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Rivieras of Spain, France, and Italy

Program Overview

Enjoy the sun-drenched landscapes of the French and Italian Rivieras and islands, renowned as a glamorous retreat for artists, writers, and nobility, on this 5-star, 8-night sail. Immerse yourself in the region’s dynamic history, art, and stunning scenery as you explore 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—including Carcassonne’s medieval fortifications and the cliffside villages of Italy’s Cinque Terre. Discover the cultural treasures of Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, and Corsica’s fortified town of Bonifacio. Extend your journey with the Barcelona Pre-Program and/or Rome Post-Program Options.

Program Details

April 18 to 27, 2024 (Wind Star)
  • Ten-day, 8-night, 5-star cruise from Barcelona, Spain, to Rome, Italy, featuring a private boat tour along the coast of Cinque Terre.
  • Sail aboard the Wind Star, an intimate, 4-masted motor yacht featuring ocean-view accommodation for all of its 148 guests.
  • Cruise the Tyrrhenian, Ligurian, and Mediterranean seas with a port call every day and all shore excursions included.
  • Spend a day exploring Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe for a tour.
  • Explore Aix-en-Provence’s historical Old Town and enjoy free time at the market.
  • Discover the studio of Post‑Impressionist painter Cezanne in Aix-en-Provence and stroll the famed Cours Mirabeau.
  • Visit Mont Boron for panoramic views of the Old Port of Nice, the village of Villefranche‑sur-Mer, and the stunning Cap‑Ferrat peninsula.
  • Tour the Old Town of Monaco and visit the Cathedral where many of its leaders are buried, including Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier.
  • Private boat cruise along the coast of UNESCO-inscribed Cinque Terre.
  • Visit to Elba Island and Villa Dei Mulini, where Napoleon Bonaparte stayed during his exile.
  • See the majestic Napoleonic Theatre of Vigilanti and the Porta Mare in Portoferraio on the island of Elba.
  • In Bonifacio, take a walking tour to the Citadel and Old Town to see St. Dominique church; Place Bir Hakeim; St. Jean Baptiste church; and Le Grain de Sable—a limestone rock formation.

Day 1 - Depart Home City

Day 2 - Barcelona, Spain / Embark Wind Star

Day 3 - Port Vendres, France, for Carcassonne

Day 4 - Marseille for Aix-en-Provence

Day 5 - Nice / Monaco / Monte Carlo

Day 6 - Genoa, Italy / Portofino

Day 7 - Porto Venere for Cinque Terre

Day 8 - Portoferraio, Elba

Day 9 - Bonifacio, Corsica, France

Day 10 - Civitavecchia, Italy / Disembark ship / Rome / Return to home city

View detailed program itinerary >

Wind Star

Five-Star, Small Sailing Ship

The intimate, 4-masted Wind Star offers an unforgettable 5-star sailing experience. This small ship is designed to sail from deep seas into lagoons and ports inaccessible to larger vessels. Wind Star's gourmet dining and wide teak decks with unobscured views provide a private sailing experience to each guest.

Learn more about the Wind Star >

Barcelona — Pre-Program Option

Experience the capital city of Catalonia, Barcelona, once an ancient Roman trading port. See the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), with its labyrinthine streets. Tour architect Antoni Gaudí’s extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basílica de la Sagrada Família. Discover Gaudí’s rarely visited Crypt of Colonia Güell. Accommodations are for 2 nights in a 5-star hotel.

Rome — Post Program Option

Capital of the Roman Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the “Eternal City” of Rome showcases its landmarks from centuries as a nucleus of culture and religion. Tour St. Peter’s Basilica and the opulent Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Visit the 5th-century Church of St. Peter in Chains, the iconic Colosseum, and the historic Roman Forum. Enjoy accommodations for 3 nights in a luxury hotel.

The Pre- and Post-Program Options are available at an additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

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Program Itinerary

Day 1 Departure

Your trip will begin by departing your home city and flying overnight to Barcelona.

Day 2 Barcelona, Spain

Arrive in Barcelona and embark the Wind Star.

Day 3 Port Vendres, France, for Carcassonne

Spend the day in Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Enter the city through La Porte Narbonnaise and the main gate. Visit the Basilica Saint Nazaire and enjoy time at leisure in Carcassonne. Continue to the Abbey of Fontfroide, a former Cistercian monastery. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception this evening.

Day 4 Marseille for Aix-en-Provence

Explore Aix-en-Provence's historical Old Town, where people have lived and worked since Roman times. Visit the studio of Post-Impressonistic painter Cezanne and stroll the famed Cours Mirabeau. Continue to visit the Cathédrale Saint Sauveur and enjoy free time at the Provençal market.

Day 5 Nice / Monaco / Monte Carlo

Visit Mont Boron for panoramic views of the Old Port of Nice, the village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, and the stunning Cap-Ferrat peninsula. In the city, pass the Russian Church, the Promenade des Anglois, and Massena Square before arriving in the Old Town for a walking tour to the Palace of Kings of Sardinia. Spend the afternoon in Monaco to tour the Old Town and visit the Cathedral where many of the principality’s leaders are buried, including Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier. See the Prince’s Palace and its breathtaking state apartments and collection of paintings. Enjoy the evening at leisure. Shuttle service will be offered to see the casinos of Monte Carlo.

Day 6 Genoa / Portofino, Italy

Enjoy a walking tour of Genoa, then enjoy an evening at leisure in picturesque Portofino, a marine village dating back to Roman times under the name of Portus Delphini.

Day 7 Portovenere for Cinque Terre

Begin your day with a private boat excursion to UNESCO-inscribed Cinque Terre, 5 small villages founded around the year 1000. Clinging to the cliffs over the Mediterranean Sea and connected by footpaths, the 5 villages and their colorful buildings are now part of the Cinque Terre National Park. Visit the villages of Vernazza, Riomaggiore, and Porto Venere. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Day 8 Portoferraio, Elba

Stroll through the Old Town of Portoferraio to see ancient Medici fortresses, the Church of Misericordia, Forte Stella, and Napoleon’s former home of Villa Dei Mulini. See the majestic Napoleonic Theatre of Vigilanti and the Porta Mare.

Day 9 Bonifacio, Corsica, France

In Bonifacio, take a tram from the the harbor to Haute Ville and around the plateau, where you can enjoy panoramic views. A walking tour will take you to the Citadel and Old Town to see St. Dominique church, Place Bir Hakeim, St. Jean Baptiste church, and Le Grain de Sable—a limestone rock formation. Explore the Jardin des Vestiges and see the house where Napoleon once stayed. Tonight, attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception.

Day 10 Civitavecchia / Rome / Return to home city

Disembark in Civitavecchia and join the Rome Post-Program Option or transfer to the airport for your flight back home.