Donna Richardson Travel Journalist

By Donna Richardson

Embarking on a tall ship voyage is a true adventure and a unique experience that evokes the spirit of ancient travel. When I was offered a cabin on the renowned Star Flyer presented I eagerly accepted. The allure of discovering new lands while sailing, reminiscent of the great explorers of the past, has always captivated me. The journey itself was as remarkable as the destinations. I would experience Italian and Sicilian charm on a land-based adventure and travelling on a train to our tall clipper ship, the chance to live La Dolce Vita.

Our ‘rail and sail’ adventure with Star Clippers commenced in Bari, a coastal city tucked into stiletto heel, where we spent two days immersing ourselves in the beauty of the Puglia region. Bari, with its castle, stunning promenade, and captivating old town, proved to be an ideal destination. From there, we ventured to Matera, one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities, and were awe-struck by the ancient streets and the enchanting stone houses carved into the hillside. Our next stop was the picturesque Alberobello to behold the fairytale Trulli. Our leisurely train to Rome was a chance to observe the Italian countryside as we sped towards Rome before changing for Civitavecchia. It was here we would rendezvous with the Star Flyer and set sail to misty volcanic islands, Sicily, and the Amalfi coast. It was a transformative experience that will stay with me forever.

Arriving into Bari

Bari, the capital of Southern Italy’s Puglia region marked the start of the journey. Arriving by nightfall, we checked into the smart Bventuno Hotel, where a feast of small plates of fish, cheese and meats awaited us. We also enjoyed a hearty local dish of orecchiette, an ear-shaped pasta made with turnip tops and delicious wine. My room was large and airy and looked over a swimming pool. There was a large bathroom with a shower and a big comfy bed. I slept well and rose early, eager to see the sea, which was a mere five-minute walk from the hotel. I headed down the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, the longest promenade in Italy, ambling past fishermen and spotting cruise ships. Stretching 1000 metres from the harbour to Parco per Cani, one can stroll along this seafront taking in the beautiful views while immersing oneself in Bari’s authentic Italian charm. Start the day at the Terazze del Santa Lucia café with a cup of Italian coffee and watch the waves crash against the shore. Across the road, the ramparts of the Norman Swabian Castle rise against the blue sky. Built by Norman King Roger II the castle has a chequered history and a moat.  

This ancient city is home to 315,000 inhabitants and splits into two districts – a modern centre where you can find Zara and all the main shops, while in the old time In the old town, you’ll find quaint little boutiques and souvenir shops. You also must check out two important churches – The Basilica of St Nicholas and the Cathedral of San Sabino.

Get lost in the streets and then enjoy Aperol’s and limoncello spritzers while watching people go about their daily business. Osteria Le Arpie is a traditional restaurant that serves delicious seafood washed down by Apulian wine. Puglia has always been one of the most important wine regions of Italy lending itself to expressive wines. The Primitivo comes from the same grape as California Zinfandel. We also enjoyed Bianco Manto grown in the neighbouring Calabria region and the Moscato di Trani, which is naturally sweet and goes well with desserts. We had an amazing night swapping stories but before too long it was time to find a taxi. This turned into a very amusing experience as the heavens opened up and as we were sheltering we were ushered inside a men’s social club, which was funny as there were four ladies and one man in our group. They offered us beer and the entertainment involved card tricks, and Italian football. It was a warm display of hospitality which was spontaneous.

Matera

Beyond the coast you’ll find centuries-old farmland and ancient villages such as Matera, high on a rocky outcrop in the region of Basilicata. Matera is the world’s third-oldest inhabited city, dating back to prehistoric times and cave-dwelling troglodytes who used to live in the intricate network of caves in the Sassi area. It is a breathtaking city, built from chalky stone dredged up from the sea bed. The earliest dwellings have withstood several millennia of use. As you gaze out over the hill over the city you can see developments in the buildings spanning millennia which is truly spellbinding. It is really like stepping back in time. There’s even a rocky church called St Lucia alle Malve, with 13^th Century Frescoes inside.

Our tour guide Francesco from Apulgia Escapes, looked a little like Freddie Mercury and was extremely knowledgeable. The scenery captivated our imaginations as we wound our way through the ancient streets. The highlight of this trip was learning that this city was the scene of the last ever James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’. Daniel Craig spent several weeks filming stunts here and blowing up parts of the mountain. I couldn’t help but be mesmerised by this captivating city which blends old and new seamlessly. During the glorious fifties when the Italian coast was experiencing ‘La Dolce Vita’ and an influx of stars, on the Amalfi coast, Matera’s citizens were still living as if in biblical times. People still lived in dwellings with their animals for centuries upon centuries up until a mass evacuation in 1952 due to poor living conditions. This beautiful city was once called the ‘shame of Italy’ as it was so primitive but now tourism is booming as people visit to experience this time capsule in the Puglian countryside. We rounded off our visit with a trip to a restaurant selling delicious pizza washed down with Italian beer.

Alberobello

Puglia has been a sought-after region for various civilisations throughout history, from the Greeks and Romans to the Saracens, Aragons, and Swabians. And one of the most famous destinations is the Valle d’Itria, also known as the “Trulli Valley. Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, which rolls so nicely off the tongue was our next port of call.  This is home to a style of dwelling unique to the area which are cylindrical peasant houses with beehive roofs originally constructed from stones cleared from the rocky fields. Today, these trulli have been restored and converted into holiday houses for tourists, providing a peaceful and authentic experience. As we climbed into the hills, we entered a fantasy land which was ‘trulli magical’.

When we arrived we were invited into the trulli house of the president of the town, who poured us a generous glass of his family’s red wine and gave us a biscuit before telling us all about the house where he lived as a child and he showed us his bedroom upstairs.  He explained to us that the entire area used to be a forest until a group of peasants settled here with permission from the count of Conversano and were allowed to cultivate the land. What is curious about these houses, apart from their conical appearance and turreted roofs is that they are built with limestone and have dry walls without mortar which allowed the inhabitants to avoid paying taxes. The self-supporting domed roofs are decorated with pinnacles which nod to the architect of each dwelling. Some of the oldest trulli date back to the 14^th Century but from the sixteenth century it became an independent settlement which grew to a population of 3,500 by the end of the 18^th Century. This style of building is common in the Itra valley. While to you and me they may seem exotic, in this part of the world there are around 50,000 of these, and as you turn a corner on the hill you can enjoy a vista full of them – a real visual feast.

Puglia has attracted numerous celebrities, including Madonna, Gerard Depardieu, Paul Weller, Mickey Rourke, Dame Helen Mirren, and the Beckham family. It’s also a popular location for celebrity weddings. Puglia is famous for its masserie hotels, which are unique stone country houses, many of which have been transformed into accommodations.

After exploring the countryside, it was time to head back to the hotel in Bari, for our final night and an early night before our rail adventure. I decided to take some pastries from the display for our train journey. I was struck by the beautiful station and the efficiency of the Italian rail network, no long delays, smart trains, cost-effective journeys – this was going to be an exciting experience.

Rome and Civitavecchia

Since the purpose of this trip was to immerse ourselves in the art of slow travel, what better way to explore the Italian mainland of southern Italy than to take a train from Bari to Civitavecchia, otherwise known as the Port of Rome? This was an adventure in itself, which took four hours as we travelled in style in a first-class carriage gazing out at the Italian countryside. The rail journey was a chance to gather my thoughts, admire the Italian countryside and get to know my travelling companions better. We soon discovered a bar and that they sold half bottles of wine which made the journey go very quickly.

I’ve never been to Rome, but it was a very quick pitstop before boarding another train to Civitavecchia port. As we stepped off the train, the sea air embraced us as we prepared for the sail element of the journey. We decided to grab a bite to eat in a restaurant overlooking the sea and the eager waiter proceeded to show us their catch of the day, an impressive array of seafood although we opted for some light bites as we would be spoilt rotten on the ship. Then we boarded a bus which took us closer to our vessel. Up until this moment, I was a cruise virgin and I was excited that my first ever cruise was going to be aboard this magnificent tall ship. As  we went through passport control we were issued our cabin cards by the ship’s handsome stewards and then walked out to the jetty and I looked up over the brim of my wide hat imagining myself in Kate Winslet’s shoes when she looks up The Titanic. It was a magical moment, and I felt swept away by the splendour of the ship.

Owner Mikael Krafft was inspired by the tall clippers of the 19th Century and wanted to recreate them. For over 30 years, Star Clippers has provided authentic sailing experiences on unique and timeless vessels. Their fleet of three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels takes passengers to intimate ports untouched by larger cruise ships, providing the unique atmosphere of a private yacht with activities and amenities for the discerning traveller.

The Star Flyer

From the moment we stepped onboard we checked in and then were offered welcome drinks and snacks while our luggage was delivered to our rooms. I was taken aback by the fabulous vintage décor and the dark wood, classic creams and darkly stained wood as well as the brass. Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels and ours was the Star Flyer. The prospect of visiting intimate ports often untouched by larger cruise ships was exciting. I surveyed my surroundings and imagined an exclusive private yacht with expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a Tropical Bar and a comfortable piano bar.

Our cabins were incredible, evoking an old-world glamour with dark stained furniture, photographs of old clipper ships and a large comfortable bed. I looked out of the window and saw the sea all around and other ships in the bustling port. A fruit platter and a cake were waiting as well as a bottle of bubbly! As I settled into my new surroundings and unpacked I felt a sense of belonging. From the moment we walked onto the ship all the staff were incredibly friendly and professional. I knew I was going to enjoy my trip.

Shortly after settling into my room, it was time for the lifejacket drill and then spent time exploring the ship with its expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a convivial Tropical Bar, and a comfortable piano bar where after the fire drill I enjoyed cocktail hour. We then went for dinner, which was in a magnificent dining room. As the waiter poured the first wine, a petit Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, which tasted of sweet pineapple, fresh melon and pears and apricot, we were handed the menu containing a great variety of quality food. I started with the seafood parcel in filo pastry, followed by the asparagus cream soup, then a Chardonnay sorbet. For my main, I went for the red snapper with grilled courgettes and a wild garlic pesto. For pudding, I opted for a floating island dessert with black cherries, and the food, prepared by executive chef Henry Andriansyah was exceptional. Furthermore, the head waiter Clifford was very attentive. I ordered a cup of tea just before they announced that everyone was to head to the deck of the ship.

As we sailed away from Rome it was a very special experience. As the crew began to unfurl the magnificent sails, we started to drift away from the port, and Conquest of Paradise by Vangelis filled my ears. As the sails billowed in the wind, I was moved to tears and then the sails began to turn all the colours of the rainbow. It was purely magical. I felt privileged to share this with one of the best cruising writers in the business Jeannine Williamson and the rest of our group. Firm friendships were being made.

We sat on the windy deck and toasted the ship’s upcoming voyage. I felt giddy with excitement and emotional as we began our epic adventure. On the way back to the lower deck bar, I met a friendly couple and we had a wonderful conversation. Any apprehensions I had about being on a cruise ship as a solo traveller melted away as they asked friendly questions and made me feel very welcome.

We would be sailing continuously for the next 36 hours so before the internet was totally lost, I decided to make my final call to my family for while. I was anxious to not be able to contact them but welcomed this as a chance to reset and unplug from the matrix.

As I lay down in my luxurious cabin, I looked around and smiled. I was surrounded by pure opulence with teak-stained furniture and grand paintings of the vessel. As I sat down at my writing desk, I felt like one of the great explorers. The romantic notion of being at sea armed with just my notepad and pen filled me with ideas. This was to be an adventure of a lifetime which I would remember for all my life. I slept peacefully as the ship gently rocked but just before nodding off though I familiarised myself with the next day’s itinerary.  

The next morning, I was enticed by the smells of breakfast. My cabin was on the second floor, a category two one, not far from the kitchen and dining room, so it wasn’t far to go for breakfast the next morning. With so much choice, I queued up to get an omelette freshly cooked for me and when I sat down at the table with my fellow travellers the waiter poured me unlimited coffee.

The first day at sea I planned to spend getting to know the Star Flyer and how she sails. I climbed the mast, watched the sunset and gazed at the stars. Speaking to the crew and finding out what it is like to sail a tall ship, just like our ancestors did before us was a fascinating experience and a real adventure.  

I spent the morning sunbathing on deck with my new friend Anita and as it neared lunchtime I asked for a pina colada cocktail. Lunch included multiple courses and Jeaninne told me about the shop and that guests were invited to take part in the fashion show as a model you would get a 20 per cent discount. I had spied some nice things I wanted to buy so I decided to get over my stage fright and volunteer. It was to be a day of conquering fears because anyone who knows me will know that I suffer from crippling vertigo. However, I was excited to climb the mast and see what the view was like from the crow’s nest. The handsome sports instructor Sergio, from Spain helped to rig us all up and then demonstrated how ‘easy’ it was to climb up there.

Even with the ‘added’ motivation to get to the top, I wasn’t convinced. But I couldn’t back out now. So I watched the others climb up and as I the third in line, when my turn came, I panicked and could not listen to the instructions. However, the gentle guidance of the team assured me and when I eventually stopped panicking, I began to put one foot above the other and climb up, only to lose my nerve again the moment I saw a bit of thin or frayed rope. As I neared the top, Sergio hauled me up. I stood on the top, nervously peering over the bow of the boat.

The view was incredible at this vantage point and I was petrified but glad I did it. The real challenge, however, with my vertigo was to get back down. My legs were shaking but slowly and surely I got to the bottom and then had a loud cheer. It was such a supportive crowd on board as I was to find. That is what sets the Star Clipper above any other cruise. You get genuine people aboard rather than showy types. We all went down to have a glass of prosecco to toast our achievement.

Yoga

Afterwards, I decided to wander onto the deck and read a book before taking part in sunset yoga. The teacher Melanie was an incredibly calm soul whose gentle tuition was able to relax my mind and body. Her daughter accompanied her on the trip and told me all about her mum’s fascinating journey as a former PanAm stewardess, which is how she met the owner of the ship’s wife. Melanie came to yoga late in life after losing her husband but now runs art and yoga retreats around the world. It was a real treat and an honour to spend this time getting to know her. The yoga element of the cruise was one of the highlights and if you are looking for relaxation and peace then the yoga cruises are definitely for you. Feeling all zen, I returned to my cabin to get ready for my evening meal. It was my turn to take the champagne down to the deck and we all shared a drink before going down to dinner and watching the sunset. The musician played the piano as I floated down the stairs. Later that evening the fashion show was another time to conquer a fear of being on stage.

Dolphins and volcanoes

The next morning, we would navigate the very active Aeolian islands in the volcano belt between Italy and Sicily. This was something I didn’t want to miss so I set my alarm and emerged onto the deck to be greeted with a firey red sky and the silhouette of stromboli and a small plume of smoke. As I clutched my coffee I felt so fortunate to be able to witness the majestic and breathtaking views of the landscape. It was a truly magical experience and as if things couldn’t get any more enchanting I climbed onto the net and found myself surrounded by dolphins who flipped around me. It was put simply: incredible.

After this encounter I was keen to ground myself so I wandered onto the other side of the deck and joined the yoga session. As we sailed around the coast and deeper into the groove of Italy’s heel, we enjoyed the mesmerising coastline and on the horizon, a chain of islands each with its very own volcano. I have always been fascinated by volcanoes and recently my daughter who has been studying volcanoes at school, reignited my interest in these fascinating structures. Therefore, I was delighted to learn we would be sailing around this fascinating island chain.

Aeolian Islands

The mystical Aeolian islands are one of the top places in the world where you can witness volcanic activity. The appetite for volcano-tourism has never been fiercer so I was excited to learn that this trip was going to not only set foot on a live volcanic island – Vulcano. I was excited that our splendid vessel would also be circumnavigating this chain of volcanic islands. The adventurer in me was stirred and I was fascinated by all six Aeolian islands. We would dock at Lipari, the largest of them all before sailing on to Vulcano, once believed to be the entrance to the underworld by Roman soldiers. This last erupted in 1888 and to reach here we took a small boat where we were able to learn a lot about the area and the sites which were mentioned in Homers Odessey.

Vulcano Island is still semi-active and I was fascinated to learn all about it. From the outset, this had adventure written all over it. We met our guide who whisked us away on a motorised boat to the island, which has a trio of volcanic peaks. As we took a scenic boat ride past the west coast of Vulcano, Vulcanello, Spiaggia di Pomente, Grotta del Cavallo, Faraglioni and Lipari itself. I began to get very excited about the prospect of getting up close and personal with a real volcano.  At the centre of the island is a prehistoric volcano dating back to the times of the dinosaurs and there are three high points of elevation Monte Saraceno at 481 metres, Monte Aria at 500 metres and Fossa di Vulcano at 386 metres. Gran Cratere is still active and dominates the northern part of the island, where you can see strange formations and lava flows.  

As we stepped onto land I was taken aback by the sulphuric smell of this very active volcano island and its volcanic mud baths. It is possible to climb the volcano at certain times of the day.  The climb up takes about an hour and you can see the sea all around. When you reach the top it is possible to walk around the rim of the volcano which is all yellow and has bits of smoke. 

When you come back down you can sunbathe on the volcanic sand and see the fumaroles bubbling away and this leads to warm waters teeming with fish, then it was time to stroll around until we found a café which served the most amazing granita, a semi-frozen dessert that is related to sorbet. It tasted like a trifle and was delicious and paired with a limoncello spritz was simply amazing. As we sailed back we enjoyed amazing views of the islands on the way back to Lipari.

Back on land, the others took a panoramic tour of Lipari for spectacular views of all the Aeolian islands which involved wine tasting and ice cream tasting along the way. I decided to explore Lipari some more and as I wound my way around the streets, getting lost in alleyways and browsing quaint little shops admiring pottery and shell and volcanic jewellery, I noticed how the streets had a Sicilian vibe. I was enjoying getting lost, but it is a small island soon I met Sandy and Rupert and we found a place to enjoy some Prosecco and Caponata. After a wonderful chat, before long it was time to go back to the ship and we enjoyed another sail away and dinner.

The next morning, it was the same drill, coffee and sunrise but this time I caught the full thing from start to finish with my Austrian friends and the excitable Japanese honeymoonerS before then went for breakfast. The next day we docked in Messina in Sicily, where we had the choice to explore the ancient city or take a tour to Taormina, followed by wine tasting on the slopes of Mount Etna one of the most active volcanoes in the world. As much as I was fascinated by Messina, Etna won hands down.

Sicily,  Messina, Taormina and Etna

From the moment we arrived, we enjoyed a glass of white wine overlooking the vineyard. You could see the lava trails amongst the vines which made for the most spectacular scenery and the smoking top of Etna in the distance. You couldn’t get a more romantic location. The wines from volcanic soil are rich in flavour and the vines thrive in the fertile soil. As we sat down, Nico explained that the food was paired perfectly with each wine and we tasted the first white wine which went perfectly with the cheese, and progressed to a rose, and then two reds which went well with the sausages and meat they brought out. I sat down very close to an American mother and daughter duo who happened to come from Etna, California.

We ate and drank and had a wonderful time and Nico the sommelier was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and convinced me to buy one of the reds to take home. When we got back to the ship, we enjoyed a daytime sail away from the Sicilian coast and enough time to get ready for the penultimate night, which was white night. We met by the pianist, who burst into a rendition of Rosanna, by Toto, which was a lovely nod to our fabulous PR host of the same name, and I am not sure if this was intentional or accidental. It was a wonderful start to the evening as we enjoyed a couple of glasses of champagne as a group before descending to the dining room where we enjoyed dinner. Then it was time for the highlight of the night, sailing around the volcanic island of Stromboli.  I couldn’t wait to see one of Italy’s most active volcanoes, the rumbustious Stromboli, which spews and spits lava into the air at regular intervals. The atmosphere was smoking, so to cool down, our cruise director Carlos had planned a musical quiz night, which we won!

Later that evening as we emerged onto the deck the sails turned again all the colours of the rainbow. There was also a disco on the deck, which was a wonderful way to end such a spectacular trip. After some dancing, I went back to my room and packed and slept soundly through the night.

The next morning we caught a tender out to sea to sail alongside the ship and were able to take a photo safari of her in her full glory. It was an emotional experience to see the tall ship’s sails gleaming in the Italian sunshine and billowing in the wind, and to top it off, the sailing crew saluted us. Often, I think that I should have been born into a different era as this journey felt so natural.

It is also a very ethical way to see the world. The Star Clippers has been a pioneer in incorporating eco-friendly systems and practices on its three tall ships for years, making eco-friendly and future-sustainable travel a priority. Most significant is the fact that the vessels’ major source of energy – wind propulsion – is both abundant and emission-free. Their commitment to sustainability is commendable, with a focus on reducing waste and using sustainable practices on board their ships. They are a pioneer in small-ship sustainability and operate their ships by wind power for up to 70% of the duration of the cruise. This minimizes the use of auxiliary engines, which also power the air-conditioning and provide electricity for the day-to-day operation of the ship. All vessels have been awarded the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate for their eco-friendly practices.

Amalfi Coast

Upon return to the ship, I enjoyed a cocktail with my Japanese friend, before a delicious lunch on deck. I was blown away by the ornate food display:  There was a bird made out of oranges and a carving station, free-flowing champagne, and dancing waiters.

Knowing the end of the trip was nearing, I took my champagne up to the deck and enjoyed it as the gorgeous Amalfi coast came into sight. I was captivated by the enigmatic Italian coastline, which epitomises the Dolce Vita and the glamorous fifties jet set. Although this would be where I would depart, there were still three days of sailing.

The trip of the day was the beautiful Ravello, dubbed the city of music. Set in the commune of Salerno is elevated 1,200ft above the Tyrrhenian sea overlooking world-famous towns like Sorrento and Positano and iconic cliffside gardens. As you travel up the windy roads, you’ll be fascinated with the views. Perched upon this enchanting mountaintop you can walk in the footsteps of countless creatives and soak up the romance of this region. In 1222 St Francis is said to have passed through Ravello on his way to the remains of St Andrew in nearby Amalfi. It’s also where D. H Lawrence wrote Lady Chatterley’s Lover in 1927 and E.M Forster, author of A Room with a View wrote his first story. Its also captivated Hollywood stars like Humphrey Bogart and Greta Garbo, as well as having visits by America’s President Eisenhower and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Capri

The ship then sailed to Sorrento where guests could choose whether to visit Capri or Ponza. Capri, a jetsetters paradise was first discovered by the emperor Augustus in the early years of the Roman Empire and built temples, villas and gardens, for his enjoyment. He set the trend for it to become a private haven for the rich and famous.

Pompeii

However, I was keen on cultural and historical excursions, to fit in with the volcanic theme. The question however, was it to be the lost city of Herculaneum or the enigmatic city of Pompeii to discover the ancient remains of a city buried in ash. This is a place I have longed to visit for a long time but it was back to Naples airport for me. I will return one day. I stopped and had a photo with the mighty Vesuvius in the background to complete my volcano-themed adventure.

Civitavecchia and Rome

After a memorable trip, the ship returned to Civitavecchia and then continued to Rome, marking the end of our unforgettable journey. This remarkable voyage was aboard the magnificent Star Clipper during its epic Amalfi and Sicily trip, with the new Pulgia bolt on. The trip offered a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. As the trip concludes in Rome, you could consider extending your stay with a few days in the city and booking a tour guide like The Gladiator Guide Alexander Mariotti, who is renowned for his knowledge of the Eternal City and has even guided celebrities like Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman.

The ultimate Great Italian Escape Rail & Sail adventure incorporates some of Italy’s most beautiful destinations, both at sea and on land, utilizing Italy’s advanced rail network and sailing by wind power where conditions allow. Passengers will enjoy a 2-night stay in Puglia, with local experiences included, followed by a 5-night sailing on board Star Flyer from Rome visiting Lipari, Messina, and Amalfi. The scenic rail route from Bari to Rome on the day of embarkation will provide a unique and unforgettable experience. All in all, we travelled 1631km across Italy by rail and by sail – the most charming and beautiful adventure, which was almost entirely emission free. If you have been inspired by this adventure, you can book your own at www.starclippers.co.uk

Book now

Departs 4^th September 2025 | 8-night package

2-nights in Bari | 6-nights aboard Star Flyer

Visiting: Civitavecchia, Port of Rome (Italy) |At Sea | Lipari, Aeolian Islands (Italy) | Stromboli sailing in area (Italy) | Messina, Sicily (Italy) | Amalfi (Italy) | Ponza, Pontine Islands (Italy) | Civitavecchia, Port of Rome (Italy)

Price includes return flights from London, 2-night stay at B21 Lifestyle Hotel, Bari, Alberobello & Matera excursion, First Class rail from Bari to Rome, 6-nights full board sailing, overseas transfers and port charges

From £2999pp