itinerary & excursions

Yachtsman’s Mediterranean Rivieras & Madrid Cruise Tour

Rome to Barcelona

Sun Oct 25, 2026 - Wed Nov 4, 2026,

10 days

on Wind Surf

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Starting from $6,899 USD

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OVERVIEW & ITINERARY

ITINERARY AND SHORE EXCURSIONS

The best on land brought to you by the best at sea. Get to the heart of local cultures with Windstar shore excursions. You don't want to just dip a toe in local culture, you want to dive into the deep end, and that's exactly what Windstar shore excursions are designed to do. All of our excursion are created to provide authentic local experience - the kind travelers like you are looking for. And with more than 2,500 excursions to choose from, you can experience your destination in whatever way is most meaningful to you. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, a history buff, or someone who loves to get to know the faces behind the many places we travel.

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Date

Port

Arrive

Depart

Watersports
Platform

Shore
Excursions

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Sun Oct 25

Rome

Arrive:

Depart:4:00 PM

Watersports Platform:

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.

Mon Oct 26

Portofino

Arrive:10:30 AM

Depart:10:00 PM

Watersports Platform:

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.

Tue Oct 27

Monte Carlo

Arrive:8:00 AM

Depart:9:00 PM

Watersports Platform:

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.

Wed Oct 28

Sanary-sur-Mer

Arrive:8:30 AM

Depart:6:00 PM

Watersports Platform:

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.

Thu Oct 29

Palamos

Arrive:9:00 AM

Depart:6:00 PM

Watersports Platform:

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.

Fri Oct 30

Barcelona

Arrive:7:00 AM

Depart:

Watersports Platform:

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.

Fri Oct 30

Catalonia and Madrid

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Depart:

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Disembark your ship and drive towards the Penedés Region in Catalonia, where almost all cava and wine is produced due to the region’s favorable climate for growing grapes—mild temperatures, intense sunshine and moderate rainfall. This also makes it great region to visit. This tour will bring you to one of the most renowned Spanish wine cellars: Codorniu. You’ll learn the traditional process of how a bottle of cava is created and the history of the cellars dating back 450 years. Surrounded by the winery’s beautiful architectural complex and gardens, you’ll take an intensive wine tasting course. By the time you head to a delicious three-course lunch, you’ll have learned the art of wine tasting and discovered the secrets of Cavas Codorniu. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the train station to catch the high-speed train to Madrid. In Madrid, you will check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

(Includes lunch, dinner, wine tasting, train to Madrid, and overnight in Madrid hotel)

Sat Oct 31

Madrid: Royal Palace and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Arrive:

Depart:

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After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll kick off your day with a visit to the Royal Palace, an awe-inspiring architectural wonder and the largest functioning palace in Europe. You’ll learn about the site’s rich history, capture pictures at Armoury Square, get a chance to walk the iconic marble Grand Staircase, and explore majestic rooms and spaces displaying sculptures, paintings, tapestries and jewels offering insight into the 18-century Spanish Monarchy. Next, you’re free to enjoy lunch on your own at any of Madrid’s restaurants. The tour continues at the world-famous Santiago Bernabéu stadium—host to Real Madrid CF since 1947. Fans of the football (aka American soccer) will go wild over the panoramic view of the inside of the renovated stadium, with admission to the Real Madrid CF Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of the club and its members, take pictures next to famous trophies and watch the club’s most iconic moments. In the evening, you’ll head to renowned tablao Corral de la Morería (Madrid’s “Cathedral of Flamenco”) to see a fiery flamenco show performed by some of Spain’s top dancers and musicians, while enjoying a three-course gourmet meal created by a Michelin Star chef.

(Includes breakfast, dinner and flamenco show, entrance to Bernabéu Stadium and Real Madrid CF Museum, overnight in Madrid hotel)

Sun Nov 1

Madrid: Prado Museum and El Retiro Park

Arrive:

Depart:

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After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head right to the Prado Museum. Your exclusive early access gives you the ability to explore some the world’s richest and most comprehensive collection of Spanish works at your own pace without the crowds. Take your time admiring works from Spanish masters, like Valázquez, El Greco, Goya and El Bosco as you have the museum to yourself for the first hour. The museum also houses a vast collection of classical European paintings and sculptures, including the largest collections of Italian art outside of Italy. Next, you’ll head to the famous “El Retiro Park,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a vast green oasis in the heart of the city. Stroll through a variety of gardens with interesting monuments, view a nearly 400-year-old Mexican conifer, sit by the lake or rent a rowing boat, and explore the exhibitions halls, including the Glass Palace, a glass pavilion built in 1887, regarded as one of Spain’s finest examples of cast-iron architecture. Afterwards, you will have free time for lunch on your own. Dinner tonight will be an immersive experience, as you participate in a unique culinary experience at a boutique cooking school. You’ll learn the art of preparing tapas, then enjoy them along with a chef-prepared entree and two desserts for a 5-course tasting menu served with a bottomless wine pairing of five different Spanish wines.

(Includes breakfast, entrance to Prado Museum, cooking class and dinner, overnight in Madrid hotel)

Mon Nov 2

Segovia

Arrive:

Depart:

Watersports Platform:

You’ll have breakfast at your hotel in Madrid before taking off for an incredible day in Segovia, a medieval city located in Castile and Leó, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll look back in time as you admire the incredible Roman Aqueduct winding its way around the edge of town. You’ll visit Plaza Mayor, a town square framed by the beautiful pinnacles of the apse of the Cathedral, built in Castilian Late Gothic style, then head inside to meet your guide and tour the Cathedral, learning about its historical significance and architectural highlights that have earned it the name Lady of the Cathedrals. Next, you’ll enjoy a classic Segovian lunch at a delightful restaurant, followed by a stop at the renowned Alcázar of Segovia, a medieval castle built in the 12^th century that has served as home for 22 kings and inspired the design of castles in shows and movies, including Cinderella’s castle. Afterwards, you’ll travel back to your hotel in Madrid and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Tue Nov 3

Madrid

Arrive:

Depart:

Watersports Platform:

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be driven to the Madrid-Barajas International Airport for your flight home.

(Includes breakfast and transfers to the airport)