Piraeus (Athens) to Barcelona

Welcome to the ancient city of Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. If your schedule is tight, savor traditional Greek coffee at a café with a view of the city's iconic ruins, soaking in the historic ambiance before your cruise departs. If you've got time to explore the Acropolis stands as a must-see, 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.

Piraeus is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach by taxi or train. A taxi ride from the airport to Piraeus port 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).

This lesser-known Greek island in the Cyclades may be small but it punches above its weight when it comes to world-class scenery, historic wonders, and laid-back living. For it was here, amid the white-rock, lunar-like landscape, that the Venus di Milo statue was found – a replica remains on the island but the prized original is on display in the Louvre in Paris. Other sites of interest include a Roman amphitheater, ancient catacombs, sea caves, and an obsidian quarry dating back to prehistoric times. Then there are pretty whitewashed villages with winding alleys leading down to the shimmering sea, spectacular beaches framed by blue-green waters of astonishing clarity, and charming tavernas offering freshly caught seafood and delicious Greek specialities.

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.

Founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, the sun-kissed capital of Malta maintains much of its old-world charm, with honey-hued buildings, original bastioned city walls, and beautiful Baroque architecture. Take in the historic details as you explore the city’s cobblestoned streets, stopping to snack on golden, ricotta-stuffed parcels of pastizzi and qassatat. Don’t miss the wonderfully ornate interiors of St. John's Co-Cathedral, where Caravaggio’s masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, sits on display in the Oratory, and soak in sweeping views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour from the pretty Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a vibrant and eclectic destination known for its stunning architecture, cultural landmarks, ornate palazzos, and bustling markets. At first blush, Palermo dazzles with colorful and energetic vibe, creating a captivating façade throughout the streets, which are lined with cupolas and vestiges of the Byzantine era and baroque periods. Look further and find less apparent delights like hidden chapels and vintage shops amidst a growing landscape of innovative eateries and grand historical treasures.

Bathed in the warm waters of the southern Mediterranean, Tunis is a blend of Maghreb flair and French style. Visit the magnificent Az-Zaytunah mosque, the most sacred religious site in the country. Take a dip in the hot baths, built by the Romans. Or experience the sights and sounds of one of the exotic souks (bazaars).

Bathed in the warm waters of the southern Mediterranean, Tunis is a blend of Maghreb flair and French style. Visit the magnificent Az-Zaytunah mosque, the most sacred religious site in the country. Take a dip in the hot baths, built by the Romans. Or experience the sights and sounds of one of the exotic souks (bazaars).

Cagliari, capital of Sardinia, sprawls across the hills promising awe-inspiring views for those who venture to Monte Urpinu Park. At its heart lies the historic Castello district, where a Roman amphitheater, medieval towers built by the Pisans, and a 13th-century cathedral with an intricately carved crypt sit beside the monolithic architecture of the Mussolini era. Down by the harbor, the eateries and bars in the Marina buzz with life. In Via Sardegna and Via Cavour taste local flavors such as the peppery salami mustela, salty pecorino cheese, and carta musica, a wafer-thin flatbread said to sound like music when it snaps. They all go well with a glass of cannonau or vernaccia, the island's robust wines.

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.

To arrive at this old fishing port on the Costa Tropical is to instantly fall into an Iberian trance. The air is fragranced with jasmine, the walls are laced with the clashing scarlet and magenta blooms of bougainvillea and hibiscus. Warmed by the winds off Africa and cradled by the Sierra Nevada, this corner of Spain is mild and sunny even in the winter months. Mango and avocado thrive here, as does sugarcane, which gave this place its nickname, Little Cuba (make sure to try the local rum). Boats glide in and out daily to add the fruits of the sea to the menus at local restaurants and bodegas with fresh ingredients for tapas – a tradition which was invented here in Andalucia. Stroll for 45 minutes (or take a bus or taxi) to the Old Town, find a shady spot beneath the spreading palms in the Plaza Espana, and sit back and sample some of the regional delicacies. Start with a refreshing gazpacho, then select gambas pil pil (shrimp sizzling in chili oil), Padron peppers, patatas bravas, and seafood croquetas... washed down with a chilled glass of Tinto de Verano, the red wine of summer, and a lighter, less touristy choice than sangria. Afterwards, there are lengthy stretches of golden sand near the port on which to snooze off your decadent lunch before heading back to the ship.Exploring the Alhambra in nearby Granada, taking in the sea and mountain views from the clifftop Balcony of Europe in nearby Nerja, birdwatching in the Charca de Suárez wetlands.

Your cruise finishes today in Barcelona, a captivating city on Spain's northeastern coast. If you're extending your stay in the city, start with a visit to La Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, then wander through the narrow, historic streets of the Gothic Quarter.

The bustling La Boqueria Market offers a sensory overload with its colorful stalls and local delicacies. Stroll down Las Ramblas for street performances and shopping, and don't miss the stunning views from Park Güell. For art lovers, the Picasso Museum showcases an impressive collection of the artist's early works.