If you’ve dreamt of sailing the high seas while sails fill with winds sweeping across the Mediterranean, you’re in luck. In 2027, Star Clippers will offer four separate seven-night sailings that take in the French and Italian Rivieras on two tall ships: magnificent Royal Clipper and Star Clipper. Featuring wide teak decks, swimming pools, tropical bars, piano lounges and relaxed dining, each ship carries from 166 to 227 guests. Featuring modern amenities, outstanding service and a chance to experience the romance of a traditional sailing experience, guests are also offered opportunities to learn to tie nautical knots, climb up to the crow’s nest, sit in the bowsprit net and watch as the crew raises the ship’s billowing sails.

Portoferraio, Italy © Star Clippers

“Some coastlines are meant to be seen from the water, and the French and Italian Rivieras are among them,” said Terri Haas, vice president of sales and marketing, Star Clippers. “What sets Star Clippers apart is our guests can not only watch the villages and headlands come into view under sail, but they can then go ashore to explore the places they’ve just seen from the sea.”

Each of the Riviera sailings is a round-trip journey from Nice, France, though itineraries vary.

The Corsica & French Riviera expedition (departing April 24, 2027) makes its first port call in Portofino before heading to Propriano and Calvi in Corsica. There’s a stop in Alghero, Sardinia, and calls in St. Tropez and the Provençal fishing harbor of Sanary-sur-Mer. Guests will have the opportunity to explore villages and medieval streets along storied waterfronts.

© Star Clippers

During the Ligurian Sea journey departing on May 1, 2027, calls include Porto Venere, where the ancient Church of San Pietro is positioned on an outcrop above the sea. There’s also a port call to explore Portoferraio on the island of Elba, famed as the place where Napoleon was exiled.

This itinerary includes stops at Bonifacio, Corsica and Alghero before the ship makes her way to Ajaccio and Menton, on the French border. Guests can look forward to light-filled beaches, walks along Promenade des Anglais, and peruse the markets and winding streets of historic Vieux Nice.