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Tall ship sailing
specialist Star Clippers is offering a unique opportunity to explore the history
of the Mediterranean, combining the romance of a voyage through the Balearic
Islands and Andalucia to Morocco with a stay in a beautiful riad in Marrakech.
This one-off cruise, on the line's flagship, the five-masted square rigger,
Royal Clipper, departs Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, on October 15, 2011.
After a day exploring the dramatic medieval fortress town of Bonifacio in
Corsica, the ship sets a course to Mahon, Menorca, Lord Nelson's chosen base for
the British fleet during the Napoleonic wars. There's a day in Ibiza, best known
for its nightlife but actually rich in history, from its Carthaginian origins to
500 years of Moorish rule. Ibiza is especially lovely in autumn, when the summer
crowds have left but the sea is still warm enough for swimming.
Royal Clipper next calls at Motril on southern Spain's Costa Tropical, an easy
hop from Grenada and the magnificent Alhambra's Palace. Then there's a day at
Safi in Morocco, famous for its pottery, before disembarking in Casablanca and
being transferred to Marrakech.
Here, in conjunction with short break specialist Kirker Holidays, guests will
spend four nights in the Riad Kniza, an exquisite town house that has been
restored by one of the city's top antique dealers, situated in the heart of the
old Medina, just minutes' walk from the famous Djemaa el Fna Square. The riad,
built around three open air courtyards, has just 11 rooms, as well as pool,
traditional hammam and roof terrace. Marrakech is a wonderful city for browsing
the tangled streets of the souks, walking along the massive ramparts, soaking up
the carnival atmosphere of the Square, or taking day trips into the Atlas
Mountains.
Star Clippers operates three of the world's largest and tallest sailing vessels.
Offering passengers the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht,
Star Clippers is recognized as one of the premier specialty cruise lines.
Passengers can enjoy the romance of sailing on board a true tall ship in a
relaxed atmosphere with high standards of service provided by an attentive crew.
All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a
convivial Tropical Bar on deck and a comfortable piano bar and are large enough
to offer first class accommodation and dining, but small enough to call into
intimate ports, untouched by large cruise ships.
The two smaller ships, Star Flyer and Star Clipper, take 170 passengers each,
with a crew of 70, while Royal Clipper carries 227 with a crew of 106.
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