Solar Eclipse Cruise

Home City/Rome

Depart for Rome, Italy. Please check your bags from your gateway city to your arrival city. Be sure to attach the provided luggage tags for each piece of luggage, including your carry-ons. Your claim checks should have the following airport code: FCO.

Arrive at Rome International Airport in Rome, Italy. Proceed through immigration to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing a customs screening, meet a  representative and transfer to the Sina Bernini Bristol Rome.

Your Travel Director will be available to provide recommendations for lunch and dinner and for your afternoon at leisure. Wander through charming neighborhoods, relax in famous squares, enjoy a coffee or gelato, or sit down at a traditional trattoria for some authentic Roman dishes — carbonara, cacio e pepe or a classic Margherita pizza.

Rome/Embark Ship

After a satisfying breakfast, depart for your group excursion.

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angelo dei Martiri. Step inside the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Rome to witness the remarkable Meridiana of Bianchini, also known as the Clementine Line. Commissioned by Pope Clement XI and inaugurated in 1702, this impressive solar meridian was designed by astronomer Francesco Bianchini, who drew inspiration from the pioneering work of Gian Domenico Grassini. The meridiana is a bronze sundial line set into a striking 45-meter-long marble band, designed to track the movement of the sun throughout the year. Polychrome marble inlays on either side depict the zodiac signs—those of summer and autumn constellations on the right, and spring and winter on the left. At each end, you’ll find the signs of Cancer and Capricorn, marking the sun’s path from the Summer to the Winter Solstice, and back again. This masterpiece of science and art once served as a precise astronomical tool—and today, it remains a fascinating example of early 18th-century innovation. (Moderate)

Following your tour, transfer and embark the Wind Spirit. Get to know the ship and its amenities and have a light lunch on the ship.

This evening, attend a Welcome Briefing and lifeboat drill, followed by a dinner on board. Your ship departs tonight.

Day at Sea

Savor breakfast on board as we cruise to Palermo. Spending a full day at sea on the Wind Spirit is a perfect opportunity to relax, learn and indulge in the luxurious amenities on board. Attend fasci-nating lectures or destination talks hosted by onboard experts, meet fellow travelers during cock-tail hours or informal gatherings, grab a book from the onboard library or simply enjoy the serene views from a cozy spot.

Welcome Reception: Join your fellow passengers for a Captain’s Welcome Reception, followed by dinner on board this evening.

Palermo, Sicily

Welcome to Sicily, one of Europe’s most captivating destinations — a place where history, culture, nature and cuisine all collide in the most unforgettable ways. Sicily is a living museum. The island has been home to Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and more — all of whom left their mark.

After breakfast on board, disembark for your group excursion.

Palermo Half-Day Discovery. Discover the best of Palermo on a guided visit through the city’s most iconic sights. Begin in the historic Norman section, then marvel at Palermo’s extravagant Baroque square before stepping inside the magnificent 12th-century Duomo (Cathedral). Stroll through a bustling local market, where you’ll learn about the city’s beloved street food culture — from panelle and arancine to crocchette and the famously local pani ca meusa. As you wander, take in the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of stalls overflowing with fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, and meats. Then, step into history with a visit to the awe-inspiring Palatine Chapel and Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a remarkable example of Arab-Norman architecture. (Active)

Return to the ship for lunch.

Free Time: After lunch, enjoy time at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. There will be a shuttle available. Wander through Palermo’s winding streets at your own pace. Admire the mix of Arab, Norman, and Baroque architecture, pop into small churches and piazzas or enjoy people-watching in Piazza Pretoria or Piazza Bellini. Grab a seat at a café like Antico Caffè Spinnato or Casa Stagnitta and enjoy a Sicilian espresso or a refreshing granita. It’s the perfect time to pause and soak up the local atmosphere.

Later tonight, settle in for another delicious dinner on board as the ship departs for Trapani.

Trapani

This morning, the ship arrives in Trapani. Nestled on a crescent-shaped coastline in western Sicily, Trapani is a charming port city that blends rich history, coastal beauty and authentic Sicilian culture. Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Trapani rewards those who visit with relaxed charm, unique sights, and fewer crowds.

After breakfast, depart for your chosen excursion.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following included excursions:

• Erice Discovery. Begin your day with a visit to Erice, one of Sicily’s best-preserved medieval hilltop towns. Perched dramatically above sea level, Erice offers sweeping views of the coastline and countryside. This ancient town, built on the site of the former city of Eryx, was once among the most important archaeological and religious centers in pre-Roman western Sicily. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the atmospheric cobblestone streets, past historic churches, stone archways and the medieval fortress. Afterwards, enjoy free time to soak in the panoramic views, browse the local artisan shops and savor some of Erice’s famous treats — including traditional pastries and beautifully crafted marzipan at the renowned Pasticceria Maria Grammatico. (Active)
• Trapani Salt Pans & Marsala Winery. Begin your day at the historic Trapani salt pans, where you’ll explore the traditional methods of sea salt production, walk among the salt basins, and visit a 15th-century windmill and museum on a guided tour. Then continue to Marsala, home of Sicily’s famous fortified wine. Visit a local winery to learn about its unique history, followed by a tasting of Marsala wines paired with Sicilian specialties like olives and sun-dried tomatoes. (Moderate)

Free Time: Return to the ship for lunch or choose to stay in town for lunch on your own. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Whether you choose to wander through town, watch the fishing boats come in or sip a glass of Marsala wine by the water, Trapani offers a taste of Sicily at its most genuine.

Gather with friends and dig into dinner on board.

Day at Sea

Spend a relaxing day at sea, enjoying the ship’s many amenities as we cruise the coast of Italy. Whether you choose to indulge in a regional spa treatment in the World Spa by Windstar or sit by the pool, this is a great opportunity to rest and recharge for the days ahead. If weather permits, enjoy an evening of stargazing.

Solar Eclipse Viewing

Savor a delicious breakfast this morning.

Solar Eclipse Viewing. Today, we will be in the direct path of the solar eclipse. In fact, we will sail in the narrow path of totality. Viewing a total solar eclipse is a breathtaking and almost surreal experience — one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. As the Moon slowly moves across the face of the Sun, the world around you begins to change. Daylight dims in an eerie, gradual way. Shadows sharpen. The air cools. Then, in a final instant, the last bright sliver of sunlight disappears—what’s known as the “diamond ring” effect — and suddenly, totality begins. The sky turns a deep twilight blue, and where the Sun once blazed, you now see a black disc surrounded by the ethereal solar corona, a shimmering halo of white light. Stars and planets may become visible in the daytime sky. Then, just as quickly, sunlight bursts back, the diamond ring flashes once more, and daylight returns. (weather permitting)

Valletta, Malta

This morning, the ship arrives in Valletta for a day of discovery. The capital city of Malta is a stunning fortified city that beautifully blends rich history, vibrant culture and Mediterranean charm. Founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, Valletta is often described as an open-air museum, packed with baroque architecture, grand palaces and picturesque streets.

After breakfast on board the ship, disembark to begin your group tour.

Valletta. Explore the 16th-century Barrakka Gardens and enjoy vistas of Valletta’s Grand Harbor. Step inside the Grandmaster’s Palace, the former residence of the Order of the Knights of St. John and the seat of Malta’s parliament until 2015. From there, you will visit St. John’s Co‑Cathedral, built between 1573 and 1578, exemplifying Baroque architecture with two large bell towers. Admire its lavishly ornamented interior and see Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s only signed work, the dramatic “Beheading of John the Baptist. (Moderate)

Free Time: Return to the ship for lunch or choose to stay in town for lunch at leisure. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the city on your own. Despite its small size, Valletta is alive with theaters, galleries and cafes. Its harborside promenade is perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying the local cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or simply seeking a charming Mediterranean city to explore, Valletta offers a captivating mix of cultural treasures and stunning sea views — all wrapped in warm Maltese hospitality. There will be a shuttle available to take you to the elevator to Upper Barraka.

The ship departs later tonight.

Gozo

Be on deck for breakfast as the ship arrives at Gozo, the second largest of the Maltese archipelago of islands that lie between Sicily and North Africa. Gozo is the smaller, quieter island just north of Malta, offering a wonderfully relaxed contrast to its bustling neighbor. Known for its lush landscapes, rolling hills and crystal-clear waters, Gozo feels like a Mediterranean retreat steeped in tradition and natural beauty.

After breakfast, disembark for your chosen excursion.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following included excursions:

• Gozo Gourmet Trail. Discover a different side of Gozo at its local, family-run farms and traditional establishments, including bakeries, sheep farms, citrus groves and more. Along the way, gain insight into age-old food production methods and enjoy tastings at each stop. Enjoy five food-focused visits and witness authentic processes such as bread making, olive harvesting and other traditional practices unique to Gozo’s rich culinary heritage. (Mild)
• Historical Gozo. Disembark for a fascinating island tour beginning with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ġgantija Archaeological Park. Here, you’ll explore the remarkable megalithic temples built during the Neolithic era, between 3600 and 2500 B.C., making them even older than the Great Pyramids of Giza. As you walk through the complex, marvel at the massive Bronze Age stone structures that showcase the ingenuity of ancient civilizations. Next, discover Victoria, the capital of Gozo, on a guided tour that includes a visit to the historic Citadel. This ancient fortress, fortified since the Bronze Age, sits atop a strategic hill offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island below. (Active)
• Gozo’s Crafts & Markets. Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village in Gozo, once British military quarters, has been transformed into a vibrant hub for local artisans. Here, you can explore a wide range of handcrafted goods, from leather and pottery to glassware and traditional lace. The village also offers workshops and private sessions where you can see artisans at work, creating beautiful pieces using time-honored techniques. Don’t miss the chance to sample local treats like homemade ice cream and honey. Afterward, continue your journey to It-Tokk Market in Victoria, where the island’s lively market scene awaits. (Moderate)
• Ramla Bay. Pack your swimsuit and beach towel for a leisurely morning at Ramla Bay, known as Gozo’s — and quite possibly Malta’s — most beautiful beach. Famous for its striking red sand and crystal-clear waters, Ramla Bay is the perfect place to swim, snorkel or simply relax under the sun. You’ll find a handful of cafes and a small refreshment stall nearby, along with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent to make your beach day even more comfortable. Please note that toilet facilities are available; there are no showers or WiFi. (Mild)

Free Time: Return to the ship for lunch or choose to stay in town for lunch on your own. Gozo offers a delicious taste of traditional Sicilian and Maltese cuisine with its own unique island twist. You may find fresh fish dishes, hearty stews, traditional flatbreads, flaky pastry pockets and local wines.

Dinner is served on board.

Giardini Naxos (Taormina)

Be on deck for breakfast this morning as we cruise to the port of Giardini Naxos, where you will travel with the group to Taormina. Founded by Siculi (an ancient Sicilian tribe) in the fourth century B.C., this ancient village on the top of a cliff above the Ionian Sea and snow-capped Mount Etna was inhabited by the Greeks from nearby Naxos. The Romans conquered it in 215 B.C. and it continued to flourish until it was destroyed by the Arabs in 902 A.D. It was later rebuilt in 1079 A.D., conquered by Ruggero d’Altavilla (founder of the monarchy of Sicily and the first Count of Sicily) and his Normans, and evolved into a commercial and cultural center. It was the center of Sicilian culture and commerce during the medieval era and today offers stunning views of the Calabria coastline.

(Note: Today’s excursion requires disembarking the ship and traveling to shore via tender.)

Taormina Discovery. A guided walking tour takes you along the Corso Umberto — Taormina’s vibrant, cobblestone main street — to see the archeological site of the Roman Odeon, the “small theater” built in 21 B.C. Visit the remarkably preserved ancient Greco-Roman Theatre, the most dramatically sited Greek theater in the world that’s still in use today. You will also explore the 14th-century Gothic-Catalan-style Corvaia Palace. (Moderate)

Choose to return to the ship for lunch or stay in town for lunch on your own. Then depart for your chosen excursion.

Day at Sea

Spend your final day at sea as you cruise back to Rome. Enjoy engaging lectures on board, connect with fellow travelers or simply unwind and soak up the views from the deck.

Farewell Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening, followed by dinner on board the ship.

Rome/Disembark/ Return to Home City

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to Rome International Airport for your flight home.