DESTINATIONS RAIL AND SAIL | CRUISE
STAR FLYER
EClimb the mast This unique and exhilarating activity means the chance to climb 65ft up the mast to the crow’s nest, with the help of a safety harness. It’s well worth overcoming any nerves for an incredible view from the top.
ABOVE: Panoramic view of Vulcano and Lipari, which form part of the Aeolian Islands PICTURES: Shutterstock/Thomas Lenne; Andrew Horwitz
the snaking clifftop coastal road – but I soon realise that I prefer the lesser-known stops, not least because everything is half the price or less in the shops and cafes. From the Aeolian Island of Lipari, I opt for a small boat trip to neighbouring isle Vulcano, where plumes of smoke drift from the fumaroles, or holes, on the volcano, which dominates the skyline. Our small group is outnumbered by locals and Italian day- trippers arriving by ferry. After a guided walk there’s
time to relax over a refreshingly zesty €4 limoncello and soda, as well as cooling granita, Sicily’s favourite semi-frozen dessert. On the way back, the clear day gives us a fantastic view of snow-capped Mount Etna, one of the world’s highest and most active volcanoes.
travelweekly.co.uk
33Who needs fireworks when Mother Nature provides such dramatic spectacles?
Back on board Star Flyer,
things are pleasingly low-key and low-tech. There’s an Italian class, yoga, opportunities to paddleboard or kayak around the moored ship, take photos from a tender when all the sails are up and an amusing talk by the affable captain. Another standout feature with Star Clippers is that passengers can chat to the officers and visit the bridge most of the time, and when they’re off
duty you’ll most likely find them at the Tropical Bar.
NATURE BY NIGHT Star Flyer also provides a prime viewing spot for our night-time sailing past the volcanic island of Stromboli, continuously active for thousands of years. There is a chorus of oohs and aahs from the deck as red showers of sparks and smoke erupt from the crater. Who needs fireworks when Mother Nature provides such dramatic spectacles? On the final morning I set my alarm for another glorious sunrise and take a stroll along the scrubbed teak deck – where coils of ropes and polished winches sit alongside sunloungers – and reflect on a wonderfully authentic two-fold experience. This is a trip where getting from A to B is as much a part of the journey as the destinations explored. TW
E Lounge in the bowsprit net The springy nets strung across the bow at the front of the ship provide an interesting perspective of the sea below, as well as a prime spot to look out for passing dolphins.
E Flaunt your inner Kate Moss Each week there’s a light-hearted fashion show where passengers and crew can model clothes and accessories. Insider tip: tell your customers if they take part, they’ll get a discount in the ship’s boutique.
BOOK IT
Star Clippers’ eight-night Bari Stay & Amalfi & Sicily Sail itinerary aboard Star Flyer costs from £2,999, departing on September 4, 2025. Price includes flights and transfers, a two-night stay at the Bventuno Hotel in Bari, excursions to Alberobello and Matera and first-class rail travel from Bari to Rome. Other rail-and-sail options include the 20-night Al Andalus Rail & Canary Islands Sail package, which costs from £9,299. Departing October 26, it includes flights, transfers, one night in Seville, six nights aboard the luxury Al Andalus Train from Seville to Malaga, four nights in Malaga and a nine-night sailing on Star Flyer from Malaga to Gran Canaria.
starclippers.co.uk
27 JUNE 2024 45
H
O
W
T
O
S
E
L
L
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
