8 Nights Best of Europe's West Coast: Dublin to Lisbon and reverse

Type of Vessel

On any day, the 310-guest flagship, Wind Surf, draws admiring glances as she glides majestically into port with her tall sails billowing. And her beauty is far more than skin deep. Starting beautiful furnishings in suites and staterooms, Wind Surf brings you some of the most beautiful public spaces at sea. During their cruise, guests will find the perfect setting for ‘making an entrance’ in the beautiful new reception area and, appropriately, that’s only the beginning. When you return to your stateroom, the luxury gets personal. Windstar’s signature bowls of flowers and fresh fruit will still be waiting for you, along with rich tufted headboards, soft seascape colors, beautiful new upholstery, and fine count Egyptian cotton linens welcome you to an oasis of relaxing indulgence.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Dublin, Ireland: Dublin is a city of delights and surprises. Stroll across the Ha’Penny Bridge to Trinity College for a glimpse of the Book of Kells. Step inside the 11th century Dublin Castle. Stop by the Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery for a taste of Irish history. And embrace the beauty of Dublin Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Day 2 | Waterford, Ireland: Explore Ireland’s oldest city from the Viking Triangle, surrounded by 10th century fortifications, to the sparkling House of Waterford Crystal, home to the largest collection of the landmark cut crystal in the world. Take time to raise a glass at T&H Doolans’ Pub, where visitors have been heartily welcomed for more than 300 years.

Day 3 | Isles of Scilly, England: This beautiful archipelago welcomes you to the best and most unspoiled beaches in Cornwall. Rare birds from around the globe are at home here, as are extraordinary gardens and the historic Cromwell Castle. As a special treat, choose an optional visit to the island of Tresco and its beautiful Abbey Gardens, designed by the renowned Augustus Smith on the site of the old Benedictine Abbey, now home to 20,000 exotic plants.

Day 4 | Brest, France: Welcome to Brest, and to Brittany, where you’ll hear whispers of Cornish and Welsh in the local French dialect. Brittany has a unique culture that still echoes its Celtic past. Travel to Carnac where local legend claims the prehistoric standing stones were a Roman Legion turned to stone by Merlin. Tour Brest Castle, with more than 1,700 years of history, the oldest active military stronghold in the world.

Day 6 | El Ferrol, Spain: After entering the estuary mouth, pass through a narrow canal where the twin castles of San Felipe and La Palma welcome you to what was the main base for the Spanish Navy in the 17th century. Spend a pleasant day rumbling around the old Magdalena neighborhood, or make your own pilgrimage to the nearby UNESCO site of Santiago de Compostela or head to Lugo to see the Roman Walls – another UNESCO site.

Day 7 | Vigo, Spain: See the twisting streets, old mansions, and beautiful plazas of the old district, parts of which have survived since medieval times. Dine on fresh seafood found all over Vigo but especially in the famous El Berbes Quarter. Or head further afield to Santiago de Compostela, where a magnificent cathedral has greeted pilgrims since the 9th century.

Day 8 | Porto, Portugal: Built into the granite cliffs at the mouth of the Rio Douro, the hilly city of Porto presents a heady juxtaposition of eras and styles. Here, medieval alleyways, orderly neighborhood squares, and ornate Baroque churches readily intermingle. Porto’s historic heart is a UNESCO site of winding lanes, zigzagging staircases and tiled churches. The highlight, though, is a taste of port wine at its best – a happy accident dating from the 17th century when brandy was discovered to preserve wine for transit. After your choice of palate-pleasing shore excursions, return for an onboard fado folk music performance.

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. Find the UNESCO sites of the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.

Food and Dining

All meals in all venues at all times, including room service menu available 24 hours. All non-alcoholic beverages, including cappuccino, espresso, and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks are offered to guests. There is also a welcome cocktails reception as well.

Onboard Activities/Events

Guests are allowed unlimited access to use all water sports equipment and there is also on board entertainment. A casino, lounge, pool, two whirlpools, and various restaurants and bars are also available for guests at their leisure.

Shore Excursions

Explore beautiful landmarks throughout your journey in Ireland, England, Spain, and Portugal with many highlighted excursions. Below are just a few of the many that you can experience on your voyage.

Waterford, A Walk Through Waterford City – The Viking Capital
Scilly Isles, Delightful St. Marys Island
Brest. Concarneau & Pont Aven
Brest, Taste & Glance of Brittany
El Ferrol, Coruna & Tapas
Vigo, Combarro & Galician Mussel Farming
Vigo, Kayak the Minho River
Porto Lexio, Historic Guimaraes

Staterooms or Cabins

Guests can enjoy amenities including a queen size bed with luxurious linens, a waffle weave robe and slippers, a flat screen TV with DVD player, a full stocked minibar and refrigerator, safety deposit box, direct dial phone, luxury bath amenities, Wi Fi access, fresh flowers and fruit, granite vanity with makeup mirror, wake in closet with ample drawer space, bathroom with granite countertop, full size tub and a shower, and hairdryers.
Gracious Staterooms offer stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 188 square feet of beautifully designed comfort. Your queen bed is swathed in luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Before or after you enjoy an invigorating massage shower with soothing L’Occitane® bath products, wrap up in your waffle-weave robe, have a snack from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and smell the flowers.
Spacious Suites with 376 square feet, you’ll find the perfect space for time together and plenty of room for time to yourself. You’ll even enjoy two full separate bathrooms. All the amenities of the staterooms await you, plus a beautiful sitting area, and two flat-screen television sets with DVD players.
Opulent Bridge Suites are the ultimate in space and style surrounds you in 495 square feet of pure indulgence. Separate bedroom and living room with an in-suite dining area is an invitation to relaxation. And possibly best of all, your expansive bathroom features both a whirlpool spa tub and a massage shower.

Spa

WindSpa is available to guests who wish to take time and relax after an adventurous day out exploring Panama or Costa Rica.

Fitness

There is a fitness center on board for guests who want to continue their workout while sailing.