The Western Mediterranean coastline along France and Italy is a dream vacation destination for many—and one best visited via small cruise ship. For travelers seeking this experience but not ready to commit to a traditional seven-night sailing, Star Clippers is offering an assortment of four- to six-night sailings that serve guests a taste of this idyllic part of the globe. Following are three top reasons to book a taster cruise in 2025 with Star Clippers:
Have it Both Ways: Italy’s ancient cities and stunning coasts remain among the most popular European vacation locales. But how to experience both environments while still enjoying a relaxing getaway? Star Clippers’ five night sailing round trip out of Rome (departing Sept. 1, 2025) allows travelers to immerse themselves in all the art, food, and history that Rome has to offer before or after hopping onboard 166-guest Star Flyer for a coastal adventure. Guests will call on the gorgeous cities of Gaeta, Sorrento and Amalfi on the iconic Amalfi coast, and charming Ponza on the sleepy Pontine Islands.
Test the Waters: Sailing onboard an authentic, modern clipper ship is a thrilling experience—feeling the wind catch in the sails as you depart one beautiful port for the next is simply unforgettable. Travelers looking to earn their sea legs without the commitment of an eight-day sailing will love island hopping in the Med on this four night Rome to Rome sailing (departing Sept. 10, 2025) on the flagship 227-guest Royal Clipper. Three ports of call on the mountainous French island of Corsica reveal blissful beaches and quaint hillside villages, and a day spend on Italy’s Elba exposes guests to the island’s rich history.
Maximize Your Time: Travelers looking to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time can visit three countries in as many days on Star Clippers’ four-night Corsica and French Riviera sailing (departing Oct. 18, 2025) round trip out of Nice, France. Ports of call include see-and-be-seen Portofino on the Italian Riviera, quiet Calvi on the French island of Corsica, and glamourous Monaco.
To help make these short sailings even more affordable, Star Clippers is offering $200 per cabin in onboard credit, which can be used to purchase shore excursions, drinks from the bar, Wi-Fi packages, or spa and massage treatments. Bookings must be made by August 31, 2024, to qualify. Offers are valid for residents of North, South, and Central America only.
A Star Clippers sailing includes most everything under one fee—your cabin, port charges, three delicious meals a day, entertainment, the assistance of a knowledgeable cruise director, and transportation to and from the ports via tender boats—making it easy to stick to a budget. It also affords the luxury of unpacking your suitcase just once, no lugging it across cobblestone streets or worrying about misplacing it, while waking up in a different destination each day. And in addition to saving your budget, a Star Clippers sailing also helps to save something even more precious—your time. Instead of rushing from train station to hotel and back again, guests on Star Clippers’ tall ships can relax and enjoy the thrill of sailing into each port taking it in from the sea before stepping on land.
