5.0 rating based on 1 rating My husband and I travelled with other Maritime/LeGrows Travel agents to the Mediterranean. Two Days seeing some of the sites in Rome, including the Vatican. We then set sail on the beautiful yacht the Star Breeze with Windstar Cruises. My new Favorite way to sail! We then spent 3 days in one of my favorite Cities, Barcelona. Take advantage of the Bike tour if you can, a great way to see the sites! Windstar 7 day cruise aboard the Star Breeze, Rome to Barcelona "Glitter and Glam of the Rivieras"2 nights pre cruise in Rome at Hotel Centrale 3 nights post cruise in Barcelona at Andante Hotel23OCT-05NOV2016Windstar Star Breeze: a beautiful small ship that feels like your own private yacht. The staff know you by name, no long lines up meals or getting on/off board, 5 star meals, spacious suites - our oceanview cabin had double sinks and a tub in the bathroom! And how cool is it to meet the ships's chef at the local markets in port with his shopping cart, buying the food he was going to prepare for us that night?!Rome: The Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, the Coloseum, endless dining opportunities, the Hop On/Hop Off bus tour. Hotel Centrale, Rome: in the centre of Rome, a 3 star superior hotel in a pedestrian area includes breakfast in the charming nook, wifi. Standard rooms are typical European - tiny! - but very clean and well-kept.Portoferraio, Italy: Pine-scented forests and miles of sandy beach await your arrival on the tranquil island of Elba.Portofino, Italy: golden ochre and terracotta buildings, designer shops, and chic cafés, Portofino represents the height of Italian artistry and sophistication.Cannes, France: a world of exclusive boutiques, palm-fringed boulevards, sun-drenched beaches, and elegant sidewalk cafés.Monaco, France: The glittering Grand Casino, legendary for its exotic setting on screen and off, is a must see, as is the royal family’s palace and Prince Albert's private car collection - WOW!Sanary-Sur_Mer, France: 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 residencePort Vendres / Collioure, France: experience the beauty of the south of France – the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees foothills, the prestigious vineyards and a beautiful harbor. I can imagine renting a villa in this, my favorite port.Barcelona: Museums, fresh food markets (great photo ops with all the colors!), the stunning Basilica Sagrada la Familia (a tour inside is worth every penny), endless shops and dining options. Take in a tapas dinner, or two. Highly recommend a Fat Tyre Bike Tour of the city - a different way to see the city strolling thru parks, along the beach boardwalk, on the city's bike lanes, or crossing the odd crazy intersection - so much fun!Andante Hotel, Barcelona: in old city center, right in the heart of Barcelona, a few minutes walk from Las Ramblas. Practical, modern and inexpensive, with attention to the environment and conservation. A surprise roof-top infinity pool with amazing views of the city. A short taxi ride from the cruise port.
