Tuesday 21 September 2010

Rail and Sail!

Here's a great new thought about combining a cruise with a deluxe rail journey, both as a high-quality add-on to the voyage and an alternative means of getting to your cruise (as opposed to flying).

Great Rail Journeys has introduced the ultimate ‘sail-rail’ holiday for 2011, partnering with the unique Star Clippers line to create an exclusive Mediterranean cruise holiday on the world’s tallest sailing ship.

Great Rail Journeys’ carefully-planned First Class rail travel combines scenic journeys with civilised hotel stays in Paris, Venice and Rome, where additional sightseeing and meals are provided.

Dovetailing with these fully-escorted arrangements is a 10-night cruise on the Royal Clipper (above) the world’s largest true full-rigged sailing ship, which offers its 227 guests the ultimate in luxurious, yet laid-back cruising.

On this holiday, the Royal Clipper sails from Venice along the Croatian coast, dropping anchor off Rovinj, Hvar and Dubrovnik as well as Montenegro’s port of Kotor and the islands of Corfu, Sicily, Capri and Ponza before sailing into Civitavecchia for Rome at the end of its 11-day cruise.

Great Rail Journeys’ guests, who will be supported by their own Tour Manager throughout the holiday, can sit back and relax while the Royal Clipper’s crew does all the work, or may choose to lend a hand when it comes to unfurling the ship’s 56,000sq ft of sail.

Facilities include three swimming pools, a three-deck atrium and even crows-nests furnished with comfy sofas for the ultimate mast-head view! The no-tie dress code makes for a relaxed onboard atmosphere, with informal, yet first class dining.

Great Rail Journeys’ exclusive departure dates for The Royal Clipper Cruise are 23 July, 2 and 13 August, 2011.

The 2 August departure adds the extraordinary experience of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to an already memorable mix. On this date, the Royal Clipper departs from Rome and sails to Venice, visiting the same ports of call along the way, but in reverse. From Venice, Great Rail Journeys’ guests travel overnight on the Orient-Express to Paris before transferring to Eurostar for the last leg of an unforgettable journey.

The 17-day holiday costs £3,595 per person for 23 July and 13 August departures, and £4,475 for 2 August departure incorporating the Orient-Express experience.

The holiday includes First Class rail travel from London’s St Pancras, hotel accommodation en route, the cruise, most meals and the services of a tour manager throughout.

More info: 01904 521 980 or http://www.greatrail.com/.

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