Soak up the allure of the legendary Cote d’Azur under the billowing white sails of the Wind Spirit, a yacht-like vessel with ocean views from every suite or stateroom. Experience the best of the French and Italian Rivieras on our exclusive cruise itinerary, which takes you from Barcelona to the coast of Marseilles and along the sparkling coastline to such iconic destinations as Nice, Monaco, Portofino and Cinque Terre.
Program Details
- Exclusive journey to the sun-drenched landscapes of the French and Italian Rivieras and islands.
- Created in our tradition of innovative programming and educational travel.
- Access to ports unavailable to larger vessels and included excursions throughout your program.
- Specially arranged private cruise along the coast of the UNESCO-inscribed Cinque Terre.
- Four UNESCO World Heritage sites — Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, France; Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera, France; Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli, Italy; and Porto Venere and Cinque Terre, Italy.
- Barcelona Pre-Tour Extension and Rome Post‑Tour Extension.
Day 1 - Depart home city
Day 2 - Barcelona/Embark Wind Spirit
Day 3 - Port Vendres/Carcassonne/Port La Nouvelle
Day 4 - Marseille/Aix-en-Provence
Day 5 - Nice/Monaco
Day 6 - Genoa/Portofino
Day 7 - Porto Venre/Cinque Terre
Day 8 - Portoferraio/Elba
Day 9 - Bonifacio, Corsica
Day 10 - Civitavecchia/Disembark ship/Depart for home city
Wind Spirit
Four-Star, Small Sailing Ship
The intimate, four-masted Wind Spirit offers an unforgettable first-class sailing experience. This small ship is designed to sail from deep seas into lagoons and ports inaccessible to larger vessels. Wind Spirit's gourmet dining and wide teak decks with unobscured views provide a private sailing experience to each guest.
Barcelona Pre-Tour Extension
Discover the Barri Gothic (Gothic District) at the center of Barcelona, where the ancient Romans built their settlement, fortified by a thick wall anchored by some 78 towers. Meander the labyrinthine streets, strolling past the Town Hall, the Catalan Government Palace and visiting the Gothic Cathedral. Savor a delicious tapas lunch including local Spanish wine.
Experience Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Gaudi and originally conceived as a suburban estate. In this whimsical, surreal terraced park, playful fantasy elements are fused with nature—a promenade boasts a mosaic bench, fairy-tale pavilions and Gothic archways are combined with lush greenery and spectacular views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean. The Casa-Museu Gaudi, where the architect lived for 20 years, is dedicated to his life.
Visit the Picasso Museum, which is spread over five palaces and houses more than 4,000 of the artist’s works. And head to La Sagruda Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Barcelonan architect Antoni Gaudi, 140 years in the making and still under construction. This magnificent structure is not to be missed!
During your visit, stay two nights at the luxurious deluxe Majestic Hotel & Spa.
Rome Post-Tour Extension
Immerse yourself in Vatican City, UNESCO World Heritage site, and the smallest country in the world. Tour magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. When the original shrine to St. Peter, erected here in the second century, crumbled down, a new church was commissioned; all the great architects of the Roman Renaissance and Baroque had input into its design, and Michaelangelo created the vast dome. Afterward, stroll the opulent Vatican Museums, taking in the Gallery of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps and ending in the incomparable Sistine Chapel.
Travel to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum, which had its grand unveiling in A.D. 80. The complex was made of travertine stone held together by iron clamps, and could seat 50,000-80,000 spectators. For 350 years this was where Romans came for “entertainment”—gladiator fights, bloody contests between humans and exotic animals, even naval battles (they flooded the Colosseum and brought in ships!). Learn about the hypogeum below—an elaborate network of tunnels and chambers designed to hold the evening’s participants. Continue to a fascinating walking tour of the Roman Forum—the religious, political, legal and commercial center of the Roman Empire.
Tour Villa Borghese Park and its lovely art museum, the Borghese Gallery.
On a walking tour, pass Piazza Trinita with its beautiful church, consecrated in 1585, and amazing view of the iconic Spanish Steps. Continue to the Piazza di Spagna, one of the most famous squares in Rome, and the legendary Trevi Fountain, whose origins go back to 19 B.C., when it was the terminus of one of the city’s aqueducts. Bring a coin to throw into the fountain (right hand, over left shoulder!) to ensure your return to the Eternal City. Finish at the gorgeous Piazza Navona with its three Renaissance fountains.
During your visit, spend three nights at the luxurious deluxe Westin Excelsior Rome.
The Optional Extensions are available at additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.
