![]() With our new Sloop Shop threads, mast climbing skills, pirate eye patches and nautical friends, and with the launch of a fourth Star Clipper ship (the Flying Clipper) on the horizon, we were glad to step ashore knowing we’d be back again one day. On our final night, we were awed at how far we traveled, how many ports we had explored, how much we ate, and how quickly our time aboard the Royal Clipper had passed. ![]() Time and again, we marveled at the great value of this cruise. With wines so affordably priced and such great options, it made sense to have a red and a white open at any given time.Ĭapping off each meal was an espresso, served only at the Tropical Bar, followed by a prosecco (€ 3.50) and a generous pour of top-shelf cognac (€ 6.50). The service was impressive, and the wine steward always knew exactly which bottles were ours, and who drank which. Lobster thermidor anyone? * Photo: Christina Colonĭesserts were less memorable with tiramisu and baked Alaska far out front. The modest residence was furnished with some lavish period pieces, some owned by the Emperor himself. The Napoleon Museum was a short walk from the pier and a mere euro to enter. This gorgeous confection of a town offered boundless natural charm and endless architectural intrigue amid a maze of hilltop fortresses zigzagging in every direction. Our prior day’s disappointment was quickly forgotten upon arrival at the rocky island where Napoleon Bonaparte was briefly exiled. Forgetting to change money in our haste, and unable to use credit cards as no businesses seem to take them, we were politely directed to a nearby cash machine so we could pay our bill. We parked ourselves outside a small café serving charcuterie, sandwiches and drinks amid a fog of cigarette smoke from a small army of chain-smoking locals. * Photo: Christina ColonĪn hour delay in Royal Clippers’ arrival to Bastia meant we missed lunch ashore as the restaurants were closing. Following the tourist map, we walked around the tiny harbor, up to a picturesque lighthouse and ancient Genoese tower perched atop spectacular cliffs. Unfortunately, it was closed for a private function, but we enjoyed walking the grounds, visiting the church and meandering back down to the ship, showing off in the harbor below.Īppropriately named for the red bits of porphyry, a type of volcanic rock that gives the sand a charming rosy tint, this seaside town was clearly all about the beaches and waterfront. The famed town of Portofino was a tempting short ferry ride away, but we opted to walk up to the picturesque Villa Durazzo, its Pompei-red stucco façade visible next to a shining white church. Walking off lunchtime calories was easy given the steep terrain and streets that morph into cobbled staircases at nearly every turn. Desserts were underwhelming and no competition with the ubiquitous and unmatched gelato on offer nearly everywhere. While bread and water are not free, prices were surprisingly reasonable, the seafood remarkably fresh, and the local house wines all excellent. Waving hello to the statues of Christopher Columbus and King Victor Emmanuel, we made a beeline past the larger waterfront restaurants, opting for a small restaurant on a side street patronized by boisterous locals.Ĭhrissy in front of the Columbus fountain in Santa Margharita-Ligure, Italy. With a noon arrival, we were among a small cohort on the first tender, with most others opting to eat aboard ship. ![]() ![]() With at least one port each day, we covered a lot of ground, some more interesting than others. Tourism kiosks at the ports provided useful maps of highlights within walking distance and most had a helpful English-speaking rep. □□□ Watch this space for an upcoming taste of Chrissy & Peter’s lunch adventures! □□□ We enjoyed the relaxed cadence, local specialities and hospitality of each town on our own terms. Our daily mission was foregoing lunch onboard and seeking local eats ashore (not to mention a good wifi connection!), thanks to my foodie and wine loving boyfriend! We were happy to avoid costly, time consuming bus rides to modest ruins and small vineyards, and go it alone. Good thing, we aren’t the group tour types anyway. ![]()
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