Bella Italia – A Southern Italian Romance

From $4,037 per person

9 days

Ships: Wind Surf, Wind Spirit

Bella Italia – A Southern Italian Romance

Journey Summary

  • Day 1 - Rome
  • Day 2 - Amalfi
  • Day 3 - Marina Velentia (Vibo Valentia), Italy
  • Day 4 - Reggio Calabria, Italy
  • Day 5 - Taranto, Italy
  • Day 6 - Otranto, Italy
  • Day 7 -
  • Day 8 - Rab, Croatia
  • Day 9 - Venice

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1

Rome

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.

Day 2

Amalfi

The town of Amalfi lies at the mouth of a deep ravine surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. As part of the Amalfi Coast, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important tourist destination. The whole region is famed for its lemons, which are about double the size of other lemons, and the production of the limoncello liqueur. An optional tour can take you to the UNESCO archaeological areas of Pompeii, Positano and Ravello.

Day 3

Marina Velentia (Vibo Valentia), Italy

Vibo Valentia, situated in the Calabria region of southern Italy, is a captivating destination rich in history and natural beauty. Perched on a hilltop, the town offers stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the surrounding landscape. Norman-Swabian Castle, home to the State Archaeological Museum, showcases artifacts from the ancient Greek city of Hipponion. The town is characterized by charming streets, vibrant piazzas, and notable churches like the Santa Maria Maggiore. Nearby, the scenic Capo Vaticano offers stunning coastline views with rugged cliffs and pristine beaches.

Day 4

Reggio Calabria, Italy

Reggio Calabria is a small ship exclusive port located at the tip of Italy’s “boot”. Known for its stunning seaside promenade, Lungomare Falcomata, it offers beautiful views of Sicily across the Strait of Messina. Key attractions include the National Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Riace Bronzes, and the Aragonese Castle. Additionally, Reggio Calabria is renowned for its rich culinary scene and features specialties such as ‘nduja’.  This unique soft, spreadable, and spicy sausage is made with a blend of local chili peppers. Traditionally, nduja is served on crispy bread and fresh pasta.

Day 5

Taranto, Italy

Taranto, located in the Puglia region of Italy, charms with its historic district featuring Greek ruins and a labyrinth of narrow streets.  The Aragonese Castle and the 11th-century Cathedral of San Cataldo highlight its historic charm. Taranto is famous for its two seas, the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, which define its unique geography and provide beautiful beaches with sandy shores for sunbathing. Taranto is also known for its Puglian cuisine, featuring orechiette pasta, mussels, tarali (traditional biscuits), and local wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro.

Day 6

Otranto, Italy

This small ship exclusive port has a mix of beautiful beaches and gorgeous landmarks.  The town's main attraction is the Otranto Cathedral, famous for its intricate 12th-century mosaic floor, rose windows, and the Chapel of the Martyrs. The nearby beaches, like Baia dei Turchi, are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, perfect for an afternoon swim.

Day 7

Day 8

Rab, Croatia

Rab, a small ship exclusive port, is a picturesque island located in the northern Adriatic Sea, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The island's charm lies in its medieval old town, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, ancient city walls, and Romanesque churches. Rab Town, the island's main settlement, is famous for its four distinctive bell towers, particularly the striking Bell Tower of the Cathedral of St. Mary. The island offers many beautiful beaches with sandy covers and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports. The island's lush landscapes and pristine environment provide a perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts.

Day 9

Venice

No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, a small ship exclusive where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it’s like to live in the city that’s neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don’t mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner.

Dates and Prices

(per person*)

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* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.

Ship

Your cruise ship

The Wind Surf sailing through clear blue waters, showcasing its iconic tall sails against a bright sky.
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About this ship

Wind Surf

Wind Surf is the crown jewel of Windstar’s fleet—a majestic five-masted sailing yacht that delivers the romance of classic seafaring paired with the elegance and comfort of a modern small ship. As the largest vessel in Windstar’s collection, Wind Surf carries just 342 guests, preserving the line’s commitment to intimacy while offering generous space, upscale amenities, and a truly immersive style of travel.

Originally built in 1990 and acquired by Windstar in 1998, Wind Surf has undergone a series of thoughtful refurbishments that honor her graceful nautical lines while updating the interiors and onboard offerings to reflect a contemporary, boutique-luxury standard. Her soaring sails—automated yet fully functional—allow guests to experience the beauty of wind-powered cruising, often sailing into port with a sense of drama and authenticity no larger ship can replicate.

The ship features 154 ocean-view accommodations, including 31 suites and two deluxe Bridge Suites. Each stateroom is designed with timeless materials and a calm, coastal-inspired aesthetic. Marble bathrooms, L’Occitane amenities, premium linens, and well-appointed sitting areas provide comfort and functionality, while the larger suites offer expanded living space and additional privileges, including preferred dining reservations and personalized service.

Dining aboard Wind Surf is a sophisticated yet unpretentious affair, with multiple restaurants that celebrate culinary variety and regional inspiration. Amphora, the main dining venue, offers a nightly menu of gourmet dishes in an elegant, open-seating setting. Stella Bistro showcases refined French cuisine with modern flair, while Candles transforms the deck into a romantic, open-air grill under the stars. The Veranda is a casual breakfast and lunch spot overlooking the sea, and the Yacht Club Café offers light bites, specialty coffees, and ocean views throughout the day.

The onboard experience is as much about rejuvenation as it is exploration. Guests can unwind in the full-service World Spa by Windstar, exercise in the fitness center, or enjoy a swim in the pool followed by a soak in one of several hot tubs. A signature feature of the yacht is its watersports platform, which opens directly onto the sea and provides complimentary access to paddle boards, kayaks, snorkel gear, and more when anchored in select locations.

Wind Surf sails to some of the world’s most enchanting coastal regions, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Northern Europe. Her size allows her to slip into smaller ports and scenic harbors inaccessible to larger cruise ships, enabling more meaningful encounters with local culture, history, and natural beauty.

Elegant yet relaxed, polished but never pretentious, Wind Surf is designed for travelers who appreciate the thrill of the open sail, the comfort of spacious suites, and the rewards of authentic, unhurried discovery. She is not just a ship, but a sailing experience reimagined for the modern world.

Deckplans

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