Star Clippers has introduced new travel-inclusive, no-fly holidays in the Mediterranean and the Baltic in 2012 for those tired of airport delays and luggage restrictions. Travelling outbound or return by rail to within a short transfer of the ship there’s no need to check in hours in advance and there are no restrictions on how much luggage to take.
The new rail-sail combination holidays combine the romance of train travel through Europe with the gentle pace of life on board a genuine sailing ship, where guests can either help the crew hoist the sails and try their hand at mast climbing, or simply soak up the sun or relax in the al fresco Tropical Bar with the cocktail of the day.
All packages include train travel to or from the UK to the port; transfers and all meals on board.
Sample ‘Rail and Sail’ offers in 2012 include:
5th May 2012 : Sail from the UK on the stunning Star Flyer
Join the head-turning tall ship `Star Flyer’ in Southampton, where the four-masted, full-rigged clipper will be making a rare appearance twice in 2012, the first time one of the Star Clippers has been in British waters since her launch in 1992. Departing on 5th May 2012, Star Flyer sets sail from Southampton to Hamburg, with two days at sea to enjoy life under sail, followed by a full day in Amsterdam. The five night cruise holiday, departing on 5th May 2012, costs from £1,095 per person, and includes a transfer from Hamburg port to the station; and rail travel home in an overnight double sleeper from Hamburg to Paris, followed by Eurostar to London.
16th May 2012 : Sail & rail to Hamburg & Amsterdam
Enjoy the excitement of sailing on a fully rigged clipper ship as Star Flyer cruises from one great maritime port to another on a three day mini-break from Amsterdam to Hamburg, both cities in which the ship will attract a huge amount of attention. The voyage also includes a day in the Frisian holiday island of Borkum. The cruise costs from £945 per person, including three nights’ on board Star Flyer, with all meals, return transfers to the ship and Eurostar/InterCity rail travel to Amsterdam, via Brussels, by overnight / Eurostar rail from Hamburg to London, via Paris. Departs May 16th, 2012
27th July 2012 : Rail-sail from Venice, the most romantic small-ship port in the Med
Travel by train from the UK to Venice to join the head-turning four-masted tall ship, Star Clipper, to sail out of Venice, one of the most beautiful and spectacular small-ship port calls in the Mediterranean. Having left the spires and palaces of Venice behind, sail south to Croatia, exploring Losinj, Hvar and Rovinj, the true yachting ports of the Adriatic, calling at harbours and secluded anchorages inaccessible to bigger ships. The four night cruise costs from £1,245 per person, including all meals on board Star Clipper; transfers to and from the railway station in Venice; return overnight sleeper train between Venice and Paris, and return Eurostar travel between London and Paris. Departs July 27th, 2012.
24th August 2012 : Rail out, sail home
Spend a night in 5* luxury in Cologne, arriving by rail from London, followed by a seven-night tall ship cruise on board the magnificent four-masted Star Flyer, cruising home from Hamburg back to the UK (Southampton). Departing on 24th August 2012, the holiday travels from London by rail via Brussels to arrive at Cologne rail station, immediately adjacent to the spectacular Cologne cathedral, Germany’s most visited tourist sight. An overnight stay in the 5* Hotel Excelsior gives time to take in Cologne’s medieval streets, bier kellers and pedestrianised shopping streets, before continuing a short rail journey to Hamburg to join the beautiful tall ship, Star Flyer. The ship sails to Amsterdam, where a late evening departure ensures maximum time in port to enjoy this vibrant and cosmopolitan city, before cruising to Ljmuiden, Antwerp and Zeebrugge, the port for the picturesque town of Bruges, and over the Channel to make a rare appearance in British waters when she arrives into Southampton on September 1st. The cruise costs from £1,499 per person, including full board on the ship, train travel from London to Cologne and on to Hamburg; a night’s B&B at the 5* Hotel Excelsior in Cologne; transfer from Hamburg station to the port; and port taxes.
1st September : 13 night land-cruise from the UK to France, Portugal & Spain
Join Star Flyer in Southampton for a rare appearance in British waters on September 1st and cross the Channel to cruise the coastlines of France and Spain, calling at Brest, La Coruna and Vigo, before arriving in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, on September 9th. Spend two nights exploring Lisbon, staying at the Hotel Tivoli Jardim, before travelling by train to Hendaye on the Spanish/French border enjoy two nights in the Spanish sea-side town of San Sebastian, with b&b accommodation at the four-star Villa Soro. The final leg of this exciting journey is via TGV from Biarritz to Paris, followed by Eurostar on to London. The thirteen night land-cruise holiday costs from £2,199 per person, including all meals on the ship, two nights’ B&B in Lisbon, two in San Sebastian, transfers, train fares (double cabin on the sleeper train), a bottle of wine, Lisbon card and port charges. Departs September 1st, 2012.
To book, tel. 0845 200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk
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