River Cruises Direct

MOROCCO AND THE CANARY ISLANDS

Based on the Windstar Cruises Fleet

Lisbon - Casablanca – Agadir - Lanzarote - Las Palmas - San Sebastian de la Gomera - Santa Cruz de Tenerife

From the dazzle of the Kasbah to the tropical serenity of the Canary Islands, this voyage is a perfect blend of indulgences. Take a leisurely stroll through the storied souks of Agadir, and let yourself relax into the tropical mood. Explore quiet beaches, sample fine wines, and soak up the Spanish culture of one of the world’s treasured places.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 LISBON, PORTUGAL

The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its beguiling dance. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.

DAY 2 AT SEA

DAY 3 CASABLANCA, MOROCCO

The siren call of Morocco is irresistible. Amid the whitewashed alleyways and stunning ocean views, make time for an optional excursion to the medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Explore the souks and medinas in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Yves St. Laurent, who both called this extraordinary blend of east and west their home.

DAY 4 AT SEA

DAY 5 AGADIR, MOROCCO

Edged by the mighty Sahara, lush parks, and beautiful, sandy beaches, Agadir brings you the best of all worlds. Shop for exotic jewellery and rugs in Souk Elhad and test your haggling talents. Or try your luck on a surfboard. Slow down and enjoy the view from the site of the old Kasbah, where a panorama of bay, port, and town stretch before you.

DAY 6 LANZAROTE, SPAIN

Nature is the star on this small volcanic island. Enjoy the afternoon on the beach or follow the island’s famous wine trail, tasting as you go. This, the most northerly of the Canary Islands, welcomes you with laid-back hospitality and genuine warmth. This region of petrified lava makes up the National Park of Timanfaya and its Mountains of Fire, where visions of a lifeless, prehistoric earth, with enormous craters of an incandescent red colour, can be seen on a bus or even a camel tour.  This unique atmosphere has made it a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most impressive natural parks in all of Spain.

DAY 7 LAS PALMAS, SPAIN

Magnificent scenery surrounds you in the capital of Gran Canaria. Two lovely bays and their beautiful beaches frame the city. The Vegueta District, the older quarter of the town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its historical and cultural treasures, dating back to the city’s founding in 1478. Enjoy the full day here, lingering, over a café dinner or after-dinner drink before our evening departure.

DAY 8 SAN SEBASTIAN DE LA GOMERA, SPAIN

Though you won’t find canaries here you will find people who can whistle like them. Whistled speech helped shepherds communicate across the steep ravines and in the lush cloud forest of Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Columbus paused here on all three voyages so you’re in good company as you explore historic San Sebastián, but with all the natural beauty around, you’ll find your gaze drawn inexorably up the terraced hillsides and across to views of Mount Teide.

DAY 9 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, SPAIN

Here in this privileged setting you’ll discover two UNESCO World Heritage Site beaches of tantalizing beauty; San Cristóbal de La Laguna; and the island’s symbol, Teide National Park. Wide avenues, exotic landscapes, and striking examples of modernist architecture complete one of the world’s most popular destinations.

ISLANDS OF THE WEST MED

Based on the Windstar Cruise Fleet

Rome - Portoferraio – Porto Vecchio - Alghero - Palma de Mallorca - Barcelona

This collection of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful and haunting islands is a yachtsman’s fantasy, a traveller’s dream. Emerald landscapes, turquoise seas, pristine beaches, and trendsetting cities. Discover the Mediterranean at its best. Beautiful islands — Elba, Corsica, Sardinia, and Mallorca — framed by vibrant cities, Barcelona and Rome.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 ROME, ITALY

When in Rome, take time to lose yourself within this dazzling city’s fascinating history. The Eternal City boasts the many wonders of the Sistine Chapel, while elsewhere you’ll find world-famous fountains, plazas, elegant courtyards, and amazing works of art. 

DAY 2 PORTOFERRAIO, ITALY

Even after four centuries, this walled town on the island of Elba retains much of its Renaissance charm. Visit the Lunguella Fortress Museum to view the collection of Etruscan amphorae and Villa San Martino to see the elegant furniture, library, and other treasures left behind from Napoleon’s brief stay here.

DAY 3 PORTO-VECCHIO, FRANCE

The island of Corsica is famous for its dazzling, crystal-clear waters and some of the island’s finest beaches are just a short taxi ride from town. At Corsica’s edge, the medieval city of Bonifacio appears as “Land’s End” as you approach. Bonifacio’s ancient Citadel was once headquarters for the French Foreign Legion — and from any angle, the views are peerless. In nearby Torre, wander through ruins from the Bronze Age.

DAY 4 ALGHERO, ITALY

A fortified wall complete with impressive towers heralds your arrival to the charming town of Alghero in Sardinia. Within the city walls, cobblestone streets lead to attractive little squares lined with lively shops and cozy tavernas. Enjoy the first signs of evening sunset from the landscaped esplanade along the Lido.

DAY 6 PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN

Mallorca is steep, green, and fringed with enticing coves and more than 200 lush beaches. But all that natural beauty is just the beginning. Stroll along the tree-shaded Paseo de Born in search of tapas. Shop for a Siurell; a traditional red, green, and white clay whistle dating back to the time of the Moors. Watch the street performers on the piazza around the church, or cross the island to beautiful Sóller.

DAY 7 BARCELONA, SPAIN

The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí at La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.

TREASURES OF SOUTHERN SPAIN AND MOROCCO

Based on the Windstar Cruise Fleet

Barcelona - Tarragona - Ibiza - Cartagena - Almeria - Málaga - Tangier - Lisbon

Embark in the City of Explorers, Lisbon, and dazzle your senses with Spanish treasure—golden Costa del Sol beaches, the Moorish magnificence of the Alhambra, the Roman ruins of Cartagena and Tarragona. Sit at a café in Tangier’s medina sipping mint tea and watching old men play backgammon. Nestle up to the other exclusive yachts in Ibiza’s harbour with some 80 blissful beaches calling your name. Celebrate a dream come true.  

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 BARCELONA, SPAIN

Joan Miró, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Antoni Gaudí have shaped the city in their Modernism image, especially in the Gothic Quarter. Stroll Las Ramblas where street artists form human statues and perform acrobatic capoeira.

DAY 2 TARRAGONA, SPAIN

The beautiful, sunny port city of Tarragona has lovely beaches, a spectacular cathedral, and Spain’s second most important Roman ruins of Tarraco, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many other ruins around Tarragona as well including an amphitheatre by the sea. Also known as the city of human towers, Tarragona originated this deep-rooted tradition that has been recognized by UNESCO on their Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The city lives and breathes this tower building spirit which requires the commitment and bravery of many people.

DAY 3 IBIZA, SPAIN

Ibiza (translated “Party until you drop”) boasts more than 100 miles of coastline with over 50 beaches, and a myriad of restaurants.  It has also become famous for the electronic music that originated there. Large portions of the island are UNESCO World Heritage Sites including “God’s Finger” in Benirras Bay, Ses Feixes Wetlands, Sa Caleta, site of the first Phoenician settlement, and Ibiza Town. Said to be the spot where Ulysses was lured by the sirens, there is also a magnetic field here that makes compasses useless.

DAY 4 CARTAGENA, SPAIN

Welcome to the sparkling city of Cartagena, where the gold and jewels of the Spanish Main awaited shipment across the Atlantic. No pirate could resist, nor will you be able to when you visit this historic city. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by 400-year-old walls and contains a plethora of churches, fortresses, and restored colonial mansions. Outside the walls are more treasures: Climb the massive Castillo de San Felipe to investigate its maze of hidden tunnels, or shop for the perfect emerald.

DAY 5 ALMERIA (GRANADA),SPAIN

Enjoy a walking tour of this ancient city (no vehicles are allowed within its walls). If you prefer, opt for a beautiful drive through the Andalusian countryside to Granada and the magnificent Alhambra Palace. Built in the 14th century, this breathtaking example of Moorish architecture combines intricate mosaics and stone-cast latticework in a tapestry of grace and sophistication unparalleled in western civilization.

DAY 6 MÁLAGA, SPAIN

Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines.

DAY 7 TANGIER, MOROCCO

Fascinating Tangier is a traveller’s delight with beautiful vistas, lovely unspoiled beaches, intriguing history and friendly people. Separated from Spain by only 20 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is considered by many to be the gateway to Africa. With its cosmopolitan mix of African and European influences, there are many interesting sites in Tangier.  The two UNESCO sites of the Medina (the old-walled city) a bustling place, and the Kasbah which offers beautiful views and fine Moroccan art, and the Place de France in the heart of the new city is an entertaining place to sip mint tea and enjoy the view.

DAY 8 LISBON, PORTUGAL

Climb to St. George’s Castle for an unforgettable view of mosaic sidewalks, the bustling Alfama, the Tower of Belem, and a thousand diversions to fill your day.

SPANISH SERENADE

Based on the Windstar Cruise Fleet

Barcelona - Palma de Mallorca – Almeria - Málaga - Gibraltar – Seville - Portimao - Lisbon

From the culture and cuisine of Lisbon to the incredible beaches of Portimao, in the southern region of the Algarve, you’ll visit two quintessential Portuguese ports before indulging in all that Spain has to offer. Experience Andalusia, a region which hugs the southern coast of Spain and embraces cultural influences from both sides of the strait of Gibraltar; Europe and Africa. On this voyage you’ll find the UNESCO Sites of Alhambra and Alcázar. Partake in a relaxing day, lounging on the stunning beaches of Mallorca and explore Barcelona as you take in the fascinating architecture of Antoni Gaudi. Sip a glass of sherry and explore golden beaches and anachronistic mountain villages, passionate flamenco, magnificent Moorish architecture, and mouthwatering tapas.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 BARCELONA, SPAIN

The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.

DAY 2 PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN

Mallorca is steep, green, and fringed with enticing coves and more than 200 lush beaches. But all that natural beauty is just the beginning. Hear whispers of Chopin in Valldemossa’s monastery where he and George Sand once spent time. Watch the street performers on the piazza around the church, or cross the island to beautiful Sóller.

DAY 4 ALMERIA (GRANADA),SPAIN

Enjoy a walking tour of this ancient city. If you prefer, opt for a beautiful drive through the Andalusian countryside to Granada and the magnificent UNESCO site, the Alhambra Palace. Built in the 14th century, this breathtaking example of Moorish architecture combines intricate mosaics and stone-cast latticework in a tapestry of grace and sophistication unparalleled in western civilization. Or take an optional excursion into nature at one of three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

DAY 5 MÁLAGA, SPAIN

Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines.

DAY 6 GIBRALTAR, BRITISH TERRITORY

It’s an odd bit of Britain here at the toe of Spain, with Barbary apes and miles of tunnels as well as traditional red phone boxes. Legend says Gibraltar was one of the two pillars erected by Hercules to mark the edge of the world. Take the cable car to the top to see if you can see it from here. No, that’s not it. That’s just Africa. What a view.

DAY 7 SEVILLE, SPAIN

Today we cruise up the Guadalquivir River into the heart of Seville. (Most large cruise ships dock in Cádiz more than an hour away.) The Renaissance struck early here, during the Dark Ages that cloaked the rest of Europe. The Old Town alone contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the incomparable Alcázar Palace, just waiting for your own oohs and ahhs to echo through the Moorish arches and Italian courtyards. Or head out to the Donana National Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

DAY 8 PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL

Follow the savoury aroma of sardines grilling to the colourful quay, or let your lust for leather lead you to the old town’s shops and 18th century buildings. In ancient Silves, once a Moorish capital, the castle and cathedral are right next to each other in town. How thoughtful of them to make sightseeing so easy.

DAY 9 LISBON, PORTUGAL

The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance. This splendid capital city on the banks of the Rio Teja offers a warm welcome and an unparalleled blend of architectural styles. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.

ENCHANTING GREECE AND THE AMALFI COAST

Enchanting Greece & the Amalfi Coast

Athens - Monemvasia – Gythion - Giardini Naxos - Lipari – Capri - Rome

Idyllic islands, charming cobbled villages, spectacular scenery, intriguing history. Capture the heart of the Mediterranean in a single voyage. Each small harbour is especially suited for small ship exploration. Enjoy the best of the region — from the ancient ruins of Sparta and Mystras to the pure indulgence of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 ATHENS, GREECE

With 3,000 years of history, you can’t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed.

DAY 2 MONEMVASIA, GREECE

This beautiful hamlet might have been forgotten by time. Accessible only by a narrow causeway from the mainland, the city is a myriad of streets wide enough only for pedestrians, lined with picturesque shops and ancient, still lived in, houses. It’s easy to lose yourself in leisurely wandering here — after all, this region, Laconia, gives meaning to our English word laconic.

DAY 3 GYTHION, GREECE

This exuberant little port is the very essence of all that we celebrate as Greek. Cheerful pastel houses are littered among intriguing whitewashed lanes and staircases. Playful sculptures welcome you to the harbour’s cheerful shops, coffee houses, and waterfront cafés. This is a perfect place to enjoy a cup of rich coffee or a glass of ouzo while you watch the world go by. To explore further, consider an excursion to the Dyros Caves, often cited as the most beautiful in the world.

DAY 5 GIARDINI NAXOS, ITALY

Today you’ll discover one of Sicily’s jewels, the charming village of Giardini Naxos, nestled in one of the world’s most beautiful bays. An excursion to the popular hillside town of Taormina will be a highlight of your voyage — from the stunning setting of the iconic Greek Theatre to the sparkling beaches along the Ionian Sea. Take a more adventurous tack and explore Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.

DAY 6 LIPARI, ITALY

Today is a good day to live the yachting life to its fullest. As our small ship rests alongside the glamorous yachts of the world’s elite, you’ll fit right in. Take time on shore to explore the beautiful village and enjoy the exclusive access that only a small ship can provide in a port large cruise ships cannot reach. Special excursions allow you to experience the island’s dramatic natural beauty, from a hike to the rim of an active volcano to a wonderfully indulgent geothermal mud bath.

DAY 7 CAPRI, ITALY

In English, it’s ka-PREE . In Italian, KAH-pree. In person, it’s simply spectacular. Whether you seek the stunning splendour of the famous Blue Grotto, or simply decide to meander among lemon-scented lanes festooned with bougainvillea and oleander, this island will captivate you. The dramatic blue of the sea coupled with the striking cliffs of the Faraglioni Rocks remind you why this legendary island of the Sirens is hard to leave.

DAY 8 ROME, ITALY

When in Rome … you cannot miss the opportunity to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, not to mention the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon and so much more. 

YACHTING THE RIVIERA - NICE TO ROME

Based on the Windstar Cruises Fleet

Nice - St. Tropez - Monte Carlo – Cannes – Portofino - La Spezia – Portoferraio - Rome

Live the dream of the Italian and French Rivieras. It feels like you’re on your own private yacht in a yachtsman’s paradise. From the tiny villages of Cinque Terre to the chic style of Monaco and Cannes, let Windstar show you the legendary ports of the world’s most privileged yachts. Sparkling cities, ancient treasures, tranquil beaches, stunning coastlines.

DAY 1 NICE, FRANCE

With its flower-lined streets, flourishing markets, and interesting museums (the Musée Chagall and Musée Matisse are highlights), Nice is a charming introduction to the spirit of the Riviera. Pull up a chaise bleu on the wide sunny Promenade des Anglais and watch the world sail by. Or stop for bouillabaisse, a specialty of the area, in a local restaurant.

DAY 2 ST. TROPEZ, FRANCE

Small but chic, St. Tropez is a lively town whose beaches are legendary, both for their beauty and for the beauties on them. Follow the narrow lanes from the waterfront, and you’ll arrive at the oldest part of St. Tropez, where twisting narrow streets open onto tiny squares and fountains. Great views can be had from the 16th century Citadel, but the most interesting views are from a chair in a sidewalk café: sit on the terrace and watch the fascinating, flirtatious French Riviera pass by.

DAY 3 MONTE CARLO, MONACO

Glide into port in one of Europe’s most exclusive harbours. Mingle with other privileged yachtsmen or step ashore and start walking. The glittering Grand Casino, legendary for its exotic setting on screen and off, is a must see, as is the royal family’s palace and the tomb of Philadelphia-born Princess Grace in the Cathedral.

DAY 4 CANNES, FRANCE

Spend a day in the epicentre of the French Riviera — a world of exclusive boutiques, palm-fringed boulevards, sun-drenched beaches, and elegant sidewalk cafés. Be sure to visit the Avenue of the Stars, where you can place your hands in the prints of famous international celebrities. This is the perfect place to kick back in the sun and treat yourself to an afternoon of people watching!

DAY 5 PORTOFINO, ITALY

With its golden ochre and terracotta buildings, designer shops, and chic cafés, Portofino represents the height of Italian artistry and sophistication. Sip a cappuccino along the fabled marina or enjoy a day of shopping in one of the town’s tempting little boutiques. As you look out over the harbour from the famous Hotel Splendido, it’s hard not to admire the sleek, streamlined beauty of your Windstar yacht.

DAY 6 LA SPEZIA, ITALY

The charming little port town of La Spezia is just minutes away from some beautiful sites such a Pisa. Lucca and Cinque Terra. The streets are full of bergamot trees, and the lovely beach borders beautiful gardens. Not surprisingly, La Spezia has some cozy trattorias showcasing the standard Ligurian delicacies of wine, bread and pesto sauce.

DAY 7 PORTOFERRAIO, ITALY

Pine-scented forests and miles of sandy beach await your arrival on the tranquil island of Elba. Enjoy a glass of local Moscato with the fresh catch of the day before pondering your next move. Perhaps you’ll visit the nearby countryside with its small fishing villages and dramatic mountain passes. Or maybe you’ll decide to walk to the nearest beach and dip your toes into the warm Mediterranean.

DAY 8 ROME, ITALY

Benvenuto a Roma! This most engaging of international cities has it all: ancient monuments like the Colosseum and Forum, time-honoured sites such as the Spanish Steps and Pantheon, artistic masterpieces like the Pietà and Sistine Chapel in Vatican City — plus fabulous restaurants and beautiful people everywhere you look. This is a city for walking, watching, and being endlessly delighted.

YACHTING THE RIVIERA - ROME TO NICE

Based on the Windstar Cruise Fleet

Rome - Portoferraio - La Spezia - Portofino - Monte Carlo – Cannes - St. Tropez - Nice

Live the dream of the Italian and French Rivieras. It feels like you’re on your own private yacht in a yachtsman’s paradise. From the tiny villages of Cinque Terre to the chic style of Monaco and Cannes, let Windstar show you the legendary ports of the world’s most privileged yachts. Sparkling cities, ancient treasures, tranquil beaches, stunning coastlines.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 ROME, ITALY

Benvenuto a Roma! This most engaging of international cities has it all: ancient monuments like the Colosseum and Forum, time-honoured sites such as the Spanish Steps and Pantheon, artistic masterpieces like the Pietà and Sistine Chapel in Vatican City — plus fabulous restaurants and beautiful people everywhere you look. This is a city for walking, watching, and being endlessly delighted.

DAY 2 PORTOFERRAIO, ITALY

Pine-scented forests and miles of sandy beach await your arrival on the tranquil island of Elba. Enjoy a glass of local Moscato with the fresh catch of the day before pondering your next move. Perhaps you’ll visit the nearby countryside with its small fishing villages and dramatic mountain passes. Or maybe you’ll decide to walk to the nearest beach and dip your toes into the warm Mediterranean.

DAY 3 LA SPEZIA, ITALY

The charming little port town of La Spezia is just minutes away from some beautiful sites such a Pisa. Lucca and Cinque Terra. The streets are full of bergamot trees, and the lovely beach borders beautiful gardens. Not surprisingly, La Spezia has some cozy trattorias showcasing the standard Ligurian delicacies of wine, bread and pesto sauce.

DAY 4 PORTOFINO, ITALY

With its golden ochre and terracotta buildings, designer shops, and chic cafés, Portofino represents the height of Italian artistry and sophistication. Sip a cappuccino along the fabled marina or enjoy a day of shopping in one of the town’s tempting little boutiques. As you look out over the harbour from the famous Hotel Splendido, it’s hard not to admire the sleek, streamlined beauty of your Windstar yacht.

DAY 5 MONTE CARLO, MONACO

Glide into port in one of Europe’s most exclusive harbours. Mingle with other privileged yachtsmen or step ashore and start walking. The glittering Grand Casino, legendary for its exotic setting on screen and off, is a must see, as is the royal family’s palace and the tomb of Philadelphia-born Princess Grace in the Cathedral.

DAY 6 CANNES, FRANCE

Spend a day in the epicentre of the French Riviera — a world of exclusive boutiques, palm-fringed boulevards, sun-drenched beaches, and elegant sidewalk cafés. Be sure to visit the Avenue of the Stars, where you can place your hands in the prints of famous international celebrities. This is the perfect place to kick back in the sun and treat yourself to an afternoon of people watching!

DAY 7 ST. TROPEZ, FRANCE

Small but chic, St. Tropez is a lively town whose beaches are legendary, both for their beauty and for the beauties on them. Follow the narrow lanes from the waterfront, and you’ll arrive at the oldest part of St. Tropez, where twisting narrow streets open onto tiny squares and fountains. Great views can be had from the 16th century Citadel, but the most interesting views are from a chair in a sidewalk café: sit on the terrace and watch the fascinating, flirtatious French Riviera pass by.

DAY 8 NICE, FRANCE

With its flower-lined streets, flourishing markets, and interesting museums (the Musée Chagall and Musée Matisse are highlights), Nice is a charming introduction to the spirit of the Riviera. Pull up a chaise bleu on the wide sunny Promenade des Anglais and watch the world sail by. Or stop for bouillabaisse, a specialty of the area, in a local restaurant.

GLITTER AND GLAM OF THE RIVIERAS

Based on the Windstar Cruises Fleet

Rome – Portoferraio – Portofino - Monte Carlo - Cannes - Sanary-sur-Mer - Port Vendres - Barcelona

Enjoy the world’s premier yachting playgrounds in a beautiful small ship that feels like your own private yacht. These beautiful ports string together like perfect pearls, each glowing with its own special beauty. Sparkling cities and charming villages. Secluded harbours and immaculate beaches. Discover the mystique and magic of the Rivieras that only an intimate yacht can show you.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 ROME, ITALY

In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers, Internet cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breath taking history.  A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few…

DAY 2 PORTOFERRAIO, ITALY

Pine-scented forests and miles of sandy beach await your arrival on the tranquil island of Elba. Enjoy a glass of local Moscato with the fresh catch of the day before pondering your next move. Perhaps you’ll visit the nearby countryside with its small fishing villages and dramatic mountain passes. Or see the calming beauty of Tuscan Archipelago National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.  Or maybe you’ll decide to walk to the nearest beach and dip your toes into the warm Mediterranean. 

DAY 3 PORTOFINO, ITALY

With its golden ochre and terracotta buildings, designer shops, and chic cafés, Portofino represents the height of Italian artistry and sophistication. Sip a cappuccino along the fabled marina or enjoy a day of shopping in one of the town’s tempting little boutiques. As you look out over the harbour from the famous Hotel Splendido, it’s hard not to admire the sleek, streamlined beauty of your Windstar yacht.

DAY 4 MONTE CARLO, MONACO

Glide into port in one of Europe’s most exclusive harbours. Mingle with other privileged yachtsmen or step ashore and start walking. The glittering Grand Casino, legendary for its exotic setting on screen and off, is a must see, as is the royal family’s palace and the tomb of Philadelphia-born Princess Grace in the Cathedral.

DAY 5 CANNES, FRANCE

Spend a day wandering among the rich and famous in the chic epicentre of the French Riviera — a world of exclusive boutiques, palm-fringed boulevards, sun-drenched beaches, and elegant sidewalk cafés. Be sure to visit the Avenue of the Stars, where you can place your hands in the prints of international celebrities. An optional escorted walking tour guides you through the best of this extraordinary and stylish city.

DAY 6 SANARY-SUR-MER, FRANCE

France’s sunniest city, located on the French Riviera, was originally a small fishing village and still is adorned by a large collection of traditional wooden fishing boats. This is the home of a group of local artisan fisherman who sell their catch daily on the pier and where Jacques Cousteau had a residence, the Villa Baobab.

DAY 7 PORT VENDRES, FRANCE

When daydreamers long for “the south of France,” this is what they imagine. Set on the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean and flanked on three sides by the Pyrenees foothills, this beautiful harbour is home to the prestigious vineyards of Banyuls. Taste the wine, along with the wonderful seafood.   (Whether you’re in Port-Vendres or Collioure, you’ll experience the beauty of the south of France – the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees foothills, the prestigious vineyards and a beautiful harbour.

DAY 8 BARCELONA, SPAIN

The cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, exuberant Barcelona celebrates the surreal work of Antoni Gaudí, the artistry of Picasso, and the pure joy and colour of Catalan life. Don’t miss the city’s amazingly well-preserved Gothic centre with its winding maze of narrow byways. Or wander down to La Fusta Wharf, a promenade near the Old Port where you’ll find a tempting array of excellent restaurants, cafés, and bars.

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YACHTING THE GREEK ISLES

Based on the Windstar Cruise Fleet

Athens – Mykonos – Santorini – Rhodes – Kalymnos – Nafplio - Athens

A single voyage covers thousands of years of civilization's greatest feats – from the Acropolis of Athens to the blue domes of Santorini. Explore the tiny streets and narrow alleys of Mykonos, and escape to Delos, the fabled island of Apollo, where you'll walk in the ancient footsteps of the gods. Listen for echoes of history as you explore smaller hidden ports like Nafplio, and treat yourself to superlative grilled seafood, accompanied by an ouzo salute to the sunset. From the dramatic mountains of Kalymnos to the medieval city of Rhodes, discover the Greek Isles as they were meant to be travelled, in sailing yacht style.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 ATHENS, GREECE

With 3,000 years of history, you can’t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed.

DAY 2 MYKONOS, GREECE

Wake this morning to the postcard-like scene of Mykonos, the classic Greek isle dotted with hundreds of whitewashed churches and thatch-roofed windmills, in a harbour bobbing with fishing boats and luxurious private yachts. An optional tour including a scenic ferry ride takes you back to the 6th century B.C. to the tiny island of Delos, a UNESCO site and the mythical birthplace of Apollo

DAY 3 SANTORINI, GREECE

As our yacht approaches the spectacular cliffs rising from the deep azure sea, you’ll understand the magic of this area, where some say the ruins of Atlantis remain hidden. Visit the village of Oia and see the iconic Santorini blue domes or take a guided tour of Bronze Age excavations at the UNESCO site of Akrotiri. Toast the day with a crisp, cold glass of local Assyrtiko wine.

DAY 4 RHODES, GREECE

This gracious oasis, known as the “Island of Roses,” was home to the legendary Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today it is a yachting paradise, whose shores are lined with sparkling beaches and lush green mountainsides. A scenic drive leads you through quaint villages and lemon groves to the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, standing guard over the picturesque town or to the Old City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

DAY 5 KALYMNOS, GREECE

Tucked away in the sunniest corner of Greece and off the beaten path, Kalymnos is known as the home of the sponge fishermen. Walk past the grand mansions built from the proceeds of sponge trade, and don’t miss the Hellenistic bronze statue known as the “Lady of Kalymnos” at the archaeological museum, another treasure fetched from the sea in a fisherman’s net. Finish the day with a stop at the local market for a spongy souvenir and a taste of wild thyme honey.

DAY 7 NAFPLIO, GREECE

This charming seaside town on the Peloponnese is one of the most romantic cities in Greece. Enjoy the medieval old town with narrow cobblestone alleys, and neoclassical mansions with bougainvillea trees adorning the balconies. Take an optional tour to the UNESCO site of Epidaurus or the UNESCO site of Mycenea, ancient ruins including the famous Lion’s Gate. Stroll the Syntagma Square and take in the beauty of the Palamidi Castle with its 999 steps carved from the rocks. The view is breathtaking.

DAY 8 ATHENS, GREECE

With 3,000 years of history, you can’t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed.