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

Portugal and France

Portugal & France

Ever since visiting Lisbon and Madeira Island while on a cruise in 2015, we wanted to go back to Portugal. We did just that in September 2023.

Instead of returning to Lisbon or Madeira, we chose Portugal's second-largest city, Porto, located on the country's northwest coast.

Since traveling a long distance involves a lot of time and expense, we decided to take advantage of the situation and also visit the Provence region of France, a new destination for us.

PORTUGAL

 

Porto

We stayed in the historic center of Porto for two-weeks. Our apartment was conveniently located only blocks from the Douro River and the same distance from the Sao Bento metro and train stations.

Porto was very hilly and walking around the city combined with the 66-steps up to our 3rd-story apartment (plus 20 additional steps from the first to second floor of the apartment) proved to be very arduous. 

Porto Photo Album

Douro Valley Wine Tour

One of the highlights of our visit to Porto was a small-group wine tour to the nearby Douro Valley. We visited three wineries, Quinta Dos Castel Ares, Julinha, and Fonseca. We enjoyed  lunch at Julinha Winery seated in a 'lagar', a pit where human 'treaders' mashed the grapes with their feet.

Douro Valley Wine Tour Photo Album

Guimarães

We took the train to Guimarães, a city and municipality located in northern Portugal, in the district of Braga. It is considered the birthplace of Portugal. Guimarães was founded in the 4th century and in the 12th century became the first capital of Portugal. 

Its historic town center has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, in recognition for being an "exceptionally well-preserved and authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town" in Europe.

Guimarães Photo Album

Aveiro

Aveiro is located an hour south of Porto by train. It is billed as the "Venice of Portugal" because of its many canals and picturesque Moliceiro boats. 

We joined a walking tour and enjoyed learning about the city's history. A stop was made at the Aveiro Municipal Cemetery to view its ornate mausoleums. After the tour we stopped for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Porto.

Aveiro Photo Album

FRANCE

 

We flew from Porto to Marseille, France (on our wedding anniversary day) then (after some confusion locating the airport train station) rode the train to Arles, our home for the next two weeks.

Arles

Our apartment in the historic center of Arles was located only one block from the scenic Rhone River and a short distance from the ruins of the Roman Amphitheater and Classical Theater. The 'Gare' (train station) was also nearby. 

The city is popular for its deep Roman roots and being the home of the iconic Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh. During Roman times, Arles was one of Gaul's most significant cities.

Arles Photo Album

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse ("spring of Vaucluse") is built around the Fontaine de Vaucluse, a spring in a valley at the foot of the Vaucluse Mountains, between Saumane-de-Vaucluse and Lagnes, not far from L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. It is named after the spring, the source of the River Sorgue.

The fountain, or spring, of Vaucluse, situated at the feet of a steep limestone cliff 230 meters high, is the biggest spring in France. It is also the fifth largest in the world with an annual flow of 630 million cubic meters.

In 1946, Jacques Cousteau and another diver were almost killed while searching for the bottom of the spring. An air compressor used to fill their tanks had taken in its own exhaust fumes and produced carbon monoxide—nearly killing them before they could return to the surface from a depth of approximately 100 meters.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Photo Album

Gordes

Gordes, listed among the 'most beautiful villages in France' and one of the perched villages of Provence is 38 kilometres east of Avignon and built on the slopes of a large rock in the very scenic Luberon area of Provence.

Gordes is a lovely traditional Provencal village with narrow cobbled streets that wind ever higher through the tall, ancient houses to the church and castle that stand above the village, with views across the Luberon mountains and region.

We visited Gordes on market-day (Tuesday) and enjoyed strolling through the many vendors selling fabrics, linens, soaps, lavender, clothing, and food.

A short distance away from Gordes was the Abbey Notre-Dame de Sénanque which was founded in 1148 by a dozen of Cistercians monks coming from the monastery of Mazan, located in Ardèche. The fields surrounding the Abbey are one of the most famous places to see lavender in Europe. Unfortunately, the lavender had already bloomed and had been harvested.

Gordes Photo Album

Roussillion

Roussillion, a hill town of the Provence area, sits on top of a huge ochre deposit. which reminded us of the Red Rock area of Arizona, USA. Roussillion has been a protected village since 1943 and has not been redeveloped.

A magnificent half-cylinder polar sundial by Jean Raffegeau sits on top of a local viewpoint.

A specialty of this area is lavender ice-cream and, of course, we had to indulge!

Roussillion Photo Album

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy sits in the foothills of Alpilles Mountain. It is the largest village in the Alpilles region and serves as its capital. 

After months of hospital treatment in Arles, Vincent Van Gogh allowed himself to be committed to the Saint-Paul de Mausole psychiatric institution in Saint-Rémy de Provence. Vincent spent a year in the asylum and painted many of his most famous works there. 

A highlight of our tour was truffle-tasting at a shop in Saint Remy. We sampled summer truffles on a bread cube, a cheese cube dipped in truffle honey, and a taste of some truffle salt (good on French fries). The summer truffles have a lighter taste than the winter truffles.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Photo Album

Les Baux-de-Provence

Les Baux-de-Provence is a village 20 kilometers south of Avignon in Provence and within the Regional Natural Park of the Alpilles. Said to be the most visited village in France, with approximately two million visitors a year. It is listed among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

Les Baux-de-Provence, also called Les Baux, is located on a spur of the Alpilles Hills rising abruptly from the valley floor, northeast of Arles. On this rocky hill, about 1,000 yards (900 meters) long and 220 yards (200 meters) wide, is a ruined château and streets of abandoned houses, plus a church, a museum, and small modern tourist shops. 

Les Baux-de-Provence Photo Album

Pont du Gard

Pont du Gard (Bridge of the Gard), a giant bridge-aqueduct, is a notable ancient Roman engineering work constructed about 19 BCE to carry water to the city of Nîmes over the Gard River in southern France. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Three tiers of arches rise to a height of 47 meters (155 feet). The first tier is composed of 6 arches from 15 to 24 meters (51 to 80 feet) wide, the largest spanning the river; the second tier is composed of 11 arches of the same dimensions; the third, carrying the conduit, is composed of 35 smaller (4.6-meter [15-foot]) arches. Like many of the best Roman constructions, it was built without mortar.

I am always amazed by Roman engineering feats and it was spectacular to view this one in-person!

Pont du Gard Photo Album

Avignon

Avignon is the capital of the French department of Vaucluse in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and is on the banks of the Rhône river. Avignon was one of the European Cities of Culture in 2000 and its historical center has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Avignon is famous as the city to which the Popes fled when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. Le Palais des Papes (Palace of Popes) which was built then is the world's largest Gothic building. It was largely emptied over the centuries, and its vast stone rooms are filled with little more than old frescos, but it is still an imposing building. The Ramparts themselves were erected to keep the plague and invaders out during the turbulent Middle Ages, when Avignon belonged to the papacy and not the French crown.

Its early history is much older than the popes, however. Avignon occupies a strategic location for several reasons - it is at the confluence of two once-mighty rivers: the Rhône, still one of the biggest rivers in France, and the now largely-dammed Durance. Both were important routes of trade and communication even in prehistoric times. In addition, there is a long island in the Rhone that made it possible to ferry people and goods across, and later bridge the river, more easily than in other places.

Avignon Photo Album

Wine Tour of Provence

We took the train from Arles to Avignon to join a small-group (6-people) 'Wines of Provence' tour. We visited three wineries in the appellations of Beaumes-de-Venise, Gigondas, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Domaine Des Bernardins, Gabriel Meffre, and Chateau de la Gardine.

After the visit to the Gabriel Meffre winery, we enjoyed a picnic of bread, cheese, tapenades, grapes, boiled eggs, and grape juice furnished by our guide, Arnaud.

Wine Tour of Provence Photo Album

Spain and Portugal: Valencia, Málaga, Sevilla, Lisbon, and Funchal

Oct. 3

Today we began our two-week cruise of Spain and Portugal aboard the Emerald Princess. The cruise allowed us to visit additional cities in Spain as well as Portugal. And, after seven days crossing the Atlantic, we would disembark in Ft. Lauderdale.

After breakfast at the hotel we gathered our luggage and went to the lobby to await our taxi to the port.  

Emerald Princess in Barcelona

Oct. 4

Valencia was our first port. Since we were only in port for ½-day, we opted for a city tour. Although it was Sunday and many of the attractions were closed, there was still plenty to see.

Valencia

Valencia

Valencia

Traditional Dress

We did not get to sample Paella, the traditional rice dish of Valencia, but we did get to drink Horchata, the typical Valencian drink made from almond milk. Very tasty!

Enjoying Horchata in Valencia

Before returning to the ship, we visited the The City of Arts and Sciences, a unique complex devoted to scientific and cultural dissemination.

City of Arts and Sciences

Oct. 5

Málaga is a seaside city on the east side of the Straits of Gibraltar and gateway to Spain’s Costa del Sol. Sugar, citrus, almonds, figs, grapes, olives, and fish are exported from here.

Approaching Málaga

Sunrise in Málaga

Walking to Town

Málaga

Málaga

Málaga

We went on a wonderful, small-group, walk and taste tour. Touring the market and historic old-town, we sampled olives, ham, liqueurs, and gelato.

Walk & Taste Tour

Olive Vendor

Oranges

Wine Store, Founded in 1840

Oct. 6

Our final port in Spain was Cadiz. From the port we boarded a bus which took us to Sevilla (Seville), Capital of Andalucia. It lies on the Guadalquivir, one of Spain’s longest rivers, with a history that dates back 2000 years.

Upon our arrival in Sevilla, we were divided into smaller groups for a guided walking tour of the city. 

Palacio Arzobispal

Plaza de España

Plaza de España

Royal Alcazar of Seville

Alcazar

Cathedral Giralda

Tapas Lunch at Cerveceria Giralda

Oct. 7

Today was Jamey’s birthday and she got to enjoy it in Portugal - priceless!

Unfortunately, we sailed though the Strait of Gibraltar in the middle of the night and were unable to see the famous Rock.

Our first port in Portugal was Lisbon and we spent a full-day on a city tour which included the Pena Palace and the towns of Sintra and Estoril.  The Palacio Nacional da Pena was built in the 19th century with Moorish and Gothic features and bright colors. It once served as royalty’s summer home. This area lures the wealthy.

Pena Palace

Pena Palace

Pena Palace

After the tour of Pena Palace, we boarded the bus and headed back down the mountain to the very crowded historical village of Sintra. We found a place for lunch and because there was no seating inside, we ate standing up, outside. Ken went with several others to a port wine tasting while Jamey browsed through the shops.

Sintra Was Crowded With Tourists

Sintra

The next stop on the tour was scenic Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent.

Cabo da Roca Lighthouse

That evening, we enjoyed celebrating Jamey's birthday in the Crown Grill, a specialty restaurant aboard the ship.

The Maître d' Wishes Jamey a Happy Birthday

Oct. 8

We sailed away from Lisbon under a clear and sunny sky. After four busy days visiting ports, today, a sea-day, was a welcome change.

Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries

16th Century Belem Tower

Oct. 9

Funchal, Portugal could very well have been our favorite port, but because of the fog, we didn't see much of it. Located on the island of Madeira, Funchal rises straight up from the sea (5000 feet of mountainous terrain).

Panorama of Funchal

We joined another couple for a private island/wine tour. It was a very rainy day so we wore our rain jackets and carried umbrellas. It was so foggy that we couldn’t see anything from the tops of the cliffs.

Fishing Boats

The Foggy Coastline

Scenic Funchal, Portugal

Funchal Market

A highlight of the tour was a visit to the Henriques and Henriques distillery which has produced the sweet Madeira dessert wine since 1850.

Henriques and Henriques Distillery

Madeira Wine in Casks

Since the weather was not cooperative, we decided to eat a nice lunch at a seaside restaurant, O Barqueiro. We tried the fresh grilled local fish, espada, a long, black and really ugly fish. But it was delicious – mild and buttery and was accompanied by many side dishes of fresh and tasty vegetables.

Espada, the Black Scabbard Fish

The Espada looks much better on the plate

Oct. 10

Today we departed Funchal and began our transatlantic crossing and seven-days at sea!

On the Open Sea

Sunrise at Sea

Double Rainbow

Oct. 17

The ship arrived in Ft. Lauderdale early in the morning. After disembarking and passing through customs, we picked up our rental car and drove across the state to the familiar calm of our home..... it's time to start planning our next journey