Your tour departs from the port for the 1-hour drive to reach Montserrat, a peculiar rocky mountain range which is the site of the monastery where people come to worship " La Moreneta ," the black Madonna who is the patron-virgin of Catalonia. The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat was founded in the 11th century and is located in a natural park 37 miles west of Barcelona. Besides visiting the Benedictine Abbey Monastery, you will admire also the Patron of Catalonia , Saint Mary of Montserrat that is worshiped at the shrine in the Monastery. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost 1,000 years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, to working and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. In addition to the monks, the escolans also live in Montserrat. They form the oldest boys choir in Europe ( and might be available during the visit). You will be given a tour of the monastery, and have some free time before taking the coach back to the Windstar hotel. Please note : Comfortable shoes, water, a light jacket and a hat are recommended. There are downhill and uneven paths, plus cobblestones to walk over. There may be long lines to view the Black Virgin up close. This excursion may operate in reverse. Access to the Basilica might be denied if mass is taking place. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter monastery. This tour will end at your Windstar hote and is available only to guests staying overnight in Barcelona.

Setting out from the port by coach, you will find it easy to relax and enjoy this driving tour of Spain's most fascinating city, Barcelona, a lovely Mediterranean stronghold of architectural interest. You will drive along one of Barcelona's most famous streets, the Passeig de Gracia, lined with different Modernist buildings, many of which were designed by architect Antoni Gaudí . Watch for Casa Batlló, an iconic Barcelona landmark and Casa Mila. You will drive by one of Gaudí's masterpieces - the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church (outside visit). This is a site not to be missed. Though construction was started in 1882 it is still unfinished. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most-visited building in Barcelona, and immediately identifies the city around the world. From here you'll head up to the viewpoint in Montjuic with the most exceptional views of Barcelona and its impressive harbor. Please note: This tour will end at the airport. This tour is available only to guests whose flights leave at 3:00 p.m. or later. An inside visit to the Sagrada Familia is not included. The Cathedral is closed to tours.

See Barcelona from a foodie perspective with a day of tapas in one of Spain's most food focused cities. You will head straight to Montjuic Hill to take in the best and most impressive views of Barcelona. This is the highest point of the city and a great spot to snap some photos. Afterwards, you will head back to the city center where you will leave your coach in the Born Quarter and set out on a walking tour through the narrow streets of this ancient neighborhood. Next, cross into the Gothic Quarter to see the Barcelona Cathedral and the Santa Maria del Mar Basilica, one of the most beautiful gothic-style monuments in the city. Then, the route takes you to the waterfront, where you will arrive at your tapas restaurant. The tapas menu changes with the seasons and is a great representation of traditional local flavors. Enjoy a selection of up to 5 tapas accompanied with 2 beverages, including local beer and sangria. Afterwards, you'll be able to walk down to the Old Harbor area for some free time before your coach ride back to the ship. Please note: we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers, and bring local currency.

Your tour departs from the port for the 1-hour drive to reach Montserrat , a peculiar rocky mountain range which is the site of the monastery where people come to worship " La Moreneta ," the black Madonna who is the patron-virgin of Catalonia. The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat was founded in the 11th century and is located in a natural park 37 miles west of Barcelona. Besides visiting the Benedictine Abbey Monastery, you will admire also the Patron of Catalonia , Saint Mary of Montserrat that is worshiped at the shrine in the Monastery. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost 1,000 years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, to working and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. In addition to the monks, the escolans also live in Montserrat. They form the oldest boys choir in Europe ( and might be available during the visit). You will be given a tour of the monastery, and have some free time before taking the coach to the airport. Please note : Comfortable shoes, water, a light jacket and a hat are recommended. There are downhill and uneven paths, plus cobblestones to walk over. There may be long lines to view the Black Virgin up close. This excursion may operate in reverse. Access to the Basilica might be denied if mass is taking place. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter monastery. This tour will end at the airport and is available only to guests whose flights leave at 3:00 p.m. or later.

Setting out from the port by coach, you will find it easy to relax and enjoy this driving tour of Spain's most fascinating city, Barcelona, a lovely Mediterranean stronghold of architectural interest. You will drive along one of Barcelona's most famous streets, the Passeig de Gracia, lined with different Modernist buildings, many of which were designed by architect Antoni Gaudí . Watch for Casa Batlló, an iconic Barcelona landmark and Casa Mila. You will drive by one of Gaudí's masterpieces - the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church (outside visit). This is a site not to be missed. Though construction was started in 1882 it is still unfinished. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most-visited building in Barcelona, and immediately identifies the city around the world. From here you'll head up to the viewpoint in Montjuic with the most exceptional views of Barcelona and its impressive harbor. Please note: This tour will end at your Windstar hotel. This tour is available only to guests staying overnight in Barcelona. An inside visit to the Sagrada Familia is not included. The Cathedral is closed to tours.

You will meet your guide at the pier and board a shuttle bus for the 15-minute drive to the center of Sorrento . This small town is wonderfully located over steep white cliffs and offers a fantastic view over the Bay of Naples. Sorrento lies on a Tufa terrace and is enclosed by impressive rocks of the limestone mountains. For 2000 years visitors from all over the world have been attracted to Sorrento by breathtaking sunsets and the fragrances of orange and lemon gardens. Enjoy a guided visit of the old town, stroll along the colorful streets and admire the beautiful churches, the most famous the Cathedral, in Romanesque style dedicated to the Saints Giacomo and Filippo and built during the 15th century. Stop in the Main Square, Piazza Tasso , which is the center of the Sorrentine life and enjoy the wonderful panorama on the Gulf of Naples from the Gardens overlooking the port. Your shuttle bus will then take you to the farm house were you will experience the work of local modern farmers! Take your time to taste local fresh products such as Caprese salad, eggplants, bruschetta, local wine and limoncello. Return back by shuttle to your ship. Please note : This tour is not for guests with physical limitations or using wheelchairs as it involves walking over uneven terrain. Wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Please note : Capacity: 3-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it's in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

No additional details available for this excursion.

From the pier, you'll take a 1-3/4-hour ride by motor coach to the remarkable UNESCO Site ruins of Pompeii , perfectly preserved since the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Learn about the excavation techniques and what the residents were doing at the time of the eruption, and you'll gain an insight into the lives of the ancient Romans as you discover baths, theaters, temples, markets and the huge forum with the Arch of Nero . After your tour, you will be driven back to Sorrento to meet your Windstar yacht. Please note: This tour involves considerable walking on uneven pathways. Bring a sun hat, as shade is limited. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Lunch is not included.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Please note : Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it's in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

The city of Herculaneum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded around the 4th century B.C., copying the geometric regularity of the layout of Naples. Its "decumani" (main streets) have an east-west orientation, while the "cardines" (narrower streets) run north-south. There is undeniably a "feeling" about Herculaneum, quite different from Pompeii, where you get the impression that its ancient population of 5,000 packed up and left only moments ago. Herculaneum was smaller than Pompeii but is better preserved simply because, while hot ashes consumed the wood of Pompeii's buildings, Herculaneum was covered by hot mud which sealed and protected entire city blocks. This means that marble floors, mosaics, paintings and carbonized woods can still be admired today. You will discover the ancient luxurious properties and villas including the House of the Mosaic , the House of Deer , the Thermae (baths) and the House of Carbonized Furniture . After a guided tour, you will be driven back to meet the yacht in Sorrento. Please note : This tour involves considerable walking on uneven pathways. Bring a sun hat, as shade is limited. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

A private motorboat takes you along the coast to Positano, once a sleepy little fishing village and the secret haunt of painters and writers. Its charms are still evident. Square, white Moorish-style houses are set in luxurious gardens, and descend in steep steps down the mountainside to the bay. Offshore is Galli Island, the legendary home of Sirens. Positano is embroidered with narrow lanes and steps and dominated by the splendid dome covered in polychrome majolica at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta . Piazzettas and cafés are filled with people pausing during the 100-step climb that leads up the hillside. Enjoy time at leisure for shopping and for a satisfying drink at a café. Please note : This tour is not for guests with physical limitations as it involves a great deal of walking over uneven terrain. However, walking up the steps is optional and not required. Wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Your tour will begin with a pleasant 50-minute drive to the Gambino Winery . On the eastern side of the Etna volcano, in the woods of the National Park and facing the sea of Taormina, the Gambino vineyards are a pleasure for your senses and for your heart. A pleasure for your sight too, because they represent one of the best models of Etna vineyards of high altitude: in an exclusive natural environment, at 2,625 feet above sea level, the vineyards lay on sunny and airy terracing that have a breathtaking panorama. A pleasure for your sense of smell, for the unmistakable perfumes of the volcano vegetation. A pleasure for your heart, because the vineyards and wine are great passion that, for over 20 years, involves and guides the Gambino family. Enter into the world of wine immersed in high ground vineyards and local flavors. In such a unique and striking setting for a wine tasting, carefully conducted by in-house sommeliers and accompanied by typical delicacies of the region. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes. You will taste four Gambino wines accompanied by local snacks.

Journey to the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano, rising 10,723 feet above the island of Sicily. Travel along a scenic coastal highway before ascending through a fertile landscape of lush vineyards, citrus groves, and traditional villages such as Santa Venerina and Zafferana Etnea. As you climb higher, the scenery transforms into stark volcanic terrain leading to the Sapienza Refuge. Here, you’ll explore the Crateri Silvestri, small craters surrounded by vast fields of grey lava shaped by past eruptions, including the powerful flow of 1983. Take in sweeping views, observe the dramatic volcanic formations, and enjoy free time before returning to the pier. Notes: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Due to the high altitude, bring a light jacket or sweater.

For those with an appreciation of "The Godfather" series, many of the places visited in this tour will seem familiar. Leaving the pier by coach, you will begin with a brief drive through Messina for a 45-minute drive via the freeway and then motor along the coastal road bordered by villas, flowering gardens, and picturesque villages to reach Savoca . Its scenic beauty and historical-artistic heritage makes Savoca, one of the most attractive and unknown places of Sicily. In a private house in the village, "Bar Vitelli," houses a collection of local artisans' tools and photographs taken when Francis Ford Coppola shot scenes of "The Godfather II." After a typical refreshment begin a walking tour along the village's main street past two Churches of the 15th and 16th centuries, ( Santa Lucia and San Michele ) and to enjoy the view over the valley. Continue to Forza d'Agro, a 20-minute drive towards Taormina , a charming little village overlooking the Arab-Norman castle of Capo Sant'Alessio. In 1990, Al Pacino and Sophia Coppola arrived there to shoot scenes for the film, "The Godfather III." From the main square, a lane leads up to the circular steps, which ascend to the Gothic-Catalan portal in front of the Church of St. Agostino also known as "Triade. " Before departing, see the Baroque Chiesa Madre. Please note : Due to the amount of walking this tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties. Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over uneven terrain, gravel paths, inclines and 30-75 steps. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Please note that this tour has no interior visits.

Embark on a scenic boat tour along the stunning coastline of Taormina, where you’ll cruise past the Coral Grotto and Lovers Grotto before reaching the picturesque Bay of Taormina, home to Capo Taormina and the unique prickly pear rock. Sail around the beautiful Isola Bella and continue to the serene Bay of Mazzarò. During a 20-minute stop, enjoy local refreshments featuring almond cookies, traditional cannoli, and a glass of prosecco. Weather permitting, take the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters near Isola Bella before returning to the pier. This relaxing tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, local flavors, and coastal charm. Please Note: We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothing, as there are no changing facilities available. Please bring a bottle of water, hat and sunscreen.  

On this excursion you have the opportunity to spend time on your own in Taormina. Your tour will begin with a pleasant drive to Taormina. Built in the 3rd century B.C., the city was later almost completely renovated by the Roman s. It is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea, with a medieval character that will delight you. You will stop near the center of Taormina, where you'll have time on your own to enjoy the town. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore . See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Please note : Capacity: 4-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it's in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Please note : Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it's in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Founded in the 6th century B.C. by Greeks from Naples, Taormina was subsequently taken over by the Romans. Many of its narrow cobblestone streets are closed to traffic, making the main part of Taormina accessible only by foot. Your guide will take you on a guided walk that includes the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the bustling main street of Corso Umberto , lined with former mansions of enchanting architecture and balconies that brim with flowers. Stop briefly in the inner courtyard of the medieval Corvaja Palace and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and snow-capped Mount Etna in the distance as you gaze from the balcony of Piazza IX Aprile. Follow your guide up the narrow street that leads to the Greco-Roman Theatre . Taormina's most famous antique dates back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries B.C. and still hosts performances today. The theatre's dramatic location is nothing less than breathtaking. The tiny village of Castelmola is strategically located near Taormina, a splendid site with panoramic views. The focus of the village is the attractive Piazzetta del Duomo with its fine, intricate paving. From various points there are wonderful views of Mount Etna, the north coast and the beaches below. You will have time to indulge in browsing the many shops and boutiques that line the main street. Please note : This tour involves walking over cobbled and uneven surfaces and is not recommended for those with limited mobility or who tire easily. Buses are not permitted in Taormina and many parts are accessible only by foot. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Guests will get to the city center from the parking lot by lifts.Keep in mind Taormina can be very crowded.