“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain said it best over 100 years ago and these words still ring true. Since its inception, sailing has embodied a sense of freedom while navigating bodies of water under the power of wind. Even today there’s no experience like a tall ship adventure at sea. Star Clippers promises an expedition of uncharted territories for its passengers, where the journey is as captivating as the final destination.

The Star Flyer takes guests on a journey of discovery to explore the Stromboli volcano, Lipari, Sicily, the Amalfi coast, and Sorrento, with options to visit Capri, Ponza, and Mount Vesuvius. This is all part of  Star Clippers’ seven-night rail and sail journey. The adventure begins in Bari and explores the Puglia countryside by rail to the port of Rome before boarding the Star Flyer tall ship for the onward voyage at sea.

Clipper ships, such as the Cutty Sark have been used for centuries, carrying passengers and cargo around the world. Owner of the Star Clipper fleet Mikael Krafft was inspired by the tall clippers of the 19th Century and wanted to recreate the golden age of tall ships for a new generation of travellers to enjoy. He founded Star Clippers in 1989 and for over 30 years, the company has provided sailing experiences on their timeless vessels. Today Star Clippers operate from a Monaco HQ and own three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels including the Star Flyer which caters for up to 170 guests onboard.

On board the Star Flyer, guests will experience cruising the high seas in old-world glamour. This magnificent ship embodies the grand age of sail, with its antique prints, and rich teak and mahogany rails.  The spectacle of the ship’s 16 grand sails, as they unfurl in the wind, creates a heightened anticipation of the adventure ahead. Guests on board join the celebration with shared racing heartbeats as they clink their flutes of champagne as the ship sets sail.

Days at sea provide opportunities to explore the ship further. Outside are rich teak decks, chaise lounges and sitting areas along with two inviting swimming pools. Indoors on the first deck, the décor features classic interiors blending vintage dark wood with cream leather seats, with an Edwardian-style library with a Belle Epoque fireplace.  Swing doors lead to the piano bar for pre-dinner cocktails. From there guests will step down the staircase to the main restaurant where they’ll dine on exquisite multiple-course meals and unlimited wine. The accommodations are impeccably spacious and situated around the ship. The cabins are compact yet comfortable, with a desk for jotting down adventure notes and a porthole offering glimpses of the next destination.

Beyond rest, dining and chatting with other guests, there is much to do aboard. A  wonderful way to start the day is through yoga classes led by a talented instructor.  Then there are many other activities such as mast climbs where you can get a bird’s eye view over the entire ship or steering the ship. If that doesn’t shiver your timbers, then enjoy water sports around the ship where you can encounter dolphins, relax massages on deck or socialise at the bar with like-minded fellow travellers. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or part of a group, the Star Flyer promises an exciting journey for all aboard.  Despite its 360-foot length, the ship caters to just 170 guests and is like travelling on a private yacht.

The beauty of travelling by ship is the ability to be transported to extraordinary destinations including intimate ports untouched by larger cruise ships. The mystical Aeolian islands are situated between the Italian mainland and Sicily and are one of the top places in the world to see volcanoes. Passengers awake to a fiery red sunrise and the smoke curling out of the Stromboli volcano’s silhouette. This active volcano regularly erupts spewing lava into the air, a spectacular scene, especially at night.

It’s possible to explore another live volcanic island. Vulcano was considered the entrance to the underworld by Roman soldiers and to reach it, guests take a small boat from Lipari past ancient sites mentioned in Homer’s Odessey. At the centre of the island is a prehistoric volcano dating back to the times of the dinosaurs. There are three high points. Climbing up to the smoking rim takes an hour. Back at sea level, one can sunbathe on the volcanic sand amid bubbling fumaroles before a granita stop at one of the local cafes. On the trip back to the ship there are amazing views of the west coast of Vulcano, Vulcanello, Spiaggia di Pomente, Grotta del Cavallo, Faraglioni and Lipari. The island of Lipari is the largest and it is a charming little place to explore and get lost in the streets while admiring pottery and volcanic jewellery in the boutiques. After which a stop in a waterfront restaurant for Prosecco and Caponata is a lovely way to savour the laid-back vibe of this island.

Messina is the next port and guests can either explore the city or take an excursion to Taormina, followed by wine tasting on the slopes of Mount Etna – one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Taormina is a wonderful town in the mountains, full of beautiful shops to explore. The Greek Amphitheatre is a stunning place to visit, with wonderful coastal views from the top.

Approaching the slopes of Etna, the landscape changes dramatically. Gambino is a thriving winery where you can sip on a glass of white wine overlooking the vineyard as Etna smokes in the distance. The vines thrive in this volcanic soil, producing wines that are rich in flavour.

La Dolce Vita

The Amalfi coast, with its captivating towns like Ravello, Sorrento, and Positano, offers breathtaking views and a rich history. Alternatively, adventurers might want to visit Capri, since the 1950s, a jet-setter paradise that was first discovered by Emperor Augustus in the early years of the Roman Empire.

The Sorrento region has been impacted by volcanic activity since before recorded history through to today. Adventurers have the option to take an excursion to the lost city of Herculaneum or the enigmatic city of Pompeii. Both cities were buried in ash from the mighty Mount Vesuvius, which itself is a sight to behold. A trip to either completes this volcano-themed adventure.

The sailing journey, for many, begins and ends in Civitavecchia the port of Rome. However, the cruise line has a new rail and sail package which begins in Bari and includes a comfortable two-night stay at the Bventuno Hotel. This allows access to the beautiful Puglia region and Italian countryside before taking the train to Rome to meet the ship. Guests can stroll along Italy’s longest promenade, explore the Norman Swabian Castle and dine at Osteria Le Arpie while enjoying local Apulian wine.

People may also wish to discover Matera, one of the world’s most ancient cities in the Basilicata region and known for its prehistoric caves and unique stone buildings. Matera was the backdrop to the final James Bond film No Time to Die.

Another place adventurers may wish to visit is Alberobello, a village with cylindrical houses and beehive roofs, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. The village’s fascinating history comes to life as you wander amidst these limestone structures, marvelling at their construction without mortar – a clever tax evasion strategy. These trulli date back to the 14th century and this enchanting village captivates all who visit including celebrities like Madonna.

This rail and sail adventure allows travellers to explore Italy’s most iconic destinations at a deliciously leisurely pace. This slow travel experience takes passengers on a 1,631km journey across the Italian mainland and around the Italian and Sicilian coast on a unique rail and wind-powered sailing adventure. Along the way, they will encounter magical experiences from the fiery landscape of the Aeolian islands to the slopes of Mount Etna and the captivating Amalfi coast. It is truly an adventure on the high seas that one will never forget.