The Royal Clipper 2011 

We depart St Pancras this afternoon on Eurostar in Standard Premier Class with a light meal and drinks served on board. On arrival in Paris we transfer to our hotel for two nights, the wonderfully located 4-star Rochester Champs Elysées. We dine together on our first evening in a local restaurant. Day 2 begins with a guided tour of Paris by coach and on foot, which takes in this captivating city's most famous sights. We see the Louvre, with its incredible collection of art and sculpture, and the Arc de Triomphe, the magnificent monument completed in 1836 to commemorate victories by France's armies. This afternoon is free for you to explore independently. (Day 1-E,D; Day 2-B)

Today we travel by TGV to Milan, where we change for the onward journey to Venice, the floating city of shimmering waterways, elaborate bridges and ornate palaces. On arrival, we board our private boat which takes us to our hotel for two nights, the 4-star Hotel Saturnia, situated close to the worldrenowned St Mark's Square. We dine together this evening in the hotel. The following morning we enjoy a guided tour, encompassing the exquisite cathedral and the impressive Doge's Palace. We also visit the Bridge of Sighs, and venture off the beaten track to the Greek Orthodox church of St George of the Greeks. (Day 3-B,D; Day 4-B)

After a free morning to further explore Venice, we transfer to our tall-ship, the magnificent Royal Clipper for our 10-night cruise from Venice around the southern tip of Italy to Rome. After settling into your comfortable cabin, dinner is served in the elegant restaurant. (B,D)

Five thousand square metres of sail are unfurled across the ship's five masts today as we sail east along the coast of Croatia. The adventurous may wish to climb one of the masts (safety harness provided), or you may want to simply relax and watch the crew hard at work. We spend the next two days sailing along the alluring archipelagos and coastline of Croatia enjoying stops at Rovinj on Day 6 and Hvar on Day 7. Rovinj is a beautiful old Istrian town filled with Italianate buildings and squares and is a joy to explore on foot. At the centre of the Adriatic sailing trade routes, the island of Hvar has long been an important base. The island has great natural beauty, its hillsides covered in pine forests, vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and  lavender fields. (Day 6-B,L,D; Day 7-B,L,D)

On Day 8 we arrive in the renaissance port of Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic". The stunning old city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and strolling through its atmospheric streets is a delight. On Day 9 we arrive in Kotor in Montenegro. The port of Kotor is surrounded by an impressive city wall built by the Republic of Venice, and the Venetian influence is strong throughout the old city. The fjord-like Bay of Kotor itself is surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs. (Day 8-B,L,D; Day 9-B,L,D)

On Day 10 we arrive on the beautiful Ionian island of Corfu, famed for its elegant hills, impressive cliffs and idyllic white sand beaches. Day 11 is spent at sea and is an ideal time to make use of the ships facilities which include two swimming pools and a spa, or perhaps to get involved in sailing this wonderful ship. (Day 10-B,L,D; Day 11-B,L,D)

On Day 12 we arrive at the Sicilian town of Taormina perched above two grand, sweeping bays. Taormina provides wonderful views of Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. On Day 13 we arrive at Capri, famed for its incredible views, rocky shores and scenic charm. (Day 12-B,L,D; Day 13-B,L,D)

On Day 14 we arrive at the island of Ponza, part of a chain of extinct volcanoes. Our sea voyage ends on Day 15, when we arrive in Civitavecchia, Rome's port. We say farewell to the Royal Clipper and travel to Rome where we enjoy a sightseeing tour. We see highlights such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain. After checking into our hotel the 4-star Massimo D'Azeglio, your afternoon is free to explore. (Day 14-B,L,D; Day 15-B,D)

We leave Rome behind on the morning of Day 16, travelling northwards on the Eurostar Italia to Milan. From Milan we travel north along the shores of Lake Maggiore and into Switzerland. The train then skirts Lake Geneva, and we overnight in  Lausanne in the 4-star Hotel Continental. On Day 17 we join the TGV to Paris where we join the Eurostar to London. (Day 16-B,D; Day 17-B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Our 2 August departure only operates in reverse, travelling to Paris for two nights and Rome for a further two nights before joining Royal Clipper for an 11-night cruise to Venice, including all of the ports described.

On the morning of our arrival in Venice we transfer by boat to Santa Lucia station where the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express awaits us for the iconic journey through the Dolomites and Austrian Alps across mainland Europe to Paris. Following a 4-course dinner, skillfully prepared by the on-board French chefs, you will retire to your compartment, transformed to a cosy bedroom. We awaken in Paris where we join the Eurostar back to St Pancras.