Fusina (Venice) to Barcelona
Embark on a 26-night Mediterranean cruise starting at Fusina, the lesser-explored side of Venice. Explore historic gems like Split and Dubrovnik before discovering the quiet charm of Monopoli. Corfu invites with its laid-back beauty, while a day at sea offers relaxation. Italian coastal highlights include Lipari, Sorrento, and Amalfi, then sail on to Rome, docking in the pretty of Civitavecchia. The journey continues to Italian isles including Sardina and Elba, and the coastal elegance of La Spezia and Portofino. Monte Carlo, Cannes, and Toulon add a touch of French Rivera razzle. Finally, the Balearic Islands Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza precede the finale in vibrant Barcelona.
Crystal Cruises - originally founded in 1988 - offers a range of stylish luxury and expedition cruises, bringing a sense of occasion and high-end service to far-flung parts of the world. For over three decades, Crystal has gained awards and accolades by the shipload – and it’s not hard to see why.
Operating a fleet of impressive ships decked out with opulent décor and contemporary innovations, Crystal Cruises takes comfort and adventure to the next level. From succulent dining to perfectly-organised onshore excursions, not to mention helicopter trips and submarine expeditions, the cruise line boasts of serious attention to detail, for the ultimate trip of a lifetime.
Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost
Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here.
Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.
La Spezia is sometimes thought of as nothing but a large, industrialized naval port en route to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere, but it does possess some charm, and it gives you a look at a less tourist-focused part of the Riviera.
Its palm-lined promenade, fertile citrus parks, renovated Liberty-style palazzos, and colorful balcony-lined streets make parts of La Spezia surprisingly beautiful.
Monday through Saturday mornings, you can stroll through the fresh fish, produce, and local-cheese stalls at the outdoor market on Piazza Cavour, and on Friday take part in the busy flea market on Via Garibaldi. There's also Porto Mirabello, a newly built tourist port with a pool club, shops, and several restaurants that overlook the fleet of super-yachts.
Palma de Mallorca, the largest city on the island of Mallorca, is the capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands and a popular destination among Mediterranean cruisers. The sun-kissed island combines a vibrant city centre and shopping areas with a charming old town, known in Spanish as El Casco Antiguo, where many tourist hotspots can be found. With stunning views allied to great beaches, Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance architecture, as well as tasty regional food, Palma ticks all the boxes.
Elegant and Welcoming. Waiting for You.
A sanctuary of refined style, Crystal Symphony is the standard bearer of The World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line. Enjoy renowned cuisine, exceptional enrichment, sun-soaked verandahs, and the most gracious hospitality at sea.