Star Collector: Enchantment of the Western Med

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

Portoferraio

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.

Day 3

Portofino

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.

Day 4

Monte Carlo

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.

Day 5

Cannes

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.

Day 6

Marseille

France’s oldest city was named the 2013 European Capital of Culture by the European Union. Head in to the old heart of the city for a bowl of the city’s signature bouillabaisse, or drive into the Provençal countryside for a look at the timeless landscapes that inspired Cézanne and other greats.

Day 7

Marseille

Day 8

Collioure, France

Collioure is a picturesque seaside town on France’s Mediterranean coast, known for its colorful waterfront, cobblestone streets, and artistic heritage. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the sea, it has long inspired painters like Matisse and Derain with its vivid light and charm. Explore the 13th-century Château Royal, stroll the quaint harbor lined with pastel buildings, and soak in the relaxed Catalan-French atmosphere that makes Collioure a hidden gem on the Côte Vermeille.

Day 9

Barcelona

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.

Day 10

Palma de Mallorca

Mallorca is steep, green, and fringed with enticing coves and more than 200 lush beaches. But all that natural beauty is just the beginning. Stroll along the tree-shaded Paseo de Born in search of tapas. Shop for a Siurell; a traditional red, green, and white clay whistle dating back to the time of the Moors. Watch the street performers on the piazza around the church, or cross the island to beautiful Sóller. Not to be missed is the cultural landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 11

Cartagena

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.

Day 12

Almeria, Spain

Enjoy a walking tour of this ancient city. If you prefer, opt for a beautiful drive through the Andalusian countryside to Granada and the magnificent UNESCO site, the Alhambra Palace. Built in the 14th century, this breathtaking example of Moorish architecture combines intricate mosaics and stone-cast latticework in a tapestry of grace and sophistication unparalleled in western civilization. Or take an optional excursion into nature at one of three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

Day 13

Málaga

Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines.

Day 14

Gibraltar

It’s an odd bit of Britain here at the toe of Spain, with Barbary apes and miles of tunnels as well as traditional red phone boxes. Legend says Gibraltar was one of the two pillars erected by Hercules to mark the edge of the world. Take the cable car to the top to see if you can see it from here. No, that’s not it. That’s just Africa. What a view.

Day 15

Cádiz

Cádiz is the most southern province of the Iberian Peninsula. It is extremely rich in natural beauty and some of the most important Natural Parks of Spain and Europe are found here including Sierra de Grazalema and los Alcornocales. Both are rich in flora and fauna, including species under threat of extinction. Many birds find their resting and feeding place here just after or before making the jump from or to Africa.

Ship

Your cruise ship

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

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.

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