Crystal Cruise Sailing September 28 - October 11, 2021
Rome to Athens
All Inclusive luxury cruise sailing including Italy, Turkey, Israel and Greece.
Marvel at Rome’s heavenly cathedrals, and discover Pompeii, the Herculaneum and the birthplace of pizza in Naples. Two days in Ashdod lead to Old Testament discoveries, sacred Jerusalem sites and Tel Aviv’s chic urban shores.
Your cruise begins in Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to the Eternal City of Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime. Your next stop, Naples, the center of southern Italian commerce, is located on the scenic Bay of Naples. View a moment frozen in time at the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum, ancient cities buried by an eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius.
After a day cruising the Ionian sea, you head to Santorini. Of all the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is often considered the most dramatic with its dark landscape and iconic whitewashed buildings. The rich soil is ideal for grapes and local vines produce a cherished crop known for its special volcanic taste. Your next stop is a lovely seaside resort town on the Aegean coast, Kusadasi, famous for sparkling waters, sandy beaches and enticing shops filled with designer clothing and hand-woven carpets and leather goods. Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus – the UNESCO-listed, 4,000 year old city – as well as the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), Basilica of St. John, and House of the Virgin Mary.
The Greek isle of Patmos is your next stop, which has a rich Christian heritage - the Monastery of Saint John was founded in 1088 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as is the Cave of the Apocalypse, the grotto where John the Apostle received the visions he recorded in the Book of Revelation. The island’s white-sand beaches, secluded coves and beautiful marina make it a popular destination for worshippers of the sun. Upon departing Patmos, you'll spend a relaxing day sailing the Mediterranean and head to Haifa, which is Hebrew for “beautiful coast,” and has been a mecca for the faithful of all kinds for millennia. Its slopes of Mount Carmel, UNESCO-listed Acre and glittering coastline are all impressive, and it is also an ideal starting point for explorations of Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee; Zippori, “City of Mosaics”; and the lively cosmopolitan delights of Tel Aviv. The next day, you'll visit a tidy planned community built on golden dunes, Ashdod which is southern Israel's only Mediterranean harbor. Yet this new city has fabulously ancient roots: Ashdod is mentioned in the Old Testament, and archaeologists have found ruins almost 4,000 years old. This is the doorway to the historic treasures of Jerusalem, and the worldly pleasures of Tel Aviv. You overnight in Ashdod, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore the area. Next you head to Limassol, where the wine flows freely, and so does the festive atmosphere. The center of Cyprus' wine industry, Limassol is home to a bustling bar and restaurant scene, as well as numerous wineries that are open for tours and tastings. The city seems to be engaged in constant celebration, staging elaborate festivals throughout the year. The waterfront promenade offers a dizzying array of traditional, handmade goods to expensive designer labels.
Rhodes, Greece is your next stop, which is rich with natural beauty and colorful history and represents one of the most architecturally varied locations in Europe. Hellenistic, Byzantine, Medieval and Turkish influences intermingle with abundant sunshine and dry air to cast a magnificent light over the island that the ancients dedicated to Apollo, the God of Light. High on a cliff, the ruins of the Temple of Athena sit amidst the beautifully preserved Acropolis at Lindos. Your trip ends in Piraeus, where you can venture through Greece’s largest port city as you make your way to the cradle of Western culture and the birthplace of democracy, Athens. Among the world's oldest cities with a history spanning 3,400 years, Athens has long been the location of myth and muse, and its ancient heritage is still an incredible source of inspiration. Here, the Acropolis crowns the city as home to the Parthenon and other legendary temples and monuments. You overnight in Piraeus, giving you ample time to visit this historic area.
As a Distinctive Voyages guest, you'll enjoy a private welcome reception so you can meet likeminded VIPs, and a complimentary shore excursion, making your adventure even more special.
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Heavenly Masterpieces Itinerary: Day Date Port 1 Sep 28 ROME (CITITAVECCHIA), ITALY Depart 6:00 PM 2 Sep 29 NAPLES, ITALY 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 3 Sep 30 CRUISING THE Ionian Sea 4 Oct 01 SANTORINI, GREECE - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 5 Oct 02 KUSADASI, TURKEY - 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM 6 Oct 03 PATMOS, GREECE - 7:30 - 6:00 PM 7 Oct 04 CRUISING THE MEDITERRANEAN 8 Oct 05 BETHLEHEM / GALILEE (HAIFA), ISRAEL 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM 9 Oct 06 JERUSALEM / TEL AVIV (ASDOD) - 7:00 AM - Overnight 10 Oct 07 JERUSALEM / TEL AVIV - Depart 7:00 PM 11 Oct 08 LIMASSOL, CYPRUS - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 12 Oct 09 RHODES, GREECE - 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM 13 Oct 10 ATHENS (PIRAEUS) - 9:00 AM - Overnight 14 Oct 11 ATHENS (PIRAEUS) - Disembark AM
Crystal Symphony 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.