Yachtsman’s Harbors of the Rivieras

Fly from the UK to Barcelona where you'll step aboard Wind Surf as she sets sail on a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Rome (Civitavecchia); taking in Palamos, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Portofino, and Portoferraio en-route. Enjoy the world's premier yachting playgrounds in a beautiful small ship that feels like your own private yacht. Beautiful ports string together like perfect pearls - from sparkling cities and charming villages to secluded harbours and immaculate beaches. Discover the mystique and magic of the Rivieras that only an intimate small ship can show you. A day on board your Windstar ship is a day of choices, all of them good. Perhaps you’ll begin with a relaxing massage in World Spa by Windstar. Or maybe an invigorating workout in the Fitness Center. Even better, why not both? After a sumptuous lunch in Veranda, make a splash from the Watersports Platform off the ship’s stern. Everything you can think of for fun in the water is there — swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. And it’s all complimentary, of course. Sun yourself on deck, take a dip in the whirlpool, then catch up on email or order a cheese plate for your stateroom or suite. After dinner, dance to live music in the Lounge. This is your yacht, so of course you’re welcome on the Bridge, where the Captain and officers are delighted to share charts, routes, and vistas with you. Enjoy a nightcap anywhere you like — on deck, in the Lounge, or in your suite or stateroom? Your day ends just as it began, blissfully.

Palamos is famous for the locally-caught prawns found in the beautiful bay it sits beside, also known for the excellent swimming, surfing, snorkelling, and windsurfing. This is the place to try fresh local Catalan cuisine. Two great highlights near Palamos are the Dali Museum, located in his hometown of Figueres, and the UNESCO-listed city of Girona with its medieval architecture, walled Old Quarter, and the Roman remains of Forca Vella Fortress.

France's sunniest city, located on the French Riviera,; Sanary-Sur-Mer was originally a 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 fishermen who sell their catch daily on the pier and where Jacques Cousteau had a residence, the Villa Baobab.

Glide into port in one of Europe's most exclusive harbours. Mingle with other privileged yachtsmen or step ashore and start walking. Monte Carlo’s glittering Grand Casino, legendary for its exotic setting on screen and off, is a must see; as is the royal family's palace and the tomb of Philadelphia-born Princess Grace in the Cathedral.

Spend a day wandering among the rich and famous in the chic epicentre of the French Riviera - a world of exclusive boutiques, palm-fringed boulevards, sun-drenched beaches, and elegant sidewalk cafes. Be sure to visit Cannes’ Avenue of the Stars, where you can place your hands in the prints of international celebrities. An optional escorted walking tour guides you through the best of this extraordinary and stylish city.

With its golden ochre and terracotta buildings, designer shops, and chic cafes; Portofino represents the height of Italian artistry and sophistication. Sip a cappuccino along the fabled marina or enjoy a day of shopping in one of the town's tempting little boutiques. As you look out over the harbour from the famous Hotel Splendido, it's hard not to admire the sleek, streamlined beauty of your Windstar ship.

Pine-scented forests and miles of sandy beach await your arrival on the tranquil island of Elba. Enjoy a glass of local Moscato with the fresh catch of the day before pondering your next move. Perhaps you'll visit the nearby countryside with its small fishing villages and dramatic mountain passes. Or see the calming beauty of Tuscan Archipelago National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Or maybe you'll decide to walk to the nearest beach and dip your toes into the warm Mediterranean.

Bid farewell to your crew and fellow passengers as you arrive in the port of Civitavecchia on the outskirts of Rome. You'll disembark Wind Surf and be transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight back to the UK with many treasured memories of your cruise.