Symphony, Heavenly Masterpieces ex Rome to Athens
Cruise Line Crystal Cruises
Ship Crystal Symphony
Destination EU Mediterranean
Nights 13
Departure Date 28 Sep 2021
Description 13 Night cruise departing from Rome to Athens onboard Crystal Symphony.

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.


Highlights of this cruise:


Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy
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.

Naples, Italy
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.

Santorini/Thíra, Greece
Of all the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is often considered the most dramatic. Once an active volcano, it was known as Stongyle, or the Round Island. In about 1500 BC, the volcano erupted with such force that the center of the island literally exploded, leaving the haunting submerged crater into which Crystal sails. The island's small villages were preserved in the ashes and recent excavations have uncovered a fascinating view of everyday life from 3,500 years ago.

Santorini's dark landscape offsets its simple, yet refined Cycladic buildings, which glimmer in the sunlight. The rich volcanic soil is ideal for grapes and the local vines produce a cherished crop known for its "special volcanic taste."

Thíra, or Fira Town, is laid out along the edge of a cliff that partially forms the rim of the now extinct caldera. A picturesque site, it exudes charm and an atmosphere of leisure that can be attributed to the easy-going Greek lifestyle.

Kuşadası, Turkey
A lovely seaside resort on Turkey's Aegean coast, Kuşadası [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.

Patmos, Greece
Considered the " Jerusalem of the Aegean," the Greek isle of Patmos 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 Patmian School, a noted Greek seminary, is also located on the island. Deep Christian roots make Patmos a destination for pilgrims, while the island's white-sand beaches, secluded coves and beautiful marina make it a popular destination for worshippers of the sun.

Haifa, Israel
Haifa is Hebrew for "beautiful coast," and the shining coastline of Israel's largest Mediterranean port lives up to its name. But even more impressive are the slopes of Mt. Carmel, on which much of the city lies. Travel through the gorgeous villas and resort hotels to the summit for spectacular views of the city's many gardens, and striking Haifa Bay.

Ashdod, Israel
A tidy planned community built on golden dunes, Ashdod 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.

Limassol, Cyprus
The wine flows freely in Limassol, 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. For those who would rather revel in good buys, the expansive waterfront promenade and nearby streets present shoppers with a dizzying array of choices, from traditional, handmade goods to expensive designer labels. Limassol also offers quieter pleasures, including museums, art galleries, and lush municipal gardens.

Rhodes/Lindos, Greece
Best known of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is rich with natural beauty, architectural variety and colorful history. The city of Rhodes is architecturally one of the most varied in Europe. Hellenistic, Byzantine, Medieval and Turkish architectural styles freely intermingle. Sunshine and dry air combine to cast such a magnificent light over the island that the ancients dedicated Rhodes to Apollo, the God of Light.

Athens/Piraeus, Greece
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.
Sailing Dates
  • 28 Sep 2021
Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

DayDateActivityArriveDepart
1 28/09 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy 06:00 PM
2 29/09 Naples, Italy 08:00 AM 06:00 PM
3 30/09 At sea    
4 01/10 Santorini, Greece 08:00 AM 07:00 PM
5 02/10 Kusadasi, Turkey 07:00 AM 11:00 PM
6 03/10 Patmos, Greece 07:30 AM 06:00 PM
7 04/10 At sea    
8 05/10 Haifa, Israel 06:00 AM 09:00 PM
9 06/10 Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel 07:00 AM overnight
10 07/10 Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel 07:00 PM
11 08/10 Limassol, Cyprus 08:00 AM 05:00 PM
12 09/10 Rhodes, Greece 09:00 AM 05:30 PM
13 10/10 Athens (Piraeus) Greece 09:00 AM overnight
14 11/10 Athens (Piraeus) Greece
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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