Crystal Cruises Itinerary Spotlight: Gaudi & the Gods

Travel from Barcelona to Athens on Crystal Cruises’ Serenity cruise ship and revel in the richness of Old World culture and customs. This cruise lasts 11 days, from October 13–24, 2010, and starts at $6,020 per person. It includes several Crystal amenities: 2-for-1 Fares, $1,000 per person As You Wish Spending Credit, and Free Air (features are applicable toward this sailing and the class of services depends on category of cabin booked).

If you book through a Virtuoso Advisor, you receive even more perks: an Onboard Host, a Private Welcome Reception, Prepaid Onboard Gratuities Complimentary, and a per person shipboard credit in certain cabin categories. You’ll also receive several options including an exclusive Virtuoso Voyager Club Shore Experience in Kusadasi, a credit towards the purchase of a custom OnSite shore excursion, or an additional per person shipboard credit. We have all the details of this exciting offer.

The itinerary for this thrilling cultural and sightseeing cruise is below.

October 13, Thursday, and October 15, Friday           

Barcelona, Spain              

Celebrate history and a myriad of cultures such as Roman, Gothic, and Arab in Barcelona. The home of famed artists such as Picasso, Dali, Gaudí, Barcelona has architectural and artistic treasures for everyone to explore. For those who enjoy the mountains, Montserrat is a breathtaking wonder to behold.  

   Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, is a celebration of history and heir to Greek, Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Gothic and Arab cultural legacies. Since it is nearly as close to Rome, Geneva and Munich as it is to Madrid, Barcelona has long been the Spanish link to Western Europe. It was the home of Picasso, Miró, Dali, Casals and Gaudí and has been described as a Mediterranean Manhattan, a cosmopolitan experimental center for political ideas and artistic movements. In addition to its abundance of artistic and architectural treasures, Barcelona serves as the gateway to one of the world's most impressive mountainside enclaves at Montserrat. Discover the secret legends of the Black Virgin and the alluring chants of monastic life high atop the Catalonian plains. Barcelona's ancient city walls and the narrow crooked streets of the town's old section are laid out for your discovery. You will find that Barcelona has something for everybody.

October 15, Saturday           

Day at Sea
Whether you prefer relaxing with a massage at the Crystal Spa, walking along the Promenade Deck, playing a round of golf, or learning about Italian art, your cruise ship has a wide variety of activities and shops to choose from. The cuisine is magnificent, the wine is delicious, and the service is world class. 

October 16, Sunday, and October 17, Monday           

Monte Carlo, Monaco              

Less than one square mile in size, Monaco is an ancient Greek settlement bought in the 1300s by the Grimaldi family, whose Prince Albert still rules it today. A charming yet exciting blend of colorful history and modern architecture, Monaco is one of the favorite playgrounds of the rich, who come here to enjoy its Grand Casino.

October 18, Tuesday           

Florence and Livorno, Italy           

Visit the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa and the enchanting village of Lucca in Livorno, the gateway to Italy's Tuscan region. Be sure to sample the fine wine made here, and make time to discover the timeless works by Raphael, da Vinci, and Michelangelo in Florence.

October 19, Wednesday           

Rome and Civitavecchia, Italy             

Founded Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century, Civitavecchia is renowned for its rich history and fine cuisine. Rome, less than two hours away, was the home of modern civilization for centuries and was the birthplace of the Roman Empire. Must-see landmarks include the Colosseum, Forum, Vatican, and Sistine Chapel.

October 20, Thursday           

Sorrento, Italy             

Renowned for its spectacular Amalfi Coast and Pompeii ruins, Sorrento is a magical port perfect for romance. Its rolling hills surround a charming, welcoming town that you’ll love to explore.

October 21, Friday           

Day at Sea
A second day to enjoy yourself aboard ship and explore the lounges and shops. Everyone will find activities to please, such as tennis, piano lessons, theaters, Broadway shows, and dance clubs.

October 22, Saturday           

Kuşadasi, Turkey 

With its tranquil waters and pristine beaches, Kusadasi [koo-SHAH-duh-see] is noted for its beauty, but is best known for its archaeology. The ancient cities of Priene, Didyma, and Miletus are here, and the 4,000-year-old city of Ephesus is nearby. This fascinating site, linked to the Apostle Paul, is in the excavation process, and a large percentage of it remains buried.

October 23, Sunday           

Mykonos, Greece

This picturesque Greek island was formerly a soldiers’ bastion and offers guests plenty of shops, cafés, and winding streets to explore. Beautiful beaches, inviting taverns, and friendly people make you feel right at home. Feel free to tour the island independently, or ask the onboard Shore Excursions staff for assistance.

October 24, Monday           

Athens and Piraeus, Greece              

Greece’s most famous city, Athens is considered the cradle of western civilization, and her ancient ruins, such as the Acropolis, attest to her majestic heritage. A short drive from Athens, Piraeus is Greece's largest port and lies on the innermost point of the Saronic Gulf.  

For the ultimate Crystal Cruise experience, contact a Virtuoso Advisor and book your spot on this fascinating tour through history, culture, and archaeology.