Star Collector: Europe's Classical Coastlines from the Riviera to the Adriatic

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.