Europe | Windstar Cruises - Wind Surf
October
Barcelona, Spain; Sanary-Sur-Mer, France; St. Tropez, France; Antibes, France; Nice, France; Le Lavandou, France; Palamos, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Tarragona, Spain; Ibiza, Spain; Cartagena, Spain; Almeria (Granada), Spain; Malaga, Spain; Tangier, Morocco; Lisbon, Portugal
While Windstar specializes in finding little-known destinations far from the crowd, you’ll find similar solitude among Europe’s most popular destinations during this off-peak, 15-day cruise of the Rivieras and Eastern Atlantic. Wander unimpeded through neo- Baroque exhibits in Barcelona and Palamos, and skip the wait times at sidewalk cafés and seaside restaurants throughout Southern France and Spain. The comfortable autumn climate makes sunny walking tours in places like St. Tropez, Tangier, Tarragona and Nice’s Old Town still feel like late summer, but the paths, parks and cobblestone streets largely are all your own. The warm afterglow still lingers along Spain’s Ibiza coastline, so have your swimwear ready for kayaking and pack your shorts for riding Segways on tours of Cartagena’s Spanish castles and fortifications.
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.
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 | 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 3 | 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 4 | Antibes, France: Here is the picture-perfect seaside town on the Côte d’Azur. In the luxury harbor many mega yachts are docked. Take a walk through Old Town Antibes with its narrow cobblestone streets and a daily flower and vegetable open market. Antibes is full of shops and cafés and other highlights include the Picasso Museum, Old Town Antibes, the Napoleon Museum, the Cap d’Antibes promontory, and the beautiful variety of beaches.
Day 4 & 5 | 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 6 | 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 7 | Palamos, Spain: Palamos is famous for the locally caught prawns found in the beautiful bay it sits beside, also known for the excellent swimming, surfing, snorkeling and windsurfing there. Here is the place to try fresh local Catalan cuisine. Two great highlights near Palamos are the Dali Museum, located in his home town of Figueres, and the UNESCO city of Girona, with its medieval architecture, walled Old Quarter and the Roman remains of Forca Vella Fortress.
Day 8 | 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 9 | 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 amphitheater 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 10 | 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 11 | Cartagena, Spain: The walled town of Cartagena is a popular seaport with a large naval shipyard. The seashore offers a wide range of activities from windsurfing to good snorkeling to sailing. From Cartagena you can easily explore the ancient city of Murcia, the coastal resorts of Mazarrón, Cala Cortina, and Cabo de Palos or a little further north, the world famous resort of Mar Menor.
Day 12 | 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 13 | Malaga, 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 14 | Tangier, Morocco: Fascinating Tangier is a traveler’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 15 | At Sea
Day 16 | 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.
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.
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.
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.
Inland Village of Provence
Cannes & Grasse
Golden Corniches & Cannes
Nice Old Town
Villages of Bormes Les Mimosas
Cycling to Pals
Medieval Tour
Exclusives Wine Tasting at Casatilly Palace
Granada & the Alhambra
Caminito Del Rey Hiking
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.
WindSpa is available to guests who wish to take time and relax after an adventurous day out exploring.
There is a fitness center on board for guests who want to continue their workout while sailing.
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