Sail a Summer of Romance: Venice to Rome with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (June 2026)
Sail a Summer of Romance: Venice to Rome with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (June 2026)
There are vacations — and then there are journeys that become love stories.If you’re dreaming of the ultimate romantic escape in Europe, few experiences compare to sailing the Mediterranean aboard Ilma, the newest superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
In June 2026, Ilma departs on an unforgettable 9-night Venice to Rome (Civitavecchia) sailing, tracing the most enchanting coastlines of Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, and Sicily. Designed for couples, honeymooners, and travelers who crave intimacy without sacrificing luxury, this voyage is pure romance at sea — making it one of the most meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts you can give.
At Stars Desk, we are proud to be a Top Producer for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in 2025 and a Leading Marriott STARS Agency, offering exclusive insight, priority access, and white-glove service from booking to embarkation.
Why This Mediterranean Sailing Is the Definition of Romance
This sailing isn’t about rushing from port to port. It’s about lingering moments — sunset aperitivos, moonlit dinners, waking up to a new UNESCO World Heritage city just outside your suite window.
From Venice’s canals to Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, from Mount Etna’s vineyards to the Amalfi Coast’s cinematic beauty, every stop is hand-selected for romance, culture, and visual drama.
Voyage Highlights at a Glance
Yacht: Ilma
Route: Venice → Rome (Civitavecchia)
Departure Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
Duration: 9 Nights
Ports: 9 Destinations
Fares from: $15,800 USD per person
Day-by-Day Itinerary: A Love Letter to the Mediterranean
Day 1: Venice, Italy — Departure at 19:00
Few cities on Earth rival Venice for romance. Built across a lagoon of shimmering canals, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site where gondolas glide beneath arched bridges and Renaissance palaces glow at golden hour. Wander Piazza San Marco, explore the Doge’s Palace, or toast your journey with prosecco beside the Grand Canal before sailing into the Adriatic at sunset.
Day 2: Trieste, Italy
Begin your morning with what many consider Italy’s finest coffee, served in elegant Belle Époque cafés. Stroll the Canal Grande, visit Miramare Castle overlooking the sea, and enjoy an evening aperitivo at Piazza Unità d’Italia, the largest sea-facing plaza in Italy — utterly magical after dark.
Day 3: Opatija, Croatia
Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Opatija has long been a retreat for royalty and artists. Its mild climate, historic villas, and wellness spas invite relaxation. Walk the scenic Lungomare promenade, indulge in spa rituals, or dine on fresh seafood overlooking the sea.
Day 4: Split, Croatia
Split’s soul lives inside Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient Roman complex that still pulses with life. Dine in candle-lit alleyways, sip local wine along the Riva promenade, and experience history as locals do — effortlessly woven into everyday life.
Day 5: Kotor, Montenegro
Sailing into the Bay of Kotor feels cinematic. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, the fortified Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with medieval charm. Climb to St. John’s Fortress for unforgettable views or take a boat to the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks church.
Day 6: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s red-tiled roofs and stone walls rise above sapphire waters, earning it the title “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Walk the ancient ramparts, explore baroque churches, and watch the sun dip into the sea — a moment you’ll remember forever.
Day 7: Day at Sea
Unplug and reconnect. Enjoy spa treatments, sunset cocktails in the Observation Lounge, or quiet moments in The Living Room. Days like this are what make yachting incomparable to traditional cruising.
Day 8: Taormina (Naxos), Sicily
Home to the dramatically perched Greek Theatre, Taormina offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Wander Corso Umberto, savor Sicilian cuisine, or explore the volcanic landscapes of Etna — another UNESCO treasure.
Day 9: Sorrento, Italy
Perched above the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is your gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius. Explore historic cloisters, relax in Piazza Tasso, or take in the romance of lemon groves and cliffside views before sailing onward.
Life On Board Ilma: Intimate, Elegant, Effortless
Ilma redefines luxury cruising. With all-suite accommodations, private terraces, personalized service, and refined dining, the yacht feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a ship.
Highlights include:
All-suite, ocean-view accommodations
Michelin-inspired dining venues
World-class spa and wellness facilities
Open-air decks designed for sunset moments
Unmatched space-to-guest ratio
Suite Pricing & Availability — Venice to Rome | June 1, 2026
*Fares are per suite, based on double occupancy. Subject to availability and change.
Why Book with Stars Desk
When you book through Stars Desk, you’re not just reserving a suite — you’re securing expertise.
✔ Top Producer for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (2025)
✔ Marriott STARS preferred agency benefits - exclusive discounted suite upgrades, generous onboard credit, welcome amenities and many more
✔ Priority access to limited-availability sailings
✔ Expert guidance on suite selection & timing
✔ Concierge-level service before, during, and after your voyage
We know these yachts, these itineraries, and how to secure the best experience — because luxury is about details.
The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift
This Venice to Rome sailing aboard Ilma is more than a cruise — it’s a shared memory, a celebration of love, and a journey designed for romance at every turn.
Availability is limited, and summer Mediterranean sailings sell out early.
Book now with Stars Desk and sail into summer — in love, in luxury, and in unforgettable style
