Best of the Rivieras Cruise

Upon arrival at Barcelona’s airport, your driver will be there to welcome you and provide a private transfer to the Windstar yacht waiting in the port. After hopping aboard you’ll be shown to your stateroom where you can settle in and refresh. There will be a bowl of Windstar’s signature fresh fruit waiting while the bed features fine Egyptian cotton linens if you’re in need of a nap. Or take advantage of the ship’s facilities, perhaps a dip in the pool or one of the pampering massage options in the spa.

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive in Port-Vendres, France where you’ll have plenty to explore and magnificent scenery to enjoy. Just north of Spain, Port-Vendres sits at the foot of the Alberes Mountains, serving as the main port along the Cote Vermeille. It’s filled with fishing boats you can watch come and go with fishermen bringing in their fresh catches to sell at the large fish market. You’ll also find plenty of fresh fish and seafood in the local eateries while acclaimed vineyards are nearby. Perhaps join an optional excursion to the beautiful art town of Collioure or for wine tasting in the cobbled town of Perpignan.

N.B. On some departures, the your cruise will visit Palamos on day 2 instead of Port-Vendres.

Palamos, Spain
Picturesque Palamos is renowned for its beaches with many coming to take part in watersports like snorkeling, swimming, windsurfing, or surfing. It’s also known for its fishing industry with its prawns particularly notable, famous throughout Catalonia. Taste them in the local restaurants with many serving them fresh right from the bay. If you want to explore beyond, you might visit the Dali Museum in Figueres, the artist’s hometown, or the UNESCO-listed city of Girona with attractions that include a walled Old Quarter with medieval buildings and Roman fortress ruins.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Originally a small fishing village, Sanary-Sur-Mer hosts a pretty harbor with many brightly painted traditional fishing boats known as pointus, boasting a backdrop of a Romanesque tower and pastel-colored homes while fishermen peddle their catch on the pier every morning. This is also the birthplace of modern diving – in fact, renowned oceanographer and filmmaker Jaques Cousteau tested and perfected his aqua-lung here. The villa he lived in, Villa Baobab, is now home to his son Jean Michel. As the town is so pedestrian-friendly, it’s worth exploring on foot with many wine bars, cafes and restaurants ideal for people-watching. There’s a wide range of optional excursions to local coastal towns and into Provence.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Continue to Monte Carlo, home to Monaco’s royal family while drawing many of the rich and famous. Not only can you rub elbows with some of the world’s most privileged, but perhaps visit attractions like the Prince’s Palace on an optional excursion, the official residence of the Prince built as a Genoese fortress in 1191. Don’t miss the tomb of Princess Grace in the cathedral, and perhaps test your luck in the glamorous Grand Casino. The Oceanographic Museum is worth a visit at leisure too. The museum/aquarium opened by sea explorer and scientist Prince Albert I features items from his many expeditions, including a whale skeleton.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Next up is Cannes, a luxurious haven for Hollywood elite and countless noteworthy figures. It’s the stylish heart of the French Riviera and the venue for the Cannes Film Festival, with tree-lined avenues, upscale boutiques, and the Avenue of the Stars, like the Walk of Fame in Hollywood with the handprints of icons. You might take advantage of the renowned shopping on Rue d’Antibes or simply relax at one of the outdoor cafes with a glass of wine while watching the world go by. Or, join an optional guided walking tour to learn more about the city’s highlights and history.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enchanting Portofino is a feast for the senses with a stunning harbor that’s nestled between steep olive tree-covered hills. It exudes Italian elegance, drawing many who seek a sophisticated atmosphere with incredible beauty and great people watching. There are high-end shopping venues, and hotspots for sipping cappuccino or enjoying the local dessert, Paciugo. Invented in Portofino, it’s gelato with a twist, topped with fresh fruit, glazed sour cherries, and whipped cream. We highly recommend visiting the town’s most exclusive beach too. Bagni Fiore is the same stretch the likes of stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot once spent time on. It’s also the perfect base for a range of optional excursions, including an opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The Isle of Elba boasts aromatic pine forests and miles of unspoiled beaches, the perfect spot to relax while surrounded by stunning, tranquil beauty. There’s time to explore at leisure or join one of the optional excursions on the island. There are plenty of white pebbly beaches with strikingly clear turquoise water, many with secluded spots in small inlets for getting away from the masses and enjoying some peace and quiet with breathtaking views. History enthusiasts can discover intriguing archaeological sites such as the 1st century BC Roman Villa in Le Grotte, with guided tours available to purchase locally.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Upon arrival at Rome’s Port of Civitavecchia, you’ll have reached the conclusion of your journey. After disembarking the ship, meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport to catch your flight home or head out on further travels. If you’d like to spend more time here exploring iconic attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican City museums, you can choose to take a private transfer to your local hotel instead.

Meals Included: Breakfast