Shore Excursions - Croaziere.net

W I N D S T A R C R U I S E S 

Shore Excursions 

Mediterranean 2008

Welcome 

To ensure 

that you 

derive maximum 

enjoyment from 

your cruise, 

we offer informative 

and fun tours 

ranging from 

easy walks to the 

downright adventurous. 

to Windstar’s Mediterranean 

Choosing Your Tours 

Choose the shore excursions that interest you 

and are best suited to your physical capabilities 

by using the icons as a general guide to the 

level of activity involved: 

Easy Activity: Very light activity 

including short distances to walk; 

may includesome steps. 

Moderate Activity: Requires inter 

mittent effort throughout, walking 

medium distances over uneven 

surfaces and/or steps. 

Strenuous Activity: Requires active 

participation, walking long distances 

over uneven and steep terrain or on 

steps. In certain instances, paddling 

or other non-walking activity is 

required and guests must be able to 

participate without discomfort or 

difficulty breathing. 

Cancellation Fees 

Rates and descriptions are current as of the 

printing date. Prices are subject to change 

without notice and descriptions may vary from 

the actual tour provided. All cancellations that 

are made less than five days prior to cruise 

departure are subject to a 10% cancellation 

fee. No exceptions. In addition, if you 

cancel your tour reservation after the booking 

deadline stated in the Shore Excursion 

Planning Form on board, a 100% cancellation 

fee will apply since transportation and services 

will have already been arranged. 

Booking Your Tours Online 

Now you can easily choose your tour times, 

book your tours and receive confirmation of 

your shore excursion reservations 24 hours 

a day. Visit us at www.windstarcruises.com. 

Book online up until five days before sailing. 

Make your payment online via our secure website, 

and receive confirmation as well as your 

tour departure times. You can also download 

the shore excursions, view tour prices, and read 

general information. 

Booking Your Tours On Board 

You can also sign up for your tours after 

embarking the ship, at the Reception Desk 

on board. We recommend that you sign up 

early as space may be limited on the tours of 

your choice. However, on-line shore excursion 

reservations are processed prior to any requests 

made on board the ship and receive priority 

handling. 

Tour Times, Durations & Prices 

The information in this brochure is designed 

to help you select the excursions most suited 

to your interests. The individual tour 

descriptions include approximate durations. 

To allow flexibility in customizing departure 

times to co ordinate your time in port with 

the meals and activities on the ship, exact tour 

departure times are published in the Shore 

castles, columns, temples grand • ancient cultures close at hand 

Excursion Planning Form on board. For more 

information, please visit the Reception Desk 

or attend the on-board Shore Excursion 

briefings. 

Tour Descriptions 

This brochure was published several months 

prior to your cruise departure date. For the 

most up-to-date information, tour descriptions 

and more shore excursion offerings, please visit 

www.windstarcruises.com. 

Meals 

Tours are designed around meal hours, 

leaving you plenty of time to return on board 

for your meals; if not stated otherwise, lunch 

will be included in your tour.

the 

Bene fits Contents 

When you book 

your shore 

excursions with 

Windstar Cruises, 

you can 

count on us 

to consistently 

offer a superior 

experience ashore. 

of booking with us 

Quality 

Clean and comfortable transportation equipment; 

we engage professional, independent tour operators 

dedicated to customer satisfaction. 

Peace of Mind 

If a tour that you have purchased through 

Windstar cruises returns late to the ship, we will 

almost never leave without you. In the very rare 

event that the ship must leave, we will arrange 

at our expense to get you to the next port of 

call (with independently booked tours, you are 

responsible for rejoining the ship at the next port 

of call). 

Safety 

Tour operators have contractually agreed 

to comply with local government requirements 

and to carry liability insurance in amounts 

consistent with local standards to address 

personal injury and property damage claims. 

Convenience 

English-speaking guides; tour departure times 

coincide with the ship’s schedule as well as with 

that of other tours so that guests can take 

multiple tours. 

Value 

Our award-winning shore excursions offer 

superior quality and competitive pricing; our 

guests consistently rate their shore excursion 

experience as excellent. 

Ajaccio, Corsica 6 

Alghero, Sardinia 8 

Almeria, Spain 8 

Amalfi, Italy 10 

Barcelona, Spain 12 

Bodrum, Turkey 13 

Cádiz, Spain 16 

Cannes, France 17 

Capri, Italy 18 

Cartagena, Spain 20 

Cephalonia 

(Fiskardo), Greece 21 

Civitavecchia 

(Rome), Italy 22 

Corfu, Greece 23 

Dubrovnik, Croatia 24 

Ermoupolis, Greece 28 

Gibraltar 28 

Gythion, Greece 30 

Hvar, Croatia 31 

Ibiza, Spain 33 

Istanbul, Turkey 34 

Katákolon, Greece 42 

Koper, Slovenia 43 

Korçula, Croatia 45 

Kotor, Montenegro 47 

Kusadasi, Turkey 49 

Kythira, Greece 52 

Lisbon, Portugal 52 

Livorno, Italy 53 

Mahon, Minorca 56 

Málaga, Spain 58 

Marseille, France 60 

Messina, Italy 60 

Monemvasia, Greece 62 

Monte Carlo, Monaco 64 

Motril, Spain 70 

Mykonos, Greece 70 

Nauplion, Greece 72 

Nice, France 72 

Palamos, Spain 74 

Palma de Mallorca, Spain 76 

Piraeus (Athens), Greece 78 

Ploc˘e, Croatia 79 

Porquerolles, France 80 

Portimão, Portugal 81 

Porto Cervo, Italy 82 

Portoferraio, Italy 83 

Portofino, Italy 85 

Porto Vecchio, Corsica 87 

Port Vendres, France 88 

Porto Venere, Italy 89 

Pula, Croatia 91 

Rab, Croatia 93 

Rhodes, Greece 95 

Rijeka, Croatia 96 

Rimini, Italy 98 

Santorini, Greece 99 

Saranda, Albania 100 

Sète, France 100 

Sibenik, Croatia 102 

Sorrento, Italy 104 

Split, Croatia 105 

St. Florent, France 107 

St. Tropez, France 109 

Tangier, Morocco 110 

Taormina, Italy 110 

Tarragona, Spain 112 

Trieste, Italy 114 

Valencia, Spain 116 

Venice, Italy 118 

Zadar, Croatia 121 

General Information 123

Ajaccio, 

Panoramic Ajaccio 

tour AJA001 

Approximately 3½ hours • $99 

CorsiCA 

This tour includes a panoramic tour of 

Ajaccio, with a guided walk around the old 

town. Your excursion starts with an orientation 

drive along Cours Napoleon, the main 

street of the Imperial City. You will pass 

St. Roch Church and the English Quarter 

en route to Cours Grandval. Watch for 

the statues and monuments dedicated to 

Napoleon, and you will stop at Austerlitz 

Square, dominated by a statue of the Little 

Emperor. From here, the tour will take you to 

the Isles Sanguinaires located at the entrance 

of the Gulf of Ajaccio. Back in town, you 

will continue your visit on foot. The old part 

of Ajaccio consists of narrow picturesque 

streets. You will stroll past the cathedral 

where Napoleon was baptized, his birthplace, 

the town hall, Market Square and the Fesch 

Museum before walking back to your ship. 

Please note: Interior visits are not included. 

Refreshments will be served in a local café. 

Involves 1½ hours of walking over uneven 

pavement. 

Calanques 

tour AJA003 

Approximately 5 hours • $99 

Travel by air-conditioned coach northwards 

along the National 193 route, climbing gently 

up to San Sebastiano Pass with splendid views 

down over the sea and the Sagone Gulf, and, 

up to the majestic mountain peak of Monte 

Cinto—the island’s summit at 8,900 feet. 

At the picturesque Greek village of Cargèse, 

Catholic and Orthodox churches stand side by 

side. After a stop here, you will head over the 

Piana Calanque. These wonderful red granite 

cliffs have been sculpted by relentless wind 

and the seasonal rain into majestic sleeping 

Titans jealously guarding the gulf. They are 

now protected by UNESCO. Stroll on the 

road cut deep into the red cliffs, and discover 

the Lover’s Hearts, the Bishop, an eagle, the 

dog’s head, a bearded bandit and other strange 

formations. The site of the Calanque takes its 

name from calanca, the Corsican word for creek 

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or inlet, but the outstanding characteristics of 

the Calanque are the vivid orange and pink 

rock masses and pinnacles which crumble into 

the dark blue sea. Liable to unusual patterns of 

erosion these tormented rock formations and 

porphyry needles, some of which reach almost 

a thousand feet above sea level, were described 

by Maupassant as a “nightmarish menagerie 

petrified by the will of an extravagant god,” 

and have long been traditionally associated 

with different animals and figures. After your 

walk through this spectacular scenery, the 

journey back to Ajaccio takes the same road. 

Prunelli gorges 

tour AJA002 


A couple of miles from the port, your motor 

coach will turn inland and head up into the 

mountains. Surrounded by deep macchia— 

typical Corsican vegetation made up of scented 

plants, colorful flowers and miscellaneous trees 

—you will learn about Corsican history, 

geography and traditions. Descending into the 

Prunelli River Gorges, you will be surprised by 

the scenery. At the artificial lake of Tolla, built 

to give Ajaccio hydro-electric power, stop to 

smell the plants and admire the landscape. The 

mountains around you are more than 7,000 

feet tall—only one hour from the beaches of 

Gulf of Ajaccio! Refreshments will be served 

at a local café. On the way back down to 

the port, you’ll drive through villages such as 

Bastelicaccia and Ocana, whose tall houses are 

made of granite. 

Please note: Tour involves minimal walking, 

but there is a slight incline leading to the 

refreshment venue. 

Alghero, 

A taste of sardinia 

tour Aho002 


sArdiniA 

Tour Alghero to discover the town’s churches 

in fascinating Catalán-Gothic architecture, the

towers and wall which surround the old town, 

and the Aragon palaces overlooking the main 

square. Then, you will follow the coastal road 

to Porto Conte, continuing inland toward the 

attractive vineyards of Sella & Mosca, a company 

founded in 1899 and now one of the 

most important wine producers in Sardinia. 

Tour the old cellars and taste some fine wines, 

including Torbato, Cannonau (the most 

famous Sardinian red wine), Vermentino di 

Sardegna, Nasco, Cabernet Sauvignon, and 

Sauvignon Blanc. These quality wines are produced 

in an ideal climate and excellent soils. 

Alghero discovery 

tour Aho001 


Sardinia, with about 800 miles of coastline, 

is a popular vacation destination, famous not 

only for its natural beauty but also for its history. 

The Aragonese landed on the coast in 

1353, so Catalán influence is alive and well in 

Alghero. Its streets, shops, language, lifestyle, 

food and traditions are all Catalán. You will 

travel by motor coach over the road that links 

the Gulf of Alghero to the Gulf of Porto 

Conte, to visit the Nuraghe Palmavera—an 

archeological site with two-story stone towers. 

The main tower dates back to 1100 BC, with 

an irregular, elliptical-shaped fascia, and the 

second tower is connected to a central courtyard 

that was added later. The whole complex 

is surrounded by a barbican with four towers 

marking the boundary of ancient village. From 

Capo Caccia, take dramatic photos, then head 

back to Alghero for a walking tour of the 

town, past ancient monuments, old fortifications, 

historic buildings and beautiful churches. 

Almeria, 

sPAin 

deluxe granada & the Alhambra 

tour Lei001 

Approximately 9¾ hours • $299 

Discover the magnificent Moorish palace 

of the Alhambra—the dramatic highlight of 

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historic Granada—on this unforgettable 

tour. A number of interesting sights will be 

visible from the coach along the 2½-hour 

drive each way, and your guide will introduce 

you to local traditions and history as you 

travel. The city of Granada is beautiful, but 

nothing in the whole of Spain compares to 

the wealth of architectural art to be found in 

the city’s Muslim-Hispanic complex—the 

14th-century Alhambra. This breathtaking 

example of Muslim architecture is surrounded 

by walls and towers, and inside, palaces, military 

buildings, a fortress and an administrative 

center can be found. Explore this remarkable 

structure whose detailed mosaics, prism-style 

cupolas and stone-cast latticework offer a 

surprising grace and sophistication. The nearby 

Generalife gardens surround this residence 

of kings and caliphs. Lunch is included. 

Please note: It is a 2½-hour motor coach drive 

each way to Granada. 

Almeria highlights 

tour Lei002 


Almeria 

Ancient civilizations have come and gone in 

the city of Almeria, once an Arab stronghold. 

Your tour of the city will be on foot, as motor 

coaches are not permitted in the old town. 

Visit the Alcazaba Palace of the Moorish 

Kings (Caliphs); stop at the cathedral, which 

is a Gothic building with Renaissance façades. 

Oddly, it was constructed with an incompatible 

dual purpose, as both a place of worship 

and a bastion of defense against marauding 

Berber pirates. The 17th-century Convent of 

Las Puras, the Episcopal Palace, the Cervantes 

Theater and the Mercantile Center are all 

points of interest you will see along your walk.

Amalfi, 

Depending upon the schedule of your ship, 

the following tours will either return you to 

Amalfi to re-board the ship there or will drop 

you off at the pier in Sorrento where your 

ship will have sailed to in order to meet 

you. You are not required to make any 

special arrangements as Windstar Cruises will 

arrange the correct drop-off point for you 

when you make your reservation. 

herculaneum 

tour Afi003 


itALy 

The city of Herculaneum was founded 

around the 4th century BC, copying the geometric 

regularity of the layout of Naples. Its 

“decumani” (main streets) have an east-west 

orientation, while the “cardines” (narrower 

streets) run north-south. There is undeniably 

a “feeling” about Herculaneum, quite different 

from Pompeii, where you get the impression 

that its ancient population of 5,000 packed up 

and left only moments ago. Herculaneum was 

smaller than Pompeii but is better preserved 

simply because, while hot ashes consumed the 

wood of Pompeii’ buildings, Herculaneum 

was covered by hot mud which sealed and 

protected entire city blocks. This means that 

marble floors, mosaics, paintings and carbonized 

woods can still be admired today. You 

will discover the ancient luxurious properties 

and villas including the House of the Mosaic, 

the house of Deer, the Thermae (baths) and 

the House of Carbonized Furniture. After 

a guided tour, you will either drive back to 

Amalfi or meet the ship in Sorrento. 

Pompeii 

tour Afi001 


From the pier, it’s a 1¾-hour ride by motor 

coach to the remarkable ruins of Pompeii, 

perfectly preserved since the eruption of Mt. 

Vesuvius in AD 79. Learn about the excavation 

technique and what the residents were 

doing at the time of the eruption, and you’ll 

gain an insight into the lives of the ancient 

Romans as you discover baths, theaters, 

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temples, markets and the huge forum with 

the Arch of Nero. After your tour, you will 

either drive back to Amalfi or meet the ship in 

Sorrento. 

Please note: This tour involves considerable 

walking on uneven pathways. Bring a 

sunhat, as shade is limited. Comfortable 

walking shoes are recommended. Lunch is 

not included. 

ravello 

tour Afi005 


Board a motor coach for the drive along the 

narrow main road of Amalfi, which stretches 

along the side of rocky cliffs overlooking the 

sea—each twist and turn offering new and 

breathtaking views of the Sorrentine peninsula. 

Amalfi 

Marvel at the rocks rising out of the sea like 

strange mythological creatures and see small 

boats that look like brightly colored toys 

from up above. Whitewashed villages dot the 

steep hillsides and cluster in the coves below. 

Ravello is a small city of ancient origins, 

perched over the Gulf of Salerno. The beauty 

of this area has inspired poets, painters and 

musicians in the course of its millennium of 

history. You will visit the Villa Rufolo, where 

Wagner stayed and was inspired to exclaim, 

“The Garden of Klingsor is found!” Ravello 

features arches and antique towers, splendid 

scenery, the 11th-century bronze doors of 

Barisano da Trani and a pulpit decorated with 

mosaic lions in the cathedral. Some free time 

will be given for you to browse and shop. You 

may want to taste the local wine before you 

either drive back to Amalfi or meet the ship in 

Sorrento.

Amalfi 

boat tour to Positano 

tour Afi006 


A private motorboat takes you along the 

coast to Positano, once a sleepy little fishing 

village and the secret of painters and writers. 

Its charms are still evident; square, white 

Moorish-style houses set in luxurious gardens, 

descend in steep steps down the mountainside 

to the bay. Offshore is Galli Island, legendary 

home of Sirens. Positano town is embroidered 

with narrow lanes and steps, and is 

dominated by the splendid dome covered in 

polychrome majolica of the church of Santa 

Maria Assunta. Piazzetta and cafés are filled 

with people pausing during the 100-step climb 

that leads up the hillside. After some time at 

leisure for shopping and for enjoying a drink 

at a café, you will either head back to Amalfi 

by boat or meet the ship in Sorrento. 

Barcelona, 

sPAin 

barcelona orientation tour 

Add-on for transfers to Airport 

or windstar hotel 

tour bCn021 

Approximately 3¼ hours • $89 

Add-on sightseeing to go with your 

transfer to the airport or to your windstar 

hotel (guests must already have a prepaid 

transfer voucher or will need to buy one 

prior to purchasing this tour) 

Setting out from the port by coach, you will 

find it easy to relax and enjoy this driving tour 

of Spain’s most fascinating city, Barcelona. It is 

a lovely Mediterranean stronghold of architectural 

interest. Your guide will point out all the 

highlights as the coach drives up Via Laietana 

en route to the cathedral, your first stop. The 

cathedral is located in the center of the Gothic 

Quarter, an area that contains Gothic buildings 

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built during the zenith of Barcelona’s wealth 

and culture in the Middle Ages. A guided tour 

within the cathedral, which dates back to the 

13th century, will give you the opportunity to 

admire the interior, suitably impressive with 

a fine nave and soothing cloister. From there, 

you will drive along one of Barcelona’s most 

famous streets, the Passeig de Gracia, lined 

with the highest concentration of different 

Modernist buildings in the city. Many of these 

were designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. 

Watch for Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, also 

known as La Pedrera. The next stop will be 

at one of Gaudí’s masterpieces—the Sagrada 

Familia (Holy Family) Church, a sight not to 

be missed. It was started in 1882 but is still 

unfinished. It is the most-visited building in 

Barcelona, and immediately identifies the city 

around the world. This temple was initially a 

neo-Gothic project designed by the architect 

Francesc de Paula del Villar, but Gaudí was 

commissioned to continue the work in 1891 

and worked on it until his death in 1926. All 

the elements of the temple, both architectural 

and ornamental, reveal biblical symbols. From 

Sagrada Familia, you’ll head up to the El 

Mirador Alcalde viewpoint overlooking the 

Barcelona and its impressive harbor. 

Please note: This tour will end either at 

the airport or at your Windstar hotel. This 

tour is available only to guests whose flight 

leaves at 3:00pm or later, or to guests 

staying overnight in Barcelona. 

Bodrum, 

romantic bodrum: 

A gulet ride for two 

tour bXn002 

turkey 

Approximately 7 1 ⁄2 hours • $599 per couple 

The ultimate in romance is a sailing experience 

for two through the magnificent coves of the 

Bodrum Peninsula. Board a gulet—a 45-foot 

wooden sailing boat indigenous to this region. 

Your vessel comes fully equipped with restroom 

and sunbathing area! You will be able 

to swim in some of the wonderful bays, and 

enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties 

with chilled white wine served on board. 

While away the afternoon as you soak up the 

sun and watch bays with exotic names slip by. 

Please note: Wear your swimsuit under your 

clothing; bring a towel. Maximum capacity is 

two guests.

Bodrum Bodrum 

Castle & Mausoleum 

tour bXn004 

Approximately 3 1 ⁄2 hours • $49 

Meet your guide and walk to the Castle 

of Bodrum, where you will view its five towers. 

To obtain stone to build the Castle, the 

Knights of Rhodes tore down the Mausoleum 

of Halicarnassus, a magnificent tomb that was 

one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient 

World. A highlight of the tour will be a visit 

to the Sunken Boat Museum, with artifacts 

found underwater dating from the Bronze 

Age through the Middle Ages, including 

cargo from a Syrian trade ship (13th century 

BC). You will also visit the Carian Princess 

section to see a beautiful tiara of gold. Next, 

you will walk to the Mausoleum, which is 

Bodrum’s oldest antiquity and one of the 

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built 

by Artemisia II in honor of her husband King 

Mausolos. The general term for a large tomb 

is derived from his name. The entire structure 

stood at over 150 feet tall. The Mausoleum 

features frescoes and other objects, some of 

which are now on display in the London 

Museum. Then you will walk back down to 

the port. 

Please note: This is a walking tour involving 

many steps which have been worn smooth 

with time and can therefore be slippery. 

Wear comfortable, rubber-soled shoes. As 

some areas of the castle are not shaded, wear 

a hat and sunscreen. It can get very warm 

here! Bring your camera. 

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bodrum Castle & gulet ride 

tour bXn001 


Meet your guide and walk to the Castle 

of Bodrum, created by the Knights of Rhodes 

out of stone plundered from the Mausoleum 

of Halicarnassus—one of the Seven Wonders 

of the Ancient World. The Castle has five distinct 

towers. Stop at the Sunken Boat Museum 

that showcases artifacts found underwater dating 

from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. 

Some of the most interesting items came from 

a Syrian trade ship believed to have sunk in 

the 13th century BC. You will also visit the 

Carian Princess section to see a beautiful tiara 

of gold. Next, sail the magnificent coves of 

the Bodrum Peninsula in a gulet—the typical 

wooden boat of the region that has plied these 

waters for centuries. You will have a chance 

to swim in some of the wonderful local bays 

and enjoy a lunch of traditional specialties. 

Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. 

Please note: This is a walking tour involving 

many steps which have been worn smooth 

with time and can therefore be slippery. 

Wear comfortable, rubber-soled shoes. As 

some areas of the castle are not shaded, wear 

a hat and sunscreen. It can get very warm 

here! Boarding the gulet requires negotiating 

a narrow ramp. Wear your swimsuit under 

your clothing; bring a towel. 

bodrum Peninsula 

tour bXn003 


Drive around the Bodrum Peninsula, with high 

hills, dramatic rock outcrops and surprising 

marine panoramas. Your first stop is the village 

of Gümüsluk. Gümüs is the Turkish word 

for silver. Thanks to strictly-enforced building 

codes, the seafront has kept its original appearance 

and photogenic fishing village charm. 

You are on historical ground here—this is 

the harbor of ancient Myndos and when the 

tide is out, you can literally walk to the small 

island located on the right of the cove. For 

lunch, continue to Yalikavak—once a small 

sponge-diving village, and today its small, but 

busy harbor shelters visiting yachts and fishing 

boats cheerfully side-by-side. Yalikavak was 

first settled in 2000 BC and has ruins from 

the Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras. After 

lunch, continue to Golturkbuku—a favorite 

retreat of Turkish artists, actors and entertainers 

who frequent the many small bars and 

restaurants at night. Your last stop is Torba, 

a little village hidden in a charming bay. Here 

are the remains of a Byzantine monastery, and 

a nearby path leads to the next bay—ideal for 

a short stroll. Finally, you will drive back to 

Bodrum and to the ship.

Cádiz, 

deluxe day in seville 

tour CdZ001 


sPAin 

A drive through Andalusia’s cork plantations 

brings you to Spain’s fourth largest city. 

Your walking tour begins with the magnificent 

Alcazar—a monument to the Moorish 

occupation of Spain, surrounded by glorious 

gardens. Following an in-depth walking tour 

around the old Jewish Quarter, lunch is served 

buffet-style at a local hotel. In the afternoon, 

a panoramic drive will show you the new and 

cosmopolitan part of Seville. The Torre del 

Oro and La Giralda Tower, are seen on this 

part of the tour. 

Please note: If the Alcazar is closed, Casa 

Pilatos will be visited. It is a two-hour motor 

coach ride each way to Seville. 

Cádiz walking tour 

& flamenco dance 

tour CdZ002 


Traveling through Cádiz, watch for the 

Mudejar-style tobacco factory (1741) which 

now serves as the Congress building, Santo 

Domingo Church, the old Royal Prison in 

Andalusian neo-Classical style and the Roman 

Theatre. You will also pass the ancient 

Phoenician port of La Caleta, the Botanical 

Gardens and the castle walls that once protected 

the town. Leave the motor coach at Plaza 

de España, and start your walking tour to the 

Plaza de la Mina, once a monks’ vegetable 

patch, and the outside of the Cádiz Museum. 

On Calle Ancha, there are beautiful 19th- 

century palaces and the cathedral, where you 

can step inside to view an eclectic transition 

from 13th-century Baroque style to familiar 

neoclassical. Finish up at the Flamenco Place 

la Cava for a stylish demonstration of typical 

Spanish dance together with some tapas and 

drinks. 

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Jerez & Cellars 

tour CdZ003 


This fascinating and varied tour will take 

you past the most important sights in Cádiz, 

including the Constitution Monument and the 

beautiful cathedral. As you head out of town 

by way of the Old Road, your destination is 

the small town of Jerez de la Frontera, famous 

for its strong Moorish architectural influence 

and widely known as the sherry capital of the 

world. In fact it was the town’s Moorish name, 

Scheris, which gave sherry its name. Tucked 

into the fertile hinterland of Cádiz, Jerez de la 

Frontera enjoys its own micro-climate which 

enables the sweet grapes to grow. You will 

visit the cellars, or bodegas as they are called 

in Spain. Learn about the process of making 

sherry, from grape cultivation to bottling, then 

you can taste the wine if you like. After the 

tasting you will come back to Cádiz to enjoy a 

typical light lunch and see a Flamenco demonstration 

while you eat. 

Please note: This tour is available on the 

Wind Surf only. 

Cannes, 

gorges du Loup & gourdon 

tour CeQ001 


frAnCe 

Discover the region of quaint villages and 

scenic beauty inland from Cannes. You’ll drive 

to the foot of medieval St Paul de Vence 

village, stopping here for great photos. Your 

motor coach will then cross the spectacular 

Gorges du Loup Canyon, passing several 

picturesque hillside towns. The village of 

Gourdon lies atop a rocky spur over 1,600 

feet above the Loup river. Traditional houses 

here have been restored and converted into 

boutiques and workshops producing olivewood 

carvings, glassware, pottery, distilled 

lavender and honey. As you explore, you’ll 

want to photograph the magnificent panorama 

encompassing the coast from the mouth of the

Cannes 

Var to Cap Roux and inland from the Esterel 

Massif to the Courmettes peak. Your return to 

the ship is by way of Grasse, renowned for its 

perfume industry. 

grasse: 

A unique Perfume experience 

tour CeQ002 


If you have ever dreamed of the day you 

would find your own personal fragrance, 

one that would distinguish you from all 

the others, this is it! Leave the shores of the 

Mediterranean in Cannes and drive by motor 

coach to Grasse, the birthplace of the French 

perfume industry. Your apprenticeship begins 

with a guided tour of Galimard’s perfume 

museum and factory, depicting the age-old 

process of perfume creation that has been 

handed down from generation to generation. 

Then Le Studio des Fragrances will welcome you 

for an exclusive fragrance workshop. Inspired 

by the professional process of brand-name 

perfume creators, this is the most sophisticated 

publicly-available perfume creation system in 

the world. It has been featured on CNN, the 

Discovery Channel, the Learning Channel and 

National Geographic channel. It is a trend setter 

for the personalization and customization 

of fragrances in the perfume and beauty industry. 

Sit down at your own personal station—a 

creative environment. Create at your own pace 

as you travel through the base, heart and top 

notes of your personal fragrance. You will 

learn about how a perfume is created and the 

classifications of the various families of scents 

and their components. Choose from more 

than 127 essences, including rose of May, 

patchouli, wild lavender and sandalwood. The 

Master Perfumeur, also called “the Nose,” 

will guide you through your natural creative 

instincts during this unique experience. Your 

creation will be presented in a decorative 

bottle with the name you have chosen for it. 

The recipe for your unique fragrance will be 

preserved in the factory’s database and may 

be re-ordered upon request. Bath foam and 

moisturising body cream in your fragrance can 

also be purchased. Upon leaving, you will be 

presented with a diploma of Eleve Parfumeur. 

-18- 

st. Paul & the Maeght foundation 

tour CeQ003 


Modern artists, from Claude Monet to the 

present, have been attracted by the quality of 

light along the Mediterranean. It varies from 

one village to another, but by all accounts 

the light is particularly fine at St. Paul de 

Vence. The Maeght Foundation occupies a 

whitewashed and rose brick structure in true 

Mediterranean style, designed by Spanish 

architect J.L. Sert. In addition to a fine collection 

of 20th-century paintings here, there 

are several outdoor sculpture areas among the 

pines, with works by Calder, Arp, Miro and 

Giacometti. There are stained-glass windows 

by Ubac and Braque, and a Braque mosaic 

forms the background to a pond, while another 

by Chagall decorates the external wall of the 

sales room. This small, manageable museum 

will delight you without overwhelming the 

senses. St. Paul is a walled village with 16thcentury 

ramparts that remain almost intact. It 

was “discovered” by painters and other artists 

in the 1920s. Learn firsthand today about 

what is so special about it today as your guide 

leads you through its narrow streets filled with 

charming shops. The village is perched atop its 

own peak, with magnificent views across the 

hills into the valleys below. 

Capri, 

A taste of Capri 

tour PrJ002 


itALy 

A tender will transfer you to Marina Grande, 

and from there you will travel by minibus 

to Anacapri. During the drive, admire the 

vista over the Bay of Naples and Sorrento. 

In Anacapri, you will visit Villa San Michele, 

once house of the Swedish writer Axel 

Munthe, and nowadays an interesting museum. 

Alternatively, you may choose to climb Monte 

Solaro for 360° panorama over the Gulf of 

Naples with Mt. Vesuvius in the background, 

the Gulf of Salerno, the Anacapri plain, the 

Sorrentine Peninsula, Ischia Island, and Capri. 

Enjoy time at leisure to stroll in the narrow 

streets of Anacapri town, stopping for tasting 

of some local wine and cheese. Later, you will

Capri 

return to Capri and visit the well-known piazzetta 

and the famous Augustus Gardens. Look 

out to sea to view the Faraglioni—enormous 

rocks forming natural arches. Afterward return 

by funicular to Marina Grande to board the 

tender back to the ship. 

the blue grotto 

tour PrJ001 


Depart from the ship on a local motorboat to 

reach the Blue Grotto—a 15-minute ride. Step 

into a small rowboat to enter the Grotto. The 

cavern is lit by sunlight which reflects from the 

water producing unique effects. After the visit, 

return to Marina Grande and with time to 

visit the island. 

Cartagena, 

Cartagena highlights 

tour Ctg001 


sPAin 

Discover the highlights of this regional capital, 

originally settled in 223 BC. Cartagena 

flourished under Roman, Muslim and Arab 

rule and today offers visitors a vast cultural 

legacy acquired over more than 3,000 years. 

Take a modern panoramic elevator ride to the 

Concepción Castle for a taste of the history 

and culture of the city. From this museum, 

you’ll begin a walking tour on the sea wall 

with magnificent views over the harbor. 

Reaching the Town Hall square and the city’s 

main avenue, you’ll admire some interesting 

modernist buildings from the 19th century. 

Last but not least, you’ll visit the archeological 

site of Muralla Punica—ruins of the 

-20- 

ancient walls that protected the city during the 

Phoenician occupation. After this interesting 

visit you will head back to Cartagena where 

the ship is docked. 

Lorca 

tour Ctg002 


Built upon the ruins of an impressive castle, 

the ancient city of Lorca is known as the 

Baroque City, or the City of A Hundred 

Coats of Arms. Enter the Middle Ages 

through the amazing portal to the past that 

a visit to Lorca affords. You may even see 

characters from the Middle Ages as you walk 

through the Fortress—one of the better kept 

castles in Spain. You’ll enjoy an extensive walk 

through this historic site before making your 

way to a local restaurant where you will enjoy 

lunch. Take a walk through town to view the 

Roman-style theatre of Lorca, and for an 

exterior view of San Patricio Church, declared 

a Historic Monument in 1941. Take advantage 

of some free time to shop and browse, 

then it’s time to head back to Cartagena and 

the ship. 

Cephalonia 

(fiskArdo), greeCe 

Assos & Melissani Lake 

tour fis001 


From Fiskardo, a town of 18th-century 

Venetian houses, drive south through lush 

scenery to the lovely fishing village of Assos. 

Assos is built on a narrow isthmus that links 

it to the Venetian castle-crowned headland. It 

features two beaches, a tranquil harbor, painted 

walls, pretty gardens and seaside tavernas. 

Continue on to Melissani Lake, whose vivid 

colors change according to the position of the 

sun. A boat ride takes you across and around 

the lake—an ideal photo opportunity. Journey 

across the island of Cephalonia to return to 

Fiskardo port. 

Please note: There is considerable walking on 

this tour over uneven surfaces and slippery

Cephalonia 

surfaces at the lake; flat, comfortable, walking 

shoes are recommended, as well as a hat and 

some sunscreen. 

Civitavecchia 

rome orientation tour Add-on 

for Airport transfers 

tour fCo021 


(roMe), itALy 


transfer to the airport (guests must already 

have a prepaid transfer voucher or will need 

to buy one prior to purchasing this tour) 

Depart the Civitavecchia pier en route to the 

Eternal City. Upon arrival in Rome, you will 

drive through the Borghese Gardens, then 

along the fashionable, elegant Via Veneto 

with its sidewalk cafés, expensive shops and 

luxurious hotels. Watch for Piazza Barberini 

with the Triton Fountain. Then drive by the 

Roman Forum, the Colosseum (the impressive 

of Rome’s imperial monuments), Circus 

Maximus, where chariot races took place 

during the Roman Empire, immortalized in 

the movie Ben Hur) and glimpse Palatine Hill 

where the residences of the Roman Emperors 

are located. Pass St. Paul’s Gate and the 

Pyramid of Caius Cestius. Continue on the 

old Ostiense Way to the Basilica of St. Paul 

Outside the Walls where you will have time 

for a visit inside on your own. At the end of 

the tour you will be dropped off at the airport. 

Please note: This tour will end at the airport. 

This tour is available only to guests whose 

flight leaves at 3:00pm or later. 

-22- 

rome orientation tour Add-on 

for hotel transfers 

tour fCo022 



transfer to your Windstar hotel (guests must 

already have a prepaid transfer voucher or will 

need to buy one prior to purchasing this tour) 

From the pier in Civitavecchia you will drive 

approximately 90 minutes to Rome, passing 

through the ultra-modern suburb of EUR. 

This quarter was built by Mussolini, the 

Italian dictator, before the World War II 

for the World Exhibition in Rome in 1942. 

Reaching the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the 

Walls, you will have free time for an inside 

visit. Driving along the old Ostiense Way, 

pass the Pyramid of Caius Cestius and St. 

Paul’s Gate. Within the old city, watch for 

the Forum, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus 

and you may catch a glimpse of Palatine Hill 

where the Roman Emperors once lived. View 

Barberini Square’s famous Triton Fountain, 

and drive along Via Veneto—an elegant street 

packed with Rome’s most fashionable sidewalk 

cafés, expensive shops and luxury hotels. 

Please note: Your tour ends with a drop-off 

either at your Windstar hotel or at the nearest 

drop-off point as traffic conditions and regulations 

allow. 

Corfu, 

Achillion & Corfu town 

tour Cfu001 


greeCe 

Begin your tour passing through the main 

part of the town before entering the delightful 

countryside. You will notice that Corfu 

is more lush and verdant than most of the 

Greek islands. You’ll pass groves of olive, 

orange and lemon trees, interfused with tall, 

graceful cypresses. Before you know it you will 

have reached your destination at the village 

of Gastouri. Here you will visit Achillion, the 

mansion built by the Empress Elisabeth of 

Austria and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm 

II. The mansion is now restored by the state 

and the gardens with their statues have been 

left intact for visitors to admire. The tour will 

continue to Kanoni. At this site you will see

Corfu 

the old cannon from which the name Kanoni 

derives. From above you will see the convent 

of Vlacherna and Mouse Island in the far 

distance. You will return to the town via a 

different route, and enjoy a lovely walk 

through the narrow, balconied streets of the 

old district on the way to the beautiful church 

of St. Spiridon before returning to the ship. 

Paleokastritsa & Caves by boat 

tour Cfu002 


This tour visits Paleokastritsa, an area of 

singular natural beauty on the northwestern 

shores of Corfu. It is known as the “Capri of 

Greece” for its rocky promontories cloaked in 

pine and cypress trees extending out into the 

sea, hiding small sandy bays and coves with 

crystal clear turquoise waters glimmering under 

the bright sun. In Paleokastritsa, guests take 

a 30-minute boat ride to the famous grottoes 

of the area, the sea caves of Nafsika, Saint 

Nikolas, and the Blue Eye. Here, the 

natural ground formations combined with the 

minerals in the ground and the natural sunlight 

give life to amazing forms, colors and optical 

illusions. Upon your return to the main beach, 

you have free time to enjoy a refreshing dive in 

the turquoise waters, sunbathe on the soft sand 

or walk in the area, before boarding the coach 

for the drive uphill to the traditional village of 

Lakones. You will be driving up the very same 

serpentine, narrow road where the famous car 

chase in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes 

Only was filmed. In the village of Lakones, you 

can admire local village architecture more reminiscent 

of Italy than of typical Greek villages, 

before enjoying a meze (Greek snack) and 

tasting some of the wines of the island at the 

local café at the Bella Vista. A location known 

for the spectacular and breathtaking views it 

commands over Paleokastritsa. The trip to the 

caves is subject to sea and weather conditions. 

glyfada beach 

tour Cfu003 


June - september sailings only 

Travel with an escort to Glyfada beach, just 

10 miles west of Corfu Town. This is one 

of the island’s nicest and most popular beach 

resorts. It has several luxurious hotels, shops, 

tavernas and the longest sandy beach in Corfu. 

This tour takes you to one of the very best in 

this area, the Grand Hotel, which lies in a lush 

green garden, filled with hundreds of different 

kinds of flowers, bushes and trees. The hotel’s 

sandy beach is fully organized and offers all 

kinds of water sports. You will find everything 

you need for a relaxing day on the beach. 

Please note: One sunbed, umbrella and one 

refreshment per person included. 

-24- -24- 

Dubrovnik 

best of the Adriatic tour 

dVb001 


CroAtiA 

Dubrovnik is a remarkable city. It sustained 

substantial damage in the early 1990s, but 

a strong spirit and enterprising nature have 

restored Dubrovnik to its status as one of 

the world’s great cultural treasures and the 

city is now a UNESCO World Heritage 

Site. “Those who seek paradise on Earth,” 

George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “should 

come to Dubrovnik.” Drive by coach to the 

viewpoint south of town, and then begin 

your walking tour at the Pile Gate. Stroll the 

famous main street—the Stradun. Your visit 

will include the Franciscan Monastery whose 

cloister ranks among the most inspiring sights 

of the city and the Rector’s Palace (15th 

century). View from the outside the Sponza 

Palace, notable for its column courtyard with 

elaborate stone carvings, the Church of Saint 

Blaise and Onofriou’s Fountain. After free 

time for shopping or browsing, then you will 

head to the Konavle region, 30 minutes south 

of Dubrovnik. Your first stop will be at the 

Old Mill which still operates. The host will 

welcome you and serve a refreshing drink 

before demonstrating the old method of milling 

flour. Stroll along the riverbank some 200 

meters to the Konavoski Dvori Restaurant— 

perfectly situated in an old water mill next 

to the cascading waters of the Ljuta River. A 

lunch of roast lamb and veal is cooked under 

iron bells and covered in hot coals, or freshly 

caught trout is grilled to perfection. Local 

wines, as well as bottled water, are included 

with lunch. 

Croatian Countryside tour 

dVb002 


Romantic charm, homemade cuisine and 

exquisite scenery will make this a memorable 

and enjoyable excursion. Dubrovnik is the 

place for all those who wish to renew themselves 

and their faith in human nature. Your 

experienced guide will stroll with you through 

the narrow streets of this magnificent town 

and show you the best-known places, palaces,

Dubrovnik Dubrovnik 

squares and churches. You will have some free 

time before continue to the picturesque village 

in Konavle Valley where a local family welcomes 

you to their home. The family has lived 

here for generations producing grape brandy, 

olive oil and wine in the traditional ways. See 

the wine cellars and olive press and, in the dining 

room, your gracious host will serve a light 

snack of local cheeses, smoked ham and homemade 

bread. En route back to the ship, you’ll 

stop in the seaside town of Cavtat, where 

Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson spent their 

honeymoon. 

hidden treasures of dubrovnik 

tour dVb003 


From the pier you will travel by motor coach 

to the gate at Pile Square. Disembark the 

coach and follow your guide through the gate 

and into the charming streets of Dubrovnik’s 

Old Town on a very special sightseeing tour 

far from the main tourist routes in the Old 

Town. In 1991, the new permanent display of 

the Ethnographic Museum with some 5000 

exhibits was opened in the renovated building 

of the Rupe (Hole) Granary. The Granary, 

built by the Dubrovnik government in the oldest 

part of town on the islet of Lave in 1590, 

was formerly used to store the municipal grain 

reserves in 15 large well-like containers cut 

in stone on the ground floor. The original 

appearance of the ground floor was preserved 

during renovation and three holes have been 

re-opened. The history of the building is 

illustrated in photographs. The permanent 

exhibition illustrates the cultural heritage of 

the Dubrovnik region. Economic and material 

items displayed on the first floor and spiritual 

items (customs, traditional folk costumes, 

folklore, textiles and lace) on the second floor. 

Enjoy a glass of champagne before visiting 

the Maritime Museum located in St. John’s 

Castle, rebuilt after earthquake in 1979. Its 

4,000 exhibits illustrate the naval history of 

Dubrovnik and Croatia. Among the exhibits 

are the ship models dating back to the 17th, 

18th and 19th centuries, as well as flags, 

cannons, weapons, figureheads, nautical instruments, 

log books and various documents. The 

museum holds a valuable library containing 

rare books and the important archival material. 

Dubrovnik’s City Wall were completed in the 

13th century and the ramparts, still amazingly 

intact, encircle the old city with a circumference 

of more than a mile and a half. Ascending 

the stairway near the Maritime Museum, you 

will soon reach the top of the wall where your 

guide will lead you on a walking tour along its 

southern portion. You will see the gorgeous 

Mineta Fortress, St. John’s Fortress and Bokar 

Fortress. At the end of the tour your guide 

will lead you to the Stradun main street where 

you will have 45 minutes free time, followed 

by a transfer back to the ship. 

-26- 

historic dubrovnik & wine 

tasting tour dVb004 


This is a perfect excursion for wine-lovers and 

connoisseurs, and for everyone else as well! 

Leaving Dubrovnik, the coach will take you 

along the spectacular Adriatic Coast. You will 

drive south of the Dubrovnik Riviera, passing 

the charming Zupa Dubrovacka with numerous 

small villages and resorts along the coast. 

After almost 45 minutes, a very scenic drive 

will bring you to the small village of Komaji 

where the Crvik family keep their vineyards 

and winery. You will taste some of the finest 

wines from this region, and meet Mr. Andro 

Crvik—the wine-maker who will tell you 

about the wines of Croatia and this particular 

region. After visiting the winery, continue 

to Dubrovnik and the Old Town. With 

your guide, you will enter the town and pass 

along the main street known as the Stradun. 

Historical buildings line the way, including the 

Franciscan Monastery, St. Blaise Church, the 

Onofrious Fountain and Sponza Palace. After 

a guided orientation tour of Dubrovnik and 

free time in the town, you will transfer back to 

the ship. 

dubrovnik orientation tour Addon 

for Airport or hotel transfers 

tour dVb021 



transfer to the airport or to your Windstar 


transfer voucher or will need to buy one prior 

to purchasing this tour) 

Leaving the ship you will drive by coach

Dubrovnik 

over the new panoramic road to the viewpoint 

above Dubrovnik and its riviera. Head 

for the picturesque seaside resort town of 

Cavtat, which was the ancient Roman city of 

Epidaurus. Over the years, Cavtat has been 

a favorite destination for sailors and yacht 

enthusiasts, in fact Edward VIII and Wallace 

Simpson came here for their honeymoon. 

Here you will take pleasant walk along the 

beautiful seafront promenade or enjoy a coffee 

in one of many cafés located along the 

coast. Depart Cavtat by bus driving along 

the Dubrovnik to the heart of the city. Upon 

arrival at Pile Square, the western entrance 

to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, you will have a 

chance to enjoy the beauty of Dubrovnik. 

Stroll along the main street to visit the 

Dominican monastery and church with its fine 

collection of Renaissance paintings. Among 

many local and Italian masters the highlight is 

a painting by Titian. See the Rectors Palace. 

This building was the seat of Government and 

the Rector’s residence in the once-independent 

maritime Republic of Dubrovnik, which was 

abolished by Napoleon in 1808. Today it still 

provides a glimpse of how the ruling class and 

the aristocracy used to live. 




leaves at 3:00pm or later, or to guests staying 

overnight in Dubrovnik. 

Ermoupolis, 

highlights of syros 

tour Jsy001 


greeCe 

In the 19th century, Ermoupolis was Greece’s 

principal port. Phoenecians, Ionians and 

Venetians lent the island a very different 

architectural style from the other Cycladic 

islands. Your coach will drop you off near 

the Catholic Cathedral built in the 14th 

century, before you descend on foot to the 

Cappuchin monastery of St. John. Meet 

the coach and drive you across the island to 

Posidonia Village. Here, you will visit the 

restored Benaki Mansion, now serving as the 

Town Hall but formerly belonging to one of 

the most renowned families in Greece. You 

will continue with a short drive to Foinikas 

seaside village where refreshments will be 

-28- 

served. Finally, you will take the road back to 

Ermoupolis Port via a different route, passing 

the villages of Giallissas and Talanta. 

Gibraltar 

City under siege 

tour gib002 


A cable car will whisk you to Gibraltar’s Top 

Station, located on the site of an old World 

War II gun emplacement. Take in the fabulous 

views, then your guide will accompany 

you back to the Middle Station and the 

sanctuary of Gibraltar’s oldest inhabitants, 

the Barbary Apes. These tail-less monkeys 

(Macaca sylvanus) roam free. Keep your possessions 

close and do not feed or touch these 

wild animals. Board a coach for a five-minute 

drive north to Princess Caroline’s Battery 

and the entrance to the Upper Galleries, or 

the Great Siege Tunnels. This is a system of 

tunnels carved out of solid limestone, commenced 

in 1782 by the forerunners of the 

Royal Engineers. They are a monument to 

ingenuity and engineering. Walk through the 

Windsor Gallery to St. George’s Hall—a 

fascinating experience! As you leave the Great 

Siege Tunnels you will see the runway built 

during the Second World War with rocks 

hewn out of these and other tunnels inside 

the Rock. Continue to the first buildings ever 

constructed by the British in Gibraltar which 

now house the City Under Siege exhibition, 

depicting the relentless sieges that have all 

failed to re-conquer Gibraltar. A short distance 

away you will pass by the Moorish Castle 

built in 1333. A drive through the old town 

will take you to Nelson’s Anchorage where 

H.M.S. Victory was berthed after the Battle 

of Trafalgar with the body of Admiral Lord 

Nelson on board. See the 100-Ton Gun, or 

the Victorian Super-Gun, and walk through 

the Interpretation Centre. At the Gibraltar 

Museum, located in the old Moorish Baths, an 

enormous number of artifacts are on display. 

An optional 15-minute film shows the evolution 

of Gibraltar over the past 2000 years. At 

the end of the tour you may opt to stay in the

Gibraltar 

busy town center (and return to the ship on 

your own) or return to the ship with the tour. 

top of the rock & shopping 

tour gib001 

Approximately 1 hour • $39 

Make the most of your time in Gibraltar 

with sightseeing and time for shopping. By 

cable car, take in the great views of Gibraltar 

from the Botanical Gardens to the Apes’ Den 

and up to the summit. On a clear day you 

will see the coast of Europe and Africa, and 

have a bird’s-eye view of Spain to the north. 

Westward lies the city of Gibraltar and, across 

the bay Algeciras and the Costa del Sol lie to 

the east. The Cable Car’s Interactive Multimedia 

Tour is available to you at the Top 

Station for a look at Gibraltar’s fascinating 

history. See the famous Barbary Apes in their 

natural environment in an area which has been 

created especially for them. The Top of the 

Rock is also a natural viewing point for spying 

birds crossing the Strait. You will have 

free time to explore Main Street, with familiar 

names as well as smaller shops selling everything 

from fashion and designer sunglasses, 

to Chinese linen and electrical equipment. 

Alternatively, you can relax a while in the 

pedestrian-only Irish Town in a pub or café. 

Please note: The Cable Car is a popular 

attraction and lines may be encountered. 

Gythion, 

Mystras, the byzantine City 

tour gyt001 


greeCe 

Your tour will cross the plain of Laconia 

through orange and olive groves and with the 

mighty Taygetus Mountain in the background. 

Sparta today is a big, modern town. As the 

original Spartans cared little for buildings and 

lived a “Spartan” existence in barracks, their 

ancient architecture was simple and basic. 

Today, its scanty remains reflect little of its 

ancient renown. Four miles west, however, lies 

the medieval town of Mystras with its churches 

and houses, monasteries and palaces lining 

the steep narrow streets. For 200 years, from 

the middle of the 13th century, this Byzantine 

town flourished. From the mid-15th century 

until the beginning of the 20th century the 

-30- 

town was in constant decline, with the exception 

of a few years during which it was under 

Venetian control. However, the magnificence 

of the Byzantine architecture remarkably preserved 

and sensitively restored, gives the visitor 

the impression of entering a whole different 

age. Take a walk through winding alleys 

and majestic gates, past medieval houses, 

palaces and into a series of churches, several 

of which house exquisite and radiant frescoes. 

The 1249 castle dominating the city 

was once in the hands of the Byzantines. In 

the Upper Town stood the Palace of the 

Despots, a rare specimen of civic buildings 

of that time, and its Grand Hall still well 

preserved. Situated even higher is the Palace 

Church of Aghia Sophia and the ruins of 

numerous monastic buildings. 

Please note: The site is located on a very steep 

hill; comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 

Bring a hat and sunscreen. 

Hvar, 

walking tour of hvar & 

an A Capella Concert 

tour hVA001 


CroAtiA 

Explore on foot the town of Hvar, which 

sports a thick-walled fortress overlooking the 

harbor. In the very heart of the port is a large 

arsenal that houses Europe’s first community 

theatre (1612), and three bell towers that soar 

above the jumble of tiled rooftop, pointing to 

the source of Hvar’s magic: the sun and limitless 

blue skies. In the town, the streets and 

people converge in the expansive piazza, the 

largest in all of Dalmatia, which connects the 

older part of town to the 15th-century side. 

This is a pedestrian-only area. Your guide 

will lead you to the Cathedral of St. Stephen, 

with its treasury and bell tower. Walk to the

Hvar 

15th-century Franciscan monastery with its 

old refectory, and the church with its remarkable 

collection of paintings. After visiting 

Franciscan Monastery, guests will have private 

concert by a local group of a capella singers. 

hvar island & wine tasting tour 

hVA002 


The Island of Hvar boasts a mild climate and 

lush subtropical vegetation. Your coach takes 

you from Hvar town to Starigrad, famous for 

its large bay which has long inspired artists 

and poets, and dates back to the 2nd century 

BC. Visit the Dominican Monastery, with its 

rich library housing priceless books and paintings. 

Then, you will have some free time in 

the town before continuing your scenic ride 

towards the village of Vrisnik. A friendly host 

will welcome you with dried figs and a special 

tasting of the island’s cheeses and wines, made 

locally and produced only in small quantities. 

Leaving Vrisnik, continue your ride to Hvar. 

A short stop will be made at the fortress above 

the island from where the magnificent view of 

the town of Hvar and the Pakleni Islands can 

be enjoyed. 

kayaking dalmatian Coastline 

tour hVA003 


Make the most of your visit by combining 

your shore-side visit with an offshore kayak 

exploration of the beautiful coastal and 

underwater scenery of the small islands just a 

short distance from Hvar. Crystal clear water 

in varying hues of emerald and turquoise 

are the hallmark of the glorious Dalmatian 

coast. Departing by kayak from the town of 

Hvar, your local leader will guide you towards 

the small picturesque islands of Jerolim and 

Marinkovac for your explorations before 

returning to Hvar by kayak. 

-32- -32- 

Ibiza, 

d’Alt Vila walking tour 

tour ibZ001 


sPAin 

The fortification of the city of Eivissa, 

traditionally called D’alt Vila (the Upper 

Town), has five entrances. The Ses Taules 

Gate faces the fishing district of La Marina. 

A walk through the gatehouse leads to the 

Patio de Armas, with ten half-point arches 

that for years was the site of the “hippie” 

market on the island. Pass through another 

gate that leads to the Plaça de Vila square, 

and see the bastions with an extraordinary 

view over the bay, the modern city of 

Eivissa, En Bossa beach, ses Salines and the 

island of Formentera. Walk past the ancient 

Dominican convent (now the Town Hall of 

Eivissa), the cathedral of Eivissa founded in 

the 14th century, the Episcopal Palace, the 

Bishop’s residence, and the Archaeological 

Museum that occupies the old University 

building. The Royal Curia buildings once 

housed an institution equivalent to the 

present-day Law Courts. You’ll see the castle, 

the Governor’s house, and a group of military 

buildings being restored. Ironically, the 

Contemporary Art Museum is housed in a 

complex dating back to the 18th century, 

located near the chapel complex of Saint Ciria 

whose entrance the Cataláns used to conquer 

the city in 1235. D’alt Vila also offers a fine 

collection of bars, restaurants, shops and 

galleries. The fortifications of Eivissa are a 

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Istanbul, 

Pre-Cruise istanbul 

turkey 

The following tours are offered in Istanbul as 

pre-cruise packages. Choose a 1-, 2- or 3-night 

package below, depending upon how much 

time you wish to spend in this remarkable city 

prior to your cruise. 

one-night Pre-Cruise istanbul 

1 day/1 night 

tour can only be booked through windstar 

reservations (1-800-258-7245) 

You will be met by your guide at Istanbul 

International Airport and transferred to your 

hotel by private vehicle. You will check in 

at your hotel with some time to relax. Midafternoon, 

you will set out on a half-day tour 

of the wonderful highlights of Istanbul. First, 

you will visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, 

along with its famous Egyptian Obelisk, 

the Obelisk of Constantine, the Serpentine 

Column and the German Fountain. Then, you 

will proceed to the Blue Mosque, completed 

in 1616—a triumph of harmony, proportion 

and elegance. The mosque was a part of a 

complex that consisted of a mosque, tombs, 

fountains, kitchens and a bath. Its 260 

colorful windows enable the sunlight to reach 

inside. The blue Iznik tiles covering the walls 

lend the mosque its name. Next, you will visit 

one of the greatest buildings in the world: St 

Sophia, the Church of the Divine Wisdom. 

It was built during the reign of Emperor 

Justinian (AD 537) and remained the greatest 

church in Christendom until the conquest of 

Constantinople in 1453. Sultan Mehmet II 

ordered the conversion of Hagia Sophia into 

a Mosque. The great dome, the semi-domes, 

the north and south tympana and the vaults 

of the narthex, aisles and gallery were all covered 

with gold mosaics, many of which are 

still intact today. Finally, enjoy an orientation 

drive around the old city with its many ancient 

monuments and city walls, and the new 

city with its modern buildings and squares. 

Continue to the famous Grand Bazaar, where 

you will explore some of its 92 streets. The 

Grand Bazaar is the largest and oldest covered 

bazaar in Turkey, with more than 4,000 

shops. A variety of Turkish handicrafts, oriental 

carpets, rare jewels and inexpensive souvenirs 

are all sold in its small shops. The streets 

are named according to the trades, such as 

gold and silver sellers, carpet sellers, booksell- 

-34- 

ers, etc. (Guests taking the two- or three-night 

packages will visit the Grand Bazaar on day 

two..) At the end of the day, you will return to 

your hotel. Overnight at Hilton Istanbul. 

Please note: Guests arriving after 2:30pm on 

their first day will have an opportunity to 

make up the missed tour portion on Friday 

at 4:00pm. This is the only make up time 

available. 

two-night Pre-Cruise istanbul 

2 days/2 nights 



Enjoy day one in Istanbul with sightseeing 

as outlined above in the One-Night package. 

On the second day, after breakfast, meet 

your guide in the hotel lobby for a full day of 

touring as you to continue exploring Istanbul. 

Today’s first visit will be the Turkish and 

Islamic Arts Museum situated in the historical 

palace of Ibrahim Pasha, opposite the Blue 

Mosque. The museum opened in May 1983 

after 15 years of restoration. This unique 

collection was previously on display in the 

soup kitchen of Suleymaniye Mosque, but 

has now moved to its new location where 

vast, new display opportunities are afforded 

at the museum. Next, you will visit the magnificent 

Topkapi Palace—residence of the 

sultans for almost three centuries. It is located 

on the promontory between the Bosphorus 

Istanbul 

and the Golden Horn. This setting provides 

a superlative view. As the imperial residence 

of the Sultan and his court, the palace was 

also the seat of government for the Ottoman 

Empire. 4,000 people lived here. Visit the 

general exhibitions and the Treasury Section 

displaying the priceless pieces of jewelry 

that once belonged to the Ottoman Sultans. 

You will stop for lunch at the Green House 

Garden—an old Ottoman house—and taste 

traditional Turkish cuisine in a lovely atmosphere. 

Continue to the famous Grand Bazaar, 

and end the day with a transfer back to your 

hotel. Overnight at Hilton Istanbul. (B, L) 





available.

Istanbul Istanbul 

three-night Pre-Cruise istanbul 




Sightsee on days one and two as outlined 

in the Two-Night package above. On day 

three, after breakfast, meet your guide in the 

hotel lobby for a final day of visit Istanbul’s 

amazing sights. Your first visit will be to 

the Underground Cistern—an underground 

cavern measuring roughly 210 feet wide and 

420 feet long, with a capacity of 80,000 cubic 

meters of water. The 336 beautiful columns 

that support the cistern were salvaged from 

pagan temples destroyed during the Roman 

Empire’s conversion to Christianity. Two of 

the columns are carved with the head and hair 

of Medusa on the plinth. Then, you will visit 

the Suleymaniye Mosque, built between 1550 

and 1557, and widely regarded as the most 

beautiful of all the imperial mosques. It is the 

masterpiece of the great Ottoman Architect, 

Sinan. The size of the mosque is immense, and 

the mausoleum of Suleyman the Magnificent 

and his wife Roxelana lies in its garden complex. 

A stop at the nearby Egyptian Bazaar 

allows you time to explore the second-largest 

covered market in Istanbul. It was named 

for the herbs, and spices imported from or 

through Egypt, and although the Egyptian 

market dates back to the 1660s, ironically it is 

part of the “New Mosque” complex! This is 

still the best place in the city to buy Turkish 

Delight, dried fruit, exotic spices and herbs. 

Lunch will be served at Hamdi Restaurant, 

located on the Golden Horn and very close 

to the Egyptian Market. You will have a delicious 

meal overlooking the Bosphorus. After 

lunch, a short drive will bring you to the pier 

where you will board a private motor-yacht 

for a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. The 

Bosphorus bisects Istanbul, separating Europe 

and Asia, and connecting the Black Sea to 

the Sea of Marmara. Its shores showcase 

Istanbul’s beauty. Your motor-yacht will pass 

by magnificent palaces, old seaside mansions, 

and impressive fortresses. You will be surprised 

to see that the old Ottoman buildings 

harmonize perfectly with the more modern 

architecture. Watch for the Imperial Pavilions 

of Yildiz Palace, the famous Ciragan Palace, 

the Bosphorus Bridge, Ortakoy, Dolmabahce 

-36- 

Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace and the Rumeli 

Fortress, built to control the Bosphorus and 

protect Istanbul from its from enemies. At 

the very end of the Bosphorus, you will disembark 

from the yacht at Tarabya for a drive 

back along the European shore, giving you 

the opportunity to admire the other side of 

the beautiful yalis (mansions) perched right 

next to the water. At the end of the day, you 

will return to your hotel. Overnight in Hilton 

Istanbul. (B, L) 

Day 4 

Breakfast at your hotel with the morning at 

leisure. At 2:00 pm, you will transfer to your 

Windstar ship. (B) 





available. 

Post-Cruise istanbul 

The following tours are offered in Istanbul 

as post-cruise packages. Choose a 1-, 2- or 

3-night package below, depending upon how 

much time you wish to spend in this remarkable 

city after your cruise. 

one-night Post-Cruise istanbul 

1 day/1 night 



After disembarkation in the morning, you will 

be met by your guide at the port and start 

your day exploring the wonderful highlights 

of Istanbul on a full-day tour. First, you will 

visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, along with 

its famous Egyptian Obelisk, the Obelisk of 

Constantine, the Serpentine Column and the 

German Fountain. Then, proceed to the Blue 

Mosque, completed in 1616—a triumph 

of harmony, proportion and elegance. The 

mosque was a part of a complex that consisted 

of a mosque, tombs, fountains, kitchens and 

a bath. Its colorful 260 windows enable the 

sunlight to reach inside. The blue Iznik tiles 

covering the walls lend the mosque its name. 

Next, you will visit the magnificent Topkapi 

Palace—residence of the sultans for almost 

three centuries. It is located on the promontory 

between the Bosphorus and the Golden 

Horn . This setting provides a superlative


view. As the imperial residence of the Sultan 

and his court, the palace was also the seat of 

government for the Ottoman Empire. 4,000 

people lived here. Visit the general exhibitions 

and the Treasury Section displaying the priceless 

pieces of jewelry that once belonged to the 

Ottoman Sultans. At noon you will stop for 

lunch at the Green House Garden—an old 

Ottoman house—to taste traditional Turkish 

cuisine in a lovely atmosphere. After lunch, 

visit the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum 

situated in the historical palace of Ibrahim 

Pasha, located opposite the Blue Mosque. 

The museum opened in May 1983, after 15 

years of restoration. This unique collection 

was previously on display in the soup kitchen 

of Suleymaniye Mosque, but has now moved 

to its new location where vast, new display 

opportunities are afforded at the museum. 

Continue to the famous Grand Bazaar, where 

you will explore some of its 92 streets. The 

Grand Bazaar is the largest and oldest covered 

bazaar in Turkey, with more than 4,000 

shops. A variety of Turkish handicrafts, oriental 

carpets, rare jewels and inexpensive souvenirs 

are all sold in its small shops. The streets 

are named according to the trades, such as 

gold and silver sellers, carpet sellers, booksellers, 

etc. Finally, you will enjoy an orientation 

drive around the old city with its many ancient 

monuments and city walls, and the new city 

with its modern buildings and squares. At the 

end of the day, you will be transferred to your 

hotel. Overnight at Hilton Istanbul. (L) 

two-night Pre-Cruise istanbul 




Enjoy day one in Istanbul with sightseeing 

as outlined above in the One-Night package. 

On the second day, after breakfast, meet 

your guide in the hotel lobby. From there, 

you will depart for a half-day tour to continue 

to explore Istanbul . First, you will visit 

one of the greatest buildings in the world: St 

Sophia, the Church of the Divine Wisdom. 

It was built during the reign of Emperor 

Justinian (AD 537) and remained the greatest 

church in Christendom until the conquest of 

Constantinople in 1453. Sultan Mehmet II 

ordered the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a 

Mosque. The great dome, the semi-domes, the 

north and south tympana and the vaults of the 

narthex, aisles and gallery were all covered with 

gold mosaics, many of which are still intact 

today. Next, you will visit the Underground 

Cistern. This amazing underground cavern 

measures roughly 210 feet wide and 420 

feet long, with a capacity of 80,000 cubic 

meters of water. The 336 beautiful columns 

that support the cistern were salvaged from 

pagan temples destroyed during the Roman 

Empire’s conversion to Christianity. Two of 

the columns are carved with the head and hair 

of Medusa on the plinth. Your last visit for 

the day will be the Archaeological Museum of 

-38- 

Istanbul, established as the Empire Museum 

at the end of the 19th century. This was 

the “first Turkish museum,” and its collections 

feature rich and important works of art 

belonging to various civilizations from the 

regions from Balkans to Africa, from Anatolia 

and Mesopotamia to Arab Peninsula and 

Afghanistan that were in the borders of the 

Ottoman Empire . Return to your hotel and 

enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at 

Hilton Istanbul (B). 

three-night Pre-Cruise istanbul 




Sightsee on days one and two as outlined in 

the Two-Night package above. After break- 

fast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a 

final full day tour of Istanbul and surroundings. 

Your first visit will be the Suleymaniye 

Mosque, built between 1550 and 1557, 

and regarded as the most beautiful of all the 

imperial mosques. It is the masterpiece of the 

great Ottoman Architect, Sinan. The size of 

the mosque is immense, and the mausoleum 

of Suleyman the Magnificent and his wife 

Roxelana was built in its garden complex. A 

stop at the nearby Egyptian Bazaar allows you 

time to explore the second-largest covered 

market in Istanbul. It was named for the herbs, 

and spices imported from or through Egypt, 

and although the Egyptian market dates back 

to the 1660s, ironically it is part of the “New 

Mosque” complex! This is still the best place 

in the city to buy Turkish Delight, dried fruit, 

exotic spices and herbs. Lunch will be served 

at Hamdi Restaurant, located on the Golden


Horn and very close to the Egyptian Market. 

You will have a delicious meal overlooking 

the Bosphorus. After lunch, a short drive will 

bring you to the pier where you will board 

a private motor-yacht for a cruise along the 

Bosphorus Strait. The Bosphorus bisects 

Istanbul, separating Europe and Asia, and connecting 

the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara 

. Its shores showcase Istanbul’s beauty. Your 

motor-yacht will pass by magnificent palaces, 

old seaside mansions, and impressive fortresses. 

You will be surprised to see that the 

old Ottoman buildings harmonize perfectly 

with the more modern architecture. Watch 

for the Imperial Pavilions of Yildiz Palace, the 

famous Ciragan Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, 

Ortakoy, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi 

Palace and the Rumeli Fortress, built to 

control the Bosphorus and protect Istanbul 

from its from enemies. At the very end of 

the Bosphorus, you will disembark from the 

yacht at Tarabya for a drive back along the 

European shore of the Bosphorus, giving you 

the opportunity to admire the other side of 

the beautiful yalis (mansions) located right 

next to the water. At the end of the day, you 

will return to your hotel. Overnight at Hilton 

Istanbul. (B, L) 

Day 4 

Breakfast at the hotel, and then (according to 

your flight time) you will be transferred to 

Istanbul International Airport for your homebound 

flight. (B) 

istanbul orientation tour Add-on 


tour ist021 







Explore the amazing city of Istanbul beginning 

with a visit to the Byzantine Hippodrome 

where chariot races in honor of the emperors 

once took place. Remnants of the Romans 

are also seen in the obelisks gracing the park. 

Step inside the Blue Mosque, named for the 

magnificent blue-green Iznik tiles used for its 

interior decoration. You will move on to visit 

Topkapi Palace—the official residence of the 

Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. You 

will see the old kitchen houses, which display 

rich collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain, 

and visit the Treasury Section displaying 

the priceless pieces of jewelry that once 

belonged to the Ottoman Sultans. Last, but 

certainly not least, you will visit the worldfamous 

Grand Bazaar. Before entering, you 

may also enjoy a demonstration on the art of 

carpet weaving. At approximately 12:45pm, 

you will be dropped off at your hotel or at the 

airport. 

Please note: This tour will end either at the 

airport or at your Windstar hotel. This tour is 

-40- 

available only to guests whose flight leaves at 

2:30pm or later, or to guests staying 

overnight in Istanbul. 

istanbul Mini-orientation tour 

Add-on for Airport or hotel 

transfers 

tour ist022 







On this brief orientation tour you will first 

visit the Byzantine Hippodrome where chariot 

races in honor of the emperors once took 

place. Remnants of the Romans are also seen 

in the obelisks gracing the park. The next 

visit is to the Blue Mosque, so named for 

the magnificent blue-green Iznik tiles used 

for its interior decoration. You will move on 

to visit St. Sophia, the splendid Church of 

Divine Wisdom built in the 4th century BC. 

St Sophia’s dome was then the largest in the 

world. After several conquests and pillages, 

the building was converted into a mosque, but 

fell into disrepair as the centuries passed. The 

mosaics were uncovered in the 1900s and the 

church was dedicated as a Byzantine-Ottoman 

museum. Last, but certainly not least, you will 

visit the world-famous Grand Bazaar. Before 

entering, you may also enjoy a demonstration 

on the art of carpet weaving. 





overnight in Istanbul.

Katákolon, 

Ancient olympia 

tour kko001 


greeCe 

The small fishing village of Katákolon is 

your gateway to the mystical site of ancient 

Olympia, some twenty-five miles east amid 

the lush green countryside. At the sanctuary of 

Olympia, step back 2,000 years into the past, 

and imagine the area crowded with athletes, 

orators, merchants and philosophers. See the 

impressive ruins of the Temple of Zeus, whose 

statue was one of the Seven Wonders of the 

Ancient World. It’s easy to imagine the roaring 

cheers of the spectators as the athletes took 

their marks on the marble starting blocks, and 

to picture the temples, the treasuries, the porticoes 

and statues as they were, while listening 

to your guide telling you all about it. After 

visiting the site, you will take the short walk 

to the newly renovated museum. The exhibits 

here are findings from the excavations at the 

site. You will have the opportunity to see the 

star piece, a 4th-century Parian marble statue 

of Hermes of Praxitelis—a masterpiece of 

classical sculpture from the Temple of Hera. 

Other important exhibits are a sculptured 

Head of Hera and the pediments and metopes 

from the Temple of Zeus. Before returning to 

the port of Katákolon you will have some free 

time in the village of Olympia. 

Please note: Bring sunscreen and a hat as 

shade is limited. Expect dense crowding and 

congestion at the site. 

-42- 

Koper, 

taste of salt 

tour koP003 


sLoVeniA 

The Slovene coast, measuring just 30 miles 

long, is covered with abundant vegetation. It 

is a natural reserve with a rich supply of marl 

and sandstone and the unique Strunjan Cliff 

which ascends 240 feet above the sea and is 

the highest natural seawall on the Adriatic 

coast. Here also are the Sečovlje saltworks, 

first mentioned in 13th-century texts. This 

small settlement is widely known for its salt 

pans, which through centuries have contributed 

to the region’s economic development. 

The original marshy wetlands, originating 

from the connection of delta land and the sea, 

were transformed into salt pans in the middle 

ages. In an area of abandoned salt pans, you 

will find the Salt Pans Museum. The museum 

consists of salt fields and the once-navigable 

Giassi channel, as well as a collection of old 

salt-making tools, salt repositories. Follow 

the gradual development of the salt pans, 

as well as the way of life of the salt workers 

across the centuries and up to the present day. 

Next you will head to Piran, where both the 

Greeks and Romans used a small rock outcrop 

nearby to light beacons for ships sailing into 

Koper. Piran’s name derives from the Greek 

word for fire, pyre. Today, this elegant seaside 

town is virtually an open-air museum, famous 

for its Venetian architecture and also as the 

birthplace of Renaissance composer, Guiseppe 

Tartini. 

Postojna Caves 

tour koP004 


Possibly the world’s largest cave system, and 

already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 

Postojna is on Slovenia’s “must-see” list. 

Postojna Cave presented quite a challenge for 

the bold explorers of the underworld who, 

with patience and perseverance, penetrated ever 

deeper underground. A train will take you on 

a guided visit through passages and chambers. 

Observe the stalactites hanging from the ceiling, 

the stalagmites growing up from the floor, 

the pillars formed when to two meet, the folds

Koper 

of calcite curtains and the other sequences of 

fantastic shapes and forms. Within this cavernous 

underground grotto is a fast-flowing 

underground river, a species of animal seen 

nowhere else in the world, and an underground 

hall so big it regularly holds orchestral 

concerts! 

koper walking tour 

tour koP001 


Koper is the main Slovenian port and is located 

on the “top” of Istria. Koper was an island 

until the 19th century, but later the town and 

the island were connected with the mainland. 

The old town center boasts rich architecture 

and cultural monuments. Narrow, intertwining 

streets leading to the main square which 

boasts the largest cathedral in Slovenia. Your 

walk narrates the story of the past and of 

the present as step by step the façades of the 

buildings and their interiors reveal the millennial 

history of Koper. The architecture evokes 

the era of the Venetian Republic—the golden 

age of the Gothic and Renaissance. The tour 

ends at Carpaccio Square, where the great 

Venetian master spent his last days of life and 

gave name to the square. Enjoy a wine tasting 

with a glass of local wine and some cheese, 

accompanied by a local trio playing traditional 

coastal music. 

Liubliana & Lipica 

tour koP002 


Residents of Liubljana claim that is a city 

made to man’s measure. Classified as a 

medium-sized European city, Liubljana 

offers all the friendliness of a small town and 

at the same time everything that a capital 

should offer. Due to its geographical position, 

Liubljana is an ideal departure point 

for discovering the many faces and beauties 

-44- -44- 

of Slovenia. With five millennia of history, 

this city boasts the remains of the Roman 

Emona, a Medieval castle and numerous old 

Baroque buildings with uneven roofs and 

richly decorated façades and portals. The 

mosaic of Liubljana is completed by picturesque 

bridges across the river and the vast 

Tivoli park, which extends to the very city 

center. Central Liubljana owes its appearance 

to the masters of the Italian Baroque and Art 

Nouveau periods, with the latter reflected in 

the many buildings built immediately after the 

earthquake of 1895. In the first half of the 

20th century, it was Slovenian architect Jože 

Plečnik who stamped a strong personal mark 

on his birthplace, followed by a “new wave” of 

distinguished young Slovenian architects. Head 

out of town to the picturesque Karst region 

of Slovenia—a green oasis under the azure 

Mediterranean sky. In the shade of century-old 

lime trees and oaks, just a stone’s throw from 

the Slovenian-Italian border lies the Lipica 

Stud Farm, home of the Lipizzaner horse. The 

stud farm was founded in 1580 and today it 

is a jewel among the cultural and historical 

monuments of the Republic of Slovenia. For 

over four centuries, the Lipica Stud Farm has 

nurtured the tradition of breeding and selecting 

thoroughbred horses. In the period after 

World War II, Lipica established its own 

classical riding school and has successfully 

performed with its horses at various equestrian 

events all over the world. 

Korçula, 

korçula town & island highlights 

tour kor001 


CroAtiA 

This tour gives an in-depth feel for life on the 

island of Korçula, taking visitors by bus from 

ancient settlement to ancient settlement, where 

fishermen and farmers work the seas and the 

land, artists paint and sculpt, and children 

scamper up rocky hills and into the woods. 

The drive in between is quite dramatic: under 

a vivid blue sky you will pass lavish vineyards 

(especially interesting during harvest time), 

silvery olive groves and small cultivated plots 

demarcated by an endless network of low, drystone 

walls. Along the way, stop in a number 

of maritime villages built around inviting coves 

and along hillsides and with exotic names like 

Smokvica, Pupnat and Blato. This scenic ride

Korcula 

brings you to the western end of the island 

and the lovely seaside resort of Vela Luka. 

Enjoy a walk along the coast or buy a coffee 

in one of cafés along the seafront promenade. 

A second stop will be made in picturesque 

town of Blato. to visit the small, private Barilo 

Ethnographic Museum. It features a great 

display of local embroidery, national costumes, 

and home equipment. Another stop will be 

made in a local tavern where the guests will 

have an opportunity to taste the finest wines 

of the region along with locally-produced 

cheeses and smoked ham. After the wine tasting, 

continue back to Korçula. A walking tour 

of this magnificent town starts directly from 

the ship. The Old Town is a masterpiece of 

architecture and urban planning, where everything 

is built according to a plan. The layout 

of the town’s streets is in a fishbone pattern to 

take advantage of the different winds, creating 

a natural air-conditioning system. Your 

walk will include visits to the Cathedral of 

St. Mark, evidence of the artistic talent of 

Korçula’s famous stone masons and the islands 

excellent stone which has been used in buildings 

all over the world. A visit to the Bishop’s 

Palace reveals the hidden treasures of the 

town—sketches and drawings by Leonardo 

da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Tiepolo and 

many others. 

Private home Visit 

at Lumbarda Village 

tour kor002 


Village of Lumabarda is situated approximately 

15 minutes’ scenic drive from the town 

of Korçula. In Lumbarda you will visit a local 

family in their home. Your gracious host and 

hostess will meet you and kindly invite you 

in. They will offer sweet liqueur, herb brandy, 

goat cheese and smoked ham—all regional 

specialties. Surrounding the house there is a 

charming garden with many Mediterranean 

fruits and vegetables growing quite prodigiously. 

Domesticated animals including donkeys 

and goats will be gamboling outside. Wine, 

cheese and salted fish are also available for 

tasting as your hostess prepares the dough for 

making local a pasta called makaruni. You can 

help her make it if you like! Before you leave, 

she will cook the makaruni, so you will be able 

to taste this local product as well. 

-46- -46- 

Kotor, 

highlights of Montenegro tour 

kot001 


Montenegro 

Full of enthusiasm at the age of 73, George 

Bernard Shaw said, “I have heard that the 

road to Cetinje via Kotor is one of the most 

beautiful in the world, and that is the reason I 

have come.” You will travel this route today, 

after short orientation tour of Kotor, heading 

up the steep slopes of Lovcen Mountain. 

This is an area of powerful contrasts—the 

cold Montenegrian mountains towering on 

one side, and the wealth and serenity of one 

of the most beautiful bays in the world on the 

other. The road carries you to Cetinje, onetime 

center of Montenegrian rule, but today a 

museum town. Here you will visit museum of 

King Nikola, then ride along the scenic Budva 

Riviera summer resort area on the way back 

to Kotor. The Old Town of Kotor developed 

within a small triangular area enclosed by the 

town walls which extends to the Fort of St. 

John. During a guided tour of this charming 

city, your experienced guide will show you 

the walls built by the Venetians from the in 

1420s until the middle of the 18th century. 

Enclosing the whole Old Town, the walls 

formed an unique fortification project which 

could resist attacks for months and survive 

long sieges. View the Cathedral of St. Triphon 

built in 1166. It is a Romanesque basilica, 

whose nave is separated from the aisles by 

alternating square pillars and antique column. 

historic kotor on foot tour 

kot002 


Walk with your guide through the Old Town 

of Kotor—a compact, fortified city contained 

within a small triangular area. It is enclosed 

by sturdy walls built by the Venetians over 

the course of 300 years and extend to the 

Fort of St. John. Don’t miss the Cathedral 

of St. Triphon built in 1166—a magnificent 

Romanesque basilica with a stunning series of 

alternating square pillars and antique columns 

separating the nave from the aisles. You’ll also 

stop at the Maritime Museum to view its valuable 

collection of maritime heritage items and

Kotor 

gain an understanding of Kotor’s inextricable 

relationship with the sea. At the end of your 

guided tour you will have some free time to 

shop and explore Kotor on your own. 

seaside resort of budva & kotor 

tour kot003 


Bay of Kotor is without any doubt on of the 

most beautiful bays in the world, surrounded 

by many villages rich in historical interest. The 

best-known of them is Kotor, the third-largest 

city on the Adriatic. Leaving Kotor, you will 

head to the to seaside resort of Budva, considered 

to be one of the oldest settlements in 

the Balkans. Legend corroborated by Greek 

mythology says that Budva was established 

by Cadmo, the son of the Phoenician King 

Agenon. He was expelled from Thebes and 

arrived by ox-drawn cart to found Budva. 

The Old Town section of Budva lies on a 

small island linked to the mainland by peninsula. 

Today Budva is a center of tourism 

and culture—summer theatre, festivals and 

celebrations. It is surrounded by ramparts 

originating from the 15th century, including 

a medieval fortification system with city gates, 

defense walls and towers. Inside the walls, 

the town is a combination of narrow streets 

and little squares, with valuable monuments 

to the different Mediterranean cultures that 

influenced its development. Set out with your 

guide to explore the triangular Old Town. 

You’ll see the Venetian city walls that took 

more than 300 years to complete, and visit the 

Cathedral of St. Triphon built in 1166. This 

Romanesque basilica boasts a series of square 

pillars and antique columns, famous Maritime 

Museum with reach and valuable collection of 

maritime heritage of this area. At the end of 

guided tour you will have some free time to 

explore on your own. 



town of kotor 

& heritage bay Cruise 

tour kot004 


Perast is a quiet and peaceful place that 

abounds in sacred monuments—the Church 

Sveti Nikola built between the 15th and 

17th centuries, Parish church (1740), and 

the Sveti Djordje Church (12th century). But 

perhaps its most noteworthy temple is Gospa 

od Skrpjela (from the Italian Madonna dello 

Scarpello)—a Baroque church on one of two 

islets set deep in the Bay of Kotor, across from 

the town of Perast. The islet is man-made 

and its original church was built in 1452. The 

present church was built in 1632 and enlarged 

in 1722. According to legend, the islet was 

-48- -48- 

made over the centuries by the seamen who 

kept an ancient oath. Upon returning from 

each successful voyage, they laid a rock in the 

Bay. Over time, the islet gradually emerged 

from the sea. It is claimed that Our Lady of 

the Rocks was seen on this site. The church 

contains 68 magnificent paintings by Tripo 

Kokolja, a famous 17th-century Baroque artist 

from Perast. His most important painting, 30 

feet long, is The Death of the Virgin. There are 

also paintings by Italian artists, and an icon 

(circa 1452) of Our Lady of the Rocks, by 

Lovro Dobricevic of Kotor. Perast is a sleepy 

Baroque place near Kotor. The most beautiful 

buildings of this small city were built in the 

17th and 18th centuries. At that time seafaring 

was prosperous and the captains built magnificent 

villas that even today are captivatingly 

beautiful. 



Kusadasi, 

dine Among the ruins 

tour kus004 


turkey 

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to 

savor delicious cuisine in a setting that is 

utterly beyond compare—among the ruins 

of ancient Ephesus! You may never have this 

opportunity again and we highly recommend 

taking full advantage of it while it is available. 

Even if you have visited Ephesus during the 

day, actually dining there is an entirely different 

experience. To begin your momentous 

evening, you will be picked up from the pier 

and driven to the ruins at Ephesus. Take in 

the sunset view of soft colors and quiet streets 

as you walk up the marble road to the Celsus 

Library, just as the Romans did millennia ago. 

Dinner will be served in front of the remains

Kusadasi Kusadasi 

of the Celsus Library which was constructed in 

AD 117. You will dine under the stars among 

some of the most prized ancient architectural 

achievements in the world, with the magnificent 

library view—a once-in-a-lifetime 

experience. A classical music trio from the 

Aegean Chamber Orchestra will play for you 

during dinner. You will be driven back to the 

port to re-board the ship, with a lifetime of 

memories to take home. 

Please note: This tour is only available on 

Istanbul to Athens sailings. 

A taste of sirince Village 

tour kus003 


Your day will be full of surprises and discoveries 

of local culture. Depart for a day in Sirince 

village, the perfect synthesis of Turkish and 

Greek culture. Stroll though the streets and 

see the beautiful typical Greek houses. You 

will also have time to purchase some local 

handicrafts that the village ladies sell in the 

streets, and enjoy a short stop to taste some 

of the regional wine. The village is famous 

for its special grape and other fruit wines, and 

features a charming church dedicated to St. 

John. Lunch will be arranged in a local home 

so you’ll have a chance to taste and understand 

the real culture of the village. A fortune 

teller will visit you after you have tasted your 

Turkish coffee to read your coffee cup. Not 

kidding! This is truly a slice of real village life. 

At the end of the day there’s time for shopping 

in Kusadasi. 

Please note: There is a lot of walking 

required on this tour; comfortable shoes are 

highly recommended. 

Ancient houses of ephesus 

& the Celsus Library 

tour kus001 


Magnificent Ephesus, a stunning standout 

among the ancient ruins remaining in the 

world today, awaits your discovery. Come see 

this incredible city founded by the Carians and 

Lelegs that later was to become the honeymoon 

playground of Anthony and Cleopatra. 

On your visit, don’t miss the glorious Celsus 

Library façade, restored and reconstructed 

in the 1970s to its former splendor, as well 

as the Grand Amphitheatre that holds more 

than 25,000 people. To put its presence into 

dazzling age-defying perspective, this amphitheatre 

is the site where St. Paul preached to 

the Ephesians in the first century AD, and 

where rocker Elton John held an unforgettable 

concert 2,000 years later—it’s truly a venue 

for the millennia. You’ll also see the Temple 

of Hadrian and take in the site of one of the 

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the 

-50- 

Temple of Artemis. Visit the Terrace Houses 

located opposite Hadrian’s Temple, a newly 

excavated section to which Windstar Cruises 

has specially negotiated access. The wealthy 

and important people of Ephesus used these 

houses, which are finely decorated with mosaics 

and frescoes giving a true impression of the 

ancient lifestyle. Those on the upper slopes are 

reached via steps and situated on the slopes of 

Bulbul Mountain with the roof of one house 

forming the terrace of the one above it. Upon 

your return to Kusadasi, you may enjoy a 

carpet demonstration and some time for 

shopping. Explore the town and return to the 

ship on your own. 

Please note: There is a lot of walking 

required on this tour; comfortable shoes are 

highly recommended. 

religious Antiquities of turkey 

tour kus002 


Showcasing the religious history of Ancient 

Turkey, this tour begins with a setting that is 

a shrine to some and a curiosity to others. It 

is reputedly the home of the Virgin Mary, the 

mother of Jesus Christ. Archaeological evidence 

shows that the house dates from the 6th 

century AD but that its foundations are from 

the 1st century AD. This ties in with the commonly 

held belief that Mary moved to Turkey 

with the Apostle John some time after the 

crucifixion, in the first century AD. Next, you 

will visit the ruined city of Ephesus that dates 

predominantly from the later Roman period. 

The stunning ruins here include the towering 

façade of the Celsus Library and Hadrian’s 

Temple, as well as the Sacred Way which was 

one of the main thoroughfares used by the 

Ancient Romans. Then, your tour continues 

to the ruins of the Basilica of St. John. The 

Basilica had a cruciform plan with four domes 

along its longitudinal axis and a pair flanking 

the central dome to form the arm of the cross. 

Under the central dome was the tomb of St. 

John. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant 

on the way back to Kusadasi. You may enjoy 

a carpet demonstration and some time for 

shopping. Explore the town and return to the 

ship on your own.

Kythira, 

greeCe 

The myth of Kythira, also known as the Island 

of Love, is related to the story of Aphrodite, 

the goddess of beauty and love. The reality 

is an island of clear beaches and lovely sunsets. 

Cretans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, 

Byzantines, Venetians, French and British have 

all influenced the island’s culture. There are no 

shore excursions offered here—just a chance 

to step ashore and drink coffee among the 

locals, browse in a handful of shops and watch 

the fishing boats bob in the harbor. 

Lisbon, 

PortugAL 

Lisbon orientation tour Add-on 


tour Lis021 







Add this sightseeing tour to your existing 

transfer arrangements. The tour will begin 

with a drive around Lisbon as you enjoy a 

number of special highlights: the Avenida da 

Liberdade with its mosaic-lined sidewalks, 

-52- -52- 

Black Horse Square and the Park Eduardo 

VII which offers magnificent views of the 

city. You will stroll through the cobblestone 

streets of Lisbon’s old Alfama Quarter—a 

maze of narrow alleys and steps, flowerbedecked 

balconies and courtyards with washing 

hung out to dry at the windows. There is 

a medieval atmosphere that has resisted every 

corrosive influence that time has been able 

to throw at it. You will also visit the church 

of the Jeronimos Monastery—a masterpiece 

of Manueline architecture. This building is 

widely acknowledged to be the finest sight 

in Lisbon, built in the 16th century to commemorate 

the discoveries of the Portuguese 

navigators. Nearby you will see the lavishly 

decorated Belem Tower, where Portuguese 

explorers were given a rousing send-off, and 

the Monument to the Discoveries, built to 

commemorate the 500th anniversary of the 

death of Prince Henry the Navigator, the mastermind 

behind Portugal’s voyages of exploration 

and subsequent wealth. On the way to the 

hotel you will see, stretching across the River 

Tagus, the April 25th Bridge, sister to the 

Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, and the 

towering Christ the King statue on the far side. 


airport or at your Windstar hotel. This 



overnight in Lisbon. 

Livorno, 

tuscan Landmarks: 

florence & Pisa 

tour LiV002 


itALy 

Depart from the port at Livorno by deluxe 

coach. Your journey to Pisa takes approximately 

40 minutes and passes through the 

countryside of western Tuscany. On arrival at 

Pisa, you will have about 40 minutes of free 

time at the amazing Piazza dei Miracoli. 

Here you can wander past the Leaning 

Tower, viewing it from all angles, as well as 

the famous Cathedral and Baptistry. Across 

the street is a row of street stalls selling everything 

from inexpensive souvenirs to gorgeous 

leather bags. Next, re-board your coach for 

the approximately 1¼-hour freeway drive to 

Florence. In the city, you will leave the motor

Livorno Livorno 

coach and embark on a full-day walking 

tour. You’ll head to the Piazza del Duomo 

(Cathedral Square) to see Brunelleschi’s 

masterpiece cathedral in pink, green and 

white marble, and its adjacent Bell Tower and 

Baptistry. Continue to the nearby Piazza della 

Signoria to see the copy of Michelangelo’s 

David. Enjoy lunch at a Florentine restaurant, 

then spend an hour visiting Santa Croce, 

including the Church of Santa Croce. Schedule 

permitting, free time is allowed for shopping 

before you return to Livorno. 

Please note: Due to vehicle restrictions in 

Florence, the motor coach parking area is 

located approximately two miles from the city 

center. The walking portion involves extensive 

walking on cobblestone streets. There is 

a 30-minute standing visit at the cathedral. 

Please dress respectfully for visiting religious 

monuments; local custom requires covering 

knees and shoulders. Comfortable walking 

shoes are recommended. This tour is available 

only to guests on the Wind Surf. 

tuscan Countryside 

& wine tasting 

tour LiV003 


Departing from Livorno by air-conditioned 

bus for Montecarlo, the journey takes approximately 

45 minutes through the Tuscan countryside. 

On arrival at Montecarlo, you will 

have 30 minutes of free time to wander at leisure. 

Then you’ll rejoin the bus for a 15-minute 

drive through the Tuscan countryside to 

reach the wine cellars. Upon arrival, enjoy a 

tour of the wine cellars where the wine-making 

process will be explained. Then, it’s time to 

enjoy tasting the wine with some local delicacies 

before returning to the ship. 

Please note: Montecarlo is a small, one-road 

village with a few shops. This tour is available 

only to guests on the Wind Surf. 

-54- 

transfer to florence 

tour LiV001 


This transfer is intended for those who would 

like to explore Florence on their own. It consists 

of a 1½-hour motor coach ride from the 

ship to the city center. You will be dropped 

off at a central location, and your escort will 

advise you of the pick-up time for the return 

journey. You will have approximately five 

hours to shop and explore on your own. 

Please note: Guide service, taxi transfers, 

entrance fees and lunch are not included in 

the transfer price. It will be your responsibility 

to be at the drop-off point at the given return 

time. On Sundays, most shops are closed with 

the exception of some souvenir shops. On 

Mondays, most museums are closed. The tour 

may involve uneven surfaces and climbing 

staircases. 

the Leaning tower of Pisa 

tour LiV004 


Begin with a comfortable motor coach ride 

to Pisa, just 20 miles away from Livorno. A 

local guide who will explain the history of Pisa 

and the unforgettable Leaning Tower. Your 

short walking tour will start at the spectacular 

Piazza de Miracoli, where you will see the 

outside of the Leaning Tower, the Baptistry 

and the historical churchyard. Interestingly, 

the Leaning Tower was originally designed 

as a bell tower to the cathedral. It was begun 

in 1174 and finally finished in 1350. Its 294 

steps lead to a top platform. Unless modern 

engineering can halt its tilt, experts speculate 

that the building will fall in the next two centuries. 

You will not enter the leaning tower on 

this tour. Pisa was once a famous sea-trading 

republic and an arch-rival of nearby Genoa, 

and its stunning cathedral was built in 1063 to 

commemorate victory over the Saracens that 

same year. Step inside the cathedral to view its 

interior pillars which were brought back from 

Muslim lands during the campaigns. You will 

also see Cimabue’s superb 13th-century mosaics 

embellishing the half-dome. Enjoy some 

free time to shop and take pictures before your 

coach returns to Livorno.

Mahon, 

Cultures of Minorca 

tour MAh001 


MinorCA 

Discover the most enjoyable locations on the 

island of Minorca, a small paradise! On the 

way to Fornells, you will journey along the 

main road of the island that links the beautiful 

city of Mahón, the present-day capital and 

business center, with Ciudadella, the old capital 

famous for its beautiful houses, and grandiose 

traditional architecture. Mahón is the easternmost 

port in Spain, and is also the largest 

natural port in the world after Pearl Harbour. 

Fornells, situated at the mouth of a long bay, 

is a charming fishing village where the natural 

beauty is underscored by the sober architecture 

of the white houses with green window shutters. 

There will be some free time for photo- 

taking. Head next to Monte Toro, the highest 

mountain on the island, to admire the magnificent 

view of the island and visit the small 

chapel dedicated to the Monte Toro Virgin. 

Continue to Sant Patrici, a charming little 

town famous for its beautiful views and the 

locally-produced mahonés cheese that delights 

people from all over the world. Taste their 

products and buy some if you wish. From 

there, we will continue to Son Martorellet to 

view the skilled and typical “dancing” of the 

Minorcan horses, who play a leading role in a 

popular fiestas of San Juan during the summer 

season. These horses are patiently trained to 

raise their front legs and “dance” among the 

gathered crowds without hurting anyone. It is 

a spectacle well worth watching. 

A taste of Minorca 

tour MAh003 


Discover the most enjoyable locations on the 

island of Minorca, a small paradise! On the 

way to Fornells, you will journey 30 miles 

along the main road of the island that links 

Mahón with Ciudadella—the old capital 

brimming with traditional architecture. Stop 

along the way at Fornells—a charming fishing 

village replete with white houses and green 

shutters. Take photos before you head up 

Monte Toro, the highest mountain on the 

-56- 

island, to admire the magnificent view of the 

island and visit the small chapel dedicated to 

the Monte Toro Virgin. In Sant Patrici you 

will discover a charming little town famous for 

its beautiful views and the locally-produced 

cheese. The strong mahonés variety will 

make your hair stand on end, in the nicest 

possible way of course. Buy some if you’re 

brave enough. Back in Mahón, you will visit 

the Museum of Minorca dating from 1889. 

The actual building is a Franciscan Convent 

from the 15th century with a beautiful 

courtyard. The museum gives an overview of 

Minorca’s interesting history. If time permits, 

you will then stop to taste another great local 

product—gin! Minorca produces a unique 

version of conventional gin that is often 

mixed with lemonade in a cocktail known as a 

“pomade” —a favorite with the locals. After 

sampling such a fine beverage, you can either 

stagger around town on a walk with your 

guide, or simply return to the ship by coach. 

Mahon & torralba 

with Xoroi Cave 

tour MAh002 


This comprehensive tour will take you first 

to Mount Toro, the island’s highest point. 

The summit at almost 1,000 feet is crowned 

by the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de El 

Mahon 

Toro, a chapel built by the monks of St. 

Augustin’s Order in the 17th century. Clear 

weather allows a marvelous view over the Bay 

of Fornells and even the coast Majorca on 

the horizon. Your next stop will be the historic 

Torralba, which is famous for its taulas 

(monolithic remnants of the Talayot-Culture 

from 2000 BC. These taulas consist of two 

huge stone blocks placed one on top of the 

other, in the shape of a T. Historians believe 

they may possibly have served as an altar. The 

upper, horizontal stone rests so reliably on the 

monolith that even in the Mediterranean area’s 

frequent earthquakes have not toppled them 

in 3,000 years. Continue towards the Xoroi 

Caves, located inside a grotto full of mythology 

and history. Explore its mysterious corners 

before you carry on to Binibeca—a cosy town 

situated on the South East coast of Minorca. 

Binibeca is a purpose-built resort that has 

been made to look like a typical fishing village. 

It has a sheltered cove with a small, sandy 

beach and a small selection of shops, bars and 

restaurants. Its peaceful, relaxed and exclusive 

atmosphere make it a charming stop before 

you return to the ship.

Málaga, 

Mijas 

tour AgP002 


sPAin 

Peek behind the scenes at traditional Spanish 

country life as you travel to picturesque Mijas. 

The “real” Andalusian landscape unfolds en 

route to this classical village with a strong 

Andalusian flavor and incredible views over 

the coast from its hilltop location. All the 

houses in Mijas are whitewashed, and the 

pattern of the beautiful streets was planned 

to protect the houses and their inhabitants 

from the wind. “Donkey-taxis” ar plentiful 

here, and beautifully made local handicrafts 

will undoubtedly catch your eye. There will 

be time to take a donkey ride or shop for 

ceramics, hand-made wood items and other 

local souvenirs. If time permits, you will enjoy 

a brief panoramic tour past the highlights of 

Málaga en route back to the ship. 


tour AgP001 


Leave the ship to witness the wonder of the 

Alhambra—the dramatic highlight of historic 

Granada—on this unforgettable tour. 

A number of interesting sights will be visible 

from the coach during the one-hour drive to 

Granada, a charming city and once the capital 

of the Kingdom of Spain, located between 

the El Genil and El Darro rivers at the base 

of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The city is 

beautiful in its own right, but nothing in all 

of Spain compares to the wealth of architectural 

art to be found in the Muslim-Hispanic 

14th-century Alhambra. This breathtaking 

example of Moorish architecture is completely 

encircled by walls and towers—palaces, military 

buildings, a fortress and the administrative 

centers of a bygone era all lie protected 

within. Time is allowed for you to explore this 

remarkable structure whose detailed mosaics, 

prism-style cupolas, and stone-cast lattice work 

speak to a surprising grace and sophistication. 

The nearby Generalife, surrounded by water 

gardens, was the residence of kings in need of 

refuge, and in direct contrast, the stunning El 

Vino Gate built in Arabesque style, and the 

-58- 

Carlos V Palace built in purest Renaissance 

style in the 16th century. A splendid luncheon 

will be served at one of Spain’s finest restaurants 

which is often frequented by the royal 

family and other leading dignitaries. In the 

afternoon, a scenic two-hour drive takes you 

back over the mountain pass at Las Pedrizas 

and through the town of Casabermeja, with its 

white houses and vaulted niches to return to 

the ship in Málaga. 

Please note: The Alhambra does not allow 

wheelchairs or walkers. The trip from Málaga 

to Granada is approximately one hour 

each way. 

Málaga orientation tour Add-on 


tour AgP021 







If you delight in ancient history you won’t 

want to miss this tour. With half a million 

inhabitants, Málaga is the major coastal city 

of Andalusia and is a genuine and typical city 

of this province with a gritty individualism 

unaffected by tourism, and to a large extent, 

the passage of time. Many ancient civilizations 

have left their mark here, which you’ll discover 

Málaga 

in Málaga’s rich archaeological remains and 

fascinating monuments. From the outside you 

will see the Alcazaba—a historic palace built 

in the 11th century to be the residence of the 

Arabian caliphs (kings). It is connected by a 

steep path to the Gibralfaro Castle, an ancient 

Moorish fortress that commands breathtaking 

views of the city and the bay. Your coach will 

transport you up the hill to visit the castle so 

you do not need to walk. The next stop will 

take you to the Renaissance-style cathedral 

built between the 16th and 18th centuries. 

It is now a national monument and boasts a 

Baroque choir by Pedro de Mena, as well as 

other fine examples of Spanish Renaissance 

sculptures. Take in the many sights from your 

coach as you drive through town, including 

the ruins of a Roman theatre, and the façade 

of the busiest bullring in Spain, as well as 

City Hall, the courthouse and the central Post 

Office—all 19th-century buildings—before 

being dropped off at your hotel or transferring 

to the airport. 



tour is available only to guests whose cruise 

ends in Málaga and whose flight leaves at 

3:00pm or later, or to guests staying overnight 

in Málaga.

Marseille, 

Aix en Provence 

tour Mrs001 


frAnCe 

Aix en Provence is an ancient Roman town, 

hometown of painter Paul Cézanne and 

famous for its University. Once capital of the 

Provence region, Aix still maintains an aristocratic 

atmosphere especially in the Mazarine 

district with its 17th- and 18th-century private 

mansions. Board your bus and drive about an 

hour to Aix. Disembark for a walking tour in 

Vieux Aix (Old Town Aix) strolling around 

the narrow streets and passing the famous 

Cours Mirabeau avenue with its ancient buildings 

and charming cafés. Visit St. Sauveur 

Cathedral built in the 5th century and boasting 

a lovely Romanesque cloister. After this 

pleasant tour, enjoy some free time to explore 

the town on your own and then re-board your 

bus and drive back to Marseille. 

Le Castellet & wine tasting 

tour Mrs002 


Begin this excursion with a scenic drive to 

Le Castellet—a typical Provençal hilltop 

village-perched on wooded hills above the 

vineyards. This remarkable stronghold, formerly 

owned by the Lords of Les Baux, boasts 

well-preserved ramparts, a carefully restored 

12th-century church, and a castle dating back 

to the 11th century. Entering by the two fortified 

gates, called le portail and le portalet, you 

will start the visit with a guided walking tour 

around the narrow streets up to the castle 

which is now home to the Town Hall. Time 

at leisure allows you to explore the arts and 

craft workshops for paintings, pottery, and 

hollow-ware before rejoining the motor coach 

for the return drive to the ship. 

-60- 

Chateauneuf du Pape & Avignon 

tour Mrs003 


Depart from Marseille and drive to Avignon, 

a strategically placed in the Rhône valley that 

owes its origin to the Doms Rock—a natural 

refuge. With the arrival of the Popes in 

the 14th century, the city became a “second 

Rome” and remained a papal property up 

until the French Revolution. You will take a 

walking tour through Avignon’s Old Town 

with an inside visit to the imposing Pope’s 

Palace. This Gothic fortress was built in the 

14th century. Next, enjoy a delicious lunch 

in the heart of Avignon before driving to 

Chateauneuf du Pape, a name that needs no 

introduction as home of many of the finest 

Rhône wines. The original vineyard was 

planted in the 14th century on land belonging 

to the Avignon Popes who summered here. 

After a visit to a vineyard, feel free to sample 

the wines. 

Messina, 

Classic taormina 

tour MeZ002 


itALy 

See the legendary beauty of Sicily as your 

excursion begins with a pleasant drive to 

Taormina. Built in the 3rd century BC, the 

city was later almost completely renovated by 

the Romans. It is perched on a terrace overlooking 

the sea, with a medieval character that 

will delight you. You will stop near the centre 

of Taormina, where your tour will begin on 

foot as your guide leads you along cobblestone 

streets to Palazzo Corvaja, a 15th-century 

building adorned with classic double windows. 

Next, stroll to the spectacularly situated 

Greco-Roman theatre built in the 3rd century 

BC. Renowned for its width and for its unique 

acoustical qualities, it is still used for open-air

Messina 

concerts and boasts a beautiful view of Mount 

Etna and Naxos Bay below. You will also have 

time to stroll or shop along the famous Corso 

Umberto before your bus departs for the ship 

in Messina. 

Please note: Buses are not permitted to enter 

the town of Taormina. An elevator will 

transport you to the town center. During 

summer time the Greek theatre is still used 

for performances, so the stage could be 

closed during this time. Taormina is sometimes 

very crowded. 

Classic Mt. etna 

tour MeZ001 


Mt. Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, 

is the largest in Europe at 10,723 feet 

and has erupted 130 times. Of great interest 

is the variety of landscapes and vegetation that 

can be found on the volcano’s slopes. Your 

drive to Mt. Etna is along a coastal highway 

and through a fertile paradise of green 

vineyards and golden citrus groves, passing 

through villages such as Santa Venerina and 

Zafferana Etnea. The scenery becomes more 

forbidding as you approach the Sapienza 

Refuge. You will see the city of Catania, overwhelmed 

by an eruption 300 years ago, and 

walk around Crateri Silvestri inspecting the 

lava flow from the eruption of 1983. These 

small craters are set amid bare fields of grey 

lava that stretch for miles. 

Please note: Uneven paths are not recommended 

for those with walking difficulties. 

Wear hiking or tennis shoes with socks and 

long pants. No sandals. Due to the high altitude, 

bring a light jacket or sweater. 

tindari: oasis of Peace 

tour MeZ003 


Tindari is an oasis of tranquility perched 

high above the sea in northwestern Messina 

province. Founded in 396 BC, it was once 

a colony of the ancient Greek civilization. It 

is famous for its sanctuary dedicated to the 

Black Madonna, and is a place of pilgrimage 

for people of the Catholic faith. Your tour 

begins with an hour’s scenic drive to Tindari. 

Visit the famous sanctuary richly decorated 

with frescoes, marble work, and valuable 

mosaics. Also of note are the theatre (4th century 

BC), the Roman house with courtyard 

and columns, and thermal baths in a building 

with unusual black and white mosaics, dating 

to the 2nd century. 

Please note: It is approximately a ¼-mile 

uphill walk from the bus to the Sanctuary. 

From the Sanctuary to the Roman ruins is 

approximately ¼ mile each way. 

-62- 

Monemvasia, 

Mystras, the byzantine City 

tour sio00 


greeCe 

From Monemvasia, your tour will cross the 

plain of Laconia through its orange and olive 

groves, with the mighty Taygetus Mountain in 

the background. Sparta today is a big, modern 

town. The original Spartans cared little for 

buildings and lived a “Spartan” existence in 

barracks; their ancient architecture was simple 

and basic. Today, Sparta’s scanty remains 

reflect little of its ancient renown. Four miles 

west, however, lies the medieval town of 

Mystra, with churches and houses, monasteries 

and palaces lining the steep narrow streets. 

For 200 years, from the middle of the 13th 

century, this Byzantine town flourished. 

From the mid-15th century to the begin- 

ning of the 20th century, the town suffered 

constant decline, with the exception of the 

few years during which it was under Venetian 

control. However, the magnificent Byzantine 

architecture has been remarkably preserved 

and now has been sensitively restored, giving 

the visitor the impression of entering a different 

era. You will visit a selection of these 

churches. Lunch will be offered in a traditional 

Greek taverna, and there will be a short photo 

stop at Leonidas statue before returning to 

Monemvasia. 

Please note: The site is located on a steep 

mountainside; low-heeled, non-skid shoes are 

recommended.

Monte Carlo, 

st. Paul de Vence & nice – 

tour MCM003 


Available on the wind surf only 

MonACo 

Begin your tour with a scenic drive to drive 

to St. Paul de Vence, where you will immediately 

set out on a walking tour through 

the narrow streets of this medieval walled 

village. Its tall ramparts still contain charming, 

historic houses, and you will take the 

time to explore the wonderful shops, art 

galleries and boutiques. From the terrace of 

one of the many local cafés, you can also 

enjoy the beautiful view on the valley, the 

Riviera coast and the sea. Then, you will 

re-board your coach and drive down to 

Nice. Stop for a nice walk through the old 

part of the town located close to the sea and 

the famous Promenade des Anglais. Stroll 

around the Flower Market square to peek 

into the local shops and art galleries. After 

this interesting walking tour, re-board you 

bus and drive back to the ship. 

Please note: On Monday mornings, the 

Flower Market is replaced by an antique 

market. This tour is available only to guests 

on the Wind Surf and is available Friday 

morning only during the Grand Prix. 

eze & the Villa rothschild 

tour MCM001 


Drive along the Middle Corniche and up to 

the picturesque village of Eze, clinging to a 

rocky spire on the Riviera. From the base 

of the enchanting village you will set out on 

a walking tour, strolling around its narrow 

streets and admiring the old medieval houses 

that have been recently restored. The village 

offers magnificent views over the Italian and 

the French coasts. After this pleasant visit, 

re-board your coach and continue to Cap 

Ferrat, one of the most exclusive places on the 

Côte d’Azur. You’ll stop at Villa Ephrussi de 

Rothschild and visit the villa and its splendid 

gardens. From there, enjoy the gorgeous 

view over the two bays of Villefranche and 

Beaulieu sur Mer. Refreshments will be 

served at the panoramic glass-windowed Tea 

-64- 

Room. Finally, the coach will return you to 

the ship. 

Please note: This tour is available Friday 

morning only during the Grand Prix. 

Monaco & Monte Carlo – 

tour MCM002 


Board your bus and drive up for a panoramic 

stop on the Middle Corniche, where you 

will enjoy a beautiful scenic view on the 

Principality of Monaco and Cap Martin. 

Then, you will continue your drive to the 

Old Town of Monaco for an interesting visit 

Monte Carlo 

along the narrow and picturesque streets. 

Enter the Cathedral, where you will find the 

tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier 

III. Re-board your coach and drive along the 

Grand Prix circuit to the fabulous resort of 

Monte Carlo. Take a walk around the Place 

du Casino, one of the most exclusive places in 

the world, and explore the luxurious shops, the 

amazing Casino building and the renowned 

Hotel de Paris. After this exciting visit, your 

coach will drive you back to the ship. 

Please note: Due to road closures, this tour 

will not be available during the Grand Prix. 

The cathedral may be closed during 

religious services, especially on Sundays.

Monte Carlo Formula One Grand Prix 

Monaco 

66th grand Prix Package 

tour MCM999 

3 day package May 23-25 • $2,400 

Available only on the 

wind surf’s May 18 sailing only 

friday: 

• Special private “Welcome to Monaco” 

Cocktail Reception on board 

• Special private Gala Dinner on board 

• Exclusive Package Pillow Gift of 

Bushnell binoculars, official 66th Grand 

Prix de Monaco program, Official 

Monaco Auto Club Ticket holder, 

souvenir hat, souvenir jacket 

saturday: 

• Tribune K Reserved Seating ticket for the 

Time Trials 

• Private evening Reception at HSH Prince 

Rainier III Auto Museum catered by the 

Cote d’Azur’s famous Lenotre 

sunday: 

• Special private breakfast on board 

• Tribune K reserved seating for the 

Final Race 

Tender to the pier for a fabulous weekend 

of excitement at the 66e Grand Prix de 

Monaco. For the time trials and the Grand 

Prix itself, a hostess will welcome you at 

the pier, and provide you with a map and 

instructions of the routing to Tribune..K. 

At Tribune K, a representative of the 

Automobile Club of Monaco will be happy 

to assist you to your seat if needed. Then, 

you will enjoy the most exciting and famous 

Formula One race in the entire world. 

Monaco is a formidable circuit that passes 

through the heart of the town—the finest 

and most difficult of the races in the World 

Championship. Only the most talented 

drivers win here. And, the Grand Prix in 

Monaco is a favorite hangout of the world’s 

most glamorous jet-set. Nowhere in the 

world will you find such a mix of glitter and 

glamour. Your seating is located near the 

pool and you will see cars coming towards 

you at tremendous speed, slow down for 

the turn, and then accelerate for making the 

turn at the pool. Try to imagine being in 

the driver’s seat! After the start, driving in a 

clockwise direction there is a short acceleration 

period is rapidly followed by a struggle 

for position as everyone tries to negotiate 

the right hand Virage St. Devote for the 

first time. Accelerating up the hill from St. 

Devote into Casino Square gives the drivers 

a chance to shift through the gears. The 

road can be bumpy and the white traffic 

lines are very slippery. They slow down for 

the tight left and then right through Casino 

Square and accelerate down hill past the 

Hotel Metropole, keeping a tight right as 

they approach the Hotel Mirabeau. Then, 

it’s forever downward around the 30mph 

hairpin at the Monte Carlo Grand Hotel, 

and the sharp right just past the fountains 

and into the Virage du Portier. Darkness 

falls in the tunnel, and then they break 

back into the sun at 170mph! The tight 

left/right of the chicane leads into a short 

straight past the swimming pool complex. 

Keep on the right line and the driver should 

have no problems here or at the hairpin of 

Virage Rascasse. A bad line or trying too 

hard will finish the race very quickly against 

the unforgiving trackside barriers. Slightly 

uphill now, they’re into the nasty right of 

Virage Anthony Noghes. If a driver is still 

on track at this point, it’s full speed ahead, 

climbing up through the gears to complete 

the first lap. Now, only 77 more laps to go! 

Monte Carlo 

Please note: The Pillow Gifts are an example 

at this time and are subject to change 

or substitution without notice. This package 

is not wheelchair accessible. Due to 

heavy traffic congestion, no transfers are 

provided. You must be able to walk up 

and down various grades. It’s about a 20- 

to 30-minute walk to Tribune K, depending 

on the crowds. For the day and evening 

events shoreside, wear comfortable shoes. 

two-hour Private reception 

at rainier iii Private Auto 

Collection Museum 

Saturday night, May 24 only 

This reception is included in Tour 999 

Monaco 66th Grand Prix Package 

From the tender pier, you’ll walk to the 

HSH Prince Rainier III Auto Museum

Monte Carlo 

available exclusively to Wind Surf passengers 

in celebration of the 66th Grand 

Prix de Monaco. It is a leisurely stroll of 

approximately 10 - 15 minutes from the 

port to the Museum, located on the Terrace 

Fontvieille. This facility exhibits about one 

hundred cars of all ages, made by the biggest 

European and American firms, together 

with six state coaches belonging to HSH 

Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Don’t miss 

snapping a photo of the car that carried 

Rainier and Grace Kelly away from church 

after their wedding. The collection, which 

belonged to Prince Rainier III, consists of 

glittering vintage automobiles. The history 

of the 20th century is admirably represented 

thanks to the presence of autos such as the 

1903 De Dion Bouton, and the more recent 

1986 Lamborghini Countach. The cars are 

placed from oldest to newest, including a 

Lamborghini and Formula One Mansell 

Ferrari. Other vehicles on display are: 

Renault 12cv 4-cylinder Torpedo 1911 • 

Packard 1935 Panhard Levassor 1913 • 

Delage 1934 Peugeot Quadrilette de 1921 

Ford Model T 1924 • Ford Model A 1930 

Lincoln 1928 • Hispano Suiza 1928 • 

Citroën Kégresse 

Windstar’s exclusive reception will be 

catered by Frances world famous Lenotre 

of Paris. As you are strolling through the 

museum, enjoy a beautiful selection of 

canapés as you sip your favorite cocktail 

from the open bar. After the reception, 

you’re free to spend the evening enjoying 

Monte Carlo by night on your own or 

return to the ship for dinner. 

Please note: The Reception is not considered 

wheelchair accessible. Guests are 

required to walk over various levels since 

transfers are not possible because of the 

short distance and closed streets. Wear 

comfortable shoes. Dress code is Windstar’s 

Casual Elegance. The door will open at 

6:00pm if you arrive on your own. 

french riviera orientation tour 


transfers 

tour MCM021 







Leaving Monaco’s pier you will travel the 

Great Corniche road where the Vista Hotel 

stands. From this perspective, there is a marvelous 

panorama of the coast from the Italian 

border via Cap Martin to the principality of 

Monaco. The village of La Turbie overlooks 

Monaco from an altitude of 1,570 feet. Your 

tour will continue on the Middle Corniche 

and pass by Eze, an isolated village that clings 

like an eagle’s nest to a rocky spike towering 

1,401 feet above sea level. A stop for 

photo at the square situated at the bottom 

of Eze’s hill. Continuing along the Middle 

Corniche, the lookout point on the edge of 

the plateau (at 1,217 feet) offers an extended 

view from the tip of Cap d’Ail to Esterel. 

You will pass through Villefranche, where 

you’ll enjoy excellent vistas of Beaulieu, Cap 

Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice and Cap 

d’Antibes. Finally, from Mont Boron there is a 

spectacular view of Nice. Before you enter the 

city of Nice itself, you will drive 30 minutes 

-68- 

Monte Carlo 

along the Lower Corniche, one of the most 

beautiful routes of the French Riviera, passing 

through Beaulieu, a fashionable resort that is 

an oasis of peace and quiet. Take the Middle 

Corniche from Cap d’Ail to Monaco, with a 

final stop at the exotic garden for a view over 

Monte Carlo. 




leaves at 3:00pm or later, or to guests 

staying overnight in Monte Carlo.

Motril 

nerja & Caves 

tour grX002 


sPAin 

The town of Nerja offers a truly magnificent 

experience. During the one-hour drive to 

Nerja, your guide will explain the history the 

Málaga province and its people. In the town 

of Nerja, where the famous and fascinating 

cave discovered in 1959 awaits you. The Nerja 

cave is considered one of the most beautiful 

caves in Europe and is a spectacular attraction. 

Admire the impressive stalactites, including 

the exceptional 32-meter high central column 

in the Cataclysm Chamber. Follow a staircase 

that leads down to the first hall—Hall of 

Nativity—full of flowstones, columns, stalagmites 

and stalagtites. After a circular walk, 

climb the steps into the Hall of the Tusk, at 

the end of which some more stairs lead down 

to an impressive vantage point above the highest 

part of the Hall of the Cascade. The cave is 

a reference point in the history of mankind. It 

was inhabited about 25,000 ago. Leaving the 

cave, you will re-board the coach and on the 

way out of town you will have the opportunity 

to admire a beautiful example of Roman architecture 

in Andalusia—the Nerja Aqueduct. 

Head back to Motril via the same route. 


tour grX001 


This interesting tour takes you from Motril 

port as you set out to discover the unique and 

-70- 

mysterious Alhambra—the dramatic highlight 

of historic Granada city. It is a relaxing 

one-hour drive from Motril to Granada. This 

charming city, once capital of the Kingdom of 

Spain, is located between the El Genil and El 

Darro rivers at the base of the Sierra Nevada 

mountains, where sun and snow add to the 

enchantment and mystery. The city is beautiful 

in its own right, but nothing in all of Spain 

compares to the wealth of architectural art 

to be found in the city’s Muslim-Hispanic 

complex—the 14th-century Alhambra. This 

breathtaking example of Muslim architecture 

is completely encircled by walls and towers, 

and is comprised of palaces, military buildings, 

a fortress and administrative centers of a 

bygone era. Time is allowed for you to explore 

this remarkable structure whose detailed 

mosaics, prism-style cupolas, and stone-cast 

latticework speak to a surprising grace and 

sophistication. The complex of monuments 

also has an independence palace opposite to 

the Alhambra, surrounded by orchards and 

gardens, where the Granadine Kings relaxed. 

The Generalife, surrounded by water gardens, 

was the vacation residence of kings. Discover 

the direct contrast of the stunning El Vino 

Gate built in Arabian style and the Carlos V 

Palace, built in purest Renaissance style in the 

16th century. Lunch will be served at a nearby 

hotel before the scenic drive back to the ship. 

Mykonos, 

A day at the beach on Mykonos 

tour JMk002 


Available May - september only 

greeCe 

Take advantage of some time to relax at one 

of the best hotels on the island of Mykonos. 

Enjoy one of Greece’s most gorgeous beaches, 

Platys Gialos, or lounge by the pool. Sunbeds, 

umbrellas and beds will be provided for your 

comfort, as well as access to the hotel’s facilities. 

An English-speaking escort will accompany 

you, and you will be offered a cocktail 

and a coffee included during your time at the 

beach. You will have full access to the hotel 

facilities, and enjoy a 10% discount on beach 

activities such as water-skiing, jet skis, banana 

rides, etc.

Mykonos 

A Visit to delos 

tour JMk001 


Delos was the birth place of Apollo and his 

twin sister Artemis—children of Zeus and 

Leto. The sacred island is uninhabited now, 

but its first settlements date to the 3rd 

millennium BC. The ruins of Delos are 

numerous and important—the Sanctuary of 

Apollo complex, the area of the Sacred Lake 

(which dried up in 1926), the Terrace of 

Lions, the sanctuaries on Cynthus, the theater 

district, and the commercial harbor district. 

Board the local ferry from the tender pier 

in Mykonos and cross to the ancient site of 

Delos. A walking tour will enable you to see 

one of the most respected and revered sanctuaries 

of antiquity. 

Please note: Bring a hat and sunscreen. 

Includes a 45-minute ferry ride each way. 

Nauplion, 

Ancient Corinth 

& the Corinth Canal 

tour nAV003 


greeCe 

Your first stop is at Ancient Corinth whose 

ruins are a confusing mix of an ancient, 6thcentury 

BC Greek city and a 44 BC Roman 

city. The latter was built after Julius Caesar 

placed a colony of veterans on the desolate site 

which was, until its destruction by Mummius 

and his ten legates in 146 BC, the Greek city 

of Corinth. At the site, you will be able to 

see ruins and excavations of both: a Christian 

Basilica, the starting lines of a Greek racetrack, 

a sacred spring with its 5th-century BC bronze 

lion’s head spout and the elaborate Roman 

Fountain of Peirene. The next site you will 

visit (for a photo stop) is the famous Corinth 

-72- 

Canal—four miles long and 70 feet wide with 

sloping sides reaching 170 feet. The depth 

is 26 feet. Its construction began in 1881, 

although the idea of connecting the Ionian 

and Aegean Seas in order to provide a short 

cut dates back to at least Roman times. 

Mycenae & Palamidi Castle 

tour nAV001 


A scenic drive through Nauplion and past 

the ancient sites of Tiryns will bring you to 

the ruins of Mycenae. The first in-depth excavations 

were carried out in 1876 by German 

archaeologist Schliemann, who was obsessed 

with finding the grave of Agamemnon. His 

diligent work exposed the famous Lions 

Gate—the entrance to the city that contains 

the shaft burial graves of some ancient nobles. 

A short distance away is the Beehive Tomb, 

so named for to its unusual shape. At nearby 

Fithia Village, you can take advantage of a 

short shopping stop. On the second part of 

your journey, return to Nauplion where the 

Castle of Palamidi stands. From this vantage 

point there is a fine panoramic view. The castle 

was built by the Turks and the Venetians 

as a fortress and until recently, was used as a 

prison. The castle is still well preserved, and 

offers great views and photo opportunities 

over the entire Bay of Argolis. 

Nice, 

eze & Cap ferrat 

tour nCe001 


frAnCe 

Drive the Middle Corniche coastal road up 

to the picturesque village of Eze, then leave 

your coach for a walking tour of this enchanting 

village that is perched on a spire above 

the Mediterranean. Stroll through its narrow 

streets and admire the old medieval houses 

that have recently been restored. The village 

offers magnificent views of the Italian and the 

French coasts. After this pleasant visit, 

re-board your bus and drive to Cap Ferrat, one 

of the most exclusive resort towns on the Côte 

d’Azur. You’ll stop at the Villa Ephrussi de 

Rothschild to visit the villa and its splendid 

gardens. Take in the gorgeous view over the 

two bays of Villefranche and Beaulieu sur

Nice 

Mer, and enjoy a refreshment at the panoramic 

glass-windowed Tea Room. Finally, re-board 

your bus and drive back to the ship 

Monaco & the Casino 

tour nCe002 


Board your motor coach and drive along 

the panoramic Corniche to the independent 

principality of Monaco—the second smallest 

city-state in the world. Here you will stop at 

the Old Town of Monaco for an interesting 

walk along the narrow, picturesque streets. 

You’ll enter the Cathedral to find the tombs 

of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III. 

Then re-board your bus and drive along the 

Grand Prix circuit to the fabulous resort center 

of Monte Carlo. Walk around the Place 

du Casino—one of the most exclusive places 

in the world—and explore the luxurious 

shops, the amazing Casino building and the 

renowned Hotel de Paris. After this exciting 

visit you will drive back to the ship. 

french riviera orientation tour 


transfers tour nCe021 







Departing the ship, you will take a 45-minute 

drive along the Promenade des Anglais and 

the Lower Corniche, one of the most scenic 

routes of the French Riviera. Watch for the 

famous resorts of Beaulieu and the oasis of 

peace and quiet, Eze Sur Mer. As the road 

hugs the rocky coast, Cap d’Ail comes into 

view. Your coach will pass through Monaco 

along the Grand Prix raceway to meet the 

Grande Corniche, where the Vista Hotel 

stands. From the viewpoint (traffic permitting), 

there is a marvelous panorama of the 

coast from the Italian border over Cap Martin 

to the Principality of Monaco. Your next stop 

will be at the village of La Turbie, built on the 

Grande Corniche at an altitude of 1,200 feet. 

Back on the Middle Corniche you will stop 

at Eze—a strangely isolated village that clings 

like an eagle’s nest to a rock spike towering 

over the sea. The panorama extends from 

the tip of Cap d’Ail to Esterel, Beaulieu, Cap 

Ferrat, Villefranche sur Mer, Nice and Cap 

d’Antibes. Your last stop is at Mont Boron 

before a short sightseeing tour of Nice en 

route to the airport or your hotel. 





overnight in Nice. 

-74- -74- 

Palamos, 

girona highlights 

tour PAL003 


sPAin 

A scenic one-hour drive west of Palamos 

brings you to the beautiful town of Girona, 

known as the “immortal city.” Girona is rich 

in historic treasures, making this one of the 

most interesting monumental cities in Spain. 

First you’ll stop at El Call, the Jewish Quarter, 

where you walk through one of Europe’s bestpreserved 

Jewish quarters. It was inhabited for 

almost seven centuries. Visit the Bonastruch 

Ça Porta Museum on the site of the old 

synagogue, the medieval walls of the city, and 

the remains of the Torre Gironella, destroyed 

by Napoleon during his retreat in 1814 

(for good walkers only). Also see the great 

Catalonian Romanesque Monastery of Sant 

Pere de Galligants. At the very heart of the 

Jewish Quarter are the Arab Baths with their 

beautiful arches. In spite of the name, their 

construction style is western Romanesque. 

Your tour ends back at the ship in Palamos. 

girona & dalí 

tour PAL001 


Drive one hour to the beautiful town of 

Girona, rich in historic treasures. You’ll stop 

in the Jewish Quarter to walk through one of 

the best-preserved Jewish communities, inhabited 

for almost seven centuries. Visit the Isaac 

el Cec Jewish Center, on the site of the old 

synagogue, as well as the Municipal Cultural 

Center. Right at the heart of the Jewish 

Quarter, you will find the Romanesque-style 

Arab Baths with their beautiful arches and 

subtle North African influence. Re-board 

the coach for a 45-minute drive to Figueres. 

Enjoy lunch here before you head to the Dalí 

Museum. The Theatre-Museum was built by 

Dalí himself around the former Municipal 

Theatre, and is where most of his works can 

be seen and his first exhibition was held. Dalí 

was also buried in the Theatre-Museum, 

alongside the church that was the scene of 

both his christening and funeral—the first and 

last acts of a perfectly-planned scenario! Inside 

the Theatre-Museum, you will find a huge

Palamos 

collection of art, of which some of the most 

outstanding are Rainy Taxi (situated on the 

ground floor), the crypt where Dalí is buried, 

and Sala Mae West (a scenography of a living 

room, which turns into the face of a legendary 

actress through an optical illusion), and 

the enormous portrait of Abraham Lincoln. 

After your visit, you will return to the port of 

Palamos where the ship is docked. 

Pals, Petratallada & La bisbal 

tour PAL002 


Explore the medieval sites of the province by 

visiting the historical towns around Palamos. 

Begin with a motor coach drive north to the 

medieval hilltop town of Pals, which affords 

wonderful views of the countryside below. 

Continue to Peratallada, surrounded by natural 

moats—hence the origination of its name, 

which means “carved rock.” In the 1960s, 

the castle of Peratallada was restored to its 

medieval splendor by its present owners, who 

welcome you to experience the medieval enclosure. 

Next, proceed to the town of Bisbal, the 

capital of the region. Bisbal has a long-standing 

pottery tradition that has been kept alive 

thanks to the dedication and continued activity 

of many master craftsmen. Enjoy some free 

time to explore the town on your own before 

commencing the return drive to the ship. 

Palma 

Mallorca uncorked 

tour PMi004 

de MALLorCA, sPAin 


Specially for those who delight with the 

pleasures of wine tasting, this tour shows that 

Mallorca is a great producer of fine wines. A 

short drive from the port is the village of Sant 

Joan where Els Calderers, a traditional manor 

of Mallorca’s flat land, is located. This estate’s 

history can be traced back to 1285, when the 

manor is mentioned in historic records for the 

first time. Here you will see what Mallorca 

looked and felt like some two hundred years 

ago, with its outbuildings for cattle breeding, 

farming activities and its indigenous animals. 

Savor a taste of sobrassada, a typical Mallorcan 

sausage made from pork, as well as cheese, and 

a sampling of six different wines produced on 

-76- 

the island. Re-boarding the bus, your next stop 

will be at the Majorca Pearls Factory, founded 

in 1890—one of the oldest companies in the 

Balearic Islands. Observe the pearl manufacturing 

process where the artisans use raw marine 

materials. Enjoy free time for shopping before 

returning to the ship. 

Palma highlights 

tour PMi002 


Depart the port of Palma, passing along the 

Maritime Promenade en route to Bellver 

Castle. The castle is one of the most important 

examples of Gothic civil architecture in 

Mallorca and features a circular floor-plan, 

unique in all of Spain. The Keep, which you 

can contemplate from across the moat, is 

reached by a small passage supported by a 

double-pointed arch. Stop at the cathedral 

which presides over the city (15th century). 

Its interior features exceptional illumination 

through the stained glass, especially the great 

rose window of the east face. Nearby stands 

the Almudaina Palace, a monument converted 

from an Arab fortress into the residence of the 

Kings of Mallorca, which you will see from 

the outside. Finally, you will drive to the bull 

ring, built in 1929, with its fours boxes oriented 

to the cardinal points. 

tapas in Palma 

tour PMi003 

Palma de Mallorca 


This gastronomically delightful tour will 

introduce you to the local tapas culture—a 

phenomenon dating as far back as the 13th 

century and that has been “adopted” from the 

mainland tavern tradition. Tapas is a Spanish 

word meaning “appetizers,” although the 

interpretation is not exact, as tapas are often 

combined to make a meal. Palma is a city open 

to the sea, filled with charming streets and 

the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy 

a brief orientation tour with a stop at Bellver 

Castle which dominates the city of Palma. Its 

circular ground plan (the only existing one in 

Europe) is a unique example of Gothic military 

architecture. Next, enjoy tapas at three of 

the best bars in Mallorca, each with a different 

ambiences and style of food. Don’t eat a large 

breakfast, as you will need room to enjoy these 

delicious taste treats. You will also sample a 

typical dessert before returning to the ship. 

Please note: Although the tasting will vary 

seasonally, you can expect to enjoy beer, wine 

and typical tapas. This tour is available only 

to guests on the Wind Surf.

Palma de Mallorca 

Valldemosa & Chopin 

tour PMi001 


A short motor coach drive past olive trees 

and local vegetation brings you to the quaint 

14th-century village of Valldemosa, at the foot 

of the Northern Mountain Range. Its former 

royal residence, the Cartuja, is the first stop on 

your tour. The residence became a Carthusian 

monastery in the Middle Ages, and your 

guide will show you the chapel, pharmacy, the 

monks’ library and their cells. Valldemosa’s 

shining moment was in 1838, when George 

Sand and Frederic Chopin came to live at the 

monastery. Their stay here is well documented, 

and a collection of their furniture remains, 

including a piano where Chopin composed 

some of his masterpieces. George Sand later 

wrote a book about their time here, entitled A 

Winter in Majorca. Every summer, the Cartuja 

hosts the International Piano Festival, so a 

15-minute concert makes for a fitting end to 

your tour. 

Please note: This tour is available only to 

guests on the Wind Surf. 

Piraeus 

(Athens), greeCe 

Athens Acropolis tour Add-on 


tour Ath021 







Milton called Athens “the eye of Greece, 

mother of arts and eloquence.” The ancient 

remains of Athens today constitute one of the 

brightest jewels of the Mediterranean. It will 

quickly become evident that half the population 

of Greece lives in Athens, and despite this, 

the Ancient City and the Acropolis have been 

kept fairly intact. Perhaps the most famous 

temple of the Ancient City is the Parthenon, 

dedicated to the patron Goddess of Athens, 

-78- 

Athena. Walking up a winding path towards 

the Acropolis you will pass through the 

Propylaea and see the Erechtheum temple and 

the Porch of the Caryatids in the distance. 

Reinforced by the hand of man, the natural 

fortress of the Acropolis stands 230 feet above 

the city. You cannot help but be in awe of the 

view below. On a scenic drive through the city, 

you will pass Adrian’s Arch, the statue of Lord 

Byron, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, 

which took 700 years to complete. Continuing 

on towards Constitution Square, you will pass 

the former Royal Palace where the Evzones, 

members of the National Guard, keep watch 

in their traditional costume over the Tomb of 

the Unknown Warrior. You will see the allmarble 

Olympic Stadium built for the modern 

Olympic Games in 1896. You will pass the 

National Gardens, drive along University 

Street and see its neoclassical buildings, some 

of which are the Academy, the University and 

the Library. 


airport or at your Windstar hotel. This 



overnight in Athens. 

Ploc˘e, 

neretva river delta tour 

PLo001 


CroAtiA 

Nature-lovers! Here is a chance to visit one of 

the best-preserved wetlands in all of Europe. 

Climb into an ancient wooden boat, locally 

known as a trupice, and glide through the 

magnificent marshland of the Neretva River 

Delta. This fully intact natural environment 

offers shelter to numerous birds, fish and other 

species. It’s a remarkable feeling to explore 

this jewel of nature in a traditional local boat. 

Lunch is served along the way in a very attractive 

restaurant located near the water. You 

will also visit the remains and excavations of 

Narona, one of the largest Roman sites on the 

eastern side of the Adriatic. If you enjoy pure, 

wild, spectacular nature, this tour is for you!

Ploc˘e 

town of Mostar & Medjugorje 

Pilgrimage tour PLo002 


Medjugorje is a unique phenomenon in the 

modern world. It is believed that Our Lady 

appeared in front of a group of children here 

in 1981. As a result of these apparitions, this 

simple village parish has become a place of 

gathering of a multitude of pilgrims from all 

over the world, and it is now one of the largest 

prayer centers in Europe. Numerous witnesses 

claim to have found faith and peace here. You 

will also visit Mostar, the city where north 

meets south and east meets west. This is a city 

of poetry, stone and narrow streets, where the 

traveler from the north feels the first breeze of 

the Mediterranean air, imbued with the scents 

of citrus and sea. Travelers from the south 

arriving here catch their first glimpse of the 

continent beyond. The town is exceptional 

for its dwellings and monuments assembled 

harmoniously over the centuries thanks to the 

favorable geographical conditions and a sound 

economy. Visit the city sights, which include 

the Old Bazaar, the Turkish House and one 

of the many old Mosques. After a guided tour 

of the town you will have some free time for 

a stroll among the many old craft shops or 

for lunch (at your own expense) in one of the 

picturesque local restaurants. 

Porquerolles, 

frAnCe 

Porquerolles is one of the islands off the 

French coast known as the Golden Isles for 

the way sunlight shimmers on their mica 

rock. It is uncrowded and serene. Small 

coves separated by rugged cliffs boast excellent 

swimming, and Porquerolles is beloved 

by film-makers, who use it as a South Seas 

island stand-in, and by sophisticated travelers 

looking to escape the hustle and bustle 

of modern life. No tours are offered here, 

but you are invited to explore this lovely 

haven on your own. 

-80- -80- 

Portimão, 

scenic western Algarve 

tour PrM001 


PortugAL 

Your route will take you west along the coast, 

past fine golden sands, turquoise waters, ochre 

cliffs and rocks sculpted into fantastic shapes. 

Before heading inland to Portimão, you will 

see a busy deep-water fishing port on the 

River Arade, where brightly-colored boats 

float in the bay. Your first stop will be at the 

historical town of Lagos. Its sturdy medieval 

walls testify to its importance in the 15th 

century, when its shipyards built the caravels. 

Reminders of the past can be seen around 

every corner, including the site of Europe’s 

first slave market and the ornately gilded 

Chapel of St. Anthony, whose interior contains 

a magnificent set of Baroque carvings, an 

ashlar of Baroque glazed tiles and several 18thcentury 

paintings depicting the saint’s miracles. 

The church forms part of a visit to the 

Municipal Museum situated next door, which 

shows local handicraft objects, pottery shards, 

religious statuary, straw hats, lobster pots, 

fossils, travelogs, assorted muskets and swords. 

Continue to the wild headland of Cape St. 

Vincent, passing numerous small villages 

crammed with white houses sporting decorative 

chimney pots. Sagres is the place where 

Prince Henry the Navigator built his School 

of Navigation and it was from there that his 

sailors set out to explore and colonize the 

world. The windblown Cape St. Vincent, with 

its 200-foot-high cliffs facing the Atlantic, lies 

at the extreme southwest of Europe. Before 

returning to the ship, you will have a photo 

stop at Baleeira Beach where there are excellent 

views over the Algarve Coast and its beaches. 

Moorish Algarve: 

silves & Monchique 

tour PrM002 


This scenic excursion runs inland through 

cultivated and picturesque countryside, into 

the foothills of the Serra de Monchique—a 

green and wooded mountain range of cork, 

chestnut and eucalyptus. Endless orchards 

of apples, pears, figs, almonds, pomegran

Portimão 

ates and citrus fruits line the route. Before 

continuing to the historical city of Silves, 

you will head up for a photo stop at Fóia, 

the highest point of the Algarve (2,500 feet) 

from where, whether permitting, you will 

admire the magnificent view over the coastline 

and inland. Silves is the former capital of 

the Moorish province of Algarve, which was 

known as Xelbe by the Moors: “A Place of 

Shining Grandeur.” Transfer by minivan to 

the historical part of the city, where you will 

have a chance to explore the ramparts of the 

castle, visit the 17th-century cathedral built on 

the site of the Grand Mosque, and note the 

Misericórdia Church (16th century) with its 

fine Manueline doorway. A stroll of approximately 

400 yards brings you to the Fábrica do 

Inglês Cork Museum that won the European 

Industrial Museum Award in 2001 and shows 

the importance of this natural material in the 

Algarve region. 

Please note: Bring a sunhat. The Cork 

Museum is closed on Mondays. A stop in 

Fóia with liqueur tasting will be substituted 

Porto Cervo, 

Maddalena island 

tour rVo001 


itALy 

Depart from Porto Cervo by coach, traveling 

along a road with panoramic views. Passing 

through the village of Arzachena, you’ll come 

to Palau. Here, you will board the ferry to La 

Maddalena Island. On Maddalena, take a brief 

guided visit to see the center of town with 

Garibaldi Square, called also Red Square due 

to the color of its old paving stones. Enjoy a 

brief break for shopping and a snack. Then, 

re-board the coach for a panoramic drive along 

the coast to Guardia Vecchia viewpoint. Look 

out across at the Maddalena Archipelago and 

Corsica. The drive will end at the port and 

you’ll take the ferry to reach Sardinia and 

continue back to Porto Cervo and the ship. 

-82- 

Costa smeralda 

rVo002 


Your tour begins with a panoramic drive 

along the Emerald Coast. The name of this 

area is linked to the peculiar and beautiful 

color of the sea—transparent greens and turquoises. 

Here, between the granite cliffs and 

the Mediterranean Sea, lie the new residential 

complexes of Cala di Volpe, Capriccioli and 

Romazzino. You will stop the archaeological 

site of Coddu Vecchiu. This remarkably 

well-preserved monument, the tallest of its 

type in Sardinia, is marked by a large slab 12 

feet high, set in front of a walk-in-style mausoleum. 

In front of the slab is an exedra made up 

by large stones protruding from the ground. 

This grave dates back to 2500 BC. In 1800 

BC it was used as a collective burying-place 

by the people from Bonannaro, although the 

external walls were rebuilt during the Nuragic 

era (1600 BC). Continue to the town of Baia 

for some time at leisure to discover this small 

village before driving back to he ship. 

Portoferraio, 

Mount Capanne: on top of 

the world 

tour Aio002 


itALy 

From Portoferraio, a scenic drive will take 

you to the island’s highlands on the west side 

and to the cable car station. Your guide will 

explain how to get into and out of the cable 

car. You will be whisked to the top of the 

mountain—3,000 feet in 20 minutes! The 

views of the Tuscan Archipelago are unforgettable! 

At the top, you can enjoy a coffee on the 

panoramic terrace. All too soon, it’s time to 

return to the bottom and the tour continues to 

Marciana Marina to stroll along the waterfront 

and do some shopping in the picturesque 

shops. Not to be missed are Elba’s perfumes. 

Before re-boarding the bus for the trip back to

Portoferraio 

the ship, a short wine tasting will take place. 

Please note: This tour is not available to guests 

with walking difficulties, heart problems or 

fear of heights. Wear comfortable walking 

shoes and a sun hat. 

elba island 

& the napoleonic Museum 

tour Aio001 


On the lovely island of Elba, visit the country 

residence of Napoleon who spent nine months 

on the island. Depending on the day of the 

week, the tour will visit either Napoleon’s 

in-town residence of Villa dei Mulini, or his 

country residence of Villa San Martino. At 

Villa San Martino, highlights include Room 

of the Doves, with a painting on the ceiling 

of two doves bound by the same ribbon and 

a knot that tightens as they fly further away 

from each other. The Egyptian Room has a 

circular ring of Zodiac signs painted on the 

ceiling. You can also view Napoleon’s bedroom, 

dressing room and study, and stroll 

through the manicured gardens. Napoleon’s 

town residence, Villa dei Mulini includes the 

study, reception hall, Napoleon’s bedroom and 

his library. Stop in the Porto Azzuro summer 

resort area with a short time to explore. 

Please note: The coach can get very warm. 

Bring extra water. Be prepared for unpredict- 

able summer rainstorms. Return to the ship in 

time for lunch or stroll around the Old Port 

for a typical Italian meal. 

elba Countryside & wine tasting 

tour Aio003 


Leave from Portoferraio, the busy capital of 

Elba Island, to enjoy a delightful drive of this 

charming island. Drive by rocky beaches and 

high cliffs to enjoy magnificent views over the 

Bays of Lacona, Laconella and Golfo Stella, en 

route to the lovely village of Porto Azzurro. 

After a brief introduction of the charming 

port of Porto Azzurro, take some free time 

to browse in the many shops of this delightful 

town. Azzurro is dominated by an ancient 

medieval fortress and a picturesque fisherman’s 

harbour. During the ride back to Portoferraio, 

you’ll stop at the old country wine-farm of 

La Chiusa—beautifully nestled in a vineyard 

overlooking the ocean. Take an interesting 

visit to the estate’s cellar to learn how the wine 

is handled and produced. A delicious sampling 

of the local wine is served in the outside 

garden facing the sea. Tasty local snack might 

include such local specialties as bruschetta, 

Tuscan salami, cheese and cantuccini. After 

enjoying this pleasant stop, resume your tour 

to drive back to Portoferraio dock. 

-84- 

Portofino, 

Camogli & san fruttuoso 

tour ino001 


itALy 

Board your private boat and depart on an 

exploration of the history and culture of 

this region of the Italian Coast. Your first 

stop will be in the little bay of the village of 

San Fruttuoso, famous for its 10th-century 

abbey, ancient residence of the Doria family. 

The fascination of San Fruttuoso lies in the 

architectural value of the abbey and church as 

well as in the splendid natural surroundings. 

The cliffs encircling the inlet, the small beach, 

the rich Mediterranean vegetation and the 

almost-unreal absence of vehicles create a truly 

unique and enjoyable atmosphere. Enjoy the 

view while staying on the boat for 10 minutes 

inside the bay. Continuing up the coast, you 

will arrive at Camogli, a small, typical fishing 

village, once the site of bustling shipyards 

that helped build one of the world’s greatest 

merchant fleets. Camogli’s original medieval 

setting was centered around the local parish 

church, located on an island which was completely 

detached from the mainland. Today, 

this island is connected to the mainland by a 

little square surrounded by colorful buildings 

and one of the most beautiful Baroque churches 

along the Italian coastline! Here, you will 

have a guided tour through the village along 

with some free time on your own. Focaccia 

bread and local wine will be served on the way 

back to Portofino. 

Please note: Wear comfortable clothes. Bring 

sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. This tour 

is a more unique visit to some of the more 

charming and remote fishing villages in the 

area. This “cultural excursion” is often more 

difficult to do on your own. 

Ligurian Cooking demonstration 

tour ino002 


Ligurians are by nature a solitary and private 

people, with an unfortunate reputation for 

parsimony. This stems from the prudence 

required of those who, for centuries, have 

had to produce all their food from the tiny 

strips of land available between the sea and

Portofino 

the mountains. On the bright side, this region 

produces the most flavourful basil, exceptional 

olive oil, and due to the richness of algae and 

strong currents, the tastiest fish! The main 

ingredient of any Ligurian cuisine is the olive 

oil produced by the water-deprived, terraintortured 

trees that cling to the cliff that fall 

almost perpendicular into the sea. Ligurian 

cooking is packed with flavor and enticing 

aromas, but is basically very simple. This 

cooking experience will introduce you to the 

secrets of Ligurian centuries old recipes. You 

will learn how to prepare and cook a different 

complete menu consisting of typical dishes 

of Genoese cuisine, including pesto sauce and 

handmade pasta. The menu of the day will be 

explained and the cook will demonstrate with 

valuable hints and tips. Finally, at lunch time, 

you will taste the dishes prepared in front of 

you together with other specialities. Dessert 

and a good cup of coffee will follow. 

Please note.: Due to Italian law regarding 

restaurant hygiene, your participation in the 

cooking will be limited to trying a little bit of 

pasta-making and compiling the sauce. 

splendido hotel italian Cuisine 

tour ino003 


Walk with your guide to the main square of 

Portofino, and then board a minivan 

for the drive to the Splendido Hotel. 

Experience the cuisine of this world-famous 

hotel—a magnificent landmark that overlooks 

the picturesque harbor of this tiny resort 

enclave. Favored by the rich and famous, the 

hotel is known for its superb Italian cuisine. 

Windstar Cruises has arranged for the maître 

d’hôtel to meet with you privately and explain 

the many uses and varieties of olive oil. Each 

guest will have a chance to try the difference 

kinds of olive oil presented (two or three 

types) during the explanation, and learn how 

each is used in the preparation of delicious 

Italian dishes. Bruschetta will be served at the 

table, then a lunch of traditional trenette with 

pesto sauce, grilled sea bass with pine nuts 

and black olives, olive oil sherbet and coffee. 

White wine and mineral water will be offered, 

and coffee is served before you return by minivan 

to the harbor to enjoy the rest of your day. 

Those who prefer may enjoy a relaxing 15- to 

20-minute walk down to Portofino. 

-86- -86- 

Porto Vecchio, 

sartene & the southwest Coast 

tour hio001 


CorsiCA 

This tour will take you from Bonifacio 

towards Sartene, first along the scenic west 

coast and then inland. On the way, discover 

splendid views and the great landmark 

of Corsica’s southwest coast, the Lion de 

Roccapina. This mass of roseate granite has 

weathered into the shape of a recumbent 

lion. Sartene, “the most Corsican of Corsican 

towns,” is built on a promontory with some 

impressive houses nestled into the rocks. It is 

located near the coast and therefore was once 

quite vulnerable to foreign invaders. Sartene’s 

colorful history includes pirate attacks, battles 

against the Genoese occupiers in the Middle 

Ages, and many vendettas throughout Corsican 

history. After your walking tour, enjoy free 

time to browse before returning to your coach. 

santa giulia beach 

tour hio002 


Available from June to September 

A motor coach will take you to Santa Giulia 

Beach—a stretch of white sand—to enjoy the 

pleasure of swimming and sunbathing. Enjoy 

a soft drink at the beach bar and relax for the 

rest of the afternoon. Drinks, sunbeds and 

umbrellas are not included in the tour price 

but may be acquired at your own expense. 

bonifacio 

tour hio003 


A magnificent Land’s End, the mediaeval city 

of Bonifacio appears to be completely isolated 

from the rest of the island, on a vast and arid 

limestone plateau. A mini train on wheels 

will take you around town to show you the 

highlights of the city . Visit the citadel and the 

old Genoese town stopping first at the Marine 

Cemetery located on the top of the cliffs with 

an impressive view over the straits of Bonifacio 

across to Sardinia only five miles away. In the 

heart of the old town, you will continue your

tour on foot through the typical narrow streets 

to discover, around each new corner, churches, 

monuments and curiosities dating back to the 

16th century. Return to the train station and 

walk back to the ship along the marina, or 

continue to explore the town, returning to the 

ship on your own. 

Port Vendres, 

Collioure & elne tour res001 


frAnCe 

Depart from Port Vendres harbor for a 

visit to Collioure. This picturesque village, 

situated in an ancient Phoenician harbor, is 

now a thriving commercial port. Enjoy time 

at leisure to feel the atmosphere and admire 

painters who usually work in the quaint little 

fishing harbor surrounded by cafés. They 

come here in droves to capture on canvas 

the picturesque narrow streets and small, 

brightly-colored fishing boats. You will visit 

the church, Notre Dame des Anges, with its 

nine beautiful, golden, sculpted wooden tables 

dating from 17th century. Stop also at the 

Royal Castle. On the way back to the ship, 

you’ll visit the Episcopal town of Elne, with its 

Romanesque cloister and abbey church dating 

from the 11th century. In the 14th and 15th 

centuries the six chapels were opened, showcasing 

the different periods of Gothic art. 

Ceret & the Modern Art Museum 

tour res002 


Forty-five minutes from Port Vendres lies 

Ceret. Travel here by motor coach for a 

guided visit of the Modern Art Museum. On 

display in this facility are Picasso ceramics, 

Matisse drawings, and paintings by several 

modern artists such as Chagall, Cocteau, Dalí, 

and Dufy. After this interesting visit you will 

enjoy a tour of the lovely Old Town of Ceret, 

with some free time for shopping before you 

drive back to the ship. 

-88- 

Porto Venere, 

Lucca 

tour ere003 


itALy 

About 1½ hours away by autostrada, Italy’s 

version of the freeway, lies Florence, justly 

called La Bella (the beautiful). Situated in the 

center of a fertile plain, Lucca has, preserved 

within its girdle of tree-topped ramparts, a 

rich heritage of churches, palaces, squares 

and streets which lend the town a charming 

air untouched by modern development. 

Stroll with your guide to view the beautiful 

Cathedral of San Martino, Piazza Anfiteatro, 

the Church of San Frediano, and Guinigi’s 

Tower. The streets and squares of Lucca are 

full of atmosphere, with Renaissance and 

Gothic palaces, towers of the nobility, old 

shops, sculptured doorways, Coats of Arms, 

and elegant wrough-iron balconies. After an 

hour of free time, meet in Piazzale Verdi to 

leave Lucca and return to Portovenere. 

Cinque terre 

tour ere002 


Explore three of the charming villages that 

make up the Cinque Terre. Perched on a 

rocky coast north of Portovenere, these villages 

were once isolated and accessible only 

by sea. Each is unique and retains the charm 

of another era, surrounded by some of the 

most breathtaking scenery along the Italian 

coast. Board your bus at the port and drive 

through the lush countryside to the village of 

Manarola—a small center with old 

characteristic houses on the sea rocks. 

Manarola’s church is Gothic-Ligurian style 

(1338) . At Volastra is the shrine 

of the Madonna della Salute, one of the most 

picturesque on the coast, which has been 

a place of worship since the 10th century. 

A ten minute walk downhill takes you to 

the heart of the village and the start of the 

Via Dell’Amore (the Path of Love). This 

magnificent 25-minute walk hugs the cliffs 

along the craggy coastline from Manarola 

to the town of Riomaggiore. Riomaggiore 

is the most eastern of the Cinque Terre. 

The name derives from Rivus Major which

Porto Venere 

flows through it. There you will find the 

sanctuary of the Madonna of Montenero 

and a 14th-century castle. A short distance 

away is Vernazza with its charming harbor 

filled with fishing boats and surrounded by 

sidewalk cafés. Every direction offers a photographic 

opportunity. A tiny church perched 

on the cliff beckons. Small shops offer 

treasured mementos. Vernazza was founded 

in AD 1000, and by the 12th century, this 

community had extended its territory down 

to the harbor. At that time the Lords of the 

Vara Valley built an armed and fortified 

base and, together with Genoa, countered 

the ruthless Saracen oppression with their 

fast ships. All that remains of this old base is 

some ruins of the towers. The town straddles 

a river and opens out onto a little square 

by the beach. It is dominated by a beautiful 

church in Gothic-Ligurian style of 1318, 

dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch. 

Return to Manarola and then to Portovenere. 

the Leaning tower of Pisa 

with Cathedral 

tour ere001 


This “history in the making” tour offers you 

a look at one of the world’s most famous 

buildings, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Start 

with a comfortable motor coach ride to Pisa, 

about 1½ hours away. Upon arrival you will 

disembark the coach and walk for about 20 

minutes to the Piazza dei Miracoli, to meet 

your guide. The history of Pisa will be 

brought to life for you. Your short walking 

tour will begin with the spectacular panorama 

of the Piazza dei Miracoli, containing the 

Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistry 

and the Historical Churchyard. Engineers have 

made significant progress on halting the lean 

of the tower by removing soil from beneath 

the Northern portion of the tower. They have 

been able to reduce the lean and add 300 years 

of the Tower’s life expectancy. Interestingly, 

the Leaning Tower was originally designed 

as a bell tower to the Cathedral. Its construction 

began in 1174 and finished in 1350. 

294 steps lead to a top platform. Although 

the tower is once again open to the public, 

entrance is erratic, is strictly regulated and is 

NOT included in this tour. You are welcome 

to go inside during the free time you will have 

on this tour. Entrance fee is not included in 

the tour price. Pisa was once a famous seatrading 

republic, and an arch-rival of nearby 

Genoa. In fact, its stunning Cathedral was 

begun in 1603 to commemorate the Pisan’s 

defeat of the Saracens in Sicily that year. 

Its interior pillars were brought back from 

Muslim lands during the campaigns. You will 

see Cimabue’s superb 13th-century mosaics 

embellishing the half dome. You will also have 

free time to shop and take pictures before the 

coach returns to Portovenere and the ship. 

-90- -90- 

Pula, 

walking tour of Pula tour 

Puy004 


CroAtiA 

In the southernmost part of the Istrian peninsula, 

according to legend, Jason and Medea 

founded the town Polai which was to be the 

source of life. Later, the Romans changed it 

into a divine town for the “pleasure of the 

rich.” Today it is simply known as Pula, 

Croatia. This city has survived many reinventions, 

but it is best known for its ancient 

Roman buildings, the most famous of which 

is the 1st-century amphitheatre. Known locally 

as the Arena, this is the sixth-largest amphitheater 

in the world., and is undoubtedly one 

of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres. 

The Arena is still in use today for summer 

film festivals. Continue your walking tour 

with visits to other notable and well-preserved 

ancient Roman structures, including the Arch 

of Sergius and the Temple of Apollo, built in 

the honor of the 1st-century Roman Emperor, 

Caesar Augustus. Other sites you will visit 

are the Roman city gates and walls and a 

Byzantine chapel. 

highlights of the istria hinterland 

tour Puy001 


Upon disembarkation from the ship, you will 

drive to the smallest town in the world— 

Hum. Situated in the heart of Istria, Hum was 

a famous center of Glagolitism—a unique 

style of text that was a curious juxtaposition 

of Croatian and Slavic scripts with a basis in 

Byzantium. Hum’s physical appearance dates 

back to the Middle Ages when, on the remnants 

of the old Hum fortification, a castle 

was built. Today Hum is memorial town, 

showing how new urban development can 

be combined with past. Old fortifications 

remain and its walls are still the town’s outer 

boundaries. After a guided walking tour and 

free time in Hum, you will drive to the picturesque 

town of Motovun. Located on top 

of a little hill, Motovun dominates the Mirna 

River valley, the famed Motovun woods and 

the surrounding vineyards. Motovun is the 

site of the Veli Joçe legend, which your guide

Pula 

will explain, and is a renowned example of a 

well-preserved medieval Istrian town. In more 

recent days, it has become the home of the 

Motovun Film Festival and a meeting place 

for writers, visual artists and history-lovers. 

When the lunchtime comes, your guide will 

walk with you over the old cobblestone streets 

to the Hotel Kastel, where dine with folklore 

entertainment. Continue with scenic drive 

Groznjan—an ancient town in northwestern 

Istira, 9 miles from the sea. Groznjan takes 

great pride in its wealth of tradition, cultural 

heritage and natural beauty, all of which is 

ennobled by art. Take a walking tour and 

enjoy free time to explore the numerous small 

churches and galleries, and take in the magnificent 

landscapes and views. 

Please note: This your is available on the 


seaside resort of Porec & wine 

tasting tour Puy002 


Board your coach head to one of the bestknown 

resort towns in Croatia—Porec. By 

international standards, Porec is a cultural and 

historical jewel. Today’s town plan dates from 

the Roman occupation circa 50 BC. Following 

the common Roman town model, Porec 

features two main intersecting streets, Cardo 

and Decumanus, which even today remain 

the backbone of the Old Town. Visit the 

Episcopal complex of the Euphrasian Basilica 

built in the 6th century. This is the most valuable 

monument in Porec and is a UNESCO 

World Heritage Site. Marafor, the oldest part 

of the town, still boasts the remains of two 

Roman temples. See the House of Two Saints, 

the Istrian Parliament Building, and the Leoni 

and Zuccato Palaces. You will have some free 

time to explore this charming little town on 

your own. Next you’ll head into the Istrian 

hinterland. A short drive through the countryside 

will bring you to the village of Markova. 

Visit the wine cellar of the Gvido Bernobi 

family and sample their wines—white, red 

and sweet—accompanied by some homemade 

cheese, Istrian prçut (prosciutto) and fritule. 

Don’t miss a chance to sample the grappa if 

it’s offered! This half day excursion is a lovely 

way to spend time in Istria, and you will have 

a chance to buy some Bernobi wine. 

Please note: This your is available on the 


town of rovinj & Village of 

heritage with olive oil tasting 

tour Puy003 


On a walking tour of Rovinj you will explore 

the town square and St. Eufemija Church, the 

symbol of this charming town. Just in front 

-92- -92- 

of the church there is magnificent view of 

the Rovinj Archipelago. Stroll through the 

charming narrow streets and squares to see the 

towns most important sights and museums. 

The Batana House tells the history of the 

flat-bottom wooden fishing vessels used by 

the inhabitants of Rovinj. Batana have been 

constructed for decades by local naval carpenters 

and caulkers, and are used daily by local 

fishermen and owned by numerous Rovinj’s 

families. This is no ordinary museum—it is 

the first in the Mediterranean dedicated to 

a fishing vessel! The museum is laid out in 

a modern way using multimedia, with film 

and slide projections, models, music, excellent 

photographs, interactive exhibits, and original 

objects donated by the inhabitants of Rovinj. 

Learn how this little boat is ingeniously 

built and about the beauty and simplicity of 

everyday life in Rovinj, its inhabitants and 

their rich musical, linguistic and gastronomic 

heritage. From Rovinj, continue to a home in 

the Istrian hinterland. The Tidic family has a 

long tradition of producing olive oil, wine and 

grape brandy. In last 10 years the family has 

planted more than 500 olive trees. Take a seat 

in the old konoba (tavern) and enjoy a presentation 

on the production of olive oil, including 

the old traditional ways. Afterwards. sample 

beautiful local snacks and beverages and hear 

typical local music performed on old Istrian 

instruments. 

Rab, 

historical Journey: goli otok 

tour rAb001 


CroAtiA 

Goli Otok, or Goli Island, sits among the 

islands of Rab, Sveti Grgur and Prvic, covering 

an area of only 1.5 square miles. Along with 

the neighboring island of Sveti Grgur, Goli 

Otok is an integral part of the interrupted 

limestone range which extends parallel with 

Kamenjak on the island of Rab (1,338 feet) 

and Prvic (1,167 feet). Along its northern 

coast there are no bays, coves or shelters; the 

sea reaches the depth of over 98 feet quite 

close to the coast. The milder southern and 

southeastern coast is well indented with a 

number of small, dry coves and bays. The 

largest and most important of these is Tatinja. 

The southern and especially southwestern

Rab 

slopes are sparsely covered by shrub-like 

vegetation. All until recently there were no 

permanent residents on the island. It was occasionally 

used by the inhabitants of Lopar on 

the island of Rab for sheep grazing. During 

World War One, Goli Otok was used as a 

detention camp for prisoners of war. After 

1949, the island was the infamous Yugoslav 

prison for political convicts, which makes it 

today an interesting destination for numerous 

visitors. Smaller ships may find shelter from 

the bora winds on the western coast south of 

Sajal Cape. 

streets of rab 

tour rAb002 


The small town of Rab was once encircled 

by medieval walls in the 12th century. Today, 

parts of the walls can still be seen along the 

cliffs and in a few places close to the harbor. 

The historic town was founded in Roman 

times along a narrow tongue of land so, when 

travelers approached from the sea, they could 

see it proudly atop the head of the bay. Many 

were impressed by the town’s ancient ramparts 

towering above the sea, and admired the sails 

of numerous ships in her sheltered harbor 

as well as the four campaniles (bell towers), 

which are still the town’s most conspicuous 

landmarks. Rab is truly a town of rare 

charm packed with fine old houses and other 

interesting buildings. Your guided walking 

tour will show you some of its best features, 

including a view of the cathedral, a three-naved 

basilica dedicated to the 12th-century St. 

Mary. Further in the town, you will visit the 

Church of St. Justina with its fine Museum of 

Sacral Art. Along the walk you will also see 

the Church of St. John the Baptist and ruins 

of the ancient basilica, the Princes’ Palace, and 

the sculptures of Draga and Kaliforni in the 

town’s main square. 

-94- 

Rhodes, 

Lindos Acropolis 

tour rho001 


greeCe 

This tour will begin with a beautiful drive 30 

miles along the east coast of Rhodes, taking 

you past picturesque little villages. A wonderful 

scent laces the air as you pass orange and 

lemon groves, vineyards and gnarled old olive 

trees. On this tour, you may walk up to the 

summit of the Acropolis or, if you wish, a 

donkey will take you most of the way. Once 

you have reached the site you will visit the 

4th-century BC Doric Temple of Athena 

Lindia. The acropolis boasts a double-winged 

portico, a Byzantine church, the fortifications 

of the Knights and the remains of the 

Governor’s quarters. You will notice a breathtaking 

view from the top of the Acropolis and 

at its foot you will see St. Paul’s Bay, where 

the Apostle Paul landed in the AD 51 to 

preach Christianity to the Rhodians. Below the 

Acropolis, you will see the old, whitewashed 

houses and the narrow streets of Lindos—a 

town whose beauty has inspired artists and 

writers for years. Here, you will find many 

little shops selling attractive souvenirs such 

as small ceramic items or beautiful crocheted 

linen. You will return to the quayside in 

Rhodes following the same picturesque route. 

Mt. filerimos & rhodes town 

tour rho002 


From the port, you will make your way 

through the town of Rhodes. On the way to 

Mount Filerimos, enjoy the densely wooded 

area of cypress trees, maritime pines and evergreen 

oaks. You will drive along the West 

Coast before turning inland along a winding 

road that leads to the Plateau of Filerimos, 

nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. Here you will 

visit the church of Our Lady, restored by the 

Knights of St. John, then used as a stable by 

the Turks during their occupation. You will 

see the restored monastery and the barrel-vault 

Chapel of St. George with its 15th-century 

frescoes. Returning to the Old Town, take a 

walking tour to visit the Street of the Knights 

and the Grand Master’s Palace. A fortress was

Rhodes 

purposely built here to dominate the town 

and the harbors, and construction began at 

the beginning of the 14th century. It was 

destroyed in 1856 and rebuilt in 1929 by the 

Italians. When the walking tour of the Old 

Town is completed, you will find numerous 

souvenir shops. 

Rijeka, 

Picturesque opatija & kvarner bay 

tour rJk002 


CroAtiA 

Board your motor coach and enjoy a scenic 

drive along the coastline towards the town of 

Opatija. Opatija is situated below a mountain, 

adjacent to the Uc˘ka Nature Park. It 

is a favorite vacation spot for locals both in 

summer and winter. Beautiful nature, parks, 

old Austrian villas, a seaside promenade and 

beaches have attracted visitors from Europe 

and all over the world for more then 160 

years. Today you will visit Opatija Park, the 

Villa Angiolina, the Convent of St. Jacob 

and the Lungomare seafront promenade. 

Continues to the seaside resort of Lovran—a 

town with a long and diverse history and a 

hundred-year-old tradition of welcoming visi- 

-96- 

tors. It took its name from laurel tree, Laurus 

nobilis, which grows abundantly in evergreen 

groves throughout the town and its environs. 

Lovran has preserved its historical core and 

medieval city plan. The old city was surrounded 

by defensive walls and bastions. Over time, 

houses have been built on the old foundations. 

The courtyards of the Old Town are a particularly 

charming example of Mediterranean 

cityscapes. Behind the stone portals, the 

façades of neighboring houses can be seen, 

decorated with steps, porches and vaults. In 

the center of the courtyard is the wellhead. 

After a walking tour of Lovran, continue driving 

to Mosćenice. On a hill just a mile above 

Mosćenicka Draga lies Mosćenice at 567 feet 

above sea level. This town is located over the 

historical settlement of the Liburnia people— 

an Illyrian tribe. Mosćenice reveals breathtaking 

views over the entire Kvarner Bay. Taking 

in this spectacular panorama, you will enjoy a 

tasting of olive oil and a light lunch. 

bike Adventure tour rJk001 


Rijeka, Croatia’s third-largest city, boasts 

a lovely park perfect for exploring by bike. 

You’ll set out with your guide along trails 

and pathways of both open land and forest 

through this oasis of peace and beauty. 

This is a vast space, but is easily traveled by 

Rijeka, 

bike. Fresh air and enjoyment of wonderful 

landscapes, forest shade, birdsong and the 

murmur of water will create lasting memories. 

rijeka sightseeing & trsat shrine 

tour rJk003 


The town of Rijeka is an important business, 

trade, industrial and cultural center in 

western Croatia, and Rijeka Bay has been 

inhabited since prehistoric times. On the coast 

of Rjec˘ina, you will spy Trsat Castle. You will 

also find examples of modern European architecture 

and of rich cultural identity. Rijeka 

boasts old city gates dating back to 1st-century 

Roman times. See the theatre, the city tower, 

the Modern Gallery’s Glagolytic exhibition, 

the Trsat stairs, and the Governor’s Palace 

where the Maritime & Historical Museum of 

the Kvarner Region is located. Then, re-board 

your coach and drive to Trsat Shrine. Trsat is 

an old settlement and fortress that still harbors 

numerous artifacts, churches and other monuments. 

The Church of Our Lady is located on 

Trsat Hill, 442 feet above sea level. It has been 

the site of 700 years of exceptional religious 

events and gatherings and the sanctuary is the 

oldest Croatian sanctuary of pilgrimage. After 

touring the shrine. listen to the sounds of an 

all-male a capella singing group who will introduce 

you to traditional Istrian song.

Rimini, 

the republic of san Marino 

tour riM001 


itALy 

The tiny Republic of San Marino (just 23 

square miles) sits between Emilia Romagna 

and the Marches near the Adriatic coast. It is 

the world’s oldest surviving republic, founded 

in AD 301 by Marino, a Dalmatian stonemason 

who, according to the legend, took 

refuge here to escape persecution by Emperor 

Diocletian. San Marino was a free community 

even during the Renaissance and World War 

II. To explore this lovely hilltop city, you’ll 

drive about 45 minutes up the winding road 

to the Republic. Once in the heart of town, 

walk with your guide to the Basilica del Santo. 

Inside are the reliquaries and religious artifacts 

of San Marino, the city’s patron saint. Also 

visit the First Tower, which dates back to the 

11th century. The church of San Francesco, 

founded in 1361, is the oldest building of the 

Republic. Inside, view the wooden crucifix 

that dates back to AD 300. Enjoy some time 

at leisure before returning to the ship. 

the Mosaics of ravenna 

tour riM002 


In the 5th century, Ravenna was the capital 

of the Western Roman Empire and played a 

significant role in Justinian Byzantium. The 

magnificence of that period left Ravenna with 

a great wealth of monuments in the form of 

religious buildings decorated with mosaics. 

It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Your guided tour takes in San Vitale Basilica, 

an example of early Christian art, and the 

Mausoleum of Galla Placida built in the 5th 

century—famous today for the splendor of 

its mosaics. The exterior is very severe, contrasting 

with the magnificence of the interior 

decoration. This is the oldest mausoleum in 

Ravenna. Teodorico’s Mausoleum, built in 

AD 520, is made of Istria stone and is roofed 

with a single block of the same, about 30 feet 

in diameter and weighing 300 tons. Your tour 

will end with a visit to Dante’s tomb and the 

Church of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. Afterwards 

some free time is allocated for shopping. 

-98- 

Santorini, 

Volcano hiking 

tour Jtr002 


greeCe 

A local caique boat will take you from the ship 

a ten-minute trip to Nea Kameni. You will sail 

along the volcanic shores viewing the peculiar 

rock formations. The black volcanic rocks and 

the white pumice offer a stunning contrast. 

Disembarking the caique, hike 45 minutes up 

to the crater of the still-active volcano. During 

your walk up the path, observe the lava fragments 

and the volcanic rock formations. At 

the crater, there’s time to relax and enjoy the 

view of Santorini Island and the amazing cliff 

of Caldera. After your descent back to the caique, 

you will sail towards the thermal springs 

of Palea Kameni. The boat will stop in the 

green sulfur waters whose temperature often 

reaches 37 degrees centigrade. Take a dip in 

the delightfully warm waters (due to high sulfur 

levels, light-colored swimsuits may become 

discolored). From here the caique will take you 

back to the ship or the cable car to the port. 

Please note: There is no shade on the volcano. 

Wear a hat and sunscreen. Good walking 

shoes are required and you should consider 

the nature of this tour when booking. 

Profitis ilias & oia Village 

tour Jtr001 


A local launch transfers you to Athineos port, 

where you will join a motor coach tour to the 

enchanting village of Oia. The switchback 

road affords great views of the caldera and 

Profitis Ilias mountain and acquaints you with 

the inspiring volcanic nature of the island. The 

picturesque village of Oia is where many of 

the published photographs of Santorini are 

taken. It is here that you will see blue-domed 

churches, bell towers, old two-story mansions 

and narrow, cobblestone streets lined with 

tiny shops selling handmade ceramics, paintings 

and semi-precious jewelry; all situated in 

a Bohemian atmosphere. You will have nearly 

two hours to browse and explore in Oia. 

Returning to Fira, you will be dropped off in 

the main town. You will be given a ticket for 

the funicular for your return to the port.

Saranda, 

Ancient butrint, saranda town 

& onhezmi synagogue 

tour sAr001 


ALbAniA 

Visit ancient Butrint—an important Greco- 

Roman city port, and now an impressive 

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Butrint is 

located on the coast of South Albania, south 

of Saranda port, on a cape half-circled by a 

large salt lake. Inhabited continuously from 

the 7th BC until abandoned in the 18th century, 

its impressive walls are reminiscent of 

ancient Mycenae, however most of the noteworthy 

excavated remains are Early Hellenistic 

and Roman. Of special interest is the circular 

baptistry from the 6th century AD, paved 

with fine mosaics. The town of Saranda is 

the commercial port and main town in South 

Albania. It is built directly over Roman ruins. 

The Onhezmi Synagogue was built in the 

5th century AD inside the Onhezmi Fort. 

Judging from the size of the two-story structure, 

the local Jewish community was a large 

and wealthy one. Onhezmi was located on the 

sea coast, on the overland trade route between 

Corfu, Thessaloniki and Constantinople 

(Istanbul). The Hebrew populations scattered 

on this Mediterranean shores were surely 

involved in trade. It is known from one late 

antiquity text, that Onhezmi community had 

contacts with an Italian Hebrew community 

near Lecce. The inscription on a tombstone 

says that the deceased was the daughter of the 

head of the Onhezmi Hebrew community. 

The synagogue served both as a religious and 

community service center and was built in two 

stages. Originally, the synagogue was a twostory 

structure and included a prayer hall with 

mosaic floor picturing a Menorah. At some 

point the community prospered and built a 

new prayer hall in basilica style. 

-100- 

Sète, 

Montpellier & wine tasting at 

Chateau flaugergues 

tour set001 


frAnCe 

A short distance inland from the 

Mediterranean Sea lies Montpellier, capital 

of the Languedoc Roussillon area. Founded 

in the 8th century, Montpelier boasts one of 

France’s largest and Europe’s oldest universities. 

You will take a one-hour guided walking 

tour through the narrow and picturesque 

streets of the Old Town, which is confined 

to the very center of the city. Then enjoy 

some free time before driving to Château de 

Flaugergues—country seat of the de Colbert 

family since 1696. Count and Countess Henry 

de Colbert live in the castle, which is now a 

French Historical Monument. You will enjoy 

a visit to their home, with its family memorabilia, 

and a walk in the gardens. Discover 

the cellars and take time to taste the wine 

produced at the chateau’s vineyards: a red, a 

rosé and a white wine of AOC Coteaux de 

Languedoc and Coteaux de la Méjanelle. After 

this interesting taste of French country life, 

you will return to the ship.

Sibenik, 

historic sibenik walking 

tour seb003 


CroAtiA 

Stay active and take in the sights as you enjoy 

a guided walking tour through the old part 

of Sibemik. You will see the finest sights, 

including the Cathedral of St. Jacob. This is 

one of the finest sacral monuments in impressive 

Gothic-Renaissance style. View the City 

Hall, the Baroque Orthodox Church, and 

the historic city nucleus with its stone streets, 

commercial area and crafts center. Sibenik was 

founded by Croats more than a thousand years 

ago. The first records of its existence date back 

to 1066—the year of the Norman Conquest. 

Sibenik boasts an important place in Croatian 

architectural heritage with its well-preserved 

historical core and numerous architectural 

monuments. It is characterized by its ancient 

fortresses and narrow streets or kalas, and the 

numerous churches, ornate and ordinary, 

scattered throughout the town. 

dalmatian Coastline & Village Life 

tour seb001 


From Sibenik, you’ll drive along the Primosten 

Riviera to Trogir, a truly lovely town and a 

UNESCO World Heritage Site that occupies 

a small island squeezed in between the mainland 

and the larger island of Ciovo. Trogir’s 

tiny island is connected to the mainland by 

bridge. Except for two small green parks the 

entire island is covered in spectacular stone 

houses, palaces, churches, monasteries, towers 

and walls. The streets are narrow and tight, 

and walking them will give you a feel for how 

life might have been in the old days. Visit the 

main attraction in Trogir—the Cathedral of 

St. Lawrence. This 13th-century building is 

probably the finest example of sacral architecture 

in Croatia. Its unusual construction 

with three naves and three semi-circular apses 

dominates the whole town. The main portal, 

carved by the local artist Radovan in the 13th 

century, is world famous. Other fine buildings 

you will see are the Town Loggia, the 

Town Hall and Cipiko Palace. Trogir is like 

an open-air museum and simply strolling its 

-102- 

narrow streets is an unforgettable experience. 

Continue with a drive through the Primosten 

countryside passing interesting landscapes en 

route to the small village of Burni. You will be 

impressed with the ingenuity of the people of 

this area—they have transformed this rocky 

terrain into an oasis of fertile, hospitable living. 

After visiting village homes (some of which are 

several hundred years old) enjoy a refreshing 

rest in the shade of surrounding trees, while 

your hosts in national costume serve smoked 

ham and cheese with homemade wine, and 

entertain you with local songs and music to 

complete your enjoyment of this charming setting. 

Return to Sibenik, founded by the Croats 

more than a thousand years ago. Sibenik 

features a well-preserved historical core and 

numerous architectural monuments, including 

an ancient fortress and the Gothic-Renaissance 

Cathedral of St. Jacob. 

highlights of krka river & 

waterfalls 

tour seb002 


Leaving the town of Sibenik, ride by coach 

through the karst landscape of Zadar and the 

Sibenik hinterland. Karst topography occurs 

when a soft upper layer of limestone or dolomite 

is eroded, exposing a harder material 

beneath, creating distinctive landforms that 

Sibenik 

take a variety of shapes and styles. You are 

headed to the famous Krka River waterfalls 

set in the lovely Krka National Park. The falls 

cascade over 17 natural barriers. Krka is one 

of seven National Parks in Croatia and covers 

an area of 35,000 acres. Its value lies in its 

natural, human and cultural riches, particularly 

geological, geomorphologic, hydrological, 

biological and landscape elements. The Krka 

River itself is a distinctive phenomenon due its 

specific biocenosis. Biocenosis is when a group 

of organisms form their own brand of ecological 

community because they interact in a 

unique and specific way to ensure their mutual 

survival. The whole area is rich with endemic 

vegetation, birds and fish. Due to Croatia’s 

very strong natural preservation laws, this 

extraordinary area retains its original character. 

This tour will take you to the most attractive 

part of the Park, the Skradinski Buk waterfalls. 

The highest fall is 150 feet high—the highest 

gypsum barrier in Europe. Above the falls 

there is a large plateau that offers spectacular 

views. You will visit the charming Islet of 

Visovac, complete with Franciscan Monastery. 

The islet can be reached only by National 

Park River Boat There you will view a small 

ethnological exhibit and see the old mill which 

still functions, so you will understand how it 

was used for grinding flour.

Sorrento, 

boat tour to Positano 

tour sor005 


itALy 

A private motorboat takes you along the 

coast to Positano, once a sleepy little fishing 

village and the secret of painters and writers. 

Its charms are still evident; square, white 

Moorish-style houses set in luxurious gardens, 

descend in steep steps down the mountainside 

to the bay. Offshore is Galli Island, legendary 

home of Sirens. Positano town is embroidered 

with narrow lanes and steps, and is dominated 

by the splendid dome covered in polychrome 

majolica of the church of Santa Maria 

Assunta. Piazzetta and cafés are filled with 

people pausing during the 100-step climb that 

leads up the hillside. Enjoy time at leisure for 

shopping and for enjoying a drink at a café. 

herculaneum 

tour sor003 


The city of Herculaneum was founded 

around the 4th century BC, copying the geometric 

regularity of the layout of Naples. Its 

“decumani” (main streets) have an east-west 

orientation, while the “cardines” (narrower 

streets) run north-south. There is undeniably 

a “feeling” about Herculaneum, quite different 

from Pompeii, where you get the impression 

that its ancient population of 5,000 packed up 

and left only moments ago. Herculaneum was 

smaller than Pompeii but is better preserved 

simply because, while hot ashes consumed the 

wood of Pompeii’ buildings, Herculaneum 

was covered by hot mud which sealed and 

protected entire city blocks. This means that 

marble floors, mosaics, paintings and carbonized 

woods can still be admired today. You 

will discover the ancient luxurious properties 

and villas including the House of the Mosaic, 

the house of Deer, the Thermae (baths) and 

the House of Carbonized Furniture. After a 

guided tour, you will drive back to Sorrento 

with free time for shopping in the city center. 

-104- -104- 

Pompeii 

tour sor001 


An ancient and rich town of the Osci period, 

Pompeii represents a magnificent and historical 

example of life in the first century BC. The 

town was entirely covered by the lava from 

Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption in AD 79. Traveling 

by coach you will reach the Porta Marina, 

the gate to the Forum of Pompeii. Among 

the structures here are the Basilica, the Doric 

temple of Apollo, erected by the Greeks, the 

Temple of Jupiter, with its graceful arches, and 

the Temple of Vespasiano housing a marble 

altar. Visit the remains of some ancient shops, 

boutiques and buildings and the Baths that 

have been dug from the ashes. 

Please note: A shuttle service with minibus 

from the pier up to the main square of 

Sorrento with be offered. This tour is not for 

guests with physical limitations as it involves a 

great deal of walking over uneven terrain. 

Split, 

trogir & the split riviera 

tour sPi001 


CroAtiA 

Your tour starts with drive around the bay 

from Split to Trogir, a beautiful town and a 

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trogir occupies 

a small island between the mainland and 

the larger island of Ciovo, and is connected to 

the mainland by a bridge. The entire island is 

covered in spectacular stone houses, palaces, 

churches, monasteries, towers and walls. The 

streets are narrow and tight, and walking them 

will give you a feel for how life might have 

been in the old days. Visit the main attraction 

in Trogir—the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. 

This 13th-century building is probably the 

finest example of sacral architecture in Croatia. 

Its unusual construction with three naves and

Split 

three semi-circular apses dominates the whole 

town. The main portal, carved by the local 

artist Radovan in the 13th century, is world 

famous. Other fine buildings you will see are 

the Town Loggia, the Town Hall and Cipiko 

Palace. Trogir is like an open-air museum and 

simply strolling its narrow streets is an unforgettable 

experience. Depart Trogir and head to 

the Pantan Mill, not far from Trogir. Enjoy 

local specialties such as smoked ham, cheese 

and olives, while a group of singers entertains 

you with Dalmatian songs. Next you will head 

to Split, the second-largest city in Croatia. 

Today’s Split is the product of 17 centuries of 

building, renovating and remodeling, so that 

the architecture of today meshes eclectically 

with that of yesterday. The Old Town is built 

mostly within the palace that Roman Emperor 

Diocletian built for his golden years at the 

turn of the 4th century. What began as an 

imperial residence and fortified camp is now 

an intriguing warren of narrow, cobblestone 

streets where pre-Romanesque churches live 

alongside Gothic chapels and history-filled 

museums abut galleries of contemporary art. 

Delicious-smelling restaurants compete with 

bustling cafés for the attention of passers-by. 

Your walking tour starts with an orientation 

tour of the Palace and the Cathedral of St. 

Duje. Other sights such as the Golden Gate, 

the Silver Gate and Peristyle Square will be 

seen from the outside. 

best of split & Countryside with 

Cetina river 

tour sPi003 


Relax for a panoramic drive through Split, 

stopping at the Mestrovic Gallery. Ivan 

Mestrovic is the greatest Croatian sculptor of 

all time, and much of his impressive work is 

displayed here in his former residence. Next, 

your motor coach will park just in front of 

the Old Town. Disembark for a walking tour 

through the spectacular Roman Palace built 

by Roman Emperor Diocletian. Diocletian 

was born in Salona (nearby Solin) in the 4th 

century. You will visit the cellars of the Palace 

that are still very well preserved. They offer a 

good view of how the life in the Palace was 

organized. You will also visit the very interesting 

Cathedral of St. Duje (patron saint 

of the city). It’s built on the remains of an 

ancient shrine. Stop at the charming Temple 

of Jupiter, the Golden Gate, the Silver Gate 

and impressive Peristyle Square. After your 

walking tour, re-board your coach for a drive 

along the coast and via a mountain road to 

Omis. This is a small town on the estuary of 

the Cetina River, where the swift mountain 

river meanders through canyons to reach the 

sea. You’ll at a point above town offering a 

magnificent view of the river before you board 

a river boat to cross to Radmanove Mlinice 

-106- 

restaurant for lunch. Local wine and specialties 

of the area will add to the warm and welcoming 

atmosphere. 

Canoeing on the Cetina river 

tour sPi002 


For thousands of years the Cetina River has 

been crafting a beautiful canyon, creating 

miraculous forms in the stone of its riverbed. 

This crystal-clear river with a temperature 

pleasant for swimming offers a true untouched 

nature experience. 590-foot cliffs, cascades, 

lakes, underground tunnels and the 131-foothigh 

Gubavica waterfall are on the agenda 

today. There are peaceful parts as well as Class 

I and II rapids interspersed during the approximately 

3 - 3½-hour canoeing adventure. The 

currents are ideal for beginners and all you 

need is a spirit of adventure to enjoy this trip 

downriver. 

St. Florent, 

bastia & tasting tour ent001 


frAnCe 

From Saint Florent, your morning of discovery 

leads inland to Oletta, a small, terraced 

village on the hillside. From Oletta, there is a 

lovely view back to Saint Florent over a countryside 

of olive groves, vineyards, and pastures, 

with small squares of property delineated by 

drystone walls. Then, the road climbs up to 

San Stefano Pass, through chestnut and olive 

groves, with a spectacular panorama down to 

the east coast and the Biguglia étang (pool), 

and in the other direction across the Agriates 

Desert and the sea at St. Florent. The road 

continues through a mountainous barrier 

where the river has forged and forced its way, 

creating deep gorges down to the étang and 

the sea, where a final stretch of straight road

St. Florent 

brings you to Bastia. Bastia was founded by 

the Genoese in 1380, when they were looking 

for a naturally sheltered port to replace the 

ancient Roman cities of Mariana and Biguglia 

(which were destroyed by the Corsicans in 

1372). The Genoese needed a city and port 

to maintain contact between the homeland 

and the colony. Although this small port was 

swept by terrible libeccio winds, it was protected 

by an easily defendable rock upon which a 

dungeon (or bastiglia) was built. Stop here to 

stroll through the citadel with your guide. 

Enjoy a tasting of Corsican specialities, then 

you’ll head back to Saint Nicolas place by 

coach and take a short walking to the Vieux 

Port (old harbor). Cross through Bastia before 

climbing a sinuous, narrow road, up to the 

Teghime Pass where, at an altitude of 1,758 

feet, the views are completely different in each 

direction. The road twists and turns its way 

down to Patrimonio village, dominated by its 

church and high steeple built in 1749. The 

road leaves Patrimonio, and winds back down 

to St. Florent—a charming fishing port, and 

today a popular yachting destination. 

Patrimonio & wine tasting tour 

ent002 


Your journey, starting from St. Florent, leads 

inland to Oletta village, perched on a terraced 

hillside. Don’t miss the lovely view back to 

St. Florent over a countryside of olive groves, 

vineyards, and pastures divided by drystone 

walls. Then the road climbs through chestnut 

and olive groves to San Stefano Pass. From 

there you can see the Biguglia étang (pool), 

the Agriates Desert and the sea at St. Florent. 

You will pass through Bastia before climbing 

a sinuous, narrow road, up to the Teghime 

Pass. From the top, the 360° views are breathtaking. 

To the west are extensive vineyards 

and the Gulf of St. Florent. To the south, 

mountains, valleys and the chestnut forests of 

the Castagniccia. Eastward, Bastia and the sea, 

and to the north, the mountainous backbone 

of the Cap Corse. Follow the twisty road to 

Patrimonio village, dominated by its church 

and high steeple built in 1749. Of course, it is 

unthinkable to be in the finest wine-producing 

region of the island without having a winetasting 

session, and so you must! Leaving 

Patrimonio, it’s time to head back down to the 

fishing port of St. Florent. 

-108- -108- 

St. Tropez, 

inland Villages of Provence 

tour XPZ001 


frAnCe 

Depart from St. Tropez port and drive to 

Ramatuelle village, far from the crowds of 

France’s southern coastline. Here you will take 

a short, moderately uphill walking tour of this 

charming hillside village, and enjoy strolling 

around its narrow, vaulted streets. Another 

short drive will bring you to Gassin, a very 

quaint village with charming stores that sell 

herbal soaps, pottery and a host of lavender 

products. In the village, there is a wonderful 

viewpoint from where you will admire a 

spectacular vista of the St. Tropez Bay and the 

Maures Mountains. Next, you will visit the 

Provençal village of Grimaud, taking a walking 

tour with your guide who will explain that the 

village was once owned by the Grimaldi family, 

for whom it was named. The impressive 

ruins of an old medieval castle dominate the 

narrow streets and the village is now a flourishing 

craft center. Re-board your bus for the 

drive back to the ship.

Tangier, 

flavors of tangier & Cape spartel 

tour tng001 


MoroCCo 

Leave the port of Tangier, driving through 

the residential area to the west of the city, and 

following the coastal road to Cape Spartel. 

The Romans called it Caput Ampelusium 

(Cape of Vines) and today a lighthouse 

marks the strait where the Atlantic meets 

the Mediterranean. Visit the Grottoes of 

Hercules—natural limestone caves where, 

in classical mythology, Hercules rested after 

completing his labors creating the Strait of 

Gibraltar. On returning to Tangier, you’ll 

drive through the old and new quarters along 

the Boulevard Pasteur. Watch for the Place de 

France, where the old El Minzah Hotel is situated—it 

is the former residence of the 18th- 

century British prime minister, Lord Bute. 

Sir Winston Churchill and Rita Hayworth 

were two of its distinguished regular guests. It 

boasts an Andalusian patio, Moorish interior 

and exquisite fountains and gardens. Scenes 

from The Sheltering Sky were filmed here. A 

glass of traditional mint tea, coffee or freshlysqueezed 

orange juice and delicate pastries 

will be served. The Archeological Museum 

(pre-Roman) at the Kasbah opens at the end 

of June, following its initial preview by the 

King of Sweden, and this will be included 

in tours from then on. Also included is a 

visit to the Grand Socco—a huge market 

place where merchants and peasants sell their 

locally-produced fruit. Strolling through the 

Mendoubia Gardens. Heading into the medina 

(old town), you will pass the Great Mosque, 

the former Jewish quarters and visit the 

American Legation, the USA’s first overseas 

acquisition. This former Consulate features a 

permanent exhibition of the artistic works of 

Stewart Schurch, Lecouteux and a fine selection 

of maps by Mercator, Leo Africanus and 

Abraham Ortilius. 

-110- 

Taormina, 

Classic Mt. etna 

tour tfC001 


itALy 

Mt. Etna, a very active volcano, is the largest 

in Europe at 10,723 feet and has erupted 130 

times. Of great interest is the variety of landscapes 

and vegetation that can be found on 

the volcano’s slopes. Your drive to Mt. Etna is 

along a coastal highway and through a fertile 

paradise of green vineyards and golden citrus 

groves, passing through villages such as Santa 

Venerina and Zafferana Etnea. The scenery 

becomes more forbidding as you approach 

the Sapienza Refuge. You will see the city of 

Catania, overwhelmed by an eruption 300 

years ago, and walk around Crateri Silvestri 

inspecting the lava flow from the eruption of 

1983. These small craters are set amid bare 

fields of grey lava that stretch for miles. 

Please note: The uneven walking path on the 

volcano is not recommended for those with 

walking difficulties. Wear hiking shoes or 

walking shoes with socks and long pants. Do 

not wear sandals. Due to the high altitude, 

bring a light jacket or sweater. 

Castelmola rock & taormina 

tour tfC002 


Founded in the 6th century BC by Greeks 

from Naples, Taormina was subsequently 

taken over by the Romans. Today the influences 

of both are found in the ruins of the 

town’s Greco-Roman Theatre. The beauty of 

Taormina has been documented by writers for 

centuries, and the town is one of Sicily’s most 

impressive resorts. It has all of the desired 

qualities that attract visitors, incredible views, 

ancient ruins, and an abundance of quaint 

shops and boutiques. Many of its narrow 

cobblestone streets are closed to traffic, making 

the main part of Taormina accessible by 

foot. Visit this charming and popular resort 

town perched high on a cliff overlooking the 

Bay of Naxos. Your guide will introduce you 

to Taormina’s delights on guided walk that 

includes the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the 

bustling main street of Corso Umberto, which 

is lined with former mansions with enchant

Taormina 

ing architecture and balconies that brim with 

flowers. Stop briefly in the inner courtyard 

of the medieval Corvaja Palace for a look at 

a richly painted original Sicilian carretta, or 

carriage. Also enjoy the panoramic views of 

the bay and snow capped Mt. Etna in the distance 

as you gaze from the Balcony of Piazza 

IX Aprile. Follow your guide up the narrow 

street that leads to the Greco-Roman theatre. 

Taormina’s most famous antique dates back to 

the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC, and still hosts 

performances today. The theatre’s dramatic 

location is nothing less than breathtaking, with 

an incredible view of the coast and Mt. Etna. 

The tiny village of Castelmola is strategically 

located near Taormina and enjoys a splendid 

site with panoramic views. The focus of the 

village is the attractive Piazzetta del Duomo 

with its fine, intricate paving. From various 

points there are fine views of Mt. Etna, the 

north coast and the beaches below. You will 

have over an hour to indulge in the opportunities 

offered by the many shops and boutiques 

that line the main street of Taormina. 

Please note: Wear comfortable shoes. 

Taormina is often very crowded during the 

summer months. 

Tarragona, 

Montblanch & 

the Poblet Monastery 

tour tAr002 


sPAin 

Discover the history and tradition of Catalonia 

during this half-day excursion. Leaving 

Tarragona by coach, you’ll travel to the 

Ducal Village of Montblanc—capital of the 

region. This medieval city that was the residence 

of kings and knights. Enter by the St. 

George’s Gate, where tradition says St. George 

killed the dragon. Your walking tour of the 

city will take you past the Temple of Sant 

Miquel, the Church and the Hospital of Santa 

Magdalena, the Royal Palace, the remains of 

the Jewish Quarter, the main square and the 

church of Santa Maria La Majo. Re-board 

your coach and head for the Poblet Cistercian 

-112- 

Monastery, surrounded by a beautiful forest. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one 

of the most impressive monuments in all of 

Spain. Rejoin your coach for the drive back to 

Tarragona and to the ship. 

tarragona highlights 

tour tAr001 


Tarragona is the most important port in 

southern Catalonia, a UNESCO World 

Heritage Site brimming with Roman and 

medieval remains. The Cathedral of Santa 

Maria forms a magnificent set with its 

side buildings of the Cambreria palace 

and the Casa Rectory, with Romanesque and 

Gothic characteristic. Also visit the Diocesan 

Museum with the Cathedral Treasure and 

the Cloister. Continuing your walk through 

the old city, you will discover charming corners, 

such as the old medieval marketplace 

with its Gothic arches, and the streets that 

used to be the call or Jewish Quarter. Finish 

your tour with a panoramic view from the 

Mediterranean balcony before returning to 

the ship. 

Montserrat Monastery 

& Codorniu Cellars 

tour tAr003 


Tarragona 

From the port of Tarragona, a coach will take 

you to the town of Sant Sadurni d’Anoia— 

home of the Codorniu Cellars. On a tour of 

the cellars, you will learn that the champagne 

from the Penedes region is called Cava and 

is well worth tasting! Traveling northwest 

through the picturesque Spanish countryside, 

enjoy a spectacular view of the Montserrat 

Mountain Ridge—4,050-foot-high 

fingers reaching to the sky. On a natural 

platform at 2,380 feet above sea level, you 

will visit the Montserrat Monastery—a 

Benedictine Abbey founded in the 11th 

century. The tour includes a visit to the 16thcentury 

basilica. Lunch will be served at a local 

restaurant before you return to the ship.

Trieste, 

discover trieste walking tour 

tour tsr001 


itALy 

Settled in pre-Roman times, Trieste (then 

known as Tergeste) became a prosperous 

Roman colony. It fell first to the Venetians 

and then to the Austrians during the 13th and 

14th centuries, and became a free port and 

cosmopolitan center of trade and commerce 

at the end of the 18th century. Accompanied 

by your guide, you will walk to the very center 

of Trieste, where you will discover all its history. 

You will see from the outside the Greek 

Orthodox Church of San Nicolò, the Galleria 

del Tergesteo, Piazza Borsa and the Jewish 

Ghetto. Walking through the most characterfilled 

streets, you will reach the Teatro Verdi, 

the historic Café Tommaseo and the famous 

Roman Theatre, built between the 1st and 

2nd centuries to accommodate about 6,000 

spectators. Continuing your walk you will 

reach the biggest square of Italy overlooking 

the sea, Piazza Unità d’Italia, flanked by the 

building of the City Hall, government offices 

and the Lloyd Triestino Building.Return to 

the ship with your guide or enjoy some more 

free time to shop and stroll around Trieste. 

You may elect to walk up the hill to visit Saint 

Giusto Cathedral and take in the view over 

the bay. 

Please note: Wear flat, comfortable shoes. 

duino Castle & La spessa Castle 

tour tsr002 


This delightful half day option offers the 

opportunity to explore the fascinating Duino 

Castle and the striking La Spessa Castle with 

its beautiful surroundings to sample the delectable 

wines of this region. Planted firmly on 

the last rock spur of the Carso high above 

the Gulf of Trieste, Duino Castle is not just 

another austere stately home. An unusual case 

in Italy, and far more interesting, it is the living, 

even vibrant, residence of the princely 

family of von Thurn und Taxis. Thanks to its 

natural setting and fascination of being an old 

stately residence and at the same time a living 

home, Duino Castle is without doubt among 

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the most attractive castles in Europe. From its 

clifftop location, the gardens overlook a small 

fishing village and the sea. Romantic avenues 

are embellished with period statues, objects 

and panoramic terraces. The castle itself is a 

solid composite construction dominated by 

a 16th-century tower which holds intact a 

structure whose origins go back 2,000 years. 

For centuries these walls have been an avenue 

for discussion, consultation and study. The 

furnishings, pictures, valuables, books and 

mementoes collected over centuries bestow 

a warm, elegant atmosphere on the castle, 

while its gardens, with their centuries-old 

trees, manicured lawns, cascades of flowers 

and architectural features, are truly inviting. 

Charming hospitality is offered by the Princes 

of von Thurn und Taxis as they welcome you 

to their magnificent home and offer a guided 

tour through its immense halls. Continue to 

Castello di Spessa, dating back to 1200 and 

majestically dominating the hills of Capriva 

del Friuli, in Gorizia. Over the centuries, the 

castle has been the residence of the noble lords 

of Friuli, hosting famous historical characters, 

including Giacomo Casanova, who stayed in 

the castle in 1773. An area of the museum is 

dedicated to the literary Venetian’s stay, exhibiting 

objects and written texts of that period. 

Today, Castello di Spessa is the top hospitality 

facility in the Pali Wines Group. Since the 

16th century, Castello di Spessa has been producing 

top quality wines. Take a guided tour 

of the cellar where wines are produced and 

Trieste 

aged. Observe and understand the processes of 

vinification and aging, while non-expert visitors 

can appreciate this special place, fitted out 

in an old military bunker, built at the end of 

the ‘30s and used during the Second World 

War. Taste the Pali wines and discover the 

flavors of Friuli as you sample red and white 

wines in a charming 18th-century atmosphere. 

Inside the “Cantinetta” there is a room to 

exhibit products and local gastronomic specialties. 

If you like you can purchase wine here. 

Please note: This tour involves a considerable 

amount of walking—approximately two 

hours at La Spessa Castle, including numerous 

steps. Travel time to Duino Castle is 

approximately 35 minutes and a further 40 

minutes to La Spessa Castle. The return journey 

to Trieste is 75 minutes. 

san daniele & 

fagagna Castle ruins 

(with ham & wine tasting) 

tour tsr003 


Departing by motor coach from the pier, you 

will drive to San Daniele del Friuli, hometown 

of the renowned Italian ham. What distinguishes 

San Daniele’s cured ham from any 

other product in the world is its delicate flavor, 

stemming from special seasonings grown 

in a microclimate, as well as the producers’

Trieste 

skill. Stop by a San Daniele ham producer in 

the historical center of San Daniele. Here you 

will meet the producer, and taste and purchase 

the products (if you wish), among which are 

jams, marmalades, honey, cheese, and trout 

along with a glass of wine, the best accompaniment 

for these delicacies. San Daniele is also 

famous for its trout, among the best in Italy. 

Leave the ham store and walk through the city. 

You will come across the imposing Cathedral 

of San Michele Arcangelo and the Renaissance 

buildings dominating the main square. Among 

these is the Palazzo Comunale which houses 

the important Civica Biblioteca Guarneriana 

(Municipal Library). Visit the historic ruins 

of the Castle of Fagagna—one of the five 

castles which Emperor Otto gave to Patriarch 

Rodoald in 983. The castle stands in a strategic 

location near the important Roman road 

leading from Concordia to Silanos. Described 

as already being in ruins in the mid-16th century, 

it has retained part of the curtain wall, a 

dilapidated tower, a chapel and the tall keep 

now converted into a bell tower. From here 

you can admire panoramic views over the picturesque 

town of San Daniele. 

Notes: This tour involves approximately 

two hours of walking and standing, and an 

approximately 90-minute drive each way to 

San Daniele. 

Valencia, 

Valencia highlights 

tour VLC001 


sPAin 

Drive along the Avenida del Puerto, past the 

bullring and central station. At the Square 

Central Market, set out on a walking tour to 

admire the Gothic-style buildings that house 

the Silk Exchange exhibition pavilion. Your 

drive then continues to the Carmen Quarter 

Cultural Centre. Near the City of Arts & 

Science designed by the architect Calatrava, 

you will visit the Fallas Museum. At Torres de 

Serranom view the Plaza of the Virgin of the 

Forsaken Basilica. Use your free time at the 

Cathedral for an inside visit or to step inside 

the Miguelete Tower. Leaving the core of 

Valencia you will return to the ship. 

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Valencia & Lladró 

tour VLC002 


Complete your visit to Valencia by exploring 

the City of Porcelain—the Lladró Art Center. 

Having only recently opened their door to 

visitors, Lladró now lets you explore behind 

the scenes of its incredible creations. From the 

pier it is a half-hour to the City of Porcelain. 

Upon arrival, enjoy a multimedia presentation 

of the history and inspiration of its art 

before beginning a leisurely stroll through the 

production facilities. See the pouring of the 

molds, the immense kilns used for firing, and 

the artisans delicate work of hand-painting 

each piece. The sculptures born in the City 

of Porcelain are exported to more than 120 

countries. From Lladró, return to Valencia 

and the National Ceramics Museum housed 

in the sumptuous former palace of Valencia’s 

nobility, the Marquis of Dos Aguas. The alabaster 

work on the main façade is a beautiful 

example of Baroque design and within this 

extravagant home are sweeping staircases and 

opulent rooms peppered with the history of 

ceramics. Finally, you will return to the ship 

via motor coach. 

oceanographic 

& bullfighting Museum 

tour VLC003 


Valencia 

Take another look at Valencia in a tour that 

combines both old style and traditions with 

the latest technology. Enjoy a panoramic drive 

on some of the most important avenues of 

the city—Avenida del Puerto and Avenida 

Aragón, crossing the river to where the bullring 

and Bullfight Museum are located. Inside 

the museum you will learn all about the 

Corrida (bullfighting). Enthusiasts are divided 

into two groups—those for the bull, and those 

for the bullfighter. Starting at the birth of the 

tauromaquia, you will follow the sport’s history 

from the golden age through today. Proceed 

to the empty bullring, where your guide will 

explain further. Discover an authentic marine 

park at the Oceanography Complex. Its displays 

include the principal seas and oceans of 

the planet. Covering 27 acres with a 

volume of nine million gallons, this is the 

largest oceanography park in Europe, with 

one section for fish and invertebrates, and 

another for marine mammals. Areas such as 

the Dolphinarium, Sea Lion’s Island and the 

Atlantic Ocean will be visited. It is a 10- to 

15-minute drive back to the ship.

Venice, 

islands of the Venetian Lagoon: 

Murano & burano 

tour VCe002 


itALy 

The Venetian Lagoon, created by the estuaries 

of three rivers, is approximately 32½ miles 

long. Venice lies in the middle of it. Nearly 

half of the lagoon’s 40 islands are deserted 

but the main islands of Burano and Murano 

are well worth a visit. In 1291, when furnaces 

were banned from Venice as a fire precaution, 

the manufacturers of exquisite glassware 

were transferred to Murano. Glassware was 

one of the few Venetian exports and as such, 

the secrets of this skilful craft were tightly 

guarded. Glass making was considered a 

privileged occupation, and glass artisans were 

allowed to marry into the nobility. Today, 

the Murano products of blown-glass mirrors, 

chandeliers, goblets and intricate works of art 

are renowned worldwide. There will be time 

for a visit to one of the many workshops and 

for shopping. The island of Burano is next. 

Brightly painted houses decorate this small and 

cheerful fishing village. Burano is well known 

for its lace-making. In the 16th century, the 

lace industry was at its peak, and Burano was 

cited throughout Europe for producing the 

finest lace. You will have the chance to admire 

these beautiful works that require hours of 

labor, and maybe even purchase some, if you 

like. Return to the ship by motor launch. 

Venice serenade by gondola 

tour VCe003/VCe004 

Approximately 2 hours • $799 per person 

Couples price $999 per couple 

Venice is best admired from the water and the 

maze of canals that criss-cross the city provides 

especially lovely viewing at night, with 

moonlit reflections glistening on the water. 

An evening ride by gondola along the magical 

canals of Venice is an experience to treasure 

forever. You will be transferred by launch 

from the ship to the gondola landing pier near 

St. Mark’s Square. There, you will board a 

gondola and you will gently glide through the 

canals serenaded by the sound of two violins. 

Relax, sip a glass of Italian champagne, and 

savor the moment of this unique and timeless 

-118- 

experience. At the end of your gondola ride 

you will return to the ship by motor launch. 

historic Venice: 

doge’s Palace & st. Mark’s square 

tour VCe001 


St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the 

heart and soul of Venice, with palatial arcades 

and charming cafés, and it is the city’s widest 

open area. Transfer by motor launch from the 

pier to St. Mark’s Square, where your guided 

walking tour begins. Your guide will point out 

the major landmarks, including the Campanile 

(bell tower), the Clock Tower from the 

15th century and St. Mark’s Cathedral. The 

Byzantine facade of St. Mark’s Cathedral, one 

of the world’s most magnificent churches, 

will immediately claim your attention. It was 

originally constructed in the 9th century to 

shelter the body of St. Mark, the patron Saint 

of Venice. Only traces of the original structure 

remain, as the present building dates from 

the end of the 11th century. The exterior’s 

domes, pinnacles and bronze horses contrast 

with a glowing interior of gold mosaics, elaborate 

carvings and graceful statues. Your tour 

continues to the exquisite Doge’s Palace, the 

former residence of the Duke of Venice, and 

the seat of the Venetian government from the 

9th century until 1797. Climb the famous 

Venice 

Golden Staircase to marvel at the paintings of 

Tintoretto and Veronese, and wander through 

the echoing Great Council Chamber where 

you can enjoy a splendid panorama of the St. 

Mark’s Basin from the balcony. Crossing the 

famous Bridge of Sighs, you will arrive at the 

prison across from the Rio De Palazzo to 

view the cells. The bridge was named for the 

hopeless sighs of the prisoners crossing it, but 

today its name enjoys a romantic connotation. 

In the square below are small workshops of 

glass manufacturers and you will stop here to 

browse. Upon completion of the tour, you 

may stay in town and return to the ship independently, 

or return directly to the ship via 

motor launch. 

Venice orientation tour Add-on 

for Airport transfer 

tour VCe021 







St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is 

the heart and soul of Venice, with palatial 

arcades and charming cafés, and it is the city’s 

widest open area. Transfer by motor-launch 

from the pier to St. Mark’s Square, where 

your guided walking tour begins. Your guide

Venice 

will point out the major landmarks, which 

includes the Campanile (bell tower), the Clock 

Tower from the 15th century and St. Mark’s 

Cathedral. The Byzantine façade of St. Mark’s 

Cathedral, one of the world’s most magnificent 

churches, will immediately claim your 

attention. It was originally constructed in the 

9th century to shelter the body of St. Mark, 

the Patron Saint of Venice. Only traces of the 

original structure remain, as the present building 

dates from the end of the 11th century. 

The exterior’s domes, pinnacles and bronze 

horses contrast with a glowing interior of 

gold mosaics, elaborate carvings and graceful 

statues. Your tour continues, passing by the 

exquisite Doge’s Palace, the former residence 

of the Duke of Venice, and the seat of the 

Venetian government from the 9th century 

until 1797. Crossing the famous Bridge of 

Sighs, you will arrive at the prison across from 

the Rio De Palazzo to view the cells. The 

bridge was named for the hopeless sighs of the 

prisoners crossing it, but today its name has 

a romantic connotation. In the square below 

there are small workshops of glass manufacturers 

and you will stop here to browse. Upon 

completion of the tour, you will proceed to 

the airport. No entrance fees are included. 

Please note: This tour will end at the airport. 

This tour is available only to guests whose 

flight leaves at 3:00pm or later. 

Venice orientation tour Add-on 

for hotel transfer 

tour VCe022 







St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is 

the heart and soul of Venice, with palatial 

arcades and charming cafés, and it is the city’s 

widest open area. Transfer by motor-launch 

from the pier to St. Mark’s Square, where 

your guided walking tour begins. Your guide 

will point out the major landmarks, which 

includes the Campanile (bell tower), the Clock 

Tower from the 15th century and St. Mark’s 

Cathedral. The Byzantine façade of St. Mark’s 

Cathedral, one of the world’s most magnificent 

churches, will immediately claim your 

-120- -120- 

attention. It was originally constructed in the 

9th century to shelter the body of St. Mark, 

the Patron Saint of Venice. Only traces of the 

original structure remain, as the present building 

dates from the end of the 11th century. 

The exterior’s domes, pinnacles and bronze 

horses contrast with a glowing interior of 

gold mosaics, elaborate carvings and graceful 

statues. Your tour continues past the exquisite 

Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the 

Duke of Venice, and the seat of the Venetian 

government from the 9th century until 1797. 

Crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, you 

will arrive at the prison across from the Rio 

De Palazzo to view the cells. The bridge was 

named for the hopeless sighs of the prisoners 

crossing it, but today its name has a romantic 

connotation. In the square below there are 

small workshops of glass manufacturers and 

you will stop here to browse. No entrance fees 

are included. 

Please note: This tour will end at your 

Windstar hotel. 

Zadar 

historic Zadar on foot 

tour ZAd001 


CroAtiA 

The Zadar area was settled in the Neolithic 

period, and in the 9th century BC the peninsula 

was occupied by an Illyrian tribe—the 

Liburni. The town is first referred to in Greek 

sources from the 4th century BC as “Idissa,” 

but in the 1st century BC it was conquered 

by the Romans who called it Jadera. Your 

walking tour of the town begins from the pier 

and soon you will find yourself in the heart of 

the magnificent Old Town. You will visit the 

Cathedral of St. Anastasia, the finest example 

of Romanesque architecture in Zadar and the 

largest church in all of Dalmatia. It is dedicated 

to St. Anastasia, whose stone sarcophagus 

lies in the apse to the left of the high altar.

Zadar 

Further along you will pass the Church of St. 

Donatus, believed to have been built by Bishop 

Donatus on Roman foundations at the beginning 

of the 9th century. This is most impressive 

church on the eastern Adriatic, with a 

circular plan and three naves. A the eastern end 

of the Forum is the 16th-century St. Mary’s 

Church with a Romanseque bell tower built in 

the 12th century by Hungarian-Croatian King 

Koloman. On the upper floor of the convent, 

open to the public, are rooms containing a collection 

of goldsmiths’ works, relics and other 

valuable items. 

Canoeing on the Zrmanja river 

tour ZAd002 


There are many rivers in Croatia whose beauty 

few others can match—clear and clean, abundant 

with fish and all sorts of plant life, flowing 

through magnificent landscapes of canyons 

and forests in rustic or wilderness areas. They 

will delight outdoorsy types as well as sophisticated 

travelers—anyone interested in natural, 

cultural, historical and folkloric landmarks. 

The Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers in Velebit 

Nature Park are two beautiful rivers: perfectly 

clear warm water flowing through spectacular 

canyons with magnificent waterfalls. Canoeing 

on these clear, green rivers and swimming 

under their falls is an easy day and a wonderful 

experience. You’ll take a two-person, sit-ontop 

kayak with child seat that is easy and safe 

to navigate. The Zrmanja River is ideal for 

canoe trips and you do not need to have prior 

canoeing experience. 

highlights of krka river & 

waterfalls 

tour ZAd003 

Approximately 8hours • $250 

Leaving the town of Zadar, ride by coach 

through the karst landscape of Zadar and the 

Sibenik hinterland. Karst topography occurs 

when a soft upper layer of limestone or dolomite 

is eroded, exposing a harder material 

beneath, creating distinctive landforms that 

take a variety of shapes and styles. You are 

headed to the famous Krka River waterfalls 

set in the lovely Krka National Park. The falls 

cascade over 17 natural barriers. Krka is one 

of seven National Parks in Croatia and covers 

an area of 35,000 acres. Its value lies in its 

natural, human and cultural riches, particularly 

geological, geomorphologic, hydrological, 

biological and landscape elements. The Krka 

River itself is a distinctive phenomenon due its 

specific biocenosis. Biocenosis is when a group 

of organisms form their own brand of ecological 

community because they interact in a 

unique and specific way to ensure their mutual 

survival. The whole area is rich with endemic 

-122- 

vegetation, birds and fish. Due to Croatia’s 

very strong natural preservation laws, this 

extraordinary area retains its original character. 

This tour will take you to the most attractive 

part of the Park, the Skradinski Buk waterfalls. 

The highest fall is 150 feet high—the highest 

gypsum barrier in Europe. Above the falls 

there is a large plateau that offers spectacular 

views. You will visit the charming Islet of 

Visovac, complete with Franciscan Monastery. 

The islet can be reached only by National 

Park River Boat There you will view a small 

ethnological exhibit and see the old mill which 

still functions, so you will understand how it 

was used for grinding flour. 

General 

inforMAtion 

General: 

In certain interesting but off-the-beatentrack 

places, professional guides and vehicles 

are at a premium. The best available are 

engaged. For all tours, it is exceptional for 

drivers of public hire vehicles to speak any 

language but their own and it is not always 

possible to obtain air-conditioned buses or 

taxis in many ports. However, we do our 

utmost to find the very best excursion packages 

for your touring pleasure. Guests who 

leave during a tour for which transportation 

is included must thereafter provide for their 

own transportation and services at their own 

expense. Transportation standards vary from 

country to country. 

Self-Guided Excursions: 

Guests who do not join these prearranged 

shore excursions must rely on whatever 

transportation is available in each port. If

Geveral Information 

you choose to devise your own excursion, 

we suggest that you remind the driver or 

tour escort of the ship’s sailing time. Of 

course, the ship’s facilities are fully available 

to guests while in port. 

Conditions: 

Shore excursions are “Non-Windstar 

Services” for the purposes of your Cruise 

Contract. This means that shore excursions 

are not owned or operated by Windstar 

Cruises. Refer to your Cruise Contract for a 

full statement of your rights and obligations 

as well as those of the Owner of the Ship, 

Windstar Cruises and certain other persons 

and entities with respect to Non-Windstar 

Services. In particular, please note that you 

are assuming the entire risk of utilizing 

Non-Windstar Services subject only to 

whatever terms or arrangements are made by 

you or on your behalf with the third party 

furnishing the Non-Windstar Services. 

Windstar Cruises does not assume liability 

for injuries or damages that occur during 

or as a result of shore excursions, nor is 

Windstar Cruises liable for loss of or damage 

to any baggage or other property which 

occurs ashore, for any reason whatsoever. 

Shore excursions are subject to cancellations 

or changes. Shore excursion operators 

reserve the right to deny participation to 

guests based on such criteria as they may 

establish. For children 12 years of age or 

younger, participation in shore excursions is 

pending final approval from the tour opera- 

-124- 

tor. Children under 18 must be accompanied 

by a parent or responsible adult aged 

21 or older. 

On-Line Bookings: 

At the time of making your reservations 

online, we will advise you whether or not 

your reservations are confirmed or whether 

you have been waitlisted. Your credit card 

will be charged immediately for all confirmed 

reservation. Should space become 

available for a waitlisted shorex excursion 

request, we will email or otherwise contact 

your at that time and either immediately 

charge your credit card if you have already 

given us your credit card information or ask 

your to provide us with that information 

for immediate charge processing. Shorex 

excursion reservations are subject to cancellation 

by us at any time prior to the credit 

card charge being accepted by your bank. If 

you or Windstar cancel a tour more than 

5 days prior to cruise departure, we will 

issue a credit on the credit card that you 

used to pay for the reservation. For any 

cancellations within 5 days of departure, 

a credit will not be given on your credit 

card, Instead, we will apply an ONBOARD 

CREDIT ONLY policy under which the 

refund (less any cancellation fee) will show 

up as a credit to the shipboard account of 

the person who was to take the shore excursion. 

If the credit is not fully utilized during 

the cruise, the balance will be paid to the 

guest by the ship’s purser.

Shore Excursions - Croaziere.net

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