It was like a dream or something out of a movie: Traveling aboard a 5-masted clipper ship to Italy’s most beautiful coastal areas! The Royal Clipper, sailing effortlessly and majestically through the Mediterranean, carted us in style to stars such as Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento and Taormina, and then some lesser-known gems, like Ponza and Lipari.

Our journey started in the magical city of Rome, where our small group of mostly newbies to Singles Travel International came together. How amazing to see a group “click” so quickly! The laughs commenced and never stopped throughout our 9 days together! Sunny days were filled with new friendships, meaningful conversations, many laughs and definitely lots of shopping!

In Capri, we were fortunate enough to have visited the famed Blue Grotto and to hear our boatsmen singing in the cave! In Amalfi and Positano, some shopped for local goods like handmade ceramics and linens, while others visited Ravello’s Villa Rufolo, inspiration for Wagner’s Parsifal.

Sicily’s gem, Taormina, was the highlight of the trip for many. Its charm is hard to describe! Also, from here, several of our members had a wine-tasting lunch on the slopes of Mt. Etna, an experience they’ll never forget!

I will say, as the Concierge, that beyond the beauty of the ports we visited was the connection this group formed – it was quite spectacular. You take 13 people from different ages and walks of life and put them on a sailing ship in a gorgeous location for a week… and it is the best recipe for friendship and connection one could ask for!