Our recent clipper cruise – sailing from Rome to Venice, had a wonderful itinerary which included the impressive sights, bays and towns of the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Corfu, Montenegro and Croatia with Leigh and Terri Mann. It was great being on the Royal Clipper again, one of the classic tall sailing ships – as always, an awesome experience.

There were so many highlights:

• Ambling through the ancient city of Taormina, Sicily with its historic Roman teatro and amphitheater, intriguing restaurants and vibrant shops amongst the old buildings, apartments and alluring alleyways.
• Cruising into the picturesque bays of Montenegro. Surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, historical villages, coastal stretches teeming with holiday resorts and apartment blocks, the real treasure was exploring the fascinating old walled town of Kotor.
• Walking the battlements and wall of Dubrovnik, with scenic vistas across the red tiled roofs of churches, buildings and homes that stretched to the inky blue Adriatic Sea in the background.
• Exploring the western part of the island by jeeps outside Hvar, taking in the rugged countryside and quaint villages. The hills were covered in a “geometrical”design of ancient stone walled fields of magnificent purple-coloured lavender flowers, which was spectacular.
• Walking the narrow alleys of Venice, immersed within the architecture, history and charm of one of the world’s most delightful cities. To escape the crowds, we took a day trip by water bus to Burano, an amazing island in the Venice lagoon and explored the idyllic picture perfect town, full of narrow canals bridges and walkways amongst the brightly coloured houses, lace stores, ice cream shops, local restaurants and artisan kiosks.

Another one for the memory bank!