Embark on the Santa Maria Manuela on a 5-night voyage that will take you between two port festivals, from the colourful Ligurian towns of Cinque Terre to the lively port of Sète, home of the Escale à Sète Port Festival. This route combines open sea sailing with cultural discovery, all aboard a historic Portuguese sailing ship.
We start our journey in La Spezia, surrounded by steep hills and close to the famous Cinque Terre coast. We sail in the company of other sailboats from the La Spezia harbour festival, heading west along the Mediterranean coast, passing the Gulf of Lion and entering Sète, a city known for its canals, seafood and artistic energy.
Whether it's hoisting sails, learning the ropes (literally), taking the helm or simply enjoying the movement of the boat beneath your feet, this trip is an ideal mix of adventure and exploration between two great Mediterranean ports.
At the end of March, this area of the Mediterranean is usually cool and pleasant, with temperatures between 14 and 18°C. Expect a mix of sunshine, clouds and occasional light showers. Winds can be fresh. Layered clothing is recommended, especially in the mornings and evenings on deck.
What you need to know:
Sail between two port festivals: La Spezia and Escale à Sète.
Itinerary
This itinerary begins in La Spezia, Italy, where you can explore the charming harbour and discover the Cinque Terre, a collection of picturesque seaside villages. Then it's on to Sète, France, known for its canals and vibrant Mediterranean culture. Here, visitors can enjoy the local cuisine, especially seafood, and take in the beautiful view from Mont Saint Clair. Overall, this route offers a perfect combination of nature, culture and gastronomy.
La SpeziaGreat place to enjoy a beautiful harbour and sea views. Known for its proximity to the Cinque Terre, it offers a mix of history and nature, perfect for lovers of culture and gastronomy.
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Visit the emblematic towns of Cinque Terre and Sète.
Sail the waters of the Mediterranean aboard a historic sailing ship.
Participate in daily sailing routines or enjoy some time to relax.
Full board included: 3 meals per day
On-board activities and voluntary cooperation in navigation
Explore the French charm of the Mediterranean.
5 nights
From 800 €/per person
23/03/2026 - 28/03/2026
Boarding harbor: La Spezia
Disembarkation harbor: Sète
Santa María Manuela: 4-masted schooner (44 people + crew)
Sail between two port festivals: La Spezia and Escale à Sète.
Visit the emblematic towns of Cinque Terre and Sète.
Sail the waters of the Mediterranean aboard a historic sailing ship.
Participate in daily sailing routines or enjoy some time to relax.
Full board included: 3 meals per day
On-board activities and voluntary cooperation in navigation
Santa María Manuela: 4-masted schooner (44 people + crew)
From 800 € / p.p
SèteKnown for its charming harbour and vibrant atmosphere, this French town offers sunny beaches, delicious gastronomy and a lively cultural scene, ideal for enjoying and relaxing.
*IMPORTANT: The itinerary is indicative and may vary according to weather conditions and the crew's preferences. The skipper is responsible for safety on board and can modify the itinerary at any time.
Your boat
Santa María Manuela: 4-masted schooner
The Santa Maria Manuela is a 4-masted sailing schooner, built in 1937 initially as a commercial cod fishing vessel. After many years campaigning in the cold north, and following an extensive refit in 2022, she now offers a programme of sailing holiday cruises, scientific expeditions, events and team building programmes.
The unique heritage of the Santa Maria Manuela, with her white hull, beautiful lines, simple navigation systems and open deck make her one of the most sought after in the world for cruising and events. Since its renovation it offers great comfort and makes it one of the most modern and comfortable in the world, while remaining true to its sailing origins.
The Santa Maria Manuela is a 4-masted sailing schooner, built in 1937 initially as a commercial cod fishing vessel. After many years campaigning in the cold north, and following an extensive refit in 2022, she now offers a programme of sailing holiday cruises, scientific expeditions, events and team building programmes.
The unique heritage of the Santa Maria Manuela, with her white hull, beautiful lines, simple navigation systems and open deck make her one of the most sought after in the world for cruising and events. Since its renovation it offers great comfort and makes it one of the most modern and comfortable in the world, while remaining true to its sailing origins.
Your cabin
All staterooms on the Santa Maria Manuela have en-suite bathrooms and private showers. Each stateroom is air-conditioned, has ample storage space, and is highly soundproofed for comfort.
The ship has 10 double cabins, of which two of them are the master cabin and the Atlantic suite with double beds, and the rest with bunk beds with wide berths. The ship has 4 quadruple cabins with bunk beds and one cabin for up to 6 people, also with bunk beds.
Facilities: Shower and shower head (WC) / Wardrobe / Reading light / USB / European two-pin plugs / Privacy curtains / Towels and bed linen / Daily cleaning / Carpeting / Air-conditioning / Air-conditioning / Air-conditioning / Air-conditioning / Bathrobes and towels / Bathroom linen / Bathroom towels / Bathroom towels and towels
Daily cleaning / Carpeting / Air-conditioning / Soundproofing / Soundproofing
Life on board
Rates & availability
Booking conditions
All travellers must be between 14 and 80 years of age at the time of departure.
To complete the booking it is necessary to pay 100% of the amount of the trip.
In case of individual use of the cabin, an extra charge will be made on top of the normal fare.
Boarding information
Boarding is usually at 16:00 on the day of departure.
Disembarkation is at 10:00 a.m. on the last day of the trip, after breakfast.
The meeting point at the port of embarkation will be communicated by email 15 days before departure.
Additional information
Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Refreshments (coffee, tea, water, juice) throughout the day