Sail the French and Spanish Rivieras On This Unique Ship

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From Rome to Cannes and Monte Carlo, enjoy the world’s premier yachting playgrounds aboard Windstar's flagship Wind Surf—the world’s largest sailing ship.

Your adventure through the French and Spanish Rivieras begins in the Catalan metropolis of Barcelona. For one decadent week, you can explore the sun-drenched vineyards of Portoferraio, the traditional fishing villages of Southern France, the glitz of Monte Carlo, and the glamour of Cannes. Maybe visit 11th-century castles and go wine tasting in Côtes de Provence, or sip espresso along Portofino’s yacht-filled marina and then take a guided sailboat tour to the fishing village of Comigli. These ports are strung together like a precious strand of pearls, making for a unique and leisurely trip.

Itinerary

8 Days
Day 1 Rome, Italy

Day 2 Portoferraio, Italy

Day 3 Portofino, Italy

Day 4 Monte Carlo, Monaco

Day 5 Cannes, France

Day 6 Sanary-Sur-Mer, France

Day 7 Port-Vendres, France

Day 8 Barcelona, Spain

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Trip Highlight

Monte Carlo's Grand Casino

Try your luck at the Grand Casino in Monte Carlo, arguably Europe's most lavish example of Belle Époque architecture, and then explore the opulent Prince’s Palace and the cathedral containing the tomb of Princess Grace.

Trip Designer

Windstar Cruises

Windstar is synonymous with elegant ships, intriguing and port-intensive itineraries, and authentic local experiences. Their expert travel itinerary designers have curated unique and exciting voyages that genuinely connect each guest with their surroundings. As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar also celebrates regional flavors with locally sourced cuisine and recipes from some of the world’s most recognized chefs. All of this happens on ships that visit places the bigger ships can’t reach. All aboard!

Day 1

Rome, Italy

Your exotic journey aboard Wind Surf departs from Rome, so take this opportunity to explore the capital’s iconic ruins, cathedrals, cafés, and boutiques. When in Rome, you simply must visit Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica. Get lost in the museum’s Sistine Chapel and masterpieces by Michelangelo and Caravaggio—but don’t linger too long. The Colosseum and Roman Forum are also calling, as is a delectable lunch at an outdoor eatery, followed by a cappuccino to get you amped for the adventures ahead.
Day 2

Portoferraio, Italy

After a night at sea relishing in Wind Surf’s delightful amenities, you’ll arrive on the picturesque island of Elba. The largest island in the Tuscan archipelago, Elba is riddled with orange trees, vineyards, azure waters, and sandy beaches. First, enjoy a glass of local Moscato as you ponder how to spend your day here. Maybe you’ll want to take a Countryside Drive and Wine Tasting tour and explore the medieval fortress and nearby vineyards of Porto Azzuro, or maybe you’d like to explore the Tuscan Archipelago National Park—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Regardless, be sure to carve out time to savor another glass (or two) of island wine.
Day 3

Portofino, Italy

The next stop on your journey is the colorful coastal village of Portofino. With its terracotta buildings and chic cafés, Portofino represents the height of Italian artistry and is a joy to wander around. Sip wine along the yacht-filled marina and enjoy a day of shopping in the town’s boutiques. If you’d like a little adventure, take a Camogli Highlights & Punta Chiappa tour and explore the pretty area by car, foot, and boat—a delicious homemade pasta lunch with Camogli pesto sauce is included.
Day 4

Monte Carlo, Monaco

While Portofino is all charm, Monte Carlo raises the ante with high-rise hotels, super yachts, and pure glitz. On day four of your journey, you’ll glide into one of Europe’s most exclusive harbors. Mingle with other privileged yachtsmen or step ashore and explore the infamous sights. A Monte Carlo and Monaco tour will take you to the Prince’s Palace and the cathedral containing the tomb of Princess Grace. Next up: a drive on a small part of the Grand Prix Circuit on your way to Casino Square and the legendary Grand Casino.
Day 5

Cannes, France

You’ll spend today among the rich and famous in the epicenter of the French Riviera. With its palm-fringed boulevards, sun-drenched beaches, and couture shops, the glamorous city of Cannes never fails to impress. Wander the city’s old quarter and the palaces of La Croisette. Then take a detour to Côtes de Provence, where you can go on a guided Provence Wine Tasting with Chateau Ste. Roseline and visit two of the region’s most prestigious venues.
Day 6

Sanary-Sur-Mer, France

Sanary-sur-Mer is France’s sunniest city—and a stroller’s dream. The city is home to a collection of traditional wooden fishing boats; watch the fishermen unload their catch on the quay as you sip espresso from one of the seafront cafés. If you’d like an inland adventure, take a guided Le Castellet and Tasting tour to a nearby Provençal hilltop village boasting a 12th-century church. After your walking tour, continue to Domaine Souviou, where you can ogle the 100-year-old olive trees and vineyards—and sample oils and wines made from both.
Day 7

Port-Vendres, France

On your seventh day, you’ll sail into Port-Vendres. Sitting on the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean and flanked on three sides by the Pyrenees foothills, this idyllic harbor is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, delectable seafood, and Banyuls vineyards. Banyuls vines produce sweet wines that are enjoyed as aperitifs and dessert wines; it’s the perfect accompaniment to a meal at one of the port’s lauded seafood restaurants. And don’t miss this opportunity to take the French Expressionists of Coullioure tour—an unforgettable outing to the small fishermen town where Matisse and Derain lived, and a chance to see the exact places that inspired the artists.
Day 8

Barcelona, Spain

On your eighth and last day, you’ll sail into the Catalan metropolis of Barcelona in the morning. Here, you can explore the city’s narrow alleyways and grand boulevards, tasty tapas, and the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí and the five-spired La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. But first, take a moment to reflect on your week-long Rivieras journey—the wine, the sun, the incredible seafood, and the comforts of Wind Surf. Who knows? You might want to let the magic linger and stay on in Barcelona for a few days.

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