23 – 30 AUGUST 2025
Gems of the Adriatic Cruise
featuring
RICHARD THOMPSON & FAIRPORT CONVENTION
This is no ordinary cruise, this is set to be the ultimate sea-going experience. A music filled, magical journey from Venice, with ports of call in Croatia, Montenegro and back to Venice. Relax aboard the world’s largest five-masted, fully rigged sailing ship in the company of none other than Richard Thompson and Fairport Convention.
Welcome aboard Star Clippers, “Royal Clipper” as we cruise the stunning Adriatic Sea!
We are delighted to welcome Fairport Convention and Richard Thompson on board for a week of unforgettable entertainment and enjoyment.
Explore meticulously planner routes that guide you through mesmerising landscapes and enchanting destinations around Croatia and Montenegro. Immerse yourself in the splendour and cultural opulence of this scenic region. Prepare to be captivated by the unforgettable landscape of Hvar and Rovinj, whilst savouring panoramic views of historic cities and monumental landmarks.
You’ll not be short of something to do. Spend your afternoons at leisure on board or venture out with one of the optional land tours, to explore hidden scenic routes. After dinner relax on deck and enjoy open-air concerts featuring a mixture of individual performances and unique collaborations from Richard Thompson and Fairport Convention.
With only 200 other ‘sailors’ on board, this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed.
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What’s Included?
- 7 night cruise on-board The Royal Clipper
- Services of an experienced English-speaking onboard Cruise Director
- Services of your onboard Harmony Voyages Tour Manager
- Onboard entertainment
- In-stateroom infotainment centre
- Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for optional excursions
- All local taxes & port charges
- Optional coach and rail package, see below for details
- Welcome Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Farewell Dinner
- On board fitness centre, spa, sauna and library
*All dietary requirements can be catered for, however please do let us know in advance of your cruise.
Accommodation
Royal Clipper
Inspired by the tall ship Preussen, the Royal Clipper has the proud distinction of being the largest and only five-masted full-rigged sailing ship built since her predecessor was launched at the beginning of the last century.
Royal Clipper’s interior spaces are just as dazzling. They include a 3-deck atrium that funnels sunlight into the elegantly-appointed dining room, where you’ll enjoy deliciously prepared cuisine and a no-tie dress code. A convenient marina platform lowers from the stern for watersports and diving. The ultimate unique Royal Clipper experience, the one-of-a-kind Captain Nemo Lounge, is the site of the spa and health club, which features underwater glass portholes!
The extensive restaurant and the Panorama-Bar offer divine views of the passing riverscapes, and the outdoor, glass-shielded River Terrace allows you to relax in the open regardless of the weather. In addition, the AMADEUS Provence is the first ship of the AMADEUS fleet to include a pool deck with a swimming pool and the Lido Bar, where you can enjoy hours relaxing on board in the sun.
Cabins
Owners Suite
(40m2)
Two double beds, separate comfortable sitting areas, minibar, private in-room safe, spacious en-suite bathroom with whirlpool bath and shower over, room service, flat-screen television, individual climate control, hairdryers, direct dial telephone and radio.
Price from £4699
Clipper Deck
Deluxe Outside Verandah Suite (26m2)
Private verandah, choice of bed configuration (double/twin), comfortable sitting area, minibar, in-room safe, spacious en-suite bathroom with whirlpool bath and shower over, room service, flat-screen television, individual climate control, hairdryers, direct dial telephone and radio.
Price from £4399
Main Deck
Cat1 Deluxe Cabin (14.5m2)
Double beds, minibar, private in-room safe, spacious en-suite bathroom with whirlpool bath and shower over, cabin doors that open onto the deck, flat-screen television, individual climate control, hairdryers, direct dial telephone and radio.
Price from £3599
Main Deck
Cat2 Outside Cabin (13m2)
Choice of bed configuration (double, twin or triple birth), private in-room safe, en-suite bathroom with shower, flat-screen television, individual climate control, hairdryers, direct dial telephone and radio.
Price from £3199
Clipper Deck
Cat3 Outside Cabin (13m2)
Choice of bed configuration (double bed or twin beds), private in-room safe, en-suite bathroom with shower, flat-screen television, individual climate control, hairdryers, direct dial telephone and radio
Price from £3199
Clipper / Commodore Deck
Cat4 Outside Cabin (13m2)
Choice of bed configuration (double bed or twin beds), private in-room safe, en-suite bathroom with shower, flat-screen television, individual climate control, hairdryers, direct dial telephone and radio.
Price From £2699
Clipper / Commodore Deck
Cat5 Outside Cabin (11m2)
Choice of bed configuration (double bed or twin beds), private in-room safe, en-suite bathroom with shower, flat-screen television, individual climate control, hairdryers, direct dial telephone and radio.
Price from £2499
Commodore Deck
Cat6 Inside Cabin (10m2) SOLO
Choice of bed configuration (small double bed or triple birth), private in-room safe, en-suite bathroom with shower, flat-screen television, individual climate control, hairdryers, direct dial telephone and radio.
Price from £3199
Clipper Deck
Cat4 Outside Cabin (13m2) SOLO
Choice of bed configuration (small double bed or triple birth), private in-room safe, en-suite bathroom with shower, flat-screen television, individual climate control, hairdryers, direct dial telephone and radio.
Price From £4199
Commodore Deck
Your journey will visit along the way
Itinerary
Luxury River Cruising, World Class Entertainment
Would you like to see the sights?
Optional Excursions
On all our excursions you’ll be provided with a wireless AMADEUS listening device. The receiver can be worn quite comfortably around the neck or carried in a bag. The comfortable headphones allow you to hear your experienced tour guide’s explanations with the very best acoustic quality. Enjoy complete freedom of movement, without missing any of the interesting commentary.
Important Information:
- All excursions can be booked in advance or aboard. (For organisational reasons, some excursions can only be booked aboard).
- Minimum participation for excursions by bus: 20 people.
- Minimum participation for excursions on foot: 12 people.
- The schedule of individual excursions can vary; this is partly due to the volume of traffic in the cities and the opening hours of facilities.
- Please remember to wear sturdy shoes as well as comfortable, waterproof clothing when attending the excursions.
- When exploring on your own, please remember to return to the vessel in time for its departure. If you miss the departure, you have to travel to the next port at your own expense. You will find the all aboard time in the daily programme.
- Itineraries and prices are subject to alterations.
Walking Grades
Some excursions involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces. The following coding system has been used to assist with identifying which excursions are appropriate for you. Please ask your cruise director for additional information as required.
- LEVEL 1: Minimum walking; excursion by bus with short photo stops.
- LEVEL 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
- LEVEL 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
- LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
- LEVEL 5: Considerable walk with longer distances. This may include uneven surfaces and some stairs.
Prices
| Cabin Grade | Deck | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Owners Suite | Clipper Deck | £4699 - SOLD OUT |
| Deluxe Outside Verandah Suite | Main Deck | £4399 - SOLD OUT |
| Cat 1 Deluxe | Main Deck | £3599 - SOLD OUT |
| Cat 2 Outside | Clipper Deck | £3199 - SOLD OUT |
| Cat 3 Outside | Clipper OR Commodore Deck | £3199 - SOLD OUT |
| Cat 4 Outside | Clipper OR Commodore Deck | £2699 - SOLD OUT |
| Cat 5 Outside | Commodore Deck | £2499 - SOLD OUT |
| Cat 6 Inside SOLO | Clipper Deck | £3199 - SOLD OUT |
| Cat 4 Outside SOLO | Commodore Deck | £4199 - SOLD OUT |
Transport Options
Getting there
There a few different options to consider when planning your journey to Lyon. You can fly from most major UK airports, rail options available from London to Paris and on to Lyon, you can self-drive, or if you’re looking for something a little different, why not enhance your holiday with a Coach to Cruise transfer?
Forget about long queues at the airport, pulling heavy suitcases, frustrating flight delays – why not extend your cruise holiday, sit back and unwind on board our luxury coach and take in some of the most sought-after sights and enjoy many beautiful towns along the route. Once your suitcase is loaded, no need to remove liquids, electrical items or empty your pockets, board the coach, relax and enjoy your land tour to the ship. Our carefully curated 6-night adventure offers not just a means of transportation, but an experience that prioritises your comfort and enjoyment every step of the way.
- Hostess service on board
- Regular, off-motorway comfort breaks
- Comfortable 4* hotels
- Overnight B&B stays: 3 pre-cruise and 3 post cruise
- Wednesday 20 August 2025
- Thursday 21 August 2025
- Friday 22 August 2025
- Saturday 23 August 2025
- Saturday 30 August 2025
- Sunday 31 August 2025
- Monday 1 September 2025
- Tuesday 2 September 2025
Depart Manchester Airport *06:00am /Birmingham Airport *08:00am /London Heathrow *10:30am with motorway service pick-ups on request.
An early start this morning as we head for Dover for a mid-afternoon ferry to France. Once on the continent we cross into Belgium where we stop at the Flemish town of Ypres. There will be time to have a look around and also purchase evening dinner if required. You may then pay your respects during the ‘Last Post’ ceremony. This takes place each evening in commemoration of British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient of World War I and whose graves are unknown. We then re-join the coach for a short drive to our overnight hotel near Lille.
Depart after breakfast and travel via the motorways through Belgium to Luxembourg where we make a stop around lunchtime. The old city of Luxembourg is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with one third being landscaped green spaces. There will be time to take the tourist bus in order to discover the best of the sights. Or just take time for lunch, sightseeing or shopping. We continue via the Alsace region of France, where we will stop for dinner before continuing to our next overnight stop near Mulhouse.
Shortly after leaving our hotel this morning we will leave the European Union and enter Switzerland, where we are greeted by a landscape that unfolds to show us beautiful green hills and crystal clear lakes. We make a stop in the popular tourist city of Lucerne, famous for its covered wooden bridge dating back to 1333. Here you will have time to buy lunch and do some sightseeing before continuing our journey south towards the Italian border. We enter the Lombardy region of Italy arriving at our hotel near Verona later in the evening.
This morning we head to the cruise terminal in Venice before boarding your cruise ship. If you wish, you can leave your luggage at the bag drop and take a look around Venice, before returning for check in and embarkation of your cruise for the next 7 nights. Make sure to be on deck to watch the sail out passed St. Mark’s Square.
Disembark in Venice for a scenic drive through the Brenner Pass, one of the most important North South connections in Europe. Crossing from Italy into Austria we then drive over the Europa Brucke, which was the highest bridge in Europe up until 1974. We arrive in Innsbruck, nestled in the Nordkette Alps, the city’s natural skyscrapers. Its most famous attraction is The Golden Roof, a three storey balcony in the Old Town covered with gold coloured copper tiles. Take a walk down Maria Theresa Street, which features a triumphal arch at one end, and is laced with cafés, restaurants, splendid buildings and shops. And maybe take a look in the Swarovski Crystal shop. We stay overnight near Innsbruck.
After breakfast we cross the Fern Pass, making a stop at Neuschwanstein, which was immortalised as “Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.” You can either take a look around the town of Hohen Schwangau or take a shuttle bus to the castle viewpoint at Marienbrucke, where all the most iconic photographs of the castle have been taken. Travelling up Germany’s Romantic Road, particularly well known for its violin making industry, we reach Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber. This charming town was virtually untouched in both World Wars and remains one of the most well preserved medieval walled towns in Germany.
Leaving the hotel after breakfast we visit Heidelberg, which sits with the Rhine Valley to the north and the Black Forest to the south in the Rhine-Neckar triangle. The town was rebuilt in the 18th century with baroque buildings either side of its historic Gothic streets.
The oldest and most impressive building is Zum Ritter Sankt Georg which was built in 1592 during the Renaissance and its façade is abundantly decorated by ornaments. We then make a short stop in Koblenz, where you can explore the cultural monuments, atmospheric squares and beautiful riverside promenades.
We travel on to our overnight hotel near Valkenburg, one of Holland’s best kept secrets, so famous for its beauty and wealth that it had been fought over for hundreds of years. First conquered by the Burgundians in the 15th century it soon became famous for its high style, culture and excess. In this part of Holland, ‘a Burgundian lifestyle’ still means enjoyment, good food and extravagant display. Standing in the middle of the main square, where no cars are allowed, you can imagine yourself back in the age of chivalrous knights and damsels in distress. Valkenburg Castle is half-ruined but goats still graze beneath its walls.
After crossing the border back into Belgium we make our way towards Dunkirk and our late afternoon crossing to Dover. We then start our drops off as we make our way back up north with the last disembarkations being late that night.
Price per person sharing a twin/double: £1,200
Price per person sole occupancy: £1,800
Based on 4* hotels, room and breakfast. Detailed itinerary available on request.
Playlist
Frequently Asked Questions
Are flights included?
You are responsible for your own travel arrangements to and from the ship. However, we are happy to assist with booking flights on your behalf. Please contact us for details if you require assistance.
Which airport do I need to fly into/home from?
The ship departs from and returns to Venice. Easyjet & Jet2 offer regular direct flights from many UK airports. Please contact us if you require assistance with your flight arrangements.
What time can I board the ship on embarkation day?
You can normally board from 2pm but your stateroom may not be available until after 3pm. You will be able to enjoy the ship’s facilities until your room is ready to be occupied.
Is there WiFi onboard?
WIFI cards are available in the Sloop Shop for use of the Internet. You can receive emails on board via the Purser.
What is the dress code onboard?
We want to you feel comfortable on board, the dress code is casual during the day and in the evening smart casual. Think what would I wear for a meal out in a restaurant at home?
Mooring and docking
Local river authorities allocate docking space around ship arrivals and departures in port. Occasionally port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which case guests may be required to walk through another ship to access their own ship. This is part of the river cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond our control. Guests may experience obstructed views from staterooms when the ship is docked.
What about gratuities?
Gratuities for the ship’s staff and crew are not included in your cruise price. The suggested amount is USD 12.00 / EUR 11.00 per person per day and you can choose to tip onboard in cash or add a gratuity to your onboard account. Gratuities for drivers and guides for optional excursions are not included in the excursion price. A suggested amount is 1-2 EUR per person for half day excursion & 2-3 EUR per person for the full day excursion given directly to the guide and driver.
Clothing
Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate both onshore and onboard and we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered. Shorts are appropriate for most tours, however long pants may be required for inside visits on some excursions. Your cruise manager will advise when and if this is required. You may find a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight wind-breaker for cooler temperatures. Also, keep in mind that the ship, coaches and other venues visited on our itinerary are air conditioned and may be quite cool. We recommend that you pack a lightweight sweater or long sleeve shirts and carry them with you on excursions.
Are airport transfers included?
Transfers are included to the ship on 22 June and from the ship to Lyon Airport on 29 June. Should you opt to extend your stay at the end of your cruise, you will be responsible for your own transfer to the airport.
What time is disembarkation from?
As the ship has a quick turnaround, you will be required to vacate your cabin after breakfast on the day of departure. If you have a late flight or transfer you may be able to store your luggage on board until later in the day, depending on the ship’s itinerary. The crew on board will be happy to assist.
Is there an elevator onboard?
Due to the nature and layout of the vessel there are no lifts or elevators on board, therefore the cruise is not recommended to individuals with reduced mobility.
What is the electrical supply voltage onboard?
Royal Clipper has 220-volt (European plug)
What is the currency onboard?
It is preferable to use an international credit card ( Visa, American Express, and Mastercard) to make purchases on board. Onboard purchases will be added to your personal invoice and debited in Euros. Your EURO onboard charges will be processed by our accounting department; you might incur foreign transaction fees and/or exchange rate fees from your credit card company. Please check with your credit card provider.
What to pack?
The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and maybe an umbrella. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eye wear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages. An adaptor / transformer may be necessary (the on-board power supply is 230V AC/50 Hz) if you bring any electronic devices with you.
What happens if the artist that I booked to see is unable to perform at the festival / holiday?
As you have booked a holiday, then the holiday will still take place. In the event of a festival where there are multiple artists, the full programme will still be performed and any artists unable to travel will be replaced. In the event of a river cruise or other holiday where only one artist is performing, the artist will be replaced with an alternative artist of a similar genre. The cost of the holiday is not refundable.
We look after you every step of the way
We are a small experienced team who look after you from first enquiry, right through to the end of your holiday. The same people who help you with your booking, will be in the resort or on the cruise to look after you. We are extremely proud of the personal service that we provide and when you need to get in touch, there are no call centres, just the same people you’ve always being dealing with.
Need help with flights, care hire or extra nights? We are just a phone call away…
Not made up your mind yet?
Read reviews from our customers
Peter and Penny D
Salisbury
“A holiday guaranteeing a wonderful mixture of music and art, cameraderie…
All with a group of like-minded people, a wealth of workshops and walks and other engaging activities.“
Keith and Viv Brewster
Leeds
“We had an idyllic time at Costa Festival…
Morning ensemble sessions led by the amazing and fun Joe and Tom, afternoons in the sun listening to brilliant music, and warm evenings eating, drinking and dancing by the pool with views over the Atlantic Ocean. Magical – who could want more!“
Linda Wagner
Virginia
“Major thanks to Richard Thompson for introducing us to Harmony voyages during US concert…
Have had countless trips and this is the absolute best ever. Will book another cruise soon – especially Christmas markets when possible.“
