Yachtsman’s Mediterranean Rivieras & Madrid Cruise Tour
£5,637pp
Itinerary
Experience the world’s most renowned yachting playground on a spectacular journey where you’ll dock alongside other luxury yachts at entrancing ports and secluded harbors, as well as go deep into Spain to explore Madrid. The magnificent ports of the Rivieras each have their own distinctive allure — from the casinos and castles of Monaco to the glitz and glam of Cannes to the stunning vistas and charm of Portofino. What’s special about this journey is that it takes you deeper into Spain. In Madrid, you’ll have two full days and four nights to explore the capital’s key attractions and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture with a 5-star hotel as your home base. Beat the crowds with early entry to the Prado Museum, where you’ll revel in Spanish masterpieces and the largest collection of Italian art outside of Italy. Learn to cook tapas at a boutique cooking school. Enjoy a fiery flamenco show while enjoying a three-course dinner created by a Michelin star chef. You’ll also spend a day in Segovia, a medieval city (also UNESCO World Heritage site) featuring an ancient Roman aqueduct that winds around the edge of town. Get a guided tour through the city’s Gothic-style Cathedral, stopping at the iconic Alcázar castle. Indulge in a wine tasting at the Cavas Cordoniu cellars in the beautiful Penedés wine region of Catalonia, where you’ll learn the art of wine tasting and the secrets of the 450-year history of the winery over a delightful lunch. Your travel between Barcelona and Madrid will be in Comfort Class via high-speed train. To make your trip even more convenient, Windstar picks up your luggage and ensures it will be waiting for you when you arrive at your hotel. It’s the final touch on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day to Day Itinerary
| Date | Country | Port | |
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| Day 1 | Italy | Rome | |
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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. |
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| Day 2 | Italy | Portofino | |
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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. |
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| Day 3 | Monaco | Monte-Carlo | |
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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. |
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| Day 4 | France | Sanary-sur-Mer | |
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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. |
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| Day 5 | Spain | Palamós | |
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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. |
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| Day 6 | Spain | Barcelona | |
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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. |
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