Visiting Italy, France and Spain onboard Star Legend earlier this year was unexpectedly magnificent. I say unexpectedly because I learned then that this part of the Riviera has, for centuries, been a winter haven for northern Europeans. I get it now. The late winter week was pleasantly cool, I loved the calmer-than-summer ambience, there was plenty of sunshine most of the time, and there was abundant culture, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. One day in Nice was so sunny people were even stretched out on the beach.
If Windstar’s first time in the region last winter was a bit of a well-kept secret, there’s good news: Winter in Europe will be back for this coming season, and Windstar’s original itinerary, sailing from Rome’s Civitavecchia to Livorno for Florence and Lucca, Nice, Marseille and Barcelona, offers some expanded options. There are now five itineraries that focus on Spain, the Adriatic and Christmas markets season.
Apparently, I’m not the only traveler to have discovered this experience. Check out “Traveling with Denella Ri’chard,” the critically acclaimed television series; Ri’chard chronicles her travels on Star Legend, airing from July 13. Watching “Traveling with Denella Ri’chard” reminded me this is a fresh and novel region to travel at just this time, and I thought I’d share five handy tips to help you experience the best of the Mediterranean during the winter.
Packing? Plan for layers and don’t forget your swimsuit
On my early March trip, the weather was always rather comfortable, temperature wise (high 50s, low 60s during the day, warm in the sun, cool in the shade) ,and mostly sunny though a sudden thunderstorm in Rome was a surprise. Pack one good coat (I chose a poncho-styled raincoat that kept me dry), one wool sweater, and a good scarf — I lived in this during the day and called it the “uniform.” Bring one pair of sturdy shoes; cobblestone sidewalks and streets can be slippery if wet. Nights are definitely cooler; if you plan to be out and about, layer up. Onboard, the hot tub was always open, so tuck your swimsuit into your suitcase.
Embrace a Mediterranean Christmas tradition
If you love the Christmas markets along Europe’s Danube and Rhine rivers, you’re in for a holiday treat on the Mediterranean, where cities like Rome, Florence, Genoa, Nice, Monaco (a super-easy train ride from Nice) and Barcelona all celebrate. Festivities include local holiday dishes, artisan crafts, ice skating, music and entertainment, and regional mulled wines. Markets, which begin in mid-to-late November, run up until Christmas Day (and some go beyond). And the markets are open from morning to night, with evenings being the most magical time to visit.
Your ship — and your suite — are an even more important home-away-from-home than usual
Ri’chard calls Windstar’s Star Legend a “luxurious and comfortable sanctuary,” and that resonated for me. On one drenching morning in Barcelona, I spent some time in the not-terribly-crowded La Boqueria, its famous market, and yet it felt good to get back onboard Star Legend, curl up in a chair with a good book, and order room service lunch. Prepare to spend more time dining in inside venues but don’t be surprised if the weather’s warm enough for an alfresco meal.
Your schedule can be more open and flexible — with a few exceptions
No matter when you visit the marquee art museums of Florence and Rome’s Vatican, it’s advisable to prebook your admissions. Otherwise, because winter is a more laid-back time in the cities of the Mediterranean, I found that I could pretty much plan my day around what tempted me. In Nice, where we overnighted with two days to explore, I spent one day visiting museums and enjoying a long, leisurely lunch at its year-round market.
Another day, I traveled by train to Monaco and wandered the streets, absorbing the ambience. One discovery for me was a series of Windstar’s new “on your own” tours. I tried it out in Livorno and it was a perfect way to experience the city, which is a long train ride or taxi from the port. “On your own” came with a guide who provided maps and information and we had safe and reliable transportation to and from the ship — and yet could spend the day as we pleased.
This is the best time of year to explore the Mediterranean’s cities
Bear this in mind: Winter in the Mediterranean is generally a better place for urban itineraries rather than the countryside and picturesque villages. And cities that are on various itineraries, such as Naples, Genoa, Rome, Valencia, Sicily’s Messina and more, are incredible destinations at this time of year.
Editor’s note: Windstar’s “Winter in the Mediterranean” episode of “Traveling with Denella Ri’chard” is available to stream. Denella Ri’chard is a sought-after world traveler, travel expert, and industry thought leader, often speaking at conferences on the future of travel, women in travel, innovations in travel and diversity in travel. Her weekly television show is in its seventh season.
