Your tour departs from the port for the 1-hour drive to reach Montserrat, a peculiar rocky mountain range which is the site of the monastery where people come to worship " La Moreneta ," the black Madonna who is the patron-virgin of Catalonia. The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat was founded in the 11th century and is located in a natural park 37 miles west of Barcelona. Besides visiting the Benedictine Abbey Monastery, you will admire also the Patron of Catalonia , Saint Mary of Montserrat that is worshiped at the shrine in the Monastery. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost 1,000 years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, to working and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. In addition to the monks, the escolans also live in Montserrat. They form the oldest boys choir in Europe ( and might be available during the visit). You will be given a tour of the monastery, and have some free time before taking the coach back to the Windstar hotel. Please note : Comfortable shoes, water, a light jacket and a hat are recommended. There are downhill and uneven paths, plus cobblestones to walk over. There may be long lines to view the Black Virgin up close. This excursion may operate in reverse. Access to the Basilica might be denied if mass is taking place. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter monastery. This tour will end at your Windstar hote and is available only to guests staying overnight in Barcelona.

Setting out from the port by coach, you will find it easy to relax and enjoy this driving tour of Spain's most fascinating city, Barcelona, a lovely Mediterranean stronghold of architectural interest. You will drive along one of Barcelona's most famous streets, the Passeig de Gracia, lined with different Modernist buildings, many of which were designed by architect Antoni Gaudí . Watch for Casa Batlló, an iconic Barcelona landmark and Casa Mila. You will drive by one of Gaudí's masterpieces - the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church (outside visit). This is a site not to be missed. Though construction was started in 1882 it is still unfinished. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most-visited building in Barcelona, and immediately identifies the city around the world. From here you'll head up to the viewpoint in Montjuic with the most exceptional views of Barcelona and its impressive harbor. Please note: This tour will end at the airport. This tour is available only to guests whose flights leave at 3:00 p.m. or later. An inside visit to the Sagrada Familia is not included. The Cathedral is closed to tours.

See Barcelona from a foodie perspective with a day of tapas in one of Spain's most food focused cities. You will head straight to Montjuic Hill to take in the best and most impressive views of Barcelona. This is the highest point of the city and a great spot to snap some photos. Afterwards, you will head back to the city center where you will leave your coach in the Born Quarter and set out on a walking tour through the narrow streets of this ancient neighborhood. Next, cross into the Gothic Quarter to see the Barcelona Cathedral and the Santa Maria del Mar Basilica, one of the most beautiful gothic-style monuments in the city. Then, the route takes you to the waterfront, where you will arrive at your tapas restaurant. The tapas menu changes with the seasons and is a great representation of traditional local flavors. Enjoy a selection of up to 5 tapas accompanied with 2 beverages, including local beer and sangria. Afterwards, you'll be able to walk down to the Old Harbor area for some free time before your coach ride back to the ship. Please note: we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers, and bring local currency.

Your tour departs from the port for the 1-hour drive to reach Montserrat , a peculiar rocky mountain range which is the site of the monastery where people come to worship " La Moreneta ," the black Madonna who is the patron-virgin of Catalonia. The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat was founded in the 11th century and is located in a natural park 37 miles west of Barcelona. Besides visiting the Benedictine Abbey Monastery, you will admire also the Patron of Catalonia , Saint Mary of Montserrat that is worshiped at the shrine in the Monastery. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost 1,000 years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, to working and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. In addition to the monks, the escolans also live in Montserrat. They form the oldest boys choir in Europe ( and might be available during the visit). You will be given a tour of the monastery, and have some free time before taking the coach to the airport. Please note : Comfortable shoes, water, a light jacket and a hat are recommended. There are downhill and uneven paths, plus cobblestones to walk over. There may be long lines to view the Black Virgin up close. This excursion may operate in reverse. Access to the Basilica might be denied if mass is taking place. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter monastery. This tour will end at the airport and is available only to guests whose flights leave at 3:00 p.m. or later.

Setting out from the port by coach, you will find it easy to relax and enjoy this driving tour of Spain's most fascinating city, Barcelona, a lovely Mediterranean stronghold of architectural interest. You will drive along one of Barcelona's most famous streets, the Passeig de Gracia, lined with different Modernist buildings, many of which were designed by architect Antoni Gaudí . Watch for Casa Batlló, an iconic Barcelona landmark and Casa Mila. You will drive by one of Gaudí's masterpieces - the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church (outside visit). This is a site not to be missed. Though construction was started in 1882 it is still unfinished. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most-visited building in Barcelona, and immediately identifies the city around the world. From here you'll head up to the viewpoint in Montjuic with the most exceptional views of Barcelona and its impressive harbor. Please note: This tour will end at your Windstar hotel. This tour is available only to guests staying overnight in Barcelona. An inside visit to the Sagrada Familia is not included. The Cathedral is closed to tours.

Your tour will begin with a pleasant 50-minute drive to the Gambino Winery . On the eastern side of the Etna volcano, in the woods of the National Park and facing the sea of Taormina, the Gambino vineyards are a pleasure for your senses and for your heart. A pleasure for your sight too, because they represent one of the best models of Etna vineyards of high altitude: in an exclusive natural environment, at 2,625 feet above sea level, the vineyards lay on sunny and airy terracing that have a breathtaking panorama. A pleasure for your sense of smell, for the unmistakable perfumes of the volcano vegetation. A pleasure for your heart, because the vineyards and wine are great passion that, for over 20 years, involves and guides the Gambino family. Enter into the world of wine immersed in high ground vineyards and local flavors. In such a unique and striking setting for a wine tasting, carefully conducted by in-house sommeliers and accompanied by typical delicacies of the region. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes. You will taste four Gambino wines accompanied by local snacks.

No additional details available for this excursion.

For those with an appreciation of "The Godfather" series, many of the places visited in this tour will seem familiar. Leaving the pier by coach, you will begin with a brief drive through Messina for a 45-minute drive via the freeway and then motor along the coastal road bordered by villas, flowering gardens, and picturesque villages to reach Savoca . Its scenic beauty and historical-artistic heritage makes Savoca, one of the most attractive and unknown places of Sicily. In a private house in the village, "Bar Vitelli," houses a collection of local artisans' tools and photographs taken when Francis Ford Coppola shot scenes of "The Godfather II." After a typical refreshment begin a walking tour along the village's main street past two Churches of the 15th and 16th centuries, ( Santa Lucia and San Michele ) and to enjoy the view over the valley. Continue to Forza d'Agro, a 20-minute drive towards Taormina , a charming little village overlooking the Arab-Norman castle of Capo Sant'Alessio. In 1990, Al Pacino and Sophia Coppola arrived there to shoot scenes for the film, "The Godfather III." From the main square, a lane leads up to the circular steps, which ascend to the Gothic-Catalan portal in front of the Church of St. Agostino also known as "Triade. " Before departing, see the Baroque Chiesa Madre. Please note : Due to the amount of walking this tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties. Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over uneven terrain, gravel paths, inclines and 30-75 steps. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Please note that this tour has no interior visits.

No additional details available for this excursion.

On this excursion you have the opportunity to spend time on your own in Taormina. Your tour will begin with a pleasant drive to Taormina. Built in the 3rd century B.C., the city was later almost completely renovated by the Roman s. It is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea, with a medieval character that will delight you. You will stop near the center of Taormina, where you'll have time on your own to enjoy the town. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore . See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Please note : Capacity: 4-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it's in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Please note : Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it's in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Founded in the 6th century B.C. by Greeks from Naples, Taormina was subsequently taken over by the Romans. Many of its narrow cobblestone streets are closed to traffic, making the main part of Taormina accessible only by foot. Your guide will take you on a guided walk that includes the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the bustling main street of Corso Umberto , lined with former mansions of enchanting architecture and balconies that brim with flowers. Stop briefly in the inner courtyard of the medieval Corvaja Palace and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and snow-capped Mount Etna in the distance as you gaze from the balcony of Piazza IX Aprile. Follow your guide up the narrow street that leads to the Greco-Roman Theatre . Taormina's most famous antique dates back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries B.C. and still hosts performances today. The theatre's dramatic location is nothing less than breathtaking. The tiny village of Castelmola is strategically located near Taormina, a splendid site with panoramic views. The focus of the village is the attractive Piazzetta del Duomo with its fine, intricate paving. From various points there are wonderful views of Mount Etna, the north coast and the beaches below. You will have time to indulge in browsing the many shops and boutiques that line the main street. Please note : This tour involves walking over cobbled and uneven surfaces and is not recommended for those with limited mobility or who tire easily. Buses are not permitted in Taormina and many parts are accessible only by foot. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Guests will get to the city center from the parking lot by lifts.Keep in mind Taormina can be very crowded.