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Excursion
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Price
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Alghero, Sardinia
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A Taste of Sardinia
Your tour begins with a panoramic drive to Capo Caccia, a short distance from Alghero on the southern point of a huge limestone triangle that juts out into the sea. It is famous for the underground labyrinth of mysterious caves discovered in 1700. After a short stop to admire the impressive view, continue on to a local winemaker’s farmhouse for touring and wine tasting. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour of Alghero to discover the town’s churches in their fascinating Catalan-Gothic architecture, the towers and wall which surround the old town and the Aragon palaces overlooking the main square. Alghero was one of the most important towns in the history of Sardinia: the Aragonese landed here in 1353 and the Catalan influence is still felt in its streets, shops, language, food and traditions. At the end of your tour, return to your waiting Windstar yacht.
Activity level:
Moderate Activity
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$109
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Alghero Discovery
Discover why Sardinia is famed not only for its scenic beauty, but also its history dating back more than 3,000 years. Your sightseeing will begin with a 30-minute drive along the road linking the Gulfs of Alghero and Porto Conte to arrive at the archeological site of Nuraghe Palmavera, with its 2-story stone towers. The main tower dates back to 1100 B.C., and features an irregular, elliptical-shaped fascia. The second tower is connected to a central courtyard. A defensive fortification surrounds the whole complex with four towers marking the boundary of an ancient village. You will then head to the scenic viewpoint of Capo Caccia, an excellent vantage point of sea and shore, before heading back to Alghero. As the Aragonese landed here during the 14th century, their Catalán influence remains vibrantly alive in Alghero’s streets, shops, language, lifestyle, food and traditions. Your 1¼-hour guided walk will pass ancient monuments, old fortifications, historic buildings and beautiful churches before concluding at the tender pier.
Activity level:
Moderate Activity
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$99
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Barcelona, Spain
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Barcelona Hightlights Tour with Transfer to the Airport or Hotel
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, 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 de la Santa Creu I Santa Eulalia. A guided tour within the 13th century cathedral, will give you the opportunity to admire the hall church interior, suitably impressive with a raised altar and the beautiful Chapel of Santa Lucía. You will drive along one of Barcelona’s most famous streets, the Passeig de Gracia, lined with different Modernist buildings, many of which were designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Watch for Casa Batlló, an iconic Barcelona landmark and Casa Mila. Your next stop will be at one of Gaudí’s masterpieces – the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church. This is a site not to be missed. Though construction was started in 1882 it is still unfinished. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most-visited building in Barcelona, and immediately identifies the city around the world. From here you’ll head up to the El Mirador Alcalde garden with the most exceptional views of Barcelona and its impressive harbor.
Activity level:
Moderate Activity
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$79
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Porto Vecchio, France
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Bonifaccio Scenic Sights & Little Train
Capture the essential sights of the medieval city of Bonifacio on foot and aboard a mini train. Whether approached from east or west, Bonifacio appears as “Land’s End,” through its isolation from Corsica’s vast, arid limestone plateau. Your sightseeing of the Citadel and Old Genoese town is aboard a little train on wheels. It will first take you to the marine cemetery located high atop cliffs, affording impressive views over the Straits of Bonifacio to Sardinia, which lies approximately 7 miles away. Once in the heart of the old town, your exploration continues with a guided walk, through typical narrow streets. You will see wonderful sitesaround each corner with historic churches, monuments and curiosities dating back to the 16th century. After returning to the station on the little train, you will return by coach to Porto Vecchio.
Activity level:
Moderate Activity
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$109
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Coastal Drive & Sartene
Come face-to-face with Corsica’s resplendent scenic highlights on this overview traveling by comfortable motor coach. You will take a 1¾-hour drive along the scenic west coast , with several stops en route including the great landmark – the Roccapina Lion. This mass of rose-colored granite has been weathered through time into the shape of a recumbent lion. You will then head toward Sartene, which has been dubbed the most “Corsican of Corsican towns.” It lies cradled on a promontory with impressive houses nestled into the rocks. Due to its coastal location, it was vulnerable to foreign invaders and its colorful history includes pirate attacks, battles against the Genoese occupiers in the Middle Ages and several vendettas in Corsican history. Following a guided walking tour of Sartene, you will have free time to browse before returning to the coach for the 1¾-hour drive back to Porto Vecchio.
Activity level:
Moderate Activity
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$105
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Portoferraio, Italy
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Elba Island and Napoleon Residences
Emperor Napoleon I was exiled on the island of Elba for 300 days beginning in May 1814. Trace the history of that fascinating bygone era on this look at one of his two island residences, both of which are now museums. Depending on the day of the week, you may either visit his town residence (Villa dei Mulini), or his country residence (Villa San Martino).
Guests visiting the Villa San Martino country home see the Room of the Doves, whose ceiling is adorned with a painting depicting two doves linked by a knotted ribbon that tightens as they fly further away. By way of contrast, the Egyptian Room has a circular ceiling painting featuring a ring of Zodiac signs. Other points of interest include Napoleon’s bedroom, dressing room and study as well as the villa’s beautifully manicured gardens. (Please note, there is an uphill walk of around 900 feet along a smooth surface to reach this villa.)
Alternatively (depending on the day of the week) you may visit the Villa dei Mulini town residence, to explore Napoleon’s study, reception hall, bedroom and library. (Please note, there is an uphill walk of around 900 feet along cobbled and uneven surfaces to reach this villa.)
A pause at the Porto Azzuro resort area provides a brief and relaxing interlude before your direct return to your yacht.
Activity level:
Moderate Activity
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$89
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Countryside Drive and Wine Tasting
Combine a visit to the enchanting village of Porto Azzuro with wine tasting at a vineyard once frequented by Emperor Napoleon. After leaving the busy capital of Portoferraio, your 30-minute drive will feature magnificent views of Lacona and Laconella Bays as well as Golfo Stella as you pass rocky beaches and high cliffs. Ahead lies Porto Azzuro, which boasts an ancient medieval fortress and picturesque fisherman’s harbor. You will have free time to browse among its many tempting shops. Back aboard the coach you will continue to the Azienda Agricola La Chiusa estate, whose vineyard directly overlooks Portoferraio. This estate hosted Napoleon Bonaparte on two separate occasions. As the vineyard prides itself on quality over quantity, its vines are always pruned very short. During your 1½-hour stay there will be an explanation of wine production at the farmhouse before you will have the opportunity to sample the extra virgin olive oil and taste the wine. After enjoying time at leisure you will take the 30-minute return drive to your yacht at Portoferraio.
Activity level:
Moderate Activity
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$109
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Soller, Spain
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Valldemossa and Chopin
A short motor coach drive past olive trees and local vegetation brings you to the quaint 14th century village of Valldemosa, located at the foot of the Northern Mountain Range. Its former royal residence, La 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, a 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. George Sand later wrote a book about their time here, entitled “A Winter in Majorca.” Every summer, La Cartuja hosts the International Piano Festival, so a 10-minute piano concert makes for a fitting end to your tour. During free time, you will have the perfect opportunity to taste the typical sweet from Valldemosa called Coca de Patata, an individual sweet cake made with potatoes. The drive back to the ship will give you the opportunity to view the impressive cliffs to the north.
Activity level:
Moderate Activity
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$99
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Olive and Orange World
You will leave from the port for a short coach drive to admire the olive trees and the local vegetation during your scenic drive to Valldemosa, where you’ll visit La Cartuja and enjoy a 10-minute piano concert in this historic and tranquil setting. You will reboard your coach to cross the valley for the trip to Soller where you will proceed to see Ca’n Det, a typical stone house that is more than 400 years old. It is one of the three original “tafonas” that still produces virgin olive oil in the age old traditional way, using millstones, wicker mats and a hydraulic press. Enjoy a typical Majorcan lunch made with oil products and served in the large courtyard before heading back to the ship,
Activity level:
Moderate Activity
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$179
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Valldemosa, Chopin and North Coast and Train
A short motor coach drive past olive groves will bring you from the port to the city of Valldemosa. Here you will visit a Carthusian Monastery that began life as a hunting lodge back in the 13th century. Frederick Chopin and George Sand lived here during the winter of 1838. Some of the monks’ cells and the ancient pharmacy will be open to you. A 10-minute piano concert will be the perfect ending to your visit to Valldemosa. You will have a brief stop for shopping and you will find a variety of Mallorcan goods available. Then it’s time to experience a panoramic drive from Valldemosa to Palma to have an overview of the capital before taking the historic train back to Soller, riding over the mountains and through a tunnel about 1,000 feet long. Once in Soller lunch in a 5-star hotel restaurant tasting typical Mallorcan dishes. Meet your motor coach for the ride back to the ship.
Activity level:
Moderate Activity
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$229
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Concierge Collection - Soller by Segway
“Puerto de Soller” is a natural harbor located in the “Sierra de Tramontana.” Its natural bay makes this one of the most beautiful places of Mallorca. This tour will offer you the opportunity to discover it in a different way – on a Segway – a funny, enjoyable and eco-friendly electric transportation dotted with an intelligent network of sensors that allows the machine to keep its balance moving on two wheels which runs off a simple pair of lithium batteries. You will drive this clever and alternative way to travel farther, avoiding petrol expenses, parking issues, and contributing to the preservation of the environment and have a totally entertaining time doing so. You will see the Port of Soller bay and ride all the way to the south lighthouse. The views from this higher vantage point about a mile from the port are just incredible. You´ll even be able to see some of Mallorca´s north coast.
Activity level:
Easy Activity
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$69
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