Windstar Cruises: Wind Spirit

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.

Suggested Private Excursions

Piraeus: The Ancient City of Athens - 8 Hours

Piraeus: Cape Sounion - 5 hours

At the far end of Peloponnese, on the southern east coast of the peninsula looking on to Mirtoon Sea, stands Monemvasia. A distinctly shaped great rock rising from the sea only a few meters from the coast, it is often referred to as the "Gibraltar of Greece". On the north side of the bay there are a few houses in the small village of Old Monemvasia. Visit the cemetery where in 1989 the famous Greek poet Ioannis Ritsos was buried. The lower town of Monemvasia is called "the Fortress" today. A wall protects the lower town on three sides. There are several churches around like Panagia Chrisafitissa, Panagia Mirtidiotissa, Chistos Elkomenos, Agia Sofia. On the east side of the main square stands a house with a garden containing remains of the early Byzantine church. To the west, there is the "Stellakis" house that was reconstructed and gave a lot of information about the architectural details and appearance of the medieval town. A small zigzag path connects lower town with upper town. The Fort city of Monemvasia with a one and only gate turns dream into reality.

Katakolon is a port admired for beautiful beaches. Equally important, Katakolon is the gateway to Olympia, the great Panhellenic sanctuary. The site of ancient Olympia is situated at the foot of wooded Mount Kronos in an area of gentle hills; excavations began in 1875 and are considered one of archaeology’s great achievements. A direct consequence was the revival of Olympic Games by Baron Pierre de Coubertin; the first modern games were held in Athens in 1896. Today, visitors to Olympia are overwhelmed by the impact of ancient remains and their significance. The site’s most important excavations include numerous monuments, such as Temple of Zeus in the Sacred Precinct, Treasuries, and Stadium. There is an excellent Archaeological Museum with a large collection of bronzes, pottery and sculptures unearthed during the excavations. The main reason for a visit to Katakolon is the trip to Olympia. Those guests who wish to remain in Katakolon will enjoy its unhurried atmosphere and the friendliness of the people.

Suggested Private Excursions

Katakolan - Olympia Tour, site of the Olympic Idea - 4 hours

Corfu's unique scenery, with gentle green hills and luxuriant southern flora, makes it one of the most beautiful of all Greek islands. Many beautiful buildings can be seen in Corfu Town. Corfu is a popular holiday destination for vacationers from all walks of life who come to enjoy mild climate, calm blue-green water, rugged mountains, hidden coves and miles of sandy beaches. A number of historical sights range from old fortresses and mansions to cathedrals and palaces. Corfu Town is surrounded by arcaded Venetian buildings. The Spianada is considered to be the largest square in Greece. Explore the narrow streets of Old Town. See Town Hall and the 300-year-old Church of Saint Spyrídon; a silver sarcophagus contains the remains of the town's patron saint. The Royal Palace - a neo-classical mansion - holds on its upper floor the Museum of Byzantine and East Asian Art. The Archaeological Museum has displays of artifacts discovered on Corfu. The Old Fortress, an impressive 14th-century Venetian structure, is now used as a popular venue for concerts.

Suggested Private Excursions

Corfu Town & Achilleion Palace - 4.5 hours

Take a step back in time and visit the old town of Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. The asymmetric structure of the narrow streets and squares, combined with the awesome monuments of medieval architecture, contributed to Kotor being placed on UNESCO’s “World’s natural and cultural inheritance” list. From ancient fortification systems surrounding the city to 12th century cathedrals, Kotor is a dream come true for those who revel in history. Entrance to town from the Gurdic spring, consists of 3 separate gates, built from the 13th, 16th and 18th centuries. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon is one of the most visited and impressive churches in the city. According to some texts, the original church was erected in the 8th century and rebuilt in 1166. Two earthquakes, one in 1667 and one in 1979 seriously damaged the cathedral and it continues to be restored to this day. The city is breathtaking in every respect and only a visit will truly reveal all it has to offer.

Suggested Private Excursions

Kotor: Walking Tour - 2 hours

Kotor: Highlights of Montenegro - 8 hours

Kotor sightseeing

Take a step back in time and visit the old town of Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. The asymmetric structure of the narrow streets and squares, combined with the awesome monuments of medieval architecture, contributed to Kotor being placed on UNESCO’s “World’s natural and cultural inheritance” list. From ancient fortification systems surrounding the city to 12th century cathedrals, Kotor is a dream come true for those who revel in history. Entrance to town from the Gurdic spring, consists of 3 separate gates, built from the 13th, 16th and 18th centuries. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon is one of the most visited and impressive churches in the city. According to some texts, the original church was erected in the 8th century and rebuilt in 1166. Two earthquakes, one in 1667 and one in 1979 seriously damaged the cathedral and it continues to be restored to this day. The city is breathtaking in every respect and only a visit will truly reveal all it has to offer.

Suggested Private Excursions

Kotor: Walking Tour - 2 hours

Kotor: Highlights of Montenegro - 8 hours

Kotor sightseeing

Classed as a world heritage treasure by UNESCO, Dubrovnik is a place of ancient streets lined with stone palaces, Venetian-style buildings and bell towers. The city is enclosed by stone walls, and the highlight is a leisurely walk atop these massive walls for a great view of the city and the sea. Entering Dubrovnik, you are greeted by an impressive pedestrian promenade, the Placa, which extends before you all the way to the clock tower at the other end of town. The Orlando Tower here is a favorite meeting place. Just inside the city walls near the Pile Gate is the Franciscan Monastery housing the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1391. For a fantastic panorama of the city, take a cable car ride to the summit of the 1,340-foot Mount Srdj.

Suggested Private Excursions

Dubrovnik: Pearl of the Adriatic Walking Tour - 4 hours

Dubrovnik: Kayaking the Adriatic - 4 hours

Dubrovnik: Tastes of the Peljesac Peninsula - 6 hours

Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands by Private Motor Yacht - 8 hours

Dubrovnik pick up, bike tour, wine tasting and lunch in Konavle, 5 hours

Dubrovnik & Oysters Tasting, 4 hours, from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik sightseeing, 3 hours, from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik & Wine tasting, 3 hours, from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik & Game of thrones, full day, from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik pick up, Peljesac wine & oyster story, 5 hours

Dubrovnik pick up, Kayak safari tour, 4 hours

Dubrovnik pick up, Dubrovnik and silk experience, 5 hours

Dubrovnik pick up, car&driver on disposal, 6 hours

Buggy safari tour with private sightseeing of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik tour and Coral factory

Dubrovnik tour with emphasis on Jewish Heritage

Dubrovnik Cooking class

Magic gastro and history experience in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik: Cooking Class in the Konavle Valley - 6 hours

Hvar Island is a vineyard-and-olive-grove-covered island surrounded by a translucent cobalt sea. A particularly rich cultural and monumental heritage complements its natural and unique beauty. The island was one of the greatest centers of early Croatian literature, architecture, sculpture, painting and music. Called the Croatian Madeira, Hvar is said to receive more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country. Other sights include Hvar Theater - founded in 1612 and the oldest community theater in Europe; Crvene Stijene (Red Rocks) - an unusual and picturesque natural phenomenon; Pakleni Otoci - a beautiful and unique group of about 20 charming islets situated opposite the town of Hvar.

Suggested Private Excursions

Wine paired sunset dinner

Hvar: The Island of Hvar - 4 hours

Hvar: Hiking the Lost Villages of Hvar - 4 hours

Hvar: By Bike - 4 hours

Half day wine tour on Hvar

Hvar city tour 2h

Kayaking adventure around Pakleni archipelago

Something extra Hvar city tour

Hvar: Elegant Hvar - 8 hours

Hvar: Island Jeep Safari - 4 hours

Zadar's many promenadors on the shore have a feeling they are on board the starboards of which are being laved by the waves carried by the warm zephyrus. Zadar is a town on the seaside. It is floating on the reef and closing from times a gap between itself and land, a harbor which was a pulse of its history. All the maritime and land ways led to this harbour and on their crossings the ancient marketplace was made, which became the origin of the Town, the very springwell of its life.

Suggested Private Excursions

Zadar 2h + Croata workshop

NP Krka full day excursion from Zadar

Private Paklenica hiking tour

Zadar Market tour and cooking class

Pag excursion (Pag, Kolan, Gligora)

National Park Plitvice lakes

Speedboat excursion to Sakarun

Zadar 3h + tickets

Many visitors have been enchanted by Rovinj and its beauties. At the 100-year-old institution of Rovinj Aquarium one can admire fauna of the Adriatic Sea. The Rovinj coastal area is well articulated with numerous bays, creeks, and capes. There are places of great natural and ecological value: forest park Punta Corente-Muntrav, St. Andrea's archipelago, the Palud marsh, the Limski kanal Fjord, and Monfiorenzo cave. The antique city center presents a unique Venetian urban and architectural model, built upon late antiquity and high medieval foundations. The historic nucleus is up on a hill, on a very narrow building area of former island, with houses bunched together up to the baroque St. Euphemia Church - which has a slender bell tower dominating the city. The ample Valdibora Bay is on the North side, and the pictoresque Bay of St. Catherine is on southern side of the city. Rovinj has numerous sporting associations, important scientific and research institutions, museums, cultural attractions, and educational instituitions.

Suggested Private Excursions

Sightseeing of Rovinj

With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.

Suggested Private Excursions

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours