Windstar Mediterranean Cruise

Windstar Star Legend 18-day Mediterranean Cruise

"Mediterranean Memoirs" Itinerary

The Ship

Star Legend is a 512 ft. all-suite motor yacht accommodating up to 312 passengers.

Star Legend Photo Album

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity. Nestled on the banks of the Tagus River, it is renowned for its stunning hills, colorful neighborhoods, and rich cultural heritage.

 

We arrived in Lisbon two days prior to the departure of the cruise, and since we had already visited the city, we relaxed, visited a nearby park, and enjoyed some delicious local cuisine.

 

The ports we visited on the cruise are listed below. Click on the Photo Album links to view the photos .

Lisbon Photo Album

 

Portimão, Portugal

Portimão, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, is a charming coastal city known for its stunning beaches, vibrant marina, and rich maritime heritage. Once a bustling fishing port, it has transformed into a popular tourist destination while retaining its authentic charm.

We took an excursion to the Western Algarve, visiting the cliffs of Ponta da Pierdade and the historical town of Lagos.

Portimão Photo Album

 

 

 

Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic hub, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends modernity with rich cultural heritage. Known for its stunning architecture and bustling atmosphere, Casablanca is a gateway to the country's diverse offerings.

Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. This architectural marvel features a stunning minaret that rises 210 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can admire its intricate design and breathtaking ocean views.

In Casablanca, we took a private tour of the city and the spectacular Hassan II Mosque.

Casablanca Photo Album

 

 

 

Cádiz, Spain

 

Cádiz, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, is a captivating coastal city located in southwestern Spain. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, it boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Our walking tour took us through the narrow, winding streets of Cádiz's Old Town and its charming plazas, colorful buildings, and centuries-old churches, including the iconic Cádiz Cathedral with its striking golden dome.

 

We had been in Cádiz on a previous cruise, but didn't have the opportunity to explore the city, so this time we enjoyed an informative walking tour.

Cadiz Photo Album

 

 

 

Gibraltar, UK

 

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a unique blend of cultural influences and stunning natural beauty. Famous for its iconic limestone rock, Gibraltar offers breathtaking views and a rich tapestry of history. This towering monolith stands 426 meters high and is home to diverse wildlife, including the famous Barbary macaque.

Our tour included a visit to St. Michael’s Cave: This impressive natural cavern is adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The cave also hosts concerts and events due to its remarkable acoustics.

 

 

Gibraltar Photo Album

 

 

 

Málaga, Spain

Málaga, a vibrant city on Spain's Costa del Sol, is renowned for its rich history, stunning beaches, and lively cultural scene. As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, this coastal gem beautifully blends tradition and modernity.

The ship was docked in Málaga for two days. On the first day we took an full day tour to the "Cave Village" of Setenil de las Bodegas and the "White Village" of Ronda. On the second day, Jamey stayed aboard the ship and Ken walked around town, taking some photos.

Málaga Photo Album

 

 

 

Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain

Setenil de las Bodegas is a picturesque village located in the province of Cádiz, Spain. Renowned for its unique architecture, many of the town's houses are built into and under massive rock overhangs, creating a striking visual contrast between the natural landscape and human habitation. This charming Andalusian town is characterized by its narrow, winding streets and whitewashed buildings, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Spanish life.

Setenil de las Bodegas Photo Album

 

Ronda, Spain

Ronda is a captivating city in the province of Málaga, Spain, perched atop a dramatic cliff overlooking the El Tajo gorge. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, Ronda is one of the oldest towns in Spain, with roots dating back to Roman and Moorish times.

Ronda has inspired many artists and writers over the centuries, including Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. Its blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery makes it a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic Andalusian experience.

Ronda Photo Album

 

Cartagena, Spain

Cartagena is a vibrant port city located in the southeastern region of Spain, within the autonomous community of Murcia. With a rich history that spans over 2,000 years, Cartagena has been a significant naval base and trading hub since its founding by the Carthaginians in 227 BC.

We didn't plan any excursions in Cartagena and enjoyed strolling around the town on our own.

Cartagena Photo Album

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia in Spain, is a dynamic city known for its unique blend of art, architecture, and Mediterranean charm. Renowned for its stunning landmarks, lively atmosphere, and rich history, Barcelona attracts millions of visitors each year.

We visited Barcelona in 2015 before departing on a trans-Atlantic cruise so this time we chose to walk around town. It was a good distance from the port to town, but we eventually made it. We revisited Las Ramblas (A tree-lined pedestrian street) and Mercat de la Boqueria (Famous indoor public market). We took a taxi back to the ship!

Unbeknownst to us, the Louie Vuitton America's Cup was being held there and we enjoyed walking through the marina and race village, looking at the beautiful boats!

Barcelona Photo Album

Cagliari, Sardinia,  Italy

Cagliari, the vibrant capital of Sardinia, Italy, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Nestled along the southern coast, this city boasts picturesque beaches, such as Poetto, and a charming old town characterized by narrow streets and historic architecture.

We met our tour guide just outside the port and walked all over this picturesque town From a viewpoint high above the harbor we could see our ship at dock. A visit to a recommended gelato cafe completed our tour.

Cagliari Photo Album

Trapani, Sicily, Italy

Trapani, located on the western coast of Sicily, Italy, is a picturesque coastal town known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. With its charming old town, characterized by narrow streets and baroque architecture, Trapani offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past as a significant port city.

We joined a Windstar walking tour to see the sights of this interesting city. Included in the tour was a delicious cannoli and coffee at a street side cafe. After the tour, we set out on our own, and walked to Spiaggia Torre di Ligny, built in 1671 on the extreme tip of Trapani to better protect the coast.

Trapani Photo Album

Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Nestled high above the picturesque town of Taormina, Castelmola is a charming hilltop village in Sicily, Italy. Known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, this quaint destination is steeped in history and offers a unique blend of ancient architecture and natural beauty.

Taormina is a stunning coastal town located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina offers visitors a perfect blend of ancient ruins and modern charm.

Taormina was exceptionally crowded, almost to the point of being uncomfortable. On the way back to the bus we stopped at a restaurant for a wood-fired pizza and local beer.

Castelmola and Taormina Photo Album

Argostoli, Greece

Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia, one of the largest islands in Greece. Nestled along a picturesque bay, this charming town is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere.

We strolled along the waterfront promenade lined with cafes and shops. At a bakery, we bought a box of loukoumades, small, round balls of fried dough, covered with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. Yes, I ate too many!

The harbor of Argostoli is an important foraging area for the region’s sea turtles. We were fortunate to spot a couple and enjoyed watching them. 

Argostoli Photo Album

Corfu, Greece

Corfu, a lush and enchanting island in the Ionian Sea, is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its picturesque villages, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, Corfu offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

We booked a walking and food tour of Corfu, but weren't prepared for the amount of food that was offered. Having had breakfast before leaving the ship, we were too full to take advantage of all the tasty dishes, and more loukoumades!

Corfu Photo Album

Itea, Greece

Itea is a charming seaside town located on the Gulf of Corinth, near the ancient site of Delphi. Known for its picturesque waterfront and stunning mountain backdrop, Itea offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and rich history.

Itea is the port for tours to the ancient ruins of Delphi—once considered the center of the world in Greek mythology. We didn't opt to visit Delphi, so Jamey stayed aboard the ship and Ken strolled the waterfront. The ship was only in port for five hours.

Itea Photo Album

 

Corinth Canal, Greece

The Corinth Canal is a stunning artificial waterway in Greece that connects the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea, effectively separating the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece. Completed in 1893, this remarkable feat of engineering is approximately 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) long and only 21.3 meters (70 feet) wide at its narrowest point.

 

 

Corinth Canal Photo Album

Greece: Crete, Cyclades Islands, and Athens

The Venetian Harbor of Chania, Crete

Greece: Crete, Southern Cyclades Islands, and Athens
September 1 - October 11, 2022

Our trip to Greece was postponed from 2019 due to the Covid-19 virus. After deciding it was safe enough to travel internationally, Ken completed the research he had begun three years earlier, and booked the flights, ferry trips, lodging, and tours.

We visited the island of Crete. Then we went to Naxos and Paros, part of the Cyclades, an island group in the Aegean Sea. In addition, we spent four days in the capital city of Athens before returning home.

Crete Island

Our first stop would be the island of Crete. Located 160 kilometers south of mainland Greece and 320 kilometers north of Africa, Crete is the largest and most populous Greek island and the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Chania

We flew into the western part of Crete and spent five nights in the historic Venetian port city of Chania. The Capt. Vasilis Traditional Hotel is housed in a 16th century Venetian building and only has five rooms. Our room overlooked the old harbor.

From Chania, we went on the 7 Villages of Apokoronas tour visiting the Apokoronas region of East Chania—an area known for its quaint villages, green hills, and stunning scenery. Highlights of the tour included the Ottoman Fortress of Aptera, a local cheese factory, and a raki (local spirit) distillery.

Chania Photo Album

Rethymno

Having read that Rethymno had a scenic old harbor like Chania, we were anxious to see it. We walked to the bus station and took an hour-long bus ride to the nearby city. We strolled around the old fortress and waterfront, stopping at a popular seaside cafe, operated by a rather colorful character, for a fabulous lunch.

Rethymno Photo Album

Heraklion

For the sake of logistics, we would have to stay in the city of Heraklion (146 km East of Chania) before catching the ferry to Naxos Island. However, there were plenty of things to see in the city. We stayed there for two nights which gave us a full day for sightseeing. Our hotel was located right on the waterfront with a great view of the harbor and right across the street from many wonderful seafood restaurants.

We had decided to bypass the archaeological site at Knossos and, instead, visit the highly-acclaimed Archaeological Museum. After touring the museum, we strolled around this very interesting city.

Heraklion Photo Album

Naxos Island

Our ferry left Heraklion early in the morning, stopping at Santorini, then continuing on to Naxos.

Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades Island group in the Aegean Sea. We stayed in an Airbnb rental conveniently located a short walk from the scenic harbor and all its shops, cafes, and restaurants. Sitting in a waterfront café, drinking an Aperol Spritz, was the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Grecian sunsets - it became a nightly ritual.

While staying on Naxos, we went on a day tour which included the Temple of Demeter, a traditional olive press in Damalas, the fishing village of Apollonas, and the Panagia Drossiani Monastery, one of the oldest Byzantine churches in the Balkans.

 

Naxos Photo Album

Paros Island

Although only a short distance from Naxos, our ferry traveled north to Mikonos before turning south to Paros Town. It was a sunny day and nice to be on the water.

One of the Cyclades Island group, Paros lies just to the west of Naxos, separated by a channel about 8 kilometers (5 miles) wide. Historically, Paros was known for its fine white marble, which gave rise to the term "Parian" to describe marble or china of similar qualities.

We had rented a cute little house, with a large covered front porch, close to the seaside. All the paths to the house were down narrow lanes lined with whitewashed buildings, draped with bougainvillea.

Paros has an excellent island-wide bus service that we used to visit many of the other villages on the island. We also took the ferry to the nearby island of Antiparos.

 

Paros Photo Album

Lefkes

Lefkes is the largest village in the island's interior. It was settled high in the mountains to evade the 17th century pirates. It is very scenic with steep, narrow stairways winding throughout the village. 

Lefkes Photo Album

Naoussa

Naoussa, located about 10 km northeast of Paros Town, is a quaint fishing village turned tourist destination. The scenic old harbor is still used as a fishing port and is occupied with colorful working boats.

Naoussa Photo Album

Antiparos

We took the ferry from the port at Pounta to the nearby island of Antiparos. It is the smaller sister isle to Paros. A much-quieter spot than Paros Town, Antiparos was made renown by one of its celebrity residents, Tom Hanks.

After a taking short walk to a beach on the other side of the island, we strolled around the village, had dinner in a café, then caught the ferry back to Paros.

Antiparos Photo Album

Piso Livadi

Another day, another beautiful Greek village! Piso Livadi is a small village located on the eastern side of Paros Island.

We took in the sights and enjoyed a great seafood lunch at a café right above the crystal clear water of the Aegean Sea. 

Piso Livadi Photo Album

Aliki

We had passed through this town on the way back to Paros Town one evening and it looked so interesting, we wanted to come back!

There wasn't much to see in this small, seaside village on the southern coast of Paros, but it did have a beautiful little harbor and great restaurants. We walked around the harbor, enjoyed a delicious seafood lunch, then caught a bus back to Paros Town.

Aliki Photo Album

 

Athens

Adding Athens to our itinerary was a last-minute decision, but we're glad we did. To have traveled that distance and not seen the capital and largest city of Greece would have been a mistake!

We ferried from Paros to Piraeus, Port of Athens. After some (much - the arrival terminal had changed) confusion, we caught a free shuttle bus to the train station, then a train to  Monastiraki Station. From there it was a short walk to our hotel.

Our hotel (Attalos) was located in the historic center of Athens. The roof garden/bar of the hotel was the perfect setting to enjoy the magnificent views of the Acropolis, the Lycabettus and a panoramic view across Athens. It was walking distance to the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora and Plaka.

It was a tiring day, but we had to see the sights! The tour of the Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora, and the Agora Museum was wonderful. We saw the Agora, Hephaestus Temple, the Church of the 12 Apostles, the Temple of Apollo Patroos, the Altar of Zeus, and much more!

We enjoyed Athens, We loved Greece!

Athens Photo Album