July 22 - Depart USA to Venice. For cruising, always arrive a day ahead of sailing so you don't miss the boat.  Details to come in Trip Tips.

Port Times at a Glance

July 24 - Venice, Italy

Arrive early and get lost. That’s the only way to do Venice right. Sip a spritz on a tiny piazza, duck into a church and find a hidden masterpiece, and let the city’s magic work on you before we set sail at dusk. Windstar’s mooring spot puts the best of Venice within walking distance—no tourist mobs required.

No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, a small ship exclusive where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from-home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it’s like to live in the city that’s neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don’t mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner. Shore tours include a visit to the islands of Murano for its famous glass blowing or colorful Burano famous for the world's fine as lace making, or you can do these on your own. After an AFS meet and greet, enjoy your first sail away party up on deck.

July 25 -  Rovinj, Croatia

The lovely fishing port of Rovinj on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula bordered on three sides by the Adriatic Sea. You can tour the maze of cobblestone streets that lead to the hilltop St. Euphemia Cathedral with its towering steeple dominating the skyline. Old Town Rovinj is a delightful tangle of medieval streets and twisting stairways. Seek out the Bronze Age ruins of Monkodonja, the hidden beaches or the breathtaking natural beauty of the 6-mile-long Lim Fjord. So much to explore a beautiful Istria. Visit charming Ham, world's smallest town. Enjoy wine and olive oil tours. Lunch at a famous seaside resort or book the rib boat Sea Adventures for water thrills.

July 26 -  Split, Croatia

Split welcomes you with open arms, Mediterranean style, and a bustling harbor lined with busy cafés. Beyond, looms stately Diocletian’s Palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the center of town. Within the palace walls, a majestic cathedral soars, surrounded by polished marble streets lined with every type of tempting shop. If you’re longing for a quiet respite, head for the western end of town for an easy stroll through a verdant mountain park. Or take an optional tour to Trogir, another UNESCO site.

Roman ruins meet beach town cool. Split’s claim to fame is Diocletian’s Palace, a living, breathing ancient city packed with bars, boutiques, and open-air markets. Shop for lavender, sip local wine, or ferry out to the nearby islands if you’re feeling extra adventurous. In Split, everyone loves the history, art, flavors and aromas of Dalmatia. Optional tours include a trip to fabulous Krka National Park, tour Trogir UNESCO site, rafting the Catina river or a Sea Safari around Ciova Island.

July 27 - Dubrovnik, Croatia

While larger ships must pass by, we anchor right beyond the famous walled city so you can admire its beauty with every glance. Tender ashore and step right into Old Town, a UNESCO site where no cars are allowed, just eons of history. Capture the exhilarating views on your camera — and in your memory. End your day at the Buza Café (if you can find it), watching bold divers leap off the cliffs into the crystalline sea. 

We get a nearly full day here, and you’ll want every minute. Walk the ancient city walls, duck into Game of Thrones filming locations, and soak up the views of terracotta rooftops against impossibly blue water. In the evening, Dubrovnik glows—find a rooftop bar and watch the sun set over the Adriatic. One could spend weeks exploring historic Dubrovnik. Walk the high city walls for great panoramic photos. You may enhance your visit with kayaking along the coast, jet boating to Lokrum Island, wine tastings or the popular six hour in-depth essential Game of Thrones tour.

Tonight it's a fine feast with the Captains Welcome Dinner.

July 28 -   Kotor, Montenegro

We enter another country today! Sailing into Kotor is like gliding into a storybook. The fjord-like bay is surrounded by mountains and medieval walls. Inside the old town: hidden squares, old churches, and cats galore. For the energetic, hike the fortress above town for epic photos—then reward yourself with a cold drink by the harbor.  This is one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, and the approach offers one breathtaking fjord-like view after another. Just when you’ve reached your fill of blues and greens, the bright red rooftops of the medieval Old Town come into view. The entire area has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The charming streets of Old Town remain car free, filled with 12th century Baroque palaces and Romanesque churches. For a fresh perspective, climb to the fortress on the hill for a breathtaking vista.

It's easy to explore Old Town on foot or by cable cars. Tours include; Blue Cave cruise with Fisherman's Village, ATV Safari into the Loveen Hills, the Baroque village of Perast. Or opt to head into the countryside to meet the wine makers in the Imperial Vineyards and taste the special cuisines of Montenegro.

This evening you'll experience a spectacular barbecue feast under the stars like no other! Be sure to have your camera ready as the Wind Surf unfurles her sails to classical music

July 29 -  Day at Sea

A day at sea on the Wind Surf is a relaxing, luxurious experience, with moments of quiet contemplation or active water sports on the ship's new Signature Water Platform, set against the backdrop of Compass Rose Bar with music soundtracks.  Take time to organize your photos or enjoy treatments in the new spa. This is your day to take it up to disconnect from tours and fully embrace the yacht like sailing atmosphere

July 30 - Giardini Naxos, Taormina Sicily

A slice of Sicily, with Mt. Etna looming in the background. Shop for ceramics, snack on cannoli, or take a cable car up for amazing views.  Sicily is all about the senses: lemon groves, volcanic landscapes, and the best granita you’ll ever taste.  Today you’ll discover one of Sicily’s jewels, the charming village of Giardini Naxos, nestled in one of the world’s most beautiful bays. An optional excursion to the popular hillside town of Taormina will be a highlight of your voyage — from the stunning setting of the iconic Greek Theater to the sparkling beaches along the Ionian Sea. Take a more adventurous tack and explore the UNESCO site of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.

The most popular options here are Mount Etna and it's gorges  Or visit the famous Gambino Winery and enjoy the new "Godfather's Footsteps" tour. Perhaps a pizza making class or Prosecco and snorkeling tour.  By boat, you can whisk away to Isla Bella's Blue Grotto and Messina. Or check out the trendy White Lotus tour offered here.

July 31 - Sorrento, Italy

UNESCO World Heritage Sites abound in Sorrento, that is so easy to dsiscover on your own.  Explore the historic center of Marina Grande with its churches and lively squares.  Discover Sorrento through its gourmet cuisines and lemoncello tastings.  Visit a farm and learn about locally made lemoncello along with Italian cheeses.

Optional tours will take you to the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Torre Annunziata, or the 4th century B.C. city of Herculaneum. Perhaps your choice will be a boat ride to Positano, the legendary home of the Sirens. Perched on a terrace on the spectacular Amalfi Coast, Sorrento offers exceptional views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.  Cliffside Sorrento is the perfect base for exploring Capri, Pompeii, or just the legendary Amalfi Coast. Or stay local and stroll Sorrento’s old town, with its lemon-scented air and artisan shops. (So many choices this day, we recommend Mount Vesuvius Pompeii tour if you have not been here before or a boat trip to Capri with the famous Blue Grotto.)

Tonight, toast to la dolce vita as we sail toward our grand finale.

Aug 1 - Rome (Civitavecchia) Italy

All roads (and all good things) lead to Rome. Disembark and head to the airport or dive into the Eternal City—whether it’s the Colosseum, Vatican, or just the world’s best gelato, you’ll find Rome’s magic everywhere.

I'm sure some of you will consider extending more time with a few days to explore glorious Rome with its endless iconic sites.  In this enchanting city, the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history.  A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.