BARCELONA TO ISTANBUL (COMBINATION)

V2318-2319

Barcelona to Istanbul on Crystal Serenity
DATES : August 25 - September 18, 2012 (Days 24) FARES FROM : $6,085 Per Person

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Date	Port	Arrival	Departure
Aug 25, Saturday	Barcelona, Spain (overnight) »		Embark pm
	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.
Aug 26, Sunday	Barcelona, Spain »		5 pm
	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.
Aug 27, Monday	Cruising the Mediterranean Sea »
	Your Day at Sea Enrich. Entertain. Escape. Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360^o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at our Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging celebrity entertainers and speakers; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of our tranquil pools. From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.
Aug 28, Tuesday	Cannes, France »	8 am	6 pm
	One of nature's miracles, the Côte d'Azur was blessed with superb natural beauty. It lies between the coastal mountains and the sea, where the Maritime Alps tumble down to the Mediterranean preventing cold northern winds from reaching the coast. This sun-drenched slope stretches some 60 miles westward from the border of the fairy-tale Kingdom of Monaco. As Crystal Serenity approaches the shore, you will be treated to a spectacular panorama of irregular peaks and scenic villages clustered on narrow ledges. Majestic cities like Nice, Monte Carlo and St-Tropez host pleasure boats, yachts and all the other trappings of the glamorous French Riviera.
Aug 29, Wednesday	Bonifacio/Corsica, France »	8 am	5 pm
	True, Bonifacio has chic restaurants, bars and cafes. Yes, it offers an array of water sports like surfing, jet skiing and scuba diving. But what undoubtedly draws visitors from around the globe to this Corsican town is the startling Haute Ville, one of the most fascinating and visually spectacular sights in the world. Here, tall and narrow medieval houses perch precariously on the edges of steep limestone cliffs, looking as if they are dangling above the sea. Because the hilltop village is completely encircled by the citadel walls, there are only two routes up, but the steep walk is worth it for the unparalleled views, as well as the opportunity to meander through the labyrinth of ancient streets and narrow alleyways.
Aug 30, Thursday	Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy »	8 am	9 pm
	Civitavecchia was founded by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century. Today this port is noted for its fine seafood and attractive monuments. Located 90 minutes away is the Eternal City of Rome. Steeped in 2,500 years of history, Rome was for many centuries the center of Western civilization. It was both the focal point of the Roman Empire and of Christendom. Landmarks such as the Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Spanish Steps are reminders of the legacy of its rich past.
Aug 31, Friday	Sorrento, Italy (overnight) »	9 am
	As your ship approaches the Sorrento Peninsula, delight in craggy cliffs draped with flowing pink blossoms. Renowned for its serene way of life, this romantic port exudes a special magic. Its dramatic bluffs and surrounding flowered hills bid travelers welcome to a town overflowing with charm and character. It is easy to relax in this languid southern Italian atmosphere. The sensational Amalfi Coast and the haunting ruins at Pompeii are among the region's highlights.
Sep 1, Saturday	Sorrento, Italy »		6 pm
	As your ship approaches the Sorrento Peninsula, delight in craggy cliffs draped with flowing pink blossoms. Renowned for its serene way of life, this romantic port exudes a special magic. Its dramatic bluffs and surrounding flowered hills bid travelers welcome to a town overflowing with charm and character. It is easy to relax in this languid southern Italian atmosphere. The sensational Amalfi Coast and the haunting ruins at Pompeii are among the region's highlights.
Sep 2, Sunday	Sicily/Taormina, Italy »	8 am	5 pm
	Nature and history have made Sicily a land of striking contrasts. The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily was for centuries the center of the known world. Its unique geographic position made the island vulnerable to attacks by foreigners, while also making it a meeting place of Mediterranean civilizations, a bridge between the East and West. The picturesque little town of Taormina enjoys a beauty comprised of light, color and sea. Taormina has no middle tones, no grays and no muted shades. Lying on a short terrace of the coast and dripping off the shoulders of the enormous Mount Etna, Taormina embodies the essence of Sicily.
Sep 3, Monday	Cruising the Mediterranean Sea »
	Your Day at Sea Enrich. Entertain. Escape. Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360^o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at our Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging celebrity entertainers and speakers; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of our tranquil pools. From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.
Sep 4, Tuesday	Kuşadasi, Turkey »	8 am	11 pm
	A lovely seaside resort on Turkey's Aegean coast, Kusadasi [koo-SHAH-duh-see] is renowned for its inviting sparkling waters, broad sandy beaches and large marina. The shops in town are filled with designer clothing, carpets, jewelry and leather goods. South, along the Aegean coast, the ancient Greco-Roman cities of Priene, Miletus and Didyma furnish impressions of the sophisticated civilizations that once thrived here. Kusadasi is perhaps best known as the gateway to the archaeological site of Ephesus, one of the world's greatest archaic finds. Excavations continue in the 4,000-year-old city and it is believed that more than half of it still remains buried in the hillside. Its marble streets are lined with architectural masterpieces. The city played a significant role in the life of the Apostle Paul, who wrote an epistle to its people.
Sep 5, Wednesday	Athens/Piraeus, Greece (overnight) »	12 n
	Piraeus is Greece's largest port and has been a gateway to the Mediterranean since 482 BC. It lies on the innermost point of the Saronic Gulf and is a short drive from Athens, the cradle of Western democracy and culture. Throughout the ages, Athens' lofty Acropolis has been a source of inspiration. The ancient ruins scattered throughout this legendary city are reminders of Greece's great cultural heritage.
Sep 6, Thursday	Athens/Piraeus, Greece (overnight) »
	Piraeus is Greece's largest port and has been a gateway to the Mediterranean since 482 BC. It lies on the innermost point of the Saronic Gulf and is a short drive from Athens, the cradle of Western democracy and culture. Throughout the ages, Athens' lofty Acropolis has been a source of inspiration. The ancient ruins scattered throughout this legendary city are reminders of Greece's great cultural heritage.
Sep 7, Friday	Athens/Piraeus, Greece »		9 pm
	Piraeus is Greece's largest port and has been a gateway to the Mediterranean since 482 BC. It lies on the innermost point of the Saronic Gulf and is a short drive from Athens, the cradle of Western democracy and culture. Throughout the ages, Athens' lofty Acropolis has been a source of inspiration. The ancient ruins scattered throughout this legendary city are reminders of Greece's great cultural heritage.
Sep 8, Saturday	Navplion, Greece »	8 am	6 pm
	When in Greece, do as the Grecians do: Go to the Peloponnese. Connected by a narrow isthmus (it's less than four miles across at its narrowest) off the southern end of central Greece, the Peloponnese is a large peninsula with many things going for it. Not only are there fewer crowds than on the Aegean islands, it has just as many-if not more-ancient sites, including the temples at Nemea and Olympia. On the sunny east coast of the Peloponnese, tucked away in a deep bay, is the city of Navplion. As Greece's first capital after the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s, Návplion has its share of history, including two Venetian fortresses and many neoclassical buildings. But in fact, Navplion is the more modern side of Greece -- a relaxed and appealing place with leafy parks, small museums, picturesque streets and lively outdoor cafes.
Sep 9, Sunday	Mykonos, Greece »	8 am	12 m
	Mykonos, a former 18th-century pirates' bastion, is now a sophisticated and cosmopolitan island resort. This quintessential Greek island offers a maze of winding streets, graceful windmills, inviting beaches, domed churches and whitewashed houses accented in blue. Dotting the waterfront are cafés, taverns and tempting shops. Guests may spend the day exploring the island independently. Feel free to investigate its fine boutiques and pleasant, labyrinthine streets. For helpful hints or suggestions on things to do while you are ashore, please contact the onboard Shore Excursions staff.
Sep 10, Monday	Samos, Greece »	8 am	6 pm
	In Samos, Greece, beauty comes naturally. It is one of the more mountainous islands of the Aegean, with steep, forested peaks that play hide and seek in the clouds. The locals seem to recognize that the outdoors is the island's best theatre - in the town of Vathi on the northeast coast, a recently widened pedestrian walkway features a bandstand for concerts under the sun, or in the spotlight of the moon. On the northwest shore is the town of Karlovassi, which is edged by some of the island's loveliest beaches. The old part of town clings to the flanks of near-vertical rock, making it a rather breathtaking place - especially should you walk up the streets. The small chapel of Ayia Triada sits at the summit, making your climb to the top well worth it. This is Crystal Cruises' maiden call at Samos.
Sep 11, Tuesday	Cruising the Dardanelles and the Bosporus »
	Your Day at Sea Enrich. Entertain. Escape. Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360^o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at our Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging celebrity entertainers and speakers; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of our tranquil pools. From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.
Sep 12, Wednesday	Yalta, Ukraine »	8 am	6 pm
	Built on a peninsula that juts far into the Black Sea, Yalta was a favorite vacation spot of the czars, whose palaces remain as lasting memorials. See the Vorontsov Palace, built by Buckingham Palace's architect. Or visit the White Palace, scene of the Yalta Conference where Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin decided the fate of postwar Europe.
Sep 13, Thursday	Sevastopol, Ukraine »	5 am	6 pm
	Sevastopol’s position on the Black Sea has made it a strategically important naval port. In fact, the city was once home of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet. After World War II, Sevastopol was entirely rebuilt, an effort that engaged top architects from Leningrad, Moscow and Kiev, along with thousands of workers from all over the USSR. The prevailing architectural style is Mediterranean with Venetian flourishes. Given its military history, it is no surprise that most of Sevastopol’s streets are named after Russian and Soviet military heroes and that hundreds of commemorative monuments, large and small, can be found in throughout the city. For visitors with an interest in ancient civilizations, an important archeological site called Chersonesos is within reach of Sevastopol, providing a glimpse into life in a Greek colony founded about 2,500 years ago.
Sep 14, Friday	Odessa, Ukraine (overnight) »	8 am
	Odessa is barely two centuries old, yet it has a wealth of history. A summer retreat of the czars, this "Pearl of the Black Sea" also hosted Russia's greatest artists, writers and musicians. Many historic opera houses, museums and ballet theaters remain, alongside the impressive onion-domed basilica and the broad Potemkin Steps.
Sep 15, Saturday	Odessa, Ukraine »		6 pm
	Odessa is barely two centuries old, yet it has a wealth of history. A summer retreat of the czars, this "Pearl of the Black Sea" also hosted Russia's greatest artists, writers and musicians. Many historic opera houses, museums and ballet theaters remain, alongside the impressive onion-domed basilica and the broad Potemkin Steps.
Sep 16, Sunday	Cruising the Black Sea »
	Your Day at Sea Enrich. Entertain. Escape. Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360^o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at our Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging celebrity entertainers and speakers; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of our tranquil pools. From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.
Sep 17, Monday	Istanbul, Turkey (overnight) »	9 am
	For poets, Istanbul, next to Venice and Rome is the loveliest city in Europe and one of the most splendid in Asia. It is the only city in the world spread over two continents, separated by the Bosphorus. Istanbul was founded by Greek scouts in 660 BC and later became capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. With its 3,000 years of history behind, it has always been the meeting point of East and West. It is a city filled with wonders of architecture and monuments to the faiths that inspired them. Formerly known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, its mosques, minarets and museums span two continents where the Bosphorus divides Asia from Europe. This strategic position has assured Istanbul's status as a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange during the centuries. Must-see attractions include the dazzling treasury in Topkapi Palace and exquisite buildings of timeless beauty such as the Blue Mosque and Basilica of St. Sophia. Even those who are not avid shoppers will be enticed by the colorful sights and sounds of the world's largest bazaar.
Sep 18, Tuesday	Istanbul, Turkey »	Disembark am
	For poets, Istanbul, next to Venice and Rome is the loveliest city in Europe and one of the most splendid in Asia. It is the only city in the world spread over two continents, separated by the Bosphorus. Istanbul was founded by Greek scouts in 660 BC and later became capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. With its 3,000 years of history behind, it has always been the meeting point of East and West. It is a city filled with wonders of architecture and monuments to the faiths that inspired them. Formerly known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, its mosques, minarets and museums span two continents where the Bosphorus divides Asia from Europe. This strategic position has assured Istanbul's status as a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange during the centuries. Must-see attractions include the dazzling treasury in Topkapi Palace and exquisite buildings of timeless beauty such as the Blue Mosque and Basilica of St. Sophia. Even those who are not avid shoppers will be enticed by the colorful sights and sounds of the world's largest bazaar.