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Vatican & Italian Riviera Cruise Tour
Apr 20, 2028 — Apr 29, 2028
Starting from
CIVITAVECCHIA, ROME → BARCELONA
9 Nights on Star Explorer
Indulge your sense of wonder during this journey that combines a multi-day inland exploration to Rome with an Italian Riviera cruise and a scenic sailing along the steep and majestic Italian and French Rivieras. Sidestep the ordinary Vatican crowds during a tour of the Sistine Chapel and some sectors of the Vatican Museums. Discover the Roman Colosseum through the eyes of gladiators on an exclusive visit to Rome’s most recognizable landmark. Savor fresh handmade pasta dishes and rich Chianti wines amidst the warm ambiance and sincere hospitality of a neighborhood Italian restaurant. Your cruise features unforgettable opportunities to experience the scenic Portoferraio Biosphere Reserve and explore the historic vineyards of Elba, set along the storied Italian Riviera. Watch beachcombers from white-linen sidewalk cafés or sunbathe on romantic sandy beaches in Cannes. Inhale seafood aromas and herbal fragrances in a Barcelonan open market.
Popular Highlights
Extend your time in Rome to make sure you see the sites from the unique perspectives offered by this cruise tour.
Tour the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Visit the iconic Colosseum.
Take a tour of underground San Clemente Basilica.
Experience the Biosphere Reserve of Tuscan Park, Portoferraio’s natural wonderland.
Stop in Monte Carlo’s Grand Casino and the Royal Palace.
Don’t miss Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Gaudi’s impressive 8-spired architecture and a UNESCO site.
Additional Information
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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