10 Nights Riviera Romance: Barcelona to Rome

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 | 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 | Marseille, France: France’s oldest city was named the 2013 European Capital of Culture by the European Union. Head in to the old heart of the city for a bowl of the city’s signature bouillabaisse, or drive into the Provençal countryside for a look at the timeless landscapes that inspired Cézanne and other greats.

Day 3 | 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 4 | Le Lavandou, France: Le Lavandou is a very popular area for get-aways and is known as one of the prettiest towns in France with spectacular beaches. There are several lovely pine-shaded coves, each with a different color of sand. Water sports here include windsurfing, snorkeling, swimming and kayaking. Le Lavandou is also popular for the delicious rosé wine of the region. You don’t have to travel far to find a local vineyard for a wine tasting or to visit the charming medieval village of Bormes Les Mimosas.

Day 5 | Monte Carlo, Monaco: Glide into port in one of Europe’s most exclusive harbors. 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 | San Remo, Italy: The mild climate of San Remo, considered the capital of Italian flower markets, makes for ideal flower growing. Indeed, it is full of lovely gardens, great architecture and beautiful vistas. One of the largest public gardens is found at Villa Ormond, filled with pathways of oleander, bougainvillea, jasmine and roses, fountains and a Japanese garden. The La Pigna District dating back to the 11th century is a labyrinth of stacked houses, secret shortcuts, narrow passageways and wonderful little shops, cafes and churches.

Day 7 | 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 harbor from the famous Hotel Splendido, it’s hard not to admire the sleek, streamlined beauty of your Windstar ship.

Day 8 | Portovenere, Italy: Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites beckon you. Select an optional excursion to Pisa, known for its bell tower with its unintended tilt. Tour the beautiful city of Florence, or the historic San Gimegnano. Or step back into Tuscany’s rustic tradition to visit the charming villages of Cinque Terre (Five Lands) by boat.

Day 9 | Bastia, Corsica, France: As the principal port of Corsica, Bastia has vibrant historical neighborhoods with narrow streets and alleys between ancient shuttered buildings of the 18th century. One of the main squares is the Place du Marche, home of a morning market and the impressive 16th century Saint-Jean-Baptiste church. On the other side of the harbor sits the substantial citadel, the beautiful gardens of Jardin Romieu and the once very-elegant houses of the Terra Nova district.

Day 10 | 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 11 | 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,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking 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 of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.

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 between Spain and Rome on many highlighted excursions. Below are just a few of the many that you can experience on your voyage.

Flavors of Castellet
Castellet & Tasting
Nice Old Town
Cinque Terra by Boat Tour
Walking Tour & Tasting
Corsican Tales and Legends
Countryside Drive & Wine Tasting

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.

Fitness

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