Windstar Cruises Offers New Shore Excursions on Mediterranean Voyages

SEATTLE, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, offers new Mediterranean shore excursions for 2010. From April through November, Windstar ships sail 7-day Mediterranean voyages departing Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; Nice, France; Venice, Italy; and Istanbul, Turkey.  

Windstar's Shore Excursion program features 180 shore excursions encompassing air, land and sea adventures, cultural and historical experiences, food and wine tours, walking and hiking journeys.  

New Shore Excursions for 2010 include:

• Patrimonio and Wine Tasting in Bastia, Corsica: Wine tasting in Patrimonio, a picturesque village, with a stop in the quaint fishing port of St. Florent;
• Nora Excavations in Cagliari, Sardinia: A visit to a collection of Carthaginian and Roman ruins, baths and their mosaics;
• Diros Caves in Gythion, Greece: View spectacular caves of Vlghada and Alepotrypa and journey through them by boat;
• Speed Boat Cruise to Vis & Bisevo Islands in Hvar, Croatia: Depart Hvar on luxury speedboat to the island of Vis and then on to Bisevo Island to visit world-famous Blue Cave;
• Deluxe Orientation Tour in Istanbul (post-cruise for guests staying overnight), Turkey: Explore historic highlights in Istanbul including Byzantine Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar;
• Skada Lake Cruise in Kotor, Montenegro: Two-hour sightseeing cruise on the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula;
• Bormes les Mimosas in Le Lavendou, France: Walking tour of the authentic medieval Provencal village known as one of the most-attractive flower-filled towns in France;
• Cassis & Cap Canaille in Marseille, France: Board a train to Cassis to tour this quaint seaside village complete with emerald inlets, tall houses, boutiques and cafes;
• Murgo Winery in Messina, Sicily: Wine tasting at the San Michele Estate of Murgo Winery whose cellars are situated in an ancient, traditional Etna-style building;
• Kvarner Bay in Opatija, Croatia: Walking tour of Villa Angiolina, the Convent of St. Jacob and Lungomare including coffee and chocolate praline tasting on the verandah of the Grand Hotel;
• Historic Costa Brava in Palamos, Spain: A visit to Empuries showcasing Greek and Roman construction, art and structures before traveling to Begur where medieval Castle of Begur lies;
• Walking & Wine Tasting Tour in Portoferraio, Italy: Walking tour along the Medicean Darsena to Villa dei Mulini where Napoleon lived. Wine tasting at the Teatro dei Vigilanti.

New Concierge Collection Excursions:

Windstar also offers a unique selection of 33 Concierge Collection excursions in Croatia, France, Monaco, Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey. Due to the intimate style of these excursions, they are limited to small parties. New Concierge Collection excursions include:

• Roman Ferrari Adventure in Rome, Italy: Drive a Ferrari F430 Spider F1 along the legendary Mille Miglia;
• Watercolors with Antonia Ruskovic in Dubrovnik, Croatia: A painting lesson with a well-known Croatian watercolorist;
• Galimard Perfumery in Monte Carlo, Monaco: Guided tour of perfume museum and exclusive workshop to create a unique fragrance presented in a 100ml decorative bottle;
• Bike Ride on Lucca's City Walls in Lucca, Italy: A bike ride around the city, high atop the city walls with a guide viewing Lucca's famous monuments, gardens and highlights;  
• Bodrum Castle with Underwater Archaeology Expert in Bodrum, Turkey: Tour the Castle of Bodrum with an underwater archaeology expert to view the castle's Underwater Archaeology Museum and 1000-year-old Glass Shipwreck exhibit;
• Sailing on Caldera Lake in Santorini, Greece: Board a traditional sailing vessel to explore the volcanic crater islands of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirassia.

New Pre- and Post-Cruise Packages

In Istanbul, Windstar offers pre- and post-cruise packages which include hotel accommodations, tours, select meals and transfers. Windstar also offers Cappadocia 5-night pre- and post-cruise packages which include hotel accommodations, tours in Istanbul and Cappadocia, select meals, flight to Cappadocia, yacht cruise along the Bosphorus Strait and transfers.

Windstar's Shore Excursions and Concierge Collection excursions can be booked in advance at www.windstarcruises.com. Pre- and post-cruise packages in Istanbul and Cappadocia can be booked through Windstar Cruises reservations at 1-800-258-7245.

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. For more information including rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

Windstar is a division of Ambassadors International Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC.

SOURCE Windstar Cruises