Star Collector: Stories of Italy, Croatia & Greece with Windstar Cruises by If Only
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Windstar Cruises

Your home-from-home for this journey is Windstar’s 342-guest flagship sailing ship, Wind Surf, crowned majestically by her lofty sails and promising refined luxury throughout her accommodations and communal areas. Offering an intimate and personalised experience, this small ship is the perfect choice for an immersive and exclusive cruise.

Starting in the great Italian city of Rome and ending in Athens with its intriguing blend of old and new, this enthralling 17-day cruise invites you to discover iconic landmarks, coastal wonders and age-old treasures. Combining history, culture and remarkable natural beauty, each port unveils a new chapter to your story - a Mediterranean masterpiece of everlasting memories.

Prices

18 night stay from

£5,789 per person

Price includes:

  • Return flights
  • Pre-cruise hotel stay in Rome including transfers
  • 16-night cruise - Category B Stateroom, full board 

By land

Your journey through the Med begins with two nights in Rome before embarking on your Windstar sailing ship. Italy's Amalfi Coast is the first stop on your itinerary, before docking in Sicily and Kotor in Montenegro, where well-preserved medieval architecture is sure to make an impression. Croatia's coastal gems are next, with time in Dubrovnik and Split and then onward to Venice, the 'City of Romance'. Visiting Corfu, Katakolon and Monemvasia on your way to Athens, Greece's lovely beaches and ancient sites are the perfect precursor to arriving in the country's capital.

By sea

  • Swimming pool and Jacuzzis
  • Spa
  • Fitness Centre
  • 6 bars/restaurants
  • Lounge
  • Onboard shop 

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - 2

Arrive in Rome and meet your transfer to the achingly romantic Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel, in the heart of the city. An oasis amongst bustling streets, elegant guest rooms and extensive gardens ensure a tranquil ambience – the perfect place to retreat to after exploring Rome’s iconic sights.

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Day 3

Make your way to the port to meet Windstar’s flagship sailing ship, Wind Surf, before setting sail in the late afternoon.

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Day 4

Renowned for its mesmerising views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, the charming town of Sorrento is perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the sea. Go back in time at nearby archaeological sites including the world-famous Pompeii or explore the Amalfi coast by boat, speeding along the coast in style.

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Day 5

Discover the charming village of Giardini Naxos on the eastern coast of Sicily, nestled in one of the world’s most beautiful bays. An optional excursion to the hillside town of Taormina is sure to be a highlight, with its Greek theatre overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea.

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Day 6

As you cruise towards your next destination, you have time to relax and enjoy all the amenities onboard your ship, whether relaxing by the pool, indulging in a treatment at the spa, or eating in one of the refined restaurants.

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Day 7

Head to the deck for the best view of Montenegro’s stunning scenery as you cruise through the Bay of Kotor, often referred to as Europe’s southernmost fjord. Kotor’s well-preserved old town is made up of narrow cobblestone streets flanked by medieval architecture enclosed by sturdy city walls. You have a full day to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Day 8

Wind Surf’s small size allows her to dock just beyond the impressive walled city of Dubrovnik, from which a short tender ride brings you straight into the Old Town. Boutique shops and sophisticated eateries serving fresh seafood await inside the city walls.

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Day 9

Arrive in the vibrant city of Split on the Dalmatian Coast, where a bustling harbour lined with busy cafés greets you. A visit to the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace in the centre of town is a must, whilst the area’s surrounding countryside is perfect for exploring on foot or by boat.

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Day 10

Bordered by the Adriatic Sea on three sides, the picturesque coastal town of Rovinj is a maze of cobblestone streets that lead to the hilltop St. Euphemia Cathedral with its soaring steeple that dominates the town’s skyline. Spend some time wandering through the medieval streets, discover the Bronze Age ruins of Monkodonja, or seek out nearby beaches during your time here.

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Day 11

A masterpiece of architectural and artistic wonders, Venice is a city that oozes romance. Iconic landmarks including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge and, of course, the Grand Canal are invariably impressive, but there’s a wealth of hidden treasures to discover here too.

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Day 12

Ancient architecture from the Roman and medieval times combines with a vibrant cultural scene in Zadar. Take a seat to listen to the city’s unique musical instrument, the Sea Organ, played by the waves of the Adriatic, before visiting one of the town’s museums.

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Day 13 - 15

The next three days see you return to Dubrovnik and Kotor as you travel south. An afternoon in Dubrovnik is free for you to spend as you wish, while a choice of optional excursions in Kotor reveals the highlights of the town and its captivating surroundings.

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Day 16

With its beautiful beaches and impressive old town, it’s no surprise that Corfu is a popular tourist destination. Optional excursions including a cookery class and mountain biking experience offer a taste of life on the island.

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Day 17

A picturesque harbour welcomes you to Katakolon, known as the gateway to the ancient archaeological site of Olympia. Famous for being the birthplace of the Olympic games, the site’s well-preserved ruins promise a fascinating insight into ancient Greek civilisation.

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Day 18

Located on a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway, Monemvasia is often referred to as the ‘Gibralter of the East’ courtesy of its strategic position and impressive medieval architecture. Discover the Byzantine wonders within the castle walls or wander through the lanes of the lower town, lined with lovingly restored Venetian mansions.

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Day 19

With a history that spans thousands of years, there’s a plethora of ancient sites to discover in Athens. Following a morning arrival at the port, there's time to see the highlights before travelling to the airport for your international flight home.

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