Note: your Star Clipper cruise may visit ports where shore excursions and land tours are available at extra charge to visit cities and historic sites which are not directly accessible from the ship and may require some travel.

Amalfi, Italy
What is it about the Amalfi Coast that inspires such rapture? From the time of the Romans, who had grand villas here, Amalfi has been a preferred destination for the wealthy and the artistic. During the Middle Ages, Amalfi was a powerful republic of 70,000 people, rivaling nearby Ravello. For a sense of Amalfi's medieval glory, wander through the grand Duomo, containing the remains of St. Andrew. Or visit Ravello, where the annual music festival is held, or nearby Positano, said to be the most beautiful town in the Mediterranean.

Bastia, Corsica
It's amazing in this day and age to find a Mediterranean city that looks like it stepped right out of the travel diary of a 19th century Grand Tour. Bastia's gracious Italianate buildings were created to house the administrative offices of the capital of Haute Corse. In the Musée Ethnographique in the massive stone Citadel, discover how Corsica's continuous wars for independence from Genoese invaders split families for generations and gave rise to the dreaded vendettas.

Bonifacio, Corsica
Bonifacio's almost land-locked harbor is one of the most dramatic totally protected harbors, a bustling port with excellent seafood restaurants, and a modern marina. The ancient citadel town is perched high atop a seemingly impenetrable granite cliff.

Calvi, Corsica
Napoleon once said that he could recognise his native island blindfolded because of the wonderful perfume of the maquis. Approaching by sea, it is the first thing you experience about Corsica. The second is its wild and mountainous landscape. Nearby are secluded beaches and the eerie Grottes des Veaux Marins, offering fantastic diving opportunities.

Cannes, France
Glittering Cannes is the archetypal Mediterranean resort city, discovered by wealthy English nobles who came to the sunny south of France to escape their draughty old castles during the dreary British winters. Cannes' high-flying lifestyle has attracted notables and the notorious ever since. Every year, the stars flock to celebrate the Cannes Film Festival at the colossal Palais des Festivals.

Capri, Italy
Capri, where the Emperor Tiberius held notorious bacchanals at his Imperial villa, has gradually become one of the most popular resorts in southern Italy. Famous for its scenery and climate, Capri is a garden of Eden teeming with vegetation despite the rocky landscape.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
St. Peter's, with its breathtaking Sistine Chapel, newly restored to its former glory, the Spanish Steps, where all Rome passes by, the Colosseum, where the real gladiators fought to the death, the Pantheon, considered to be the most perfect architectural statement of the ages. Life is not lived if you haven't been to Rome!

Corfu, Greece
The lushest (and some say the loveliest) of all the Greek Islands, Corfu lies just a stone's throw from the Albanian coast. And nowhere is the stunning natural beauty of Corfu more evident than in the small village of Paleocastritsa, where legend says Odysseus was washed ashore to be rescued by Nausicaa. Another sight not to be missed is the Achillion Palace built for the Empress Elizabeth of Austria and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm I. The British made Corfu a major base during the Napoleonic wars and you can see the lovely 1824 villa, Mon Repos, where Prince Philip was born.

Costa Smeralda/Porto Cervo, Sardinia
Sardinia is a rugged, earth toned land inhabited by an ancient people who have changed little since the Dark Ages. The Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) is a beautiful resort area developed by the Aga Khan, and in direct contrast to the surrounding countryside.

Dubrovnik, Croatia
It was George Bernard Shaw who said, "Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik." Indeed, Dubrovnik is a treasure by any measure made more precious by its miraculous restoration. Crowned by the Minceta Tower, the 10th century city walls are the proud symbol of Dubrovnik's colorful history. In the cathedral treasury, a collection of priceless golden reliquaries include the remains of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's patron saint. Stroll up the Stradún to the elaborately colonnaded Rector's Palace, designed by Onofrio de la Cava in 1435. This was the seat of the republic of Ragusa, a powerful Renaissance-era city-state boasting a fleet of 500 ships!

Gozo, Malta
Legend says that Ulysses tarried with the goddess Calypso on Gozo, hence it's original name of Calypso's Isle. And no wonder he didn't want to leave - her cave overlooks an enchanted lagoon of gin-clear water surrounded by tall cliffs called the Inland Sea. Look out to the blue Mediterranean through the Azure Window, a soaring arch of rock spanning sky and sea, carved by eons of wind and water.

Hvar, Croatia
The heavenly scent of lavender perfumes the air in the fields and valleys around the island of Hvar. Idyllically located just off the Dalmatian coast, the island and the little port named after it have been a favourite getaway ever since the time of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians and even Austro-Hungarian royalty. See the perfectly preserved Cathedral of St. Stephen, the serene cloistered Franciscan monastery and the Venetian Arsenal, where one of Europe's first public theatres was established in 1612.

Korcula, Croatia
Framed by dense green forests of allepo pine and twisted cypress, the red tile roofs of Korcula make an inviting picture that makes you want to see more of this charming island town whose most famous native son was Marco Polo. The pale wheat coloured stone Cathedral of St. Mark houses a treasure trove of Dalmatian and Italian art, including works by Tintoretto and Titian. Walk through the towering Land Gate for a great view of the town, try a traditional Korcula dish, spinning-wheel fettuccini. And if you're lucky, you may witness Korcula's thrilling Moreska Sword Dance.

Lipari, Aeolian Islands, Italy
Italy's seven volcanic Aeolian Islands are obviously a place favoured by the Gods. Just off the north coast of Sicily, they are a favorite destination for adventurers and visiting yachts, which anchor in the numerous little harbors indenting the coastline. In Lipari, climb narrow streets to the medieval castello, and discover a beach with the whitest, finest sands in all of Italy.

Losinj, Croatia
The warm sands of Cikat Bay are an irresistible magnet for beachgoers. And no wonder, the beach is 30 kilometres long and offers every watersport imaginable. In the fortified town of Veli Losinj, climb the 16th century tower and hear the history of the Uskoks, warrior refugees from the Turkish invasion who fled in 1526 to the coastal islands to start new lives under Hapsburg protection.

Mazara del Vallo, Sicily
Sicily's Graeco, Roman and Arabic heritage is strikingly evident in Mazara del Vallo, a busy fishing port on Sicily's southwestern coast. The nearby ruins of Selinus and Segesta and the ancient mountain sanctuary of Érice evoke long ago Greek communities, while Arabian influences are evident in Mazara del Vallo's Kasbah. And a stone's throw up the coast is beautiful Marsala, a lovely 16th century town famous for its sweet dessert wine.

Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monaco is the fabled domain of princes and movie stars. The magnificent Palais du Prince and opulent casinos remind you of an elegant, pre-war era. With more wealth concentrated in one small area than almost any place on earth, this tiny principality retains its gilt edged allure.

Palmarola, Italy
A ruggedly beautiful island cradled in the Golfo de Gaeta about half-way between Rome and Naples, Palmarola is the perfect stop for a beach day. The water is remarkably clear, and between the islands of Ponza and Palmarola, archeologists have uncovered a number of wrecks of Roman galleys dating from the Republican Period.

Panarea, Aeolian Islands, Italy
The Aeolean Islands slumber fitfully in the Tyrrhenian Sea above Sicily's northern coast. Actively volcanic, they reassert themselves with intermittent eruptions, like giants awakening from sleep. The smallest, least active and loveliest is little Panarea. The pretty little villages of San Pietro, Drauto and Ditella are now a favorite retreat of wealthy business tycoons from Milan and Rome.

Ponza, Pontine Islands, Italy
The pastel houses of Ponza Town rise in neat terraced rows from the busy harbour where sleekly groomed yachts and ramshackle fishing boats moor side by side. Happily, there are few tourists here, so it's a delight to wander through the unspoiled town. Then find yourself a private bit of beach, there are lots of them, and enjoy the feel of warm sand and cool clear water lapping your toes.

Porquerolles, Hyères Islands, France
Where the rugged hills of the Massif des Maures subside into the sea, the small island of Porquerolles lies basking in the eternally blue Mediterranean. The island's little town was created as a retirement community for Napoleon's troops - making it the world's first "Sun City." Today Porquerolles is a destination for nature lovers, who hike the hills covered in sage, myrtle, and oddly exotic plants to a magnificent white sand beach where a picturesque lighthouse stands guard over the wild shore.

Portoferraio, Elba
From his villa in Portoferraio, Napoleon, the exiled Emperor of France, looked out over the waiting ships in the harbor and dreamed of returning to glory. Enjoy a local vineyard tour, and near Portoferraio, discover the remains of an ancient Etruscan civilisation.

Portofino, Italy
On the hills above, palatial villas in ice-cream colors look down on the tiny harbor and exclusive boutiques and harbor-side cafés. This is Portofino, a name that has come to symbolise the sophisticated, sybaritic lifestyle of the Italian Riviera.

Portovenere, Italy
It was from a grotto in Portovenere that the dare-devil poet, Lord Byron, launched his famous swim across the Gulf of La Spezia to visit his friend and fellow poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, in Lerici. Byron made it, but Shelley purposely sailed out into a storm and lost his life. That's why today the area is known as the Golfo dei Poeti.

Pula, Croatia
Pula has so many eye-popping Roman ruins you won't know where to look first - but the huge amphitheatre, holding 23,000 spectators, site of mock naval battles and gladiatorial combats, is number one on the list. Lit up at night, you would almost expect its creator, the Emperor Vespasian, to emerge in a triumphant procession. Then there's the huge 1st. century BC Gate of Hercules, the smaller Arch of Sergeii, the imposing Temple of Augustus and the exquisite Byzantine Church of St. Mary of Formosa. And if you're in the mood to splurge, reserve a table at Valsabbion, said to be the finest dining in Croatia. After sampling Roman times in Pula, join Royal Clipper's staff and guests for a little 21st. century fun with a thoroughly modern beach party.

Sorrento, Italy
Sorrento's city walls rise straight out of the sea, and they hold many charms within. Optional excursions might include taking a ferry to Capri, where the Emperor Tiberius held notorious bacchanals at his Imperial villa, or a trip back in history in Pompeii, where the ashen remains of ancient Romans lie frozen in time.

St. Florent/L'Ile Rousse, Corsica
Crowded with yachts flying burgees hailing from the world's most prestigious yacht clubs, the harbour of St. Florent is a regatta of colors. The attraction, of course, is the crystal clear water that surrounds this section of the Corsican coast, making it a magnet for boaters. Take an excursion to the peninsula of Cap Corse, where medieval watchtowers dot the cliff tops every few miles. Or bike across the dunes of Désert des Agriates to the beautiful and isolated Saleccia beach

St. Tropez, France
It is said that the most spectacular way to approach the exquisite harbor of St Tropez is by sea. St. Tropez is a people-watcher's paradise, so you will also want to explore her famous beaches, bistros and bars. The appropriately named Tahiti Plage is where topless sun tanning started, and whether you prefer to take it off or take it all in, there's always plenty to see in St. Tropez.

Syracuse, Sicily
Ancient Syracuse was founded by peaceful Corinthian colonists in 733BC. But its warlike reputation began when the tyrant Gelon assumed power in 485BC and culminated in the rule of Dionysius the Elder. Until 215BC, nothing could stop Syracuse from defeating virtually every army in the Mediterranean, including a prodigious fleet of 134 Athenian triremes. In Ortygia, the island that was the original city, see the remains of the glorious Temple of Athena, which now makes up the walls of the Norman era Duomo. And listen for the echoing whispers of ancient prisoners in the cave dungeon of Orecchio di Dionigi.

Taormina, Sicily, Italy
Perched on the shoulder of Mt. Etna overlooking the green Gulf of Catania, Taormina inspired Goethe to say that "It is the greatest work of art and nature". Shop along the steep, cobblestoned streets of Corso Umberto. Or listen to the ghosts of the ancients in the Greek Theater, where even a whisper can be heard.

Valleta, Malta
The Knights of St. John put Malta on the map in 1565 when they withstood an invasion of 30,000 Turks with only 700 Knights. For that a grateful Europe gave them the means to build the city of Valleta. And a beautiful city it is. See the graves of the Knights guarded by masterpieces by Caravaggio in the imposing St. John's Co-Cathedral. Marvel at frescos in the Palace of the Grand Knights. Or drive to the ancient ruins of Hagar Qim, where Neolithic temples more than 5,500 years old are believed to be the oldest human structures on earth.

Venice, Italy
Venice is the heart and soul of romance. Cast your eye on the rounded domes of San Marco, take a deep breath at the Bridge of Sighs, gaze on the golden lions and the Renaissance glories of the Doge's Palace, listen for the ghosts of Verdi, Puccini and Caruso at La Fenice Opera House, gape at the classic Palladian proportions of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, glide in gondola down the Grand Canal. And know that love is always in the air in Venice.

Ventotene, Pontine Islands, Italy
The Pontine Islands are the most isolated and least crowded of Italy's island groups because they lie further offshore than say, the ever-popular Capri. And little Ventotene is the most remote of the Pontines. With a tiny village numbering a few hundred souls, it's hardly a thriving metropolis, but the volcanic sand beach is a soft as they come, and the ruins of an old Roman villa evoke an antique flavor that is enchanting.