14 Days - Star Collector: Ancient to Avant-Garde Mediterranean [Athens to Barcelona]
![14 Days - Star Collector: Ancient to Avant-Garde Mediterranean [Athens to Barcelona]](/images/packages/extraimages/7362_14Days-Star-Collector-Ancient-Avant-Garde151022.jpg "14 Days - Star Collector: Ancient to Avant-Garde Mediterranean [Athens to Barcelona]")
Starting from
$4,412*
Athens to Barcelona
Ship: Wind Star / Wind Spirit
Departure Date : Apr 20 2025 | Oct 11 2025 | Oct 19 2025
Itinerary
Day Athens, GreeceDeparts 05:00 PM
Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5th Century BC (the Golden Age of Pericles) the culmination of Athens long, fascinating history the city's values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments - a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and in two centuries since it has become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm.
Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5th Century BC (the Golden Age of Pericles) the culmination of Athens long, fascinating history the city's values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments - a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and in two centuries since it has become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm.
Day Monemvasia, GreeceArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
Monemvasia was once on the Peloponnese mainland. Then an earthquake turned it into an island. It is now joined to the mainland by a narrow causeway that limits access, originally for reasons of defense. The tall, flat isle is completely honeycombed with nooks and grottoes, narrow alleys and rock-carved rooms. Clearly it was a formidable redoubt in times of attack, and earned its nickname the Gibraltar of the East. The upper town, long uninhabited, has narrow pathways leading to the Byzantine Aghia Sophia church, and remains of the medieval fortress and walls. In the lower town, look for the bell tower that leads you to Elkomenos Square, with its namesake medieval Elkomenos Christos church and a small museum.
Monemvasia was once on the Peloponnese mainland. Then an earthquake turned it into an island. It is now joined to the mainland by a narrow causeway that limits access, originally for reasons of defense. The tall, flat isle is completely honeycombed with nooks and grottoes, narrow alleys and rock-carved rooms. Clearly it was a formidable redoubt in times of attack, and earned its nickname the Gibraltar of the East. The upper town, long uninhabited, has narrow pathways leading to the Byzantine Aghia Sophia church, and remains of the medieval fortress and walls. In the lower town, look for the bell tower that leads you to Elkomenos Square, with its namesake medieval Elkomenos Christos church and a small museum.
Day Gythion, GreeceArrives 08:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM
Gythion, the small port town for Sparta, edges its way up the hillside, which surrounds the harbor. According to Homer, Paris and Helen spent their first night together here, on a tiny islet in the bay. To commemorate the occasion, Paris erected a shrine to Aphrodite, goddess of love, only to have it torn down by the vengeful Menelaus after he recaptured Helen. In its place Menelaus erected statues honoring Praxidica (Punishment) and Themis (Justice). Not far away, at the tip of the Peloponnese, lies the Mani, a distinctive area unlike anything else in Greece. This desolate region of underground lakes and rivers and windswept landscapes is strangely beautiful. To the north of Gythion lie Sparta and Mystra, well worth a visit.
Gythion, the small port town for Sparta, edges its way up the hillside, which surrounds the harbor. According to Homer, Paris and Helen spent their first night together here, on a tiny islet in the bay. To commemorate the occasion, Paris erected a shrine to Aphrodite, goddess of love, only to have it torn down by the vengeful Menelaus after he recaptured Helen. In its place Menelaus erected statues honoring Praxidica (Punishment) and Themis (Justice). Not far away, at the tip of the Peloponnese, lies the Mani, a distinctive area unlike anything else in Greece. This desolate region of underground lakes and rivers and windswept landscapes is strangely beautiful. To the north of Gythion lie Sparta and Mystra, well worth a visit.
Day At Sea
Day Messina (Taormina), ItalyArrives 08:00 AM Departs 02:00 PM
Gateway to Mt. Etna, the awe-inspiring and still-active volcano, the seaport of Messina is the third-largest city in Sicily. Known for its fine cathedral, museums and for its rich Sicilian wines, Messina and the surrounding area was also the location for much of the Godfather series of films. An afternoon or a day in Messina can include a drive up to the windswept side of Mt. Etna (hold on to your hatit is seriously windy here!) or to the shop-lined streets of Taormina. Many stores sell Sicilian ceramics, with colorful hues painted on volcanic earthen pottery, pieces created in the same way that they have been for centuries. Look also for jewelry and crafts made from beautiful black volcanic glass, collected from the slopes of Etna.
Gateway to Mt. Etna, the awe-inspiring and still-active volcano, the seaport of Messina is the third-largest city in Sicily. Known for its fine cathedral, museums and for its rich Sicilian wines, Messina and the surrounding area was also the location for much of the Godfather series of films. An afternoon or a day in Messina can include a drive up to the windswept side of Mt. Etna (hold on to your hatit is seriously windy here!) or to the shop-lined streets of Taormina. Many stores sell Sicilian ceramics, with colorful hues painted on volcanic earthen pottery, pieces created in the same way that they have been for centuries. Look also for jewelry and crafts made from beautiful black volcanic glass, collected from the slopes of Etna.
Day Sorrento, ItalyArrives 10:00 AM Departs 11:59 PM
Sorrento, perched picturesquely on a plateau above the sea with spectacular views over the Bay of Naples, has been a popular tourist destination for almost two centuries. Traditionally the town is one of the favourite resorts of British visitors to Italy, and over the last few decades it has ruled as Italy's leading package-holiday destination for English-speakers. The historic seaside town has learned to live with, and make the most of tourism, and in return it offers a classic 'Mediterranean summer holiday' atmosphere - but without losing all of its Italian character and charm. The key attraction of Sorrento is that it can offer a variety of holiday experiences to suit different visitors, from rural walks through lemon and olive groves to a choice of excursions by land or sea.
Sorrento, perched picturesquely on a plateau above the sea with spectacular views over the Bay of Naples, has been a popular tourist destination for almost two centuries. Traditionally the town is one of the favourite resorts of British visitors to Italy, and over the last few decades it has ruled as Italy's leading package-holiday destination for English-speakers. The historic seaside town has learned to live with, and make the most of tourism, and in return it offers a classic 'Mediterranean summer holiday' atmosphere - but without losing all of its Italian character and charm. The key attraction of Sorrento is that it can offer a variety of holiday experiences to suit different visitors, from rural walks through lemon and olive groves to a choice of excursions by land or sea.
Day Ponza, ItalyArrives 09:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM
Ponza is seen by many of its visitors as a less-spoiled version of Capri, and is frequented by the rich and famous who like to keep a lower profile on holiday, as well as by hordes of young Romans who visit for the weekend in summer. The island's main settlements are Ponza Porto, around the harbour, and Le Forna, to the north, with the island's main appeal is its landscape, shoreline and atmosphere.
Ponza is seen by many of its visitors as a less-spoiled version of Capri, and is frequented by the rich and famous who like to keep a lower profile on holiday, as well as by hordes of young Romans who visit for the weekend in summer. The island's main settlements are Ponza Porto, around the harbour, and Le Forna, to the north, with the island's main appeal is its landscape, shoreline and atmosphere.
Day Rome, ItalyArrives 07:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
"Rome is both a modern bustling city and an ancient open-air museum. You can walk in the footsteps of emperors, have coffee in Renaissance piazzas and see contemporary art all in one afternoon. Your sightseeing time in Rome begins at the nearby port of Civitavecchia, a seaside town with roots that stretch back to the Etruscan era. Take note of the Forte Michelangelo (both Bramante and Michelangelo had a hand in its design), and the lungomare, a lively stretch along the sea with beach clubs, bars and restaurants. Once in the Eternal City you can fill your day with museums, churches, archaeological sites, traditional trattorias, artisan shops and, of course, gelato. The Colosseum and the Vatican Museums are Rome's superstar attractions, but there are plenty of quieter gems to explore. For food lovers there are the markets in Campo de' Fiori or the slightly farther flung Testaccio. The hip neighborhood of Monti, next to the Colosseum, has a vibrant piazza scene and boutique shopping, while the Villa Borghese offers a green oasis with a view towards Saint Peters Basilica and the masterpiece-filled Galleria Borghese. Although Rome might not have been built in one day, you'll certainly be able to see the highlights and top things to do in Rome in 24 hours. "
"Rome is both a modern bustling city and an ancient open-air museum. You can walk in the footsteps of emperors, have coffee in Renaissance piazzas and see contemporary art all in one afternoon. Your sightseeing time in Rome begins at the nearby port of Civitavecchia, a seaside town with roots that stretch back to the Etruscan era. Take note of the Forte Michelangelo (both Bramante and Michelangelo had a hand in its design), and the lungomare, a lively stretch along the sea with beach clubs, bars and restaurants. Once in the Eternal City you can fill your day with museums, churches, archaeological sites, traditional trattorias, artisan shops and, of course, gelato. The Colosseum and the Vatican Museums are Rome's superstar attractions, but there are plenty of quieter gems to explore. For food lovers there are the markets in Campo de' Fiori or the slightly farther flung Testaccio. The hip neighborhood of Monti, next to the Colosseum, has a vibrant piazza scene and boutique shopping, while the Villa Borghese offers a green oasis with a view towards Saint Peters Basilica and the masterpiece-filled Galleria Borghese. Although Rome might not have been built in one day, you'll certainly be able to see the highlights and top things to do in Rome in 24 hours. "
Day Portoferraio (Elba), ItalyArrives 08:00 AM Departs 10:00 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.
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.
Day Bastia, Corsica, FranceArrives 08:00 AM Departs 11:59 PM
Filled with heart, soul and character, the bustling old port of Bastia is a good surprise. Sure, it might not measure up to the sexy style of Ajaccio or the architectural appeal of Bonifacio, but it has an irresistible magnetism. Bastia is an authentic snapshot of modern-day Corsica, a lived-in city thats resisted the urge to polish up its image just to please the tourists.
Filled with heart, soul and character, the bustling old port of Bastia is a good surprise. Sure, it might not measure up to the sexy style of Ajaccio or the architectural appeal of Bonifacio, but it has an irresistible magnetism. Bastia is an authentic snapshot of modern-day Corsica, a lived-in city thats resisted the urge to polish up its image just to please the tourists.
Day Calvi, FranceArrives 08:00 AM Departs 11:59 PM
"On Corsicas northwest coast, the port town of Calvi is steeped in heroic tales. It was here in capturing the massive Genoan-built citadel that Admiral Horatio Nelson famously lost his eye. Today, the town still houses a French Foreign Legion regiment. Lined with cafés, bars, boutiques and souvenir shops, the Quai Landry is the place to start your visit with a stroll past pleasure yachts docked in the marina, and where a stop for ice cream belongs on the agenda. The former stone salt tower on the water cant be missed, nor can the Baroque Santa Maria Church in the lower town with its pink facade. In the summertime, the city puts on a popular jazz festival with concerts throughout town and nearby. Calvi is graced by several miles of beach, and a short excursion through evergreen shrubs out to the headland on the Gulf of Revellata takes you to a mid-19th-century lighthouse and marine research center. Its the perfect setting for a picnic, with the ocean before you and the snow-capped mountains of the interior as a backdrop. "
"On Corsicas northwest coast, the port town of Calvi is steeped in heroic tales. It was here in capturing the massive Genoan-built citadel that Admiral Horatio Nelson famously lost his eye. Today, the town still houses a French Foreign Legion regiment. Lined with cafés, bars, boutiques and souvenir shops, the Quai Landry is the place to start your visit with a stroll past pleasure yachts docked in the marina, and where a stop for ice cream belongs on the agenda. The former stone salt tower on the water cant be missed, nor can the Baroque Santa Maria Church in the lower town with its pink facade. In the summertime, the city puts on a popular jazz festival with concerts throughout town and nearby. Calvi is graced by several miles of beach, and a short excursion through evergreen shrubs out to the headland on the Gulf of Revellata takes you to a mid-19th-century lighthouse and marine research center. Its the perfect setting for a picnic, with the ocean before you and the snow-capped mountains of the interior as a backdrop. "
Day At Sea
Day Mahon, SpainArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
"Spain's Minorca is a small island with a big port. The natural deepwater harbor at the capital, Mahón (also called Maó), is the largest in the Mediterranean, and second largest in the world after Pearl Harbor. Over the millennia, that harbor has made Minorca an attractive base for seafaring powersfrom the Romans 2,000 years ago, to the British 300 years ago. In fact the British moved Minorcas capital from Ciutadella de Menorca to Mahón, precisely because of the latter's superior port. The British influence is still evident in Mahón today, and not just in the citys colonial-style architecturethere's even a small-batch gin distillery. Travelers can explore the intriguing Museum of Minorca and La Mola Fortress, along with a handful of markets, shops and tapas bars. The entire island is easily toured from one end to the other. Take a day trip to Ciutadella de Menorca to see the historic capital, and drive to the top of Monte Toro for great views and a visit to the islands patron saint. Archaeological sites like the Cala Morell Caves and Trepuco offer glimpses of the ancient civilizations that once thrived here. "
"Spain's Minorca is a small island with a big port. The natural deepwater harbor at the capital, Mahón (also called Maó), is the largest in the Mediterranean, and second largest in the world after Pearl Harbor. Over the millennia, that harbor has made Minorca an attractive base for seafaring powersfrom the Romans 2,000 years ago, to the British 300 years ago. In fact the British moved Minorcas capital from Ciutadella de Menorca to Mahón, precisely because of the latter's superior port. The British influence is still evident in Mahón today, and not just in the citys colonial-style architecturethere's even a small-batch gin distillery. Travelers can explore the intriguing Museum of Minorca and La Mola Fortress, along with a handful of markets, shops and tapas bars. The entire island is easily toured from one end to the other. Take a day trip to Ciutadella de Menorca to see the historic capital, and drive to the top of Monte Toro for great views and a visit to the islands patron saint. Archaeological sites like the Cala Morell Caves and Trepuco offer glimpses of the ancient civilizations that once thrived here. "
Day Palma de Mallorca, SpainArrives 08:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM
"Palma de Mallorca, the largest city and capital of its own island as well as the entire Balearic archipelago, is one of Spains most delightful towns. Despite its proximity to tourist beaches where millions of Europeans take summer vacation, Palma maintains the traditional rhythm of a Mediterranean city: busy food markets, open-air terrazas for lazing and grazing and the Passeig del Born, perfect for an evening paseo (stroll) under its canopy of trees. But the city is also, increasingly, a hub of contemporary culture and cuisinewitness the old towns buzzing gallery scene, and cutting-edge restaurants like Simply Fosh and Aromata. If location is all, Palmas peerless setting, at the center of a glorious sweeping bay, counts for a great deal. The city has its own beaches and a working harbor where a state-of-the-art new marina, Moll Vell, has brought back locals to stroll and gawk at the giant yachts. "
"Palma de Mallorca, the largest city and capital of its own island as well as the entire Balearic archipelago, is one of Spains most delightful towns. Despite its proximity to tourist beaches where millions of Europeans take summer vacation, Palma maintains the traditional rhythm of a Mediterranean city: busy food markets, open-air terrazas for lazing and grazing and the Passeig del Born, perfect for an evening paseo (stroll) under its canopy of trees. But the city is also, increasingly, a hub of contemporary culture and cuisinewitness the old towns buzzing gallery scene, and cutting-edge restaurants like Simply Fosh and Aromata. If location is all, Palmas peerless setting, at the center of a glorious sweeping bay, counts for a great deal. The city has its own beaches and a working harbor where a state-of-the-art new marina, Moll Vell, has brought back locals to stroll and gawk at the giant yachts. "
Day Barcelona, SpainArrives 07:00 AM
On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architectureGaudí and Picasso both called it homeand 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 shopssome 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.
On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architectureGaudí and Picasso both called it homeand 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 shopssome 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.
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