Built into the granite cliffs at the mouth of the Rio Douro, the hilly city of Porto presents a heady juxtaposition of eras and styles. Here, medieval alleyways, orderly neighborhood squares, and ornate Baroque churches readily intermingle. Porto's historic heart is a UNESCO site of winding lanes, zigzagging staircases and tiled churches. The highlight, though, is a taste of port wine at its best - a happy accident dating from the 17th century when brandy was discovered to preserve wine for transit. After your choice of palate-pleasing shore excursions, return for an onboard fado folk music performance.

The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance. This splendid capital city on the banks of the Rio Teja offers a warm welcome and an unparalleled blend of architectural styles. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. Find the UNESCO sites of the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.

The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance. This splendid capital city on the banks of the Rio Teja offers a warm welcome and an unparalleled blend of architectural styles. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. Find the UNESCO sites of the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.

Today we cruise up the Guadalquivir River into the heart of Seville. (Most large cruise ships dock in Cádiz more than an hour away.) The Renaissance struck early here, during the Dark Ages that cloaked the rest of Europe. The Old Town alone contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the incomparable Alcázar Palace, just waiting for your own oohs and ahhs to echo through the Moorish arches and Italian courtyards. Or head out to the Donana National Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Today we cruise up the Guadalquivir River into the heart of Seville. (Most large cruise ships dock in Cádiz more than an hour away.) The Renaissance struck early here, during the Dark Ages that cloaked the rest of Europe. The Old Town alone contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the incomparable Alcázar Palace, just waiting for your own oohs and ahhs to echo through the Moorish arches and Italian courtyards. Or head out to the Donana National Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Fascinating Tangier is a traveler's delight with beautiful vistas, lovely unspoiled beaches, intriguing history and friendly people. Separated from Spain by only 20 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is considered by many to be the gateway to Africa. With its cosmopolitan mix of African and European influences, there are many interesting sites in Tangier.  The two UNESCO sites of the Medina (the old-walled city) a bustling place, and the Kasbah which offers beautiful views and fine Moroccan art, and the Place de France in the heart of the new city is an entertaining place to sip mint tea and enjoy the view.

The walled town of Cartagena is a popular seaport with a large naval shipyard. The seashore offers a wide range of activities from windsurfing to good snorkeling to sailing. From Cartagena you can easily explore the ancient city of Murcia, the coastal resorts of Mazarrón, Cala Cortina, and Cabo de Palos or a little further north, the world famous resort of Mar Menor.

This captivating city is best when savored slowly. Although Valencia's religious architecture is remarkable, and the Lonja, one of Europe's most elegant buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take time for an optional experience - paella. You'll learn the local secrets of this gastronomic masterpiece as you cook it, eat it, and toast it with the region's perfectly matched local wines.Want insider advice on where to find the tastiest restaurants, most unique local markets, authentic culinary shops, and hidden watering holes? Check out Valencia's Local Dining Tip Curated by Saveur on our blog.

The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you're greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don't miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.

Barcelona Highlights Tour & Transfer to Airport *

Time

8:30 AM

Duration

3.75 Hours

Activity Level

Moderate

Price

$109

View Details

Barcelona Highlights Tour & Transfer to Airport *

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.

Barcelona Montserrat with Transfer to Windstar Hotel *

Time

8:30 AM

Duration

4.25 Hours

Activity Level

Strenuous

Price

$165

View Details

Barcelona Montserrat with Transfer to Windstar Hotel *

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.

Barcelona Montserrat with Transfer to Airport *

Time

8:30 AM

Duration

4.25 Hours

Activity Level

Strenuous

Price

$165

View Details

Barcelona Montserrat with Transfer to Airport *

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.

Barcelona Highlights Tour & Transfer to Windstar Hotel *

Time

8:30 AM

Duration

3.75 Hours

Activity Level

Moderate

Price

$109

View Details

Barcelona Highlights Tour & Transfer to Windstar 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. 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.

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

When daydreamers long for "the south of France," this is what they imagine. Set on the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean and flanked on three sides by the Pyrenees foothills, this beautiful harbor is home to the prestigious vineyards of Banyuls. Taste the wine, along with the wonderful seafood.   (Whether you're in Port-Vendres or Collioure, you'll experience the beauty of the south of France - the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees foothills, the prestigious vineyards and a beautiful harbor. 

France's sunniest city, located on the French Riviera, was originally a small fishing village and still is adorned by a large collection of traditional wooden fishing boats. This is the home of a group of local artisan fisherman who sell their catch daily on the pier and where Jacques Cousteau had a residence, the Villa Baobab.

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

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

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

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

In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history.  A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins-Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.