Discover the history, culture and beauty of Italy, Montenegro and Croatia while sailing through the Mediterranean and Adriatic
Relax onboard a luxurious cruise ship as you take in the awe-inspiring sites, history and culture of Italy, Montenegro and Croatia. Enjoy all the amenities, services and amusements you’d find at any fine European hotel! Sail leisurely through the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas, stopping to see legendary ports, city highlights and three UNESCO world heritage sites accompanied by private guide along the way.

Experience over 2,500 years of history as you stroll the streets of Rome on a scenic walking tour. Visit the magnificent Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and legendary Coliseum. Sail to Capri which has been a resort island since the Roman Republic. Explore ancient roman ruins and the renowned Grotta Azzurra (Blue Cave). Voyage to Sicily, take in its traditions, treasures and mouthwatering cuisine. Cruise across the Adriatic to Montenegro – the newest country in the world. Experience the heavenly landscapes and history of Croatia. Explore Dubrovnik “the pearl of the Adriatic.” Go hiking on Hvar Island, the sunniest and greenest of all the Croatian islands. Disembark your floating hotel to stay in one of Europe’s most desirable gems, Venice. Lose yourself in its myriad of winding alleyways, arches, bridges and canals. Your private guide will narrate the in-depth history of this exquisite city from its origins to the modern-day. See St. Marks Square, the Basilica, cultural monuments and more. Finish this epic journey with dinner at a traditional Venetian trattoria founded in 1500.

The cruise ship carries only 312 passengers and has 191 crew on board –this means that you receive a very high level of personal service throughout your sea voyage.
Cruise departure dates in 2011 are as follows: June 4, August 20.

Rome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital of Italy. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to explore the sites of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. A few blocks away, Old Rome is the center of the medieval and Renaissance periods, with beautiful plazas, cathedrals, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Fountains of Trevi, Campo de' Fiori, Spanish Steps, and plenty of shopping and dining. Just across the river is the Vatican, the Papal City State and its endless treasure troves of sights, relics, and museums, as well as the surrounding Italian neighborhood, Vaticano. Via Veneto leads north into modern Rome to the train station and is lined with glitzy shops and hotels for every budget.

Enjoy a private Airport (Fiumicino/Ciampino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Discover Rome by foot on your guided 3 hour walking tour today.  Don't forget your camera as you visit the Spanish Steps, Scalinata, The Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, and Navona Square.

In the heart of Rome, just steps from Piazza Venezia and Via dei Fori Imperiali, amidst the charming treasures of the ancient empire and the liveliness of the modern city, a 16th century building conceals the refined elegance of Hosianum Palace(4*), one of the most prestigious historic residences in Rome. From Hosianum Palace, the most famous squares and prettiest monuments of Rome can be reached in just a few minutes, as well as the shopping streets, Via del Corso and Via Condotti, with boutiques and show rooms of international designers. During the summer the bar opens on Hosianum Palace's lovely roof garden which overlooks Rome's rooftops, a rare privilege for a Rome hotel. Breakfast is also served on the terrace from May to October and includes an American buffet with hot and cold foods, plus the traditional Roman brioches accompanied by Italian coffee.  Under new Roman law, hotels charge a small amount per traveller per day as a “tourist tax”, which needs to be paid locally through your hotel in Rome. Amounts may vary, but currently the cost is 2EUR per person for 2* & 3* hotels and 3EUR for 4* & 5* hotels. The charges will be added to your bill upon check out and are non-negotiable.

Overnight at Hosianum (4*).

There are so many things to do in and around Rome but here are a few suggestions that you may be interested in; consider a private tour taking in any of the following; the Vatican city, the main monuments and history of Rome, go back in time as you discover the ancient Appian way, visit the Christian or Jewish sites of the city as well as the underground catacombs, visit the magnificent Borghese gallery and Parks, enjoy some exclusive wine tastings, take an excursion into the countryside in a vintage car, enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride as you sip on champagne, or embark on a personal shopping extravaganza with a Shopping Expert. If you feel like exploring outside of Rome you could take a private tour to the Roman castles - picturesque hilltop towns surrounding the city, or go futher afield to the Amalfi coast for the day. Please let your Sales Advisor know if any of these private tours are of interest.

Take a port transfer with a private vehicle and driver. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.

Welcome on board your Windstar cruise! After boarding, take time to explore the vessel and unpack in your cabin - your home for the next number of nights!

Port charges for your multi-day cruise are included.

At nearly three times the size of her sister ships, the Wind Surf carries just 312 pampered guests in 154 total staterooms: 31 ocean-view suites, 2 Bridge Suites and 123 deluxe ocean-view staterooms. What that means in real terms is wide-open deck spaces, new services and lots of little extras that make a Windstar cruise remarkable.

Self-improvement and life enhancement have become the new dogma, and the WindSpa is the destination of choice. With a staff of 10 massage therapists, technicians and instructors, the WindSpa's treatments and therapies range from traditional massage and aromatherapy to comprehensive hydro and synergistic therapy, as well as yoga, fitness and wellness programs.

Overnight at Windstar Wind cruise (Surf/Spirit).

Romance seems to waft through the air on Capri, accompanied by the scent of lemon blossoms and fresh sea air. The most popular way to arrive at Capri is by water, which allows wonderful views of the island as it is approached. The luminescence of the Blue Grotto, and the striking Faraglioni rocks and Palazzo al Mare add to the magical spell.

Enjoy a half day of sightseeing with your private vehicle and English speaking guide around the beautiful island of Capri.

Embark your cruise ship for a mid afternoon departure from Capri and take in the beautiful coastline as we journey south to Messina in Sicily.

The Windstar Surf cruise has many public areas allowing lots of space to wander around while on board. Areas include: Wind Surf Lounge, Casino, The Yacht Club, Compass Rose Bar, Pool Bar, Terrace Bar, Water Sports Platform (aft), two Salt-Water Pools, 2 Hot Tubs, WindSpa, Fitness Center, Open Bridge, Nautilus Center Meeting Room, Degrees, The Restaurant, Reception, Signature Shop and Photo Gallery.

Enjoy another night on board your Windstar cruise.

Overnight at Windstar Wind cruise (Surf/Spirit).

The natural beauty of the medieval mountaintop town of Taormina is so great, that despite overdevelopment in the last 50 years, it has not spoiled its grandeur. The view of the sea and Mt Etna from its jagged cactus-covered cliffs is as close to perfection as a panorama can get, especially on clear days when the snow-capped volcano's white puffs of smoke are etched against the blue sky.

All meals are included during your onboard experience, including room service 24 hours. Lunch is served daily between 12:30pm and 2:00pm in the Veranda Café. Afternoon snacks are served between 4:00pm and 5:00pm in Compass Rose. Appetizers are served from 6:30 to 7:30 in the Lounge. Dinner is at 7:30 to 9:30pm – open seating. Breakfast is served 8:00am to 10:00am in the Verandah / Continental breakfast is served 6:00am to 11:00am in Compass rose.

Your private driver will collect you from your hotel in Taormina for a full day archaeological exploration of Siracusa. You will be met by your local English speaking guide at the designated location in Siracusa, for a sightseeing tour on foot of the archaeological area. At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to your accommodation in Taormina. (Please note that your driver may only speak the local language).

The crew of the Windstar Surf cruise is made up of 191 international staff. The Captain and nautical staff are European. Hotel senior staff are American and European. Stewards and service personnel are Filipino and Indonesian. Services on board include: Reception, Signature Shop, Sports Platform, 24-hour Room Service, WindSpa, Infirmary with full-time Physician and Nurse, Laundry Service, Computers, Internet and E-mail, Cell Phone Service, DVDs, CDs, iPod Nanos, Laptops, Games and Books. There is complimentary water-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, ski-tubing and snorkel gear available on board. Scuba diving is available for a fee.

Enjoy a peaceful nights sleep on board the Windstar cruise ship.

Overnight at Windstar Wind cruise (Surf/Spirit).

The Adriatic Sea, part of the Mediterranean Sea, is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan peninsula, and the system of the Apennine Mountains from that of the Dinaric Alps and adjacent ranges. On the western coast lies Italy, while to the east is Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Today will be spent onboard as we travel northwards towards Montenegro.

Enjoy a peaceful night sleep as you travel northbound along the Adriatic sea towards Montenegro.

Overnight at Windstar Wind cruise (Surf/Spirit).

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro, located in a most secluded part of Gulf of Kotor. It has one of the best preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic, listed with UNESCO world heritage sites. It has numerous other sights, such as Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166), and ancient walls which stretch for miles directly above the city. In recent years, Kotor has seen a steady increase in tourists attracted by both the natural beauty of the Gulf of Kotor and the old town of Kotor itself.

Enjoy the day at leisure in Kotor - a wonderful UNESCO heritage town in Montenegro. Arrival time into Kotor is scheduled for 9am and departure is at 5pm so you have the full day to discover the city. The Old City of Kotor is a well preserved urbanisation typical of the Middle Ages, built between the 12th and 14th century. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor an UNESCO listed "World Natural and Historical Heritage Site". Through the entire city the buildings are criss-crossed with narrow streets and squares. If you would like to have a private guided tour during your time here, please just ask your Sales Advisor.

Enjoy another night on board the luxurious Windsar cruise.

Overnight at Windstar Wind cruise (Surf/Spirit).

Dubrovnik is a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea coast, positioned at the terminal end of the Isthmus of Dubrovnik. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic, a seaport and the centre of Dubrovnik-Neretva county. In 1979, the city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The prosperity of the city of Dubrovnik has always been based on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages, as the Republic of Ragusa, it became the only eastern Adriatic city-state to rival Venice. The Renaissance era city walls, and red terra cotta rooftops of the old town are spectacular remnants of the city's rich past.

Enjoy a private walking tour with your guide in Dubrovnik's old town where your private guide will give you all the details about this great UNESCO heritage site, followed by a visit to Rector's Palace Museum. Continue on to the small picturesque town of Cavtat in the Konavle region with your private driver/guide. The magnificent vistas and the cultural sights will forever remain with you.

After another gourmet meal on board, fall asleep sated and happy and in anticipation of the day ahead.

Overnight at Windstar Wind cruise (Surf/Spirit).

Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, located off the Dalmatian coast. The island measures approximately 80 km, east to west. Hvar has a very mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches and Mediterranean vegetation that make it one of the most attractive tourist centers in Europe. The island promotes itself as "the sunniest spot in Europe", with 2715 hours of sunlight in an average year. Port in Hvar townHvar town is the main tourist center. It features a large public square that is open to the sea. During the tourist season, the port is filled with large yachts. All-night discos attract large crowds of young visitors.

Enjoy a private shore exucrsion and hike the hills of Hvar island in the company of a Local English speaking Guide. Enjoy the vistas from the high points, take in the smell of lavender and of the abounding vegetation, and listen to the sounds of nature that surround you before making your way back to your awaiting ship.

Embarcation this afternoon is scheduled for 1pm. You will get to admire the Croatian coastline as you continue on your journey heading towards Venice.

Enjoy another evening on board before falling asleep in your comfortable cabin.

Overnight at Windstar Wind cruise (Surf/Spirit).

In the rich cultures of Europe and celebrated cities of Italy, few places capture the imagination as much as Venice. Its fabled canalled thoroughfares and gilded palaces possess a beguiling beauty unsurpassed by anywhere else on Earth. Everywhere you go you'll find works of art - in the architecture itself or within the walls of the palaces and basilicas that are liberally sprinkled in every area of the city. Venice is an ever-changing, living canvas. No other place has such a mutable geography where you can discover delightfully peaceful piazzas and deserted canals seemingly unmarked on any map. Quite simply, there is nowhere else in the world quite like it.

You will arrive at Venice this morning bright and early - you are scheduled to arrive by 8am. Say a fond farewell to the crew before you head for shore. No doubt you will have lots of fond memories of your days at sea!

Be met by an English speaking assistant at the Port and take a private motor launch to your hotel where they will aid you with your hotel check in. If your hotel does not have a docking place, your transfer will leave from the closest possible docking place.

Enjoy the many wonders of Venice; Consider taking a private gondola ride finishing at a beautiful Venetian restaurant with a private boat entrance, wander the streets with a personal guide to show you the sites, take a private boat to see the stunning islands of Murano and Burano or to lesser well known areas in the Venetian lagoon. For those looking at something outside of the city, we suggest a visit to the romantic city of Verona or enjoy a half day shared tour to the outskirts of Venice enjoying some wine tasting among the ancient Venetian vineyards. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these options are of interest.

Located in the heart of Venice, the Hotel Bonvecchiati (4*) has the most privileged position of any 4-star hotel in Venice: the hotel is in Calle Goldoni, just a 3-minute walk from Saint Mark's Square and 5 minutes from the Rialto Bridge. The hotel has 124 refined rooms that are perfect for a romantic weekend or an unforgettable vacation in a romantic hotel in Venice.

Overnight at Bonvecchiati (4*).

Enjoy a 2 hour private walking tour of Venice with an English speaking local guide. Visit St. Mark's Square, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic for centuries, and learn the history that lies behind the walls of its most famous landmarks; the Basilica and its Byzantine heritage, the Doge's Palace and its adjoining prisons that retain the true secrets to comprehend how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities in the western world. Then, leave St. Mark's behind you to discover the enchanting Hidden Venice. Following a monumental route, your guide will narrate the in-depth history of Venice from its origins to the modern-day. You'll hear tales of illustrious Venetian characters like Marco Polo and Casanova. And you'll see Marco Polo's House, a Merchants’ Warehouse, explore the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Venetian Palaces, the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo (the Pantheon of Venice), and at the Scuola di San Marco you'll learn about the famous Confraternities (Schools) of merchants and artisans of Venice that provided the foundations of the Venetian mercantile empire. This walking tour of Venice finishes at the evocative Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal and the Rialto Market. (Entrances not included)

Enjoy a romantic dinner at the Trattoria Poste Vecie, a typical and exclusive restaurant complete with a large open fireplace, woodpanaling and stained glass windows. Founded in 1500, the restaurant serves traditional Venetian dishes, as well as international food, in an elegant setting with original frescos. A selection of fine wines from the cellar is also offered, with alfresco dining in the garden during the summer months.

Overnight at Bonvecchiati (4*).

You will be met at your hotel by our local representative who will accompany you on the transfer from your hotel to the Marco Polo Airport by private motor launch.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).