Fusina (Venice) to Piraeus (Featuring The Alajmo Brothers)

Venice, a city built on a network of canals, offers a mesmerizing blend of art, architecture, and history. Glide through the Grand Canal to see iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Basilica. Wander through narrow alleys to discover hidden gems such as the enchanting Piazza San Marco, bustling with cafes and shops. The Doge’s Palace, with its opulent rooms and secret passages, provides a glimpse into Venice’s storied past. Don't miss the colorful markets, where you can sample local delicacies like cicchetti and fresh seafood.

In 2019, UNESCO warned the Italian government that Venice risked being added to the “World Heritage Sites in Danger” list due to the continuous damage caused by large ships to the city’s fragile architecture and ecosystem. In response, the government designated Venice’s waterways as national monuments—a status typically reserved for artworks and historical buildings—granting the lagoon enhanced state protection. The new regulations require ships longer than 590 feet to find alternative berthing locations. Fusina, a nearby industrial port adhering to maritime safety and environmental laws, emerged as the solution. Although the port is not as picturesque as Venice’s Grand Canal, a scenic 30-minute boat ride from Fusina brings visitors to a central city pier, offering a perfect starting point to explore all of Venice’s romantic, watery attractions.

Trieste is a city where cultures come together. According to legend, Jason and the Argonauts arrived with the Golden Fleece in 1300 BC, and literary greats, including Maria Rilke and James Joyce, have called Trieste home at one time or another. However, it is the city's Austrian past that has had the most significant influence; Trieste was a vital part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1382 to 1918. This heritage is visible in the wide Habsburg piazzas, elegant cafés, and a culinary scene where sauerkraut and strudel are as common as pasta and pizza. The grand Piazza Unità d'Italia, opening to the sea, showcases Trieste's stately charm. Walk along the Canale Grande, lined with neoclassical buildings, two pretty bridges, and a pedestrian walkway, or visit the 19th-century Miramare Castle for breathtaking views of the Gulf of Trieste below.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Cephalonia, the largest of Greece's Ionian Islands, offers stunning landscapes and rich history. The island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, particularly at Myrtos Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise sea. Visitors can explore the captivating Melissani Cave, where a boat tour reveals a mesmerizing underground lake illuminated by sunlight streaming through a hole in the cave’s roof. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the ancient ruins of Sami, a testament to the island's rich past. The island also had its part in the Battle of Greece during World War II, which later inspired Louis de Bernières' novel "Captain Corelli's Mandolin".

Cephalonia, also spelled Kefalonia, is one of the jewels of the Greek islands. Located in the Ionian Sea, the island is simply superb, think pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and diverse landscapes. Add the island’s vast cultural richness, and you have a perfect representation of everything you would expect from a Grecian idyll. If you think the place looks familiar, that’s because it is. Cephalonia was the setting for the 2001 film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, based on the book of the same name. The film, starring Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz explores the Greek island's beautiful scenery, and gives visitors a taste of Greek island life during the war. The island is heralded for its exquisite beaches. Myrtos Beach stands out with its dazzling turquoise waters and white cliffs, while Xi Beach is distinct with its reddish sand and unique rock formations. Skala Beach, Lourdas Beach, and Antisamos Beach are also popular spots for sunbathing and swimming. The beautiful underwater lake Melissani located near Sami, is a natural wonder, enchanting all those who are lucky enough to visit.

If you wished to paint the perfect picture of a Greek island, it would probably look like Monemvasia. Start with a rocky promontory on the eastern edge of the Peloponnese. Then sketch in restored stone houses, beautiful churches and a winding two-donkey wide road. Add a medieval citadel. Remove all automobiles. Then make the island accessible from the mainland via a strollable causeway spanned by a grand Venetian gate. The finishing touch: the backdrop of an exquisite Aegean sunset.

Welcome to the ancient city of Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' and a historian’s delight. Uncover the awe-inspiring Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with iconic structures like the Parthenon and nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus. The nearby Acropolis Museum showcases stunning artifacts from ancient Greece, providing deeper insight into the city's heritage.

Afterward, wander through Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and charming tavernas. For lunch, indulge in traditional Greek cuisine like moussaka or souvlaki. Head to the National Garden for a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll amid lush greenery and historical statues.

Athen's city center is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from Piraeus and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach by taxi or train. A taxi ride to the airport from Piraeus will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative only) is around 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00).