Name: Vatican & Italian Riviera Cruise Tour
Brand: Windstar Cruises

Overview

There's no better way to see Mediterranean and Italy than from the deck of Star Explorer, sailing with Windstar Cruises for 24 nights from Barcelona. Ports of call include Valencia, Genoa, and Zadar, giving you the chance to explore some of Mediterranean and Italy's most captivating destinations. With so much to see ashore and enjoy on board, this Mediterranean and Italy itinerary promises lasting memories from start to finish. With prices starting from £4,958 per person, now is a great time to book your next escape to Mediterranean and Italy.

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.

Days 10-11

Barcelona

Days 12-13

Nice

Day 14

Genoa

In the heart of Liguria lies Genoa, a city steeped in maritime lore and grandeur. Its famous history as a powerful maritime republic echoes through its labyrinthine streets and magnificent palazzos. The climate, with its mild Mediterranean breezes, sets the stage for idyllic exploration. Here, amidst the bustling port and vibrant piazzas, travelers can savor an authentic taste of Italy, away from the well-trodden tourist paths. Genoa's culinary scene, renowned for its fresh seafood and aromatic pesto, tantalizes the senses and captivates the palate. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Genoa's enduring maritime legacy.

Days 15-16

Livorno

Day 17

Civitavecchia

Perched on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia boasts a storied past intertwined with maritime adventures. As the gateway to Rome, its harbor has welcomed seafarers for centuries, echoing with tales of ancient civilizations and grand conquests. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with balmy breezes and sun-drenched days, creating an idyllic atmosphere for exploration. Away from the bustling metropolis, Civitavecchia offers an authentic Italian experience, where cobblestone streets wind through charming piazzas and trattorias serve up delectable seafood caught fresh from the sea. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the historic harbor walls, built to protect against marauding pirates centuries ago.

Day 18

Naples

Amidst the captivating backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, Naples beckons with a tapestry of ancient allure. Its fabled past, steeped in mythology and legend, whispers tales of emperors and poets, of Pompeii's tragic fate and the birth of pizza. The Mediterranean climate blesses Naples with warm, sun-drenched days, perfect for savoring gelato on cobblestone streets or basking in the glow of historic piazzas. This vibrant city pulsates with an energy that ignites the senses, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in authentic Neapolitan life. And did you know? Naples boasts the world's oldest continuously operating pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, dating back to 1738.

Day 19

Messina

Amidst the sun-kissed shores of Messina lies a tapestry of history woven with tales of ancient civilizations and legendary events. Its storied past, marked by encounters with Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, echoes through its cobblestone streets and majestic architecture. The Mediterranean climate here offers a balmy embrace, perfect for leisurely exploration and al fresco dining. Beyond the bustling ports, Messina unveils hidden gems, from charming cafes to vibrant markets, where travelers can savor authentic Sicilian flavors and immerse themselves in local traditions. As the gateway to Sicily, Messina beckons cruisegoers with its rich heritage and timeless allure, promising an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy.

Day 20

At sea

Days 21-22

Dubrovnik

Day 23

Zadar

Days 24-25

Venice

Venice, a city born of resilience and innovation, captivates with its labyrinth of canals and timeless beauty. Its storied past, intertwined with the Venetian Republic's grandeur, evokes a sense of wanderlust in travelers. The gentle lapping of water against ancient palazzi, paired with the soft glow of Venetian lanterns, creates an enchanting atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon, the city boasts a temperate climate, offering mild winters and balmy summers, ideal for leisurely strolls through its narrow alleyways. Cruise lines gracefully navigate the Grand Canal, providing a glimpse into Venice's illustrious past and vibrant present.

Days 1-2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Days 6-7

Málaga

Day 8

At sea

Day 9

Palma de Mallorca

Days 10-11

Barcelona

Days 12-13 Nice

Nice

Day 14

Genoa

Days 15-16 Livorno

Livorno

Day 17

Civitavecchia

Day 18

Naples

Day 19

Messina

Day 20

At sea

Days 21-22 Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Day 23

Zadar

Days 24-25

Venice

224

Passengers

130

Crew

2026

Launched

9923t

Tonnage

131m

Length

19m

Width

16kts

Speed

Decks

USD

Currency

Star Explorer

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

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Perfection

A carribean cruiser. Fabulous food and drink options . Small boat so a very nice convivial atmosphere. Have made friends for life. Fantastic itinerary . Highly recommend

Windstar Cruises Wind Star

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