Delphi & Meteora: Grecian Treasures Cruise Tour
Delphi & Meteora: Grecian Treasures Cruise Tour
Cruise overview
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About Athens
About Delphi
About Athens
About Athens
About Athens
About Mykonos
Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square.
About Kusadasi
Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit.
About Pátmos
For better or worse, it can be difficult to reach Patmos—for many travelers, this lack of access is definitely for the better, since the island retains the air of an unspoiled retreat. Rocky and barren, the small, 34-square-km (21-square-mi) island lies beyond the islands of Kalymnos and Leros, northwest of Kos. Here on a hillside is the Monastery of the Apocalypse, which enshrines the cave where St. John received the Revelation in AD 95. Scattered evidence of Mycenaean presence remains on Patmos, and walls of the classical period indicate the existence of a town near Skala. Most of the island's approximately 2,800 people live in three villages: Skala, medieval Chora, and the small rural settlement of Kambos. The island is popular among the faithful making pilgrimages to the monastery as well as with vacationing Athenians and a newly growing community of international trendsetters—designers, artists, poets, and “taste gurus” (to quote Vogue’s July 2011 write-up of the island)—who have bought homes in Chora. These stylemeisters followed in the footsteps of Alexandrian John Stefanidis and the English artist Teddy Millington-Drake who, in the early ’60s, set about creating what eventually became hailed as one of the most gorgeous island homes in the world. The word soon spread thanks to their many guests (who included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis) but, happily, administrators have carefully contained development, and as a result, Patmos retains its charm and natural beauty—even in the busy month of August.
About Santorini
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.
About Monemvasía
Monemvasia boasts a varied and colorful history that can be traced to the 8th-century when Greeks fleeing the Slav invasion of Lakonia found refuge here. In its heyday it controlled sea travel between the Levant and European shores. The wall-encircled Lower Town extends along the slopes of a 985-foot-high crag that projects into the sea on the east side of the Peloponnese. For centuries an impressive stronghold, population dwindled as the inhabitants moved to the mainland. But with the beginning of a restoration program aimed to preserve Monemvasia's heritage, the Lower Town experienced a new lease on life, and people have begun to return. The Upper Town is situated on top of the Rock of Monemvasia. It is reached via a zigzagging, paved lane. An almost impregnable bastion in earlier days, it has been uninhabited for centuries, but still manages to preserve its magnificent appearance. Visitors today can explore the remains of the ancient citadel-castle and visit the church of Hagia Sofia. From the summit there is also a fantastic view of the surrounding area.
About Náfplion
Oraia (beautiful) is the word Greeks use to describe Nafplion. The town's old section, on a peninsula jutting into the gulf of Argos, mixes Greek, Venetian, and Turkish architecture; narrow streets, often just broad flights of stone stairs, climb the slopes beneath the walls of Acronafplia. Tree-shaded plazas surround neoclassic buildings. The Palamidi fortress—an elegant display of Venetian might from the early 1700s—guards the town. Nafplion deserves at least a leisurely day of your undivided attention, and you may want to spend several days or a week here and use the city as the base from which to explore the many surrounding ancient sights.
About Athens
The ultimate in space and style surrounds you in 495 square feet of pure indulgence. Separate bedroom and living room with an in-suite dining area is an invitation to relaxation. And possibly best of all, your expansive bathroom features both a whirlpool spa tub and a massage shower.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Bathroom with granite countertop and shower
- Granite vanity with magnifying mirror
- Safe
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Wi-Fi access
- Television
One of the best secrets in the cruise industry, this unique suite is located directly behind the Bridge. The Owner’s Suite, previously named the Officer’s Suite, is the only public accommodation near the officers’ quarters. Following the renovation, expect an elevated nautical look for true insider-y yacht life in a tucked away location.All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Bathroom with granite countertop and shower
- Granite vanity with magnifying mirror
- Safe
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Wi-Fi access
- Television
Joining Windstar’s all-suite, Star Plus yachts in this unique offering, Wind Surf will offer themed Broadmoor and Sea Island Suites, which are inspired by luxury, Five Star sister resorts The Broadmoor in Colorado and Sea Island in Georgia.
With 376 square feet, you'll find the perfect space for time together - and plenty of room for time to yourself. You'll even enjoy two full separate bathrooms. All the amenities of the staterooms await you, plus a beautiful sitting area, and two flat-screen television sets.
Broadmoor Suite - Inspired by the design of The Broadmoor, this suite offers a traditional space with classic furniture, floral motifs, white trim with gold finishes, and wide crown moulding. New furnishings and wall sconces have been specially commissioned in the resort's style. The striking wallpaper used in the suite's walk-in closet is an exact replica of the wallpaper used throughout The Broadmoor. The resort's signature carpeting, with shades of light blue, brown, yellow, and gold, was also recreated for the space. Historical black and white images of The Broadmoor will be on display.
Sea Island Suite - This suite will offer a coastal airy space with curved arches, lovely "hardwood" floors, gorgeous inset carpeting, light walls, and white trim with black finishes. New antique-style furnishings and custom wallpapers have been specially commissioned in the resort's style. You'll never see a TV at Sea Island (they are all tucked away in cabinets), so you won't see one in this suite, either. Historical black and white images of Sea Island will be on display.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Bathroom with granite countertop and shower
- Granite vanity with magnifying mirror
- Safe
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Wi-Fi access
- Television
New connected TVs in all staterooms with the line’s Wayfinder app for finding the ship’s agenda, menus, movies and TV shows, guest accounts and more.
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 188 square feet of beautifully designed comfort. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) is swathed in luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Before or after you enjoy an invigorating massage shower with soothing L'Occitane" bath products, wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and have a snack from the fresh fruit bowl.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Bathroom with granite countertop and shower
- Granite vanity with magnifying mirror
- Safe
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Wi-Fi access
- Television
Inspired by the design of The Broadmoor, the suite offers a traditional space with classic furniture, floral motifs, white trim with gold finishes, and wide crown molding. New furnishings, and wall sconces have been specially commissioned in the resort's style. The striking wallpaper used in the suite's walk-in closet is an exact replica of the wallpaper used throughout The Broadmoor. The resort's signature carpeting, with shades of light blue, brown, yellow and gold, was also recreated for the space. Historical black and white images of The Broadmoor will be on display.
Newly Redesigned Restrooms
We reimagined our restrooms to provide you a private oasis within your own room.
Amenities
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
This suite will offer a coastal airy space with curved arches, lovely "hardwood" floors, gorgeous inset carpeting, light walls, and white trim with black finishes. New antique-style furnishings and custom wallpapers have been specially commissioned in the resort's style. You'll never see a TV at Sea Island (they are all tucked away in cabinets), so you won't see one in this suite, either. Historical black and white images of Sea Island will be on display.
Newly Redesigned Restrooms
We reimagined our restrooms to provide you a private oasis within your own room.
Amenities
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
Wind Surf
Windstar's Flagship Sailing Ship
On any day, our 342-guest flagship, Wind Surf, draws admiring glances as she glides majestically into port with her tall sails billowing. And her beauty is far more than skin deep. During their cruise, you will find the perfect setting for ‘making an entrance’ in the beautiful reception area – and, appropriately, that’s only the beginning.
When you return to your stateroom, the luxury gets personal. Windstar’s signature bowl of fresh fruit will still be waiting for you, along with rich tufted headboards, soft seascape colors, beautiful new upholstery, and fine count Egyptian cotton linens welcome you to an oasis of relaxing indulgence.
Wind Surf underwent a significant renovation of public spaces and suites, including an expanded lounge with new lights and sound for upcoming stage performances. Relax into the destinations you’re visiting at the new World Spa by Windstar, which will offer regional spa treatments, including massage styles like Swedish, Japanese Shiatsu and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi. An Officer’s Suite, which might be the only one of its kind, provides you with the chance to stay in the heart of the officer quarters tucked right behind the Bridge.
Everything about Wind Surf speaks of welcome. Come aboard and see it for yourself.
Windstar has always been known for our iconic sailing ships, and now we are embarking on a multi-year refresh of the Wind Class ships. The initiative, Setting Sails: A Wind Class Refresh, brings the tight-knit connection of the Windstar community to the forefront through the redesign of public spaces and staterooms. From a revamped lobby to a new pool and larger pool bar, new World Spa by Windstar to a redesigned lounge, this initiative also includes intricate details like new teak decks and décor for a timeless and welcoming experience. Wind Surf will complete her redesign in 2026.
Ship Facts
| Launch Year | 1998 | ||||||||
| Refit Year | 2019 | ||||||||
| Language | en | ||||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 14745 | ||||||||
| Length | 162 | ||||||||
| Width | 20 | ||||||||
| Currency | USD | ||||||||
| Speed | 12 | ||||||||
| Capacity | 342 | ||||||||
| Crew Count | 210 | ||||||||
| Deck Count | 6 | ||||||||
| Cabin Count | 171 | ||||||||
| Large Cabin Count | 52 | ||||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | 0 | ||||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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Star Deck
- Stella Bistro
- Veranda/Candles
- Fitness Centre
- Terrace Bar
Bridge Deck
- Bridge
- World Spa by Windstar
- Compass Rose Bar
- Owner's Suite
- Broadmoor Suite
- Sea Island Suite
Main Deck
- Amphora Restaurant
- Amphora Wine Room
- Lounge
- Reception
- Yacht Club Café
- Cruise Consultant Desk
- Destination Desk
- Star Boutique
- Pool / Pool Bar / Whirlpools
Deck Three
- Suites
- TX Staterooms
Deck Two
- Watersports Platform
- A Staterooms
- AX Staterooms
Deck One
- BX Staterooms
- B Staterooms
- Medical Facility
World Class Dining Experience
We've upped the onboard dining game with our culinary program, featuring an array of fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from each port along the journey. Each nightly menu is crafted to highlight the spectacular flavors of the regional cuisine.
Amphora Restaurant
Wind Surf’s main dining room has been entirely refreshed setting the scene for a timeless dining experience. Amphora’s new design concept draws from elements of the sea, such as pearls, smooth stones, and sea glass, which guests will see integrated into the new architecture and furniture details. The complementing colour tones were inspired by the horizon at sunset. New seating arrangements include curved booths to seat 2-8 people, new larger dining chairs for comfort.
Stella Bistro
Treat your palate to the French-inspired café cuisine of Stella Bistro, Wind Surf's alternative restaurant. You'll find delightfully indulgent desserts and a wonderful array of wines specifically paired to the meal. (Wind Surf only)
Veranda Restaurant
It's breakfast alfresco, full service or buffet-style, anytime till 9:30 a.m. No need to hurry. Again, the choices are many in Veranda. Choose the sumptuous, seemingly endless buffet. Or, order from the lunch menu between noon and 2:30 p.m
24-Hour Room Service
Stay in tonight and even order from the main Amphora dining menu.
A day on board your Windstar ship is a day of choices, all of them good. Perhaps you’ll begin with a relaxing massage in World Spa by Windstar. Or maybe an invigorating workout in the Fitness Center. Even better, why not both? After a sumptuous lunch in Veranda, make a splash from the Watersports Platform off the ship’s stern. Everything you can think of for fun in the water is there — swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. And it’s all complimentary, of course. Sun yourself on deck, take a dip in the whirlpool, then catch up on email or order a cheese plate for your stateroom or suite. After dinner, dance to live music in the Lounge. This is your yacht, so of course you’re welcome on the Bridge, where the Captain and officers are delighted to share charts, routes, and vistas with you.
As you prepare for another amazing Windstar day, enjoy a nightcap anywhere you like — on deck, in the Lounge, or why not let us bring it to your suite or stateroom? Your day ends just as it began, blissfully.
Compass Rose Bar
The ship’s Compass Rose features comfortable, modern décor with pops of blue and orange, a chic bar, and a new multi-purpose stage area ideal for live music and local performances.
Pool Deck & Bar
This space will now maximise Wind Surf’s ocean views and create a more convivial vibe for poolside lounging and top-shelf mixology. Tropical scenes and greenery at the bar pull in a natural, outdoor atmosphere. Soothing natural colours convey a beach scene and new arty tiling on the two whirlpools take the form of ocean waves. Look for a variety of new outdoor furniture as well.
Star Boutique
A larger retail area with upscale details, reminiscent of a luxury brand store’s shopping experience.
Reception
A new, more welcoming location that’s better able to serve guests with additional seating options, plus an updated and fresh (yet still nautical) vibe akin to a boutique hotel.
Onboard Entertainment
Onboard entertainment facilities include: a casino, a watersports platform, the Compass Rose Cocktail Bar, The Lounge, and The Terrace Bar.
Lounge
An expanded lounge with new lights and sound for upcoming stage performances.
Yacht Club Café
The Yacht Club Café can be found on the Main Deck.
Wine Room
Located on the Main Deck
Bridge
Located on Bridge Deck