COASTAL CONNOISSEUR
V3220
Barcelona to Lisbon on Crystal Symphony
DATES : August 10 - 22, 2013 (12 Days) CRUISE-ONLY FARES FROM : $6,135 Per Person
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From the French Riviera to the Rock of Gibraltar, enjoy world-famous beaches, fantastic food and wine, and sun-filled days on idyllic Spanish isles.
Date |
Port |
Arrival |
Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, Saturday | Barcelona, Spain (overnight) » | Embark pm | |
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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 11, Sunday | Barcelona, Spain » | 12 m | |
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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 12, Monday | Palamós, Spain » | 8 am | 6 pm |
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Dating back to the 13th century, Palamos is one of Spain’s most beautiful coastal towns, retaining much of its historical architecture and charm while embracing modern times with gusto. Life in this fishing village revolves around water. Swimming, sailing, and windsurfing are among the most popular daytime activities, along with sunbathing and some of the best people-watching in Europe. When the sun sets, the city pulsates with a hopping bar and nightclub scene. For foodies, Palamos is famous for its delectable, giant-sized prawns, hauled in by the boatload by local fishermen. | ||
| Aug 13, Tuesday | Monte Carlo, Monaco (overnight) » | 8 am | |
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Monaco is an ancient principality steeped in rich and colorful history. Its proud monarchy is presided over by Prince Albert, who assumed the throne after his famed father Prince Rainier died in 2005. Today when gazing on its modern skyline, it is hard to imagine that Monaco endured a turbulent past. Once a Greek settlement conquered by the Romans, it was bought from the Genoese in 1309 by the Grimaldis, who still rule as the world's oldest monarchy. Monaco covers less than one square mile and is known primarily for its Grand Casino. |
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| Aug 14, Wednesday | Monte Carlo, Monaco » | 12 m | |
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Monaco is an ancient principality steeped in rich and colorful history. Its proud monarchy is presided over by Prince Albert, who assumed the throne after his famed father Prince Rainier died in 2005. Today when gazing on its modern skyline, it is hard to imagine that Monaco endured a turbulent past. Once a Greek settlement conquered by the Romans, it was bought from the Genoese in 1309 by the Grimaldis, who still rule as the world's oldest monarchy. Monaco covers less than one square mile and is known primarily for its Grand Casino. |
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| Aug 15, Thursday | St-Tropez, France » | 8 am | 2 am +1 day |
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St-Tropez has earned its glamorous reputation as a summer playground for celebrities, artists and writers. At the height of its popularity during the 1950s and 60s, one could easily find Pablo Picasso, Francoise Sagan, Jacques Prévet and the classic movie actress Brigitte Bardot vacationing here. Its famous beaches are still frequented by affluent guests who seek a lively night life and a piece of the "St-Trop" allure. Magnificent yachts line the port, as their owners rival to achieve titles for who has the biggest, the most luxurious or the best-kept vessel, or for which vessel has the most enthusiastic crew. You will certainly be enticed by the colorful sights and sounds of this "Gem of the Provençal Culture." | ||
| Aug 16, Friday |
Cruising the Mediterranean Sea
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Your Day at Sea 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 360o 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. |
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| Aug 17, Saturday | Mallorca/Palma de Mallorca, Spain » | 8 am | 5 pm |
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Palma de Mallorca, rich in monuments of many ages, was founded by the Romans more than 2,100 years ago. A magnificent rose-colored Gothic cathedral dominates the palm-fringed waterfront of its urban center. Mallorca, known as the "Island of Tranquility," is the largest and most developed of the Balearic group. Steep mountains, serene valleys and wide plains form its varied landscape. Don't miss seeing the island's quaint villages and the monastery where George Sand and Frederic Chopin spent a winter. | ||
| Aug 18, Sunday | Cartagena, Spain » | 8 am | 5 pm |
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Thanks to its strategic position on the Mediterranean, Cartagena has long been one of the most important naval ports in Spain. Its maritime history can be appreciated with visits to the naval museum and naval buildings, including the Naval Headquarters, Dockyard Gate and Midshipman School. Cartagena also boasts an interesting Roman history. The city's bullring sits atop a Roman amphitheater, and the Old Cathedral was built over the stalls of the Roman Theater. Discovered in 1987 and still being excavated, the theater dates to the first century BC. While its landmarks from antiquity certainly are intriguing, Cartagena's lively streets and attractive squares reveal chapters from more recent centuries as well. The magnificent Concepción Castle, perched above the city in Torres Park, dates to the 14th century. Even closer to present day are the early 19th-century modernist buildings lining Calle Mayor, and beautiful City Hall, which was built in 1907. |
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| Aug 19, Monday | Gibraltar, United Kingdom » | 12 n | 6 pm |
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Like a crouching lion, the Rock of Gibraltar's imposing presence supports the legend that it is one of the two Pillars of Hercules. Dramatically soaring to almost 1,400 feet, it boasts one of the world's most recognizable silhouettes. Over 140 caves have been discovered within its limestone mass. Although linked by land to Spain, the self-governing British colony of Gibraltar maintains a strong allegiance to Britain. Shop the compact commercial center for tax-free treats, or perch atop the summit for thrilling views encompassing Europe and Africa. | ||
| Aug 20, Tuesday | Cádiz/Seville, Spain » | 7 am | 9 pm |
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On a low-lying peninsula extending into the crescent-shaped bay stands 3,000-year-old Cádiz, the Western world's oldest continuously inhabited city. Neat houses huddle within high walls, while the surrounding countryside is lush with olive groves. The Puertas de Tierra divides the city in two. Modern Cádiz lies on the isthmus, while the romantic, historical section is located on the other side. The old districts of El Pópulo and Santa Maria, adorned with narrow streets and ancient stone walls, are in sharp contrast to the parks, gardens, wide roads and plazas of the bustling commercial area. | ||
| Aug 21, Wednesday | Lisbon, Portugal (overnight) » | 12 n | |
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Cosmopolitan Lisbon was the center of the world's last great colonial empire. Today the city nostalgically reveres its imperial past while adapting to Portugal's role as a member of the European Economic Community. Although located on the Atlantic coast, Lisbon has the soul of a Mediterranean city with Moorish castles, pastel and white buildings, orange-tiled roofs and luminous blue skies. Set amid the hills and valleys of the northern shore of the River Tagus, it is one of the loveliest capitals in the world. | ||
| Aug 22, Thursday | Lisbon, Portugal » | Disembark am | |
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Cosmopolitan Lisbon was the center of the world's last great colonial empire. Today the city nostalgically reveres its imperial past while adapting to Portugal's role as a member of the European Economic Community. Although located on the Atlantic coast, Lisbon has the soul of a Mediterranean city with Moorish castles, pastel and white buildings, orange-tiled roofs and luminous blue skies. Set amid the hills and valleys of the northern shore of the River Tagus, it is one of the loveliest capitals in the world. | ||
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