Name: Madrid & Southern Spain Winter Escapes Cruise Tour
Brand: Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships. The cruise line has six yachts - three of which are masted sailing ships - and offers laid-back luxury with a tinge of historic seafaring adventure.

Wind Star and Wind Spirit each carry 148 guests, whereas Wind Surf carries 342. 'Power yachts' Star Pride, Star Breeze and Star Legend all carry 312 passengers. It's a unique experience, by all means!

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Rouen

Rouen is one of the prettiest cities along the Seine, with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and soaring Gothic churches. Once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in medieval Europe, Rouen is best known as the place where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431.Visitors can explore the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, an immersive museum housed in the former archbishop’s palace or visit the modern church that marks the site of her execution. Rouen Cathedral, famously painted by Monet, dominates the skyline with its intricate façade and towering spire.The city’s size makes it perfect to explore on foot, and it is a favourite stop of cruisers in medieval history or Impressionist art.

Days 3-4

Honfleur

Honfleur is one of Normandy’s most charming ports, often topping the list of favourite stops on Seine cruises. Set on the estuary where the Seine meets the Channel, Honfleur’s appeal lies in its narrow cobbled streets, slate-fronted houses and historic harbour.The Vieux Bassin, or Old Dock, is the heart of Honfleur, with its tall, narrow buildings and the cafés and galleries that line the quay. Nearby, the Church of Sainte-Catherine, built in the 15th century, is one of France’s few remaining wooden churches.Honfleur’s artistic heritage is another draw. Painters, including Monet and Boudin, were inspired by the town.

Day 4

Caen

Day 5

Saint-Malo

Day 6

Guernsey

Days 7-8

At sea

Day 9

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Day 9

Bordeaux

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Days 1-2

Rouen

Rouen is one of the prettiest cities along the Seine, with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and soaring Gothic churches. Once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in medieval Europe, Rouen is best known as the place where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431.Visitors can explore the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, an immersive museum housed in the former archbishop’s palace or visit the modern church that marks the site of her execution. Rouen Cathedral, famously painted by Monet, dominates the skyline with its intricate façade and towering spire.The city’s size makes it perfect to explore on foot, and it is a favourite stop of cruisers in medieval history or Impressionist art.

Days 3-4

Honfleur

Honfleur is one of Normandy’s most charming ports, often topping the list of favourite stops on Seine cruises. Set on the estuary where the Seine meets the Channel, Honfleur’s appeal lies in its narrow cobbled streets, slate-fronted houses and historic harbour.The Vieux Bassin, or Old Dock, is the heart of Honfleur, with its tall, narrow buildings and the cafés and galleries that line the quay. Nearby, the Church of Sainte-Catherine, built in the 15th century, is one of France’s few remaining wooden churches.Honfleur’s artistic heritage is another draw. Painters, including Monet and Boudin, were inspired by the town.

Day 4

Caen

Day 5

Saint-Malo

Day 6

Guernsey

Days 7-8

At sea

Day 9

At sea

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Day 9

Bordeaux

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Star Explorer

Star Explorer Inaugural Season

Be one of the first to experience Star Explorer, the second of Windstar’s newest yachts, during her first-ever sailing season beginning December 2026 in the Mediterranean!