Name: Vatican & Italian Riviera 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

Barcelona

Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.

Day 3

Valencia

Amidst the Mediterranean breezes lies Valencia, a city steeped in the remnants of its Moorish past and vibrant with contemporary allure. Known for its ancient silk trade, Valencia's history weaves tales of resilience and innovation. Its temperate climate, kissed by the sun and cooled by sea winds, provides the perfect backdrop for exploration, enticing cruisegoers seeking an authentic Spanish experience. Beyond the tourist traps, Valencia offers hidden gems, from bustling markets to charming tapas bars tucked away in narrow alleys. And did you know? Valencia is home to the iconic dish, paella, a savory masterpiece loved the world over.

Day 4

Cartagena

Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, Cartagena exudes an air of ancient grandeur, tracing its roots back to the Phoenicians and Carthaginians. This historic port city boasts a climate blessed with year-round sunshine, perfect for leisurely strolls along its palm-lined promenades. Beyond its famed Roman ruins and imposing fortifications, Cartagena offers a glimpse into authentic Spanish life, with bustling markets brimming with local flavors and artisans' wares. Cruise lines strategically dock to provide easy access to Cartagena's wealth of cultural treasures, from the Roman Theatre to the Modernist architecture of its city center. It's a destination where history meets modern charm, leaving an indelible mark on every visitor's memory.

Day 5

Gibraltar

The North District of Gibraltar unfolds like a chapter from a historic novel, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of naval supremacy and strategic importance. Its rugged landscape, framed by the imposing Rock of Gibraltar, creates a dramatic backdrop for exploration. The climate here, tempered by the Mediterranean Sea, provides a pleasant ambiance year-round, perfect for leisurely strolls through quaint streets lined with colorful houses. Away from the bustle of typical tourist spots, this district showcases authentic glimpses of local life, from bustling markets to cozy cafes. As the gateway to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, it's also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with the chance to spot Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild monkeys, roaming freely amidst lush vegetation.

Days 6-7

Málaga

Day 8

At sea

Day 9

Palma de Mallorca

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.

Day 10

Barcelona

Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.

Days 1-2

Barcelona

Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.

Day 3

Valencia

Amidst the Mediterranean breezes lies Valencia, a city steeped in the remnants of its Moorish past and vibrant with contemporary allure. Known for its ancient silk trade, Valencia's history weaves tales of resilience and innovation. Its temperate climate, kissed by the sun and cooled by sea winds, provides the perfect backdrop for exploration, enticing cruisegoers seeking an authentic Spanish experience. Beyond the tourist traps, Valencia offers hidden gems, from bustling markets to charming tapas bars tucked away in narrow alleys. And did you know? Valencia is home to the iconic dish, paella, a savory masterpiece loved the world over.

Day 4

Cartagena

Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, Cartagena exudes an air of ancient grandeur, tracing its roots back to the Phoenicians and Carthaginians. This historic port city boasts a climate blessed with year-round sunshine, perfect for leisurely strolls along its palm-lined promenades. Beyond its famed Roman ruins and imposing fortifications, Cartagena offers a glimpse into authentic Spanish life, with bustling markets brimming with local flavors and artisans' wares. Cruise lines strategically dock to provide easy access to Cartagena's wealth of cultural treasures, from the Roman Theatre to the Modernist architecture of its city center. It's a destination where history meets modern charm, leaving an indelible mark on every visitor's memory.

Day 5

Gibraltar

The North District of Gibraltar unfolds like a chapter from a historic novel, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of naval supremacy and strategic importance. Its rugged landscape, framed by the imposing Rock of Gibraltar, creates a dramatic backdrop for exploration. The climate here, tempered by the Mediterranean Sea, provides a pleasant ambiance year-round, perfect for leisurely strolls through quaint streets lined with colorful houses. Away from the bustle of typical tourist spots, this district showcases authentic glimpses of local life, from bustling markets to cozy cafes. As the gateway to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, it's also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with the chance to spot Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild monkeys, roaming freely amidst lush vegetation.

Days 6-7

Málaga

Day 8

At sea

Day 9

Palma de Mallorca

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.

Day 10

Barcelona

Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.