplace of the Olympic Games, just 35 kilometres away. The Temple of Zeus, the stadium and the Archaeological Museum with its Hermes of Praxiteles rank among Greece's most important ancient sites.
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Pylos
This Greek port town on the western Peloponnese sits on the Bay of Navarino, site of the decisive 1827 naval battle of the Greek War of Independence. The Ottoman fortress of Niokastro and the nearby Mycenaean Palace of Nestor shape the surrounding region.
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Monemvasia
Monemvasia is a Byzantine rock-fortress town linked to the mainland by a single causeway. The medieval lower town with its vaulted lanes, Orthodox churches and views over the Ionian Sea is one of the best-preserved medieval sites in Greece.
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Athens (Piraeus) · Disembarkation
Piraeus is the gateway to Athens, Europe's oldest major city. The Acropolis with the Parthenon has towered over the city for 2,500 years - surrounded by a lively café culture and one of the finest fish markets in the Aegean.
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.
Taormina
- Greco-Roman theatre with Mount Etna behind
- Ascent of Mount Etna
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.
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 | € 3.795 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine Kat. V | € 3.960 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine Kat. IV | € 4.310 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine Kat. III | € 4.545 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine Kat. II | € 4.780 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine Kat. I | € 5.305 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Aussensuite, Deluxe Suite | € 6.905 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Aussensuite, Eigner Kabine | € 7.320 | 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. 9 nights from EUR 3.795 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.
