Your tour departs from the port for the 1-hour drive to reach Montserrat, a peculiar rocky mountain range which is the site of the monastery where people come to worship " La Moreneta ," the black Madonna who is the patron-virgin of Catalonia. The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat was founded in the 11th century and is located in a natural park 37 miles west of Barcelona. Besides visiting the Benedictine Abbey Monastery, you will admire also the Patron of Catalonia , Saint Mary of Montserrat that is worshiped at the shrine in the Monastery. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost 1,000 years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, to working and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. In addition to the monks, the escolans also live in Montserrat. They form the oldest boys choir in Europe ( and might be available during the visit). You will be given a tour of the monastery, and have some free time before taking the coach back to the Windstar hotel. Please note : Comfortable shoes, water, a light jacket and a hat are recommended. There are downhill and uneven paths, plus cobblestones to walk over. There may be long lines to view the Black Virgin up close. This excursion may operate in reverse. Access to the Basilica might be denied if mass is taking place. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter monastery. This tour will end at your Windstar hote and is available only to guests staying overnight in Barcelona.

Your tour departs from the port for the 1-hour drive to reach Montserrat , a peculiar rocky mountain range which is the site of the monastery where people come to worship " La Moreneta ," the black Madonna who is the patron-virgin of Catalonia. The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat was founded in the 11th century and is located in a natural park 37 miles west of Barcelona. Besides visiting the Benedictine Abbey Monastery, you will admire also the Patron of Catalonia , Saint Mary of Montserrat that is worshiped at the shrine in the Monastery. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost 1,000 years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, to working and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. In addition to the monks, the escolans also live in Montserrat. They form the oldest boys choir in Europe ( and might be available during the visit). You will be given a tour of the monastery, and have some free time before taking the coach to the airport. Please note : Comfortable shoes, water, a light jacket and a hat are recommended. There are downhill and uneven paths, plus cobblestones to walk over. There may be long lines to view the Black Virgin up close. This excursion may operate in reverse. Access to the Basilica might be denied if mass is taking place. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter monastery. This tour will end at the airport and is available only to guests whose flights leave at 3:00 p.m. or later.

See Barcelona from a foodie perspective with a day of tapas in one of Spain's most food focused cities. You will head straight to Montjuic Hill to take in the best and most impressive views of Barcelona. This is the highest point of the city and a great spot to snap some photos. Afterwards, you will head back to the city center where you will leave your coach in the Born Quarter and set out on a walking tour through the narrow streets of this ancient neighborhood. Next, cross into the Gothic Quarter to see the Barcelona Cathedral and the Santa Maria del Mar Basilica, one of the most beautiful gothic-style monuments in the city. Then, the route takes you to the waterfront, where you will arrive at your tapas restaurant. The tapas menu changes with the seasons and is a great representation of traditional local flavors. Enjoy a selection of up to 5 tapas accompanied with 2 beverages, including local beer and sangria. Afterwards, you'll be able to walk down to the Old Harbor area for some free time before your coach ride back to the ship. Please note: we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers, and bring local currency.

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. 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. You will drive by one of Gaudí's masterpieces - the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church (outside visit). 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 viewpoint in Montjuic with the most exceptional views of Barcelona and its impressive harbor. Please note: This tour will end at your Windstar hotel. This tour is available only to guests staying overnight in Barcelona. An inside visit to the Sagrada Familia is not included. The Cathedral is closed to tours.

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. 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. You will drive by one of Gaudí's masterpieces - the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church (outside visit). 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 viewpoint in Montjuic with the most exceptional views of Barcelona and its impressive harbor. Please note: This tour will end at the airport. This tour is available only to guests whose flights leave at 3:00 p.m. or later. An inside visit to the Sagrada Familia is not included. The Cathedral is closed to tours.

Genoa, Panoramic Genoa

Depart from the pier by bus and transfer to Genoa's Old Port (Centro Storico - Porto Antico), near the renowned Aquarium. Enjoy a guided walk through Genoa's historic center, including visits to St. Lorenzo Cathedral, Ducal Palace, and Piazza De Ferrari. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Strada Nuova, where you'll tour the Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Tursi. After a 10-minute restroom break and some free time at a local bookshop, proceed on a guided walk to Mercato Orientale di Genova (approximately 20 minutes), crossing Via XX Settembre and exploring the city's famous food market. Afterward, enjoy 30 minutes of free time. Participants are free to explore the city on their own for longer and may choose to return to the ship either on foot or by taxi. Those who wish to return with the guide will walk 10 minutes to Piazza della Vittoria to catch the shuttle bus back to the ship. Please note: We recommend you bring a raincoat, warm clothing, and comfortable shoes

Begin your journey with a minibus transfer from the pier to Genoa's Old Port (Centro Storico - Porto Antico) near the famous Aquarium. From there, embark on a guided walk through Genoa's Historical Centre, passing by key landmarks such as San Lorenzo Cathedral, Ducale Palace, and the central Piazza De Ferrari. Stroll through the narrow "caruggi" alleys to reach Strada Nuova, home to the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli. After a brief 10-minute restroom stop, continue the guided tour to MOG - Mercato Orientale di Genova, crossing the lively shopping street of Via XX Settembre. Enjoy a quick tour of Genoa's most famous food market, and a brief tasting of regional wine and snacks. Participants will then have 30 minutes of free time to explore on their own. Those wishing to remain in the city after the tour can do so at their own responsibility, making their way back to the ship by foot or taxi. For those rejoining the guide, a 10-minute walk will take you to Piazza della Vittoria, where a shuttle bus will be waiting to transport you back to the ship. Please note: We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and dress in layered clothing.