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.
