Windstar Cruise

9 Days - Vatican & Italian Riviera Cruise Tour [Barcelona to Rome]

9 Days - Vatican & Italian Riviera Cruise Tour [Barcelona to Rome]
Starting from $4,699*

Barcelona to Rome

Ship: Wind Surf

Departure Date : Aug 13 2024 | Oct 23 2024 | Apr 20 2025 | May 11 2025 | Jul 18 2025 | Aug 12 2025 | Nov 01 2025

Itinerary

Day Barcelona, Spain
Departs 05:00 PM
On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architecture—Gaudí and Picasso both called it home—and lined with sunny white-sand beaches. Explore the Catalan capital's tourist attractions and historic neighborhoods, Modernisme and world-renowned art museums, galleries and local crafts shops—some of which are centuries old and stock traditional Catalan wares. After you see the sights, there are lively tapas bars around every corner where you can stop for a drink, a café amb llet (Catalan for espresso with steamed milk) or a snack, no matter the hour. Green spaces for picnics, long walks and respite from the hustle and bustle are scattered throughout Barcelona's attractions: There's Gaudí's mosaic-decorated park, a neoclassical maze at the Laberint d'Horta, as well as plenty of high places (mountains, monuments and edifices) where sightseeing visitors can take in the view. A short trip from Barcelona by car or train, luxury outlets, cava wineries, a mountaintop abbey and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast await.
Barcelona, Spain
Day Palamos, Spain
Arrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
"Palamós is a quaint fishing village turned summer-vacation spot along Spain’s sun-drenched Costa Brava. The town still thrives on fishing: Visitors can peruse the fish market and view the day's catch at the bustling harbor, or check out the nearby Fishing Museum to learn more about both Palamós's past and the history and techniques of angling around the world. (Make sure you sample the local prawns at one of the town's seafood restaurants.) Palamós is also a convenient departure point for attractions around the region, from wine and olive oil tastings in the countryside to the home and museums of legendary Catalan artist Salvador Dalí. Ancient historic sites dot the landscape up and down the coast, including the Greek and Roman ruins at Empúries and the medieval Castle of Begur. For an infusion of urban culture, plan a day trip to nearby Girona, where narrow, cobbled lanes wind around an imposing Gothic cathedral. Or simply take a stroll to one of the nearby beaches to swim and sunbathe along the Mediterranean coast. "
Palamos, Spain
Day Sanary-sur-Mer, France
Arrives 08:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM
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.
Sanary-sur-Mer, France
Day Monte Carlo, Monaco
Arrives 08:00 AM Departs 11:59 PM
"The tiny and wealthy principality of Monaco, ruled by Prince Albert II, is dominated by the attractions in the resort quarter, Monte Carlo, with its casino, internationally acclaimed Opera House and the Triangle d’Or shopping area. The cliffs of Le Rocher de Monaco rise above the Mediterranean, the strategic stronghold of the Grimaldi family of Genoa who assumed power of this unstable region in 1297. The principality was a quiet backwater until the 1850s when trains put the sun-soaked destination within easy reach of affluent French and British travelers looking for an escape and relaxing things to do. Prince Charles III quickly understood what it would take to seduce the new tourists, and created a Belle Epoque resort featuring the mythic Casino de Monte-Carlo. Sitting on the coast like a precious gemstone, Monte Carlo and Monaco still draw an international jet-set crowd. The Palace commands from Monaco-ville, called Le Rocher by locals, and high-rises make the most of precious land with public elevators in lieu of sidewalks in this steep country. Superyachts fill the port, ultraluxury cars dominate the road and outrageous jewels sparkle under the night sky in an eternal promise that in some places, fairy tales really do come true."
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Day Cannes, France
Arrives 07:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM
Cannes was founded in the 2nd century BC by a Ligurian tribe, and was subsequently colonized by the Romans in 154 AD. During the town's entire history it went through a period of upheaval and desolation by war. In 1834, Lord Brougham, an English aristocrat, was so enchanted by Cannes that he decided to settle there. This marked the beginning of the town's affluence, with luxury residences springing up to provide winter accommodations for international nobility. From 1930 onward, Cannes became a summer resort. Its local economy had traditionally relied on fishing, but was quickly replaced by tourism. Today, Cannes is best known for its world famous film festival and, for two weeks in May each year, attracts the brightest and most talented stars of the silver screen.
Cannes, France
Day Portofino, Italy
Arrives 09:00 AM Departs 09:00 PM
Portofino is a charming, popular resort village on the Italian Riviera, a favorite with artists and seasoned travelers. Situated on a beautiful bay, the surrounding mountains covered with dense vegetation of olive and cypress trees, form a unique setting of incomparable beauty. The ship will anchor in the bay and tenders will transport you to this tiny resort village, which is closed to vehicle traffic. Everything is concentrated around a small square offering an opportunity to stroll around on foot, shop, or just relax at one of the many open-air cafes.
Portofino, Italy
Day Portoferraio (Elba), Italy
Arrives 08:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM
Despite its small size, the island of Elba has been known since the beginning of recorded history. Called Ilva by the Ligurians and Aethalia by the Greeks, Elba passed to the Etruscans and later the Romans. It was ruled by Pisa in the Middle Ages, was a haven for Barbary pirates in the 16th century and then privately owned by the powerful Medici family. The island's most famous resident was Napoleon Bonaparte, whose first exile from France and short reign over Elba lasted from May 1814 to February 1815. During that time, Napoleon was able to improve the island by altering street plans, building new roads, modernizing agriculture and developing the iron mines.
Portoferraio (Elba), Italy
Day Rome, Italy / Disembark and Head into Rome
Arrives 07:00 AM
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.

Disembark the ship and board a motor coach for the Eternal City. Your guide will take you on a local fruit and vegetables market tour, explaining the Roman lifestyle and street food. Discover the picturesque and hidden corners of Rome next to the most glorious temples and fountains of the Roman and Papal times, while sampling some local delicacies such as pizza or gelato! The Roman Street Food experience is a foodie’s dream. Then drive to your hotel and get settled with the evening at your leisure to relax in your room or walk around central Rome (Includes overnight at the Hotel Savoy )
Rome, Italy / Disembark and Head into Rome
Day In the Heart of the Eternal City

Breakfast is included at your hotel. This is your morning to enjoy a historic tour. Meet your guide at the hotel and set off to the Colosseum where you will visit and learn about the expansion and organization of Rome at the time of the Emperors. Approach the Forum and see a valley full of temples and ancient buildings reminiscent of the ancient city that lives below the modern one. Follow your guide underground to San Clemente Basilica and see the amazing excavations of this former temple turned into a Catholic church. Enjoy some free time for a cappuccino or snack before moving to the Vatican City for your tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. You will enter the museums by means of a skip-the-line reservation and you will admire the greatest collection of works of art with the help of an informative guide. Enter the world-famous Sistine Chapel where the masterpieces of Michelangelo Buonarroti live - such as the glorious fresco painting of the Last Judgment - a truly intense moment. (Includes overnight at the Hotel Savoy and breakfast.)
In the Heart of the Eternal City
Day Check out and Transfer

Breakfast is included. Check out and transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. (Includes breakfast and airport transfer)
Check out and Transfer
 
Book Now
 
Get Quote Talk To Expert