On our Treasures of the Greek Isles cruise on Windstar, we were not as familiar with the ports in the Peloponnese as with the Cyclades. We loved them, equally.
Discovering Greece’s Peloponnese via Monemvasia and Nafplio Read More »
Anyone who’s ever had knee trouble can sympathize with the Colossus of Rhodes. Built of bronze and standing 110 feet tall, the Colossus of Rhodes statue depicting Helios, the Greek God of the Sun, towered over Rhodes’ Mandraki Harbor 2,000 years ago. It symbolized Rhodes’ victory over Cyprus. Architect Chares of Lindos designed the statue
The Colossus of Rhodes – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Read More »
And soon we were being guided to Wind Spirit where she stood waiting, docked, just back from a previous voyage but shipshape and awaiting her new and eager voyagers. It’s not a big ship. It only has about 130 cabins. But it’s a sleek, tight sailing vessel with six sails that would soon be unfurled.
What It’s Like: Sailing the Islands of Greece on Wind Spirit Read More »
Pasta, pizza, historical sites and Italian leather goods are more apt to be on travelers’ reasons for visiting Italy than seeing wildlife. But for Windstar’s guests on the Yachtsman’s Harbors of the Rivieras cruise, a weeklong trip visiting small ports offers time to slow down and chase butterflies, or watch dolphins play in the surf.
Wildlife Found on Elba – Part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park Read More »
Did you know that rainforests abound in the region? In fact, rainforests (not to mention volcanoes) set the stage for our favorite hikes in places like Nevis, Puerto Rico, Dominica , Tobago and more.
In the Caribbean, Venture Beyond the Beach for our Favorite Hikes Read More »
And yet, it wasn’t just the traditional dishes, all made with ingredients from their own and neighboring farms, that stayed with me, long after we’d returned to Star Legend. It was the family’s warmth and hospitality,
Choose Your Adventure: In Dubrovnik, Embracing the Culinary Tradition of Peka Read More »
As soon as I catch a glimpse of Tetiaroa, I understand why Marlon Brando fell head over heels for this South Pacific paradise more than 60 years ago. From the window of a twin-engine airplane, I gaze down at the colorful atoll and see 12 lush, tree-covered islets encircling a shimmering turquoise lagoon. The scene
Whether you’re visiting ancient shrines, sampling fresh sushi or exploring natural wonders, Windstar’s Grand Japan cruise will engage all of your senses.
Windstar’s Grand Japan Cruise Focuses on Culture, Nature and Culinary Read More »
When Windstar announced last fall that it would be extending its Mediterranean season to year-round (from spring/summer/autumn), the first thing I wondered was this: How would a cruise in November–early March be different from one during the traditional April–October time frame? How would the new timings materially change the experience?
What It’s Like: Our Year-Round Mediterranean Cruise on Star Legend Read More »
Volcanoes are not something I am normally drawn to as I am to, say, a Caribbean beach or a Parisian café. And swimming in the crater of one wasn’t exactly on my bucket list. But I am drawn to adventure and to stories. As we were looking over the various excursions offered aboard Windstar’s “Treasures of the Greek Isles” cruise, “Sailing the Caldera” appealed to me. The description — plunging into the green sulfur waters and a Greek lunch served on board — was alluring. The Atlantis mystery made me think that other stories like it would bubble up from the bottom of the caldera’s sea floor.
Choose Your Adventure: In Santorini, the Wonderful Indulgence of Sailing the Caldera Read More »
Are you game for experiencing some of the Mediterranean’s most popular cities in the low season? Here’s the good news: Winter in the Mediterranean can be milder than other places,. Sure, weather can be chilly but it’s also changeable weather, so don’t let that stop you.
If You Love Culture and Art, the Mediterranean is Perfect Year-Round Read More »
The Marquesas are the most isolated islands in the world — farther from any continental landmass in the world
5 Things I Learned in Polynesia’s Remote Marquesas Islands Read More »
Barcelona has it all – beaches, a collection of fantastical Anton Gaudi works including perhaps the most incredible church you will ever see and thousands of years of history. To that you can also add a food scene which many would say is unrivalled in Europe, world-class museums and galleries and an atmosphere of extreme
What to See In Barcelona Read More »
Today, active volcanoes are carefully monitored and eruptions can be predicted well in advance, allowing people in places like Iceland and Italy to live, for the most part, without fear. Travelers can also, as I did, enjoy both an inner journey, as they contemplate these lands and their histories, and the actual journey, as they visit and see them for themselves.
Dispatch from Iceland: Volcano Travel Read More »
For sure, Iceland is blessed with gorgeous natural beauty. Maintaining that palatial beauty is critical, and Iceland is seriously committed to environmental and sustainable plans and policies to keep those scenic wonders intact.
Iceland’s Absolutely Gorgeous. It Works Hard to Maintain It Read More »
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
