Setting sail from Piraeus, the gateway to Athens, this 20-night voyage covers three of the Mediterranean’s richest cultural destinations: Venice, Rome, and Barcelona. The turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea take us first to Santorini to hike up the slopes of the Nea Kameni volcano or relax in hot springs, and on to Monemvasia to see the birthplace of the original Olympic Games. Heading north along the Croatian coast, we'll encounter the romantic jewels of Dubrovnik, Venice, and Kotor before swapping the Adriatic for the Tyrrhenian. Sailing along Italy's west coast, we’ll call at Naples to try pizza in its home city or wander the extraordinary ruins of Pompeii. Arriving in Rome, the Eternal City waits to be explored on tours of its history and there’s an exclusive opportunity to visit the Sistine Chapel behind closed doors, before heading onward along the Amalfi Coast and west to our final port, Barcelona.

Europe & Mediterranean

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Grand Journey

Experience the vibrant and historic port of Piraeus, Athens gateway to the Aegean islands and beyond, and find a rich maritime heritage, a bustling local culture, and access to the wonders of Athens. Venture through Greece&#39;s largest port city, Piraeus, as you make your way to the cradle of Western culture and the birthplace of democracy. Athens, among the world&#39;s oldest cities with a history spanning 3,400 years, 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.

Athens is renowned as one of the greatest cities of the ancient world and the birthplace of western civilization. This excursion is an ideal introduction to this city&#39;s splendid highlights. After a scenic drive through the picturesque marinas of Zea and Microlimano in Piraeus area, your tour leads to the center of Athens. You shall have the opportunity to admire some of the most important sites of Athens such as the Constitution Square, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus and the Old Marble Stadium. Acropolis is one of the most photographed and recognizable hills in the entire world, dates from the 5th century B.C., when Athens set the tone for civilization in Europe. On the sacred rock of the Acropolis the monuments date from the prehistoric period to the end of antiquity. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will walk up the uneven footpath leading to the summit. Sights include the Propylaea, the Temple of Apteros Niki, the Erectheum and the architectural triumph of the Parthenon. Following your visit to Acropolis, walk a few meters to the Acropolis Museum, an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built in order to house every artifact found on the rock and on its feet, covering a large period of time, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. The museum was founded in 2003 while the Organization of the Museum was established in 2008. Finally, it opened to public on June 21, 2009. Nearly 4,000 objects are exhibited over an area of 14,000 square meters. After your visit to the Museum join your coach and drive to a local restaurant where you will enjoy a traditional lunch. Enjoy some free time in Plaka for independent exploration before you meet your guide to return back to port. &nbsp;

Explore Athens&#39; highlights including the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, followed by lunch. Enjoy free time in Plaka before you will return back to Piraeus port.

Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

Begin your captivating Athens journey by departing from the Piraeus port, making your way through the picturesque Microlimano neighborhood. Delight in a panoramic exploration of Athens, marveling at landmarks such as the Parliament building, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium. Elevate your experience with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, offering sweeping views of the metropolis. Leaving the Acropolis behind, venture to the National Archaeological Museum and immerse yourself in the extensive collection of ancient treasures that narrate Greece&#39;s illustrious past. Following your museum visit, drive to a local restaurant for a sumptuous lunch, savoring traditional Greek flavors. Conclude your memorable Athenian sojourn with a serene drive back to the Piraeus port.

Embark on a scenic journey through Athens, starting with a drive through the enchanting Microlimano neighborhood. Revel in a comprehensive panoramic tour of the city&#39;s landmarks, ascend to the majestic Acropolis, and dive deep into history at the National Archaeological Museum. Savor traditional Greek cuisine at a local restaurant before concluding your tour with a return to the Piraeus port.&nbsp;

Acropolis & Archaeological Museum 

An opportunity to get to know Athens through contemporary art. How did Art evolve over the centuries and how did we reach from the Parthenon and ancient sculptures to modern pioneering or classical contemporary art? The founders, Basil and Elise Goulandris, as advocates of the idea that Art should be open to society and apart from their important contribution with the establishment of the Museum of Contemporary Art on Andros, also envisioned the creation of another museum in Athens, which would offer the opportunity to a broader audience to come into contact with modern and contemporary art which was the main focus of their own interest. The museum, which bears the name of the founders &ldquo;Basil and Elise Goulandris&rdquo; is housed in a self-owned building which came from the joining and harmonious interaction of a listed, mid-war building and a contemporary extension. The selection of the location was based on the wish of Basil and Elise Goulandris for the museum to be in a central point of the capital, easily accessible to visitors, within the cultural axis, which includes the city&rsquo;s other important museums.&nbsp; We continue to The National Art Gallery of Athens, the most important museum for the history of art in Greece. The restored and modernized National Gallery gives particular emphasis to the works of Theodoros Vryzakis. Visitors will then be able to see double the amount of works that were exhibited in the past. There is an aesthetic and ideological question to art from the 20th century, the city will be visible but not audible. After a scenic drive of Athens city, return to the ship. &nbsp;

Discover Athens through contemporary art: Visit Basil &amp; Elise Goulandris Museum and the National Art Gallery. &nbsp;

Athens Art Galleries

Papagiannakos Winery has more than 100 years of history and was the first to pioneer, exploring all the dimensions of savatiano variety in the unique terroir of the Attica vineyards. Being dedicated to the pure essence of wine and friendly to the environment, they follow innovative methods of bioclimatic architecture and engineering. Enjoy a wine tour and a wine tasting before you reboard your coach to Cape Sounion. The gleaming, white marble Temple of Poseidon stands on a craggy spur that plunges down some 60m to the sea below with breath-taking views.&nbsp; This spot was much favored by Lord Byron who mentions Sounion&rsquo;s marbled steep in Don Juan.&nbsp; In fact, Byron went on to carve his name on one of the columns and sadly many others have followed his example! After the guided visit, rejoin bus to return back to port.

Drive to Papagiannakos Winery where you will enjoy wine tasting accompanied with snack. Reach Cape Sounion and visit the 5th century BC temple dedicated to the Sea God. &nbsp;

Cape Sounion & Winery Experience 

Board your coach and travel appoximately 1 hour and a quarter to Papagiannakos Winery. With more than 100 years of history, they were the first to pioneer, exploring all the dimensions of savatiano variety in the unique terroir of the Attica vineyards. Being dedicated to the pure essence of wine and friendly to the environment, they follow innovative methods of bioclimatic architecture and engineering. Enjoy a tour of the vineyard and tasting of 5 different wines accompanied by local food platters. Reboard your coach to Cape Sounion. The gleaming, white marble Temple of Poseidon stands on a craggy spur that plunges down some 60m to the sea below with breathtaking views. This spot was much favored by Lord Byron who mentions Sounion&rsquo;s marbled steep in Don Juan. In fact, Byron went on to carve his name on one of the columns and sadly many others have followed his example! Take a guided visit and stop a moment to watch one of the most majestic sunsets in Greece, before rejoining the bus for the 1.5 hours drive back to port.

Drive to Papagiannakos Winery for a wine tasting accompanied by local food platters. Reach Cape Sounion and visit this 5th century BC temple dedicated to the Sea God.&nbsp; Watch the sunset in this magnificent setting. &nbsp;

Winery Visit & Sunset at Cape Sounion

Take a scenic 1.5 hour drive and enjoy the pretty coastline of the Attic peninsula, as you make your way south from Athens towards the Bronze Age citadel at Mycenae. Make a photo stop above the remarkable Corinth Canal, a 6 km long waterway carved through the limestone rock of the peninsula. Although a commercial failure, it is testament to the ingenuity and determination of nineteenth century engineers. Continue on to the modern-day village of Mycenae. Here you get your first glimpse of the mighty ancient citadel that looms above the village, sitting on a spur of Mount Zara. With your guide, you will begin a walk up the gentle stone ramp that leads to the Lion Gate. When excavations were carried out in 1841, this impressive stone gate was one of the first discoveries. Within the walls, you will find the grave circle where the golden mask of Agamemnon was found, the postern gate, the foundations of Agamemnon&#39;s palace, and the entrance to the underground cistern. Visit the Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon. Enter this tomb by passing under a stone lintel said to weigh over 120 tons. Continue to a local restaurant where lunch will be offered, then proceed to the ancient site of Epidaurus. This ancient theater is renowned for its excellent acoustics. There will be time to make a short visit to the on-site museum before embarking the coach for your return trip to the ship. &nbsp;

Drive along the beautiful Attic coast to Mycenae citadel, visit the Treasury of Atreus and Epidaurus ancient theater with excellent acoustics. &nbsp;

Ancient Mycenae & Epidaurus 

Start with a short transfer to Athens Central Market, where we will select and buy the ingredients for our menu preparation. Head to the cooking studio where we will cook a 5-courses Greek menu and afterwards enjoy the meal you have prepared. Some exaple of the disches we might include in the emanu are: Tzatziki, spinach or cheese pie, phyllo made from scratch, Greek salad, Pastitsio, moussaka, Gyros, and dessert such as loukoumades or Greek yoghurt mousse.

During this class not only you will learn how to cook a traditional Greek menu, but also how to select and buy the best ingredients.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Local Market & Traditional Greek Cooking Class

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private car and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for four hours. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person (only one person in the party needs to book it). Private cars accommodate a maximum of two guests seated in the back of the vehicle. Departure times for half-day vehicle services are limited to morning or afternoon departures only, based on availability. Unfortunately, half-day services are not available for mid-day departures, from 10:00am to 1:30pm. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this experience require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated

For guests wishing to explore independently, Crystal is pleased to offer this private vehicle service and English-speaking guide.&nbsp;

Private Half-Day Car & English-Speaking Guide - Piraeus

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private car and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for eight hours. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person (only one person in the party needs to book it). Private cars accommodate a maximum of two guests seated in the back of the vehicle. Maximum round-trip mileage for this service is 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles). Mile overages may be subject to additional costs and will be billed onboard. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this experience require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated.

Private Full-Day Car & English-Speaking Guide - Piraeus

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private van and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for four hours. We recommend this Destination Experience be booked in advance with confirmation provided 72-hours following your request. While private vehicles may be requested on board 48 hours prior to arrival to the port of call, confirmation is based on availability and subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person. Only one person needs to book it.&nbsp; Unfortunately, half-day services are not available for mid-day departures, from 10:00am to 1:30pm. Private vans comfortably accommodate a maximum of four guests seated in the back of the vehicle. The guests in the middle seats will not have a window. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this excursion require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated.

Private Half-Day Van & English-Speaking Guide - Piraeus

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private van and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for eight hours. We recommend this Destination Experience be booked in advance with confirmation provided 72-hours following your request. While private vehicles may be requested on board 48 hours prior to arrival to the port of call, confirmation is based on availability and subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person. Only one person needs to book it. Private vans comfortably accommodate a maximum of four guests seated in the back of the vehicle. The guests in the middle seats will not have a window. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this excursion require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated.

Private Full-Day Van & English-Speaking Guide - Piraeus

Santorini is a breathtaking island in the southern Aegean Sea known for its iconic blue-domed churches, picturesque whitewashed buildings, and stunning sunsets. 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. Picturesque &quot;Thíra,&quot; or Fira Town, laid out along the edge of a cliff at the rim of the now extinct caldera, exudes an easy charm.

Escape the bustling tourist hubs of Santorini and uncover an authentic glimpse into the island&#39;s rich wine heritage. Immerse yourself in a captivating ambiance, surrounded by the dramatic volcanic landscapes and the glistening Aegean Sea. Your journey unfolds as you embark on a local tender boat, setting foot at the picturesque Athinios port.&nbsp; As you traverse the island&#39;s enchanting terrain, you&#39;ll be treated to sweeping vistas of unparalleled natural beauty and the azure embrace of the shoreline. Your first destination is the Hatzidakis Winery, a sanctuary cultivating 100 acres of vineyards, with the majority embracing organic practices. The newly established winery boasts two spacious caves alongside two more intimate ones beneath the vineyard. These caves not only provide the ideal setting for the wines to flourish but also create a spellbinding spectacle for all who visit.&nbsp; Continuing your journey, you&#39;ll arrive at the Sigalas Winery. Here, the sommeliers champion experimentation with ancient winemaking techniques, resulting in contemporary wines that exude purity and the inherent characteristics of the varietals. Indulge in tasting these exceptional, organic, globally acclaimed volcanic wines accompanied by local amuse-bouches. Rejoin your bus for a brief drive that will take you to Anhydrous Winery. Their winemaking philosophy revolves around a profound connection with the anhydrous Santorinian terrain - a tribute to the majestic amalgamation of earth, volcano, sun, sea breeze, and Cycladic air. This ethos lends an intense persona to the wines, resonating with the uniqueness of this remarkable PDO-designated land.&nbsp; Concluding your tour, you&#39;ll find yourself in Fira, the island&#39;s capital town. Take the opportunity to explore this charming locale at your leisure. For your return journey to the tender&#39;s dock, a scenic cable car ride awaits. As a memento of this experience, you&#39;re welcome to acquire one or more bottles of these remarkable wines during the tour, ensuring you can relive the magic on board at your own pace.

Escape the bustling tourist hubs of Santorini and uncover an authentic glimpse into the island&#39;s rich wine heritage. Immerse yourself in a captivating ambiance, surrounded by the dramatic volcanic landscapes and the glistening Aegean Sea.

Volcanic Wines Tasting

From your ship, a tender will bring you to the port to meet with your local guide and join your awaiting coach. It&rsquo;s a quick 15-20 minute drive to the remarkable archaeological site of Akrotiri, one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean and a highlight of a visit to Santorini. Minoans from the Bronze Age inhabited this site until a volcanic eruption buried the area in the late 17th century BC, preserving their life in ash, much like in Pompeii. Today, you can see impressive architectural remains and thousands of artifacts that provide insights into the everyday life of the Minoans. After your visit, rejoin your coach and drive across the island to the most picturesque village in Santorini, Oia. Walk with your guide through the narrow cobblestone streets of this classic whitewashed village perched on a cliff, marveling at typical village houses and churches along the way.&nbsp; Your excursion will end at Fira, the capital of Santorini, where you will have the option to explore the town independently or walk to the cable car to descend to your tender to return to your ship.

Discover the incredibly well-preserved remnants of an ancient civilization and visit the picturesque village of Oia on this half-day excursion.

Akrotiri Archaeological Site & Oia Village

After disembarking, a tender will bring you to the port to meet with your local guide and join your awaiting motorcoach to begin your 15-20 minutes drive to Aroma Avli&rsquo;s restaurant. Once at the restaurant, you&rsquo;ll participate in a hands-on, interactive cooking class under the instruction of the chef at Aroma Avli&rsquo;s restaurant. During the class, you&rsquo;ll prepare four traditional Santorinian recipes with local vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients. The experience concludes with a mouthwatering meal where you will enjoy the dishes you have prepared along with a bottle of local volcanic wine, plus dessert, and dessert wine.&nbsp; Your excursion will end at Fira town where you will have the option to explore Fira independently or walk to the cable car to descend to your tender for your return to the ship.

Participate in a hands-on cooking class led by the chef of Aroma Avli&rsquo;s restaurant on Santorini Island, afterwards enjoy the dishes you have prepared accompanied by local volcanic wine.&nbsp;

Interactive Cooking Class Experience

A tender will bring you from the ship to Athinios port to meet with your local guide and join your awaiting motorcoach.Drive to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, about a 15 to 20-minute trip, one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean. Minoans from the Bronze Age inhabited this site until a volcanic eruption buried the town in the late 18th century BC, forever preserving their way of life in ash. On a visit, you&#39;ll see the thousands of everyday artefacts that provide hints about Minoan life as well as preserved remains of the buildings where they worked and lived.After your guided visit, reboard the motorcoach for the short drive to Canava Santorini distillery and museum, where ouzo, Greece&#39;s celebrated anise-scented aperitif, is produced using traditional methods. Here you&#39;ll learn about Santorini&#39;s vineyards and how crops are harvested, distilled, and fermented by this family business. The on-site museum is an interesting addition to the distillery, with old distillation equipment, barrel-making and basket-weaving workshops, and reproductions of scenes from everyday life in Santorini in the old times. You will have the opportunity to sample Canava&#39;s ouzo and other local liquors along with Greek meze (local savory snacks).Your excursion will end at Fira town where you will have the option to explore Fira independently or walk to a cable car to descend to your tender for your return to the ship.

Discover the incredibly well-preserved remnants of an ancient civilization and visit a family-owned ouzo distillery on this half-day excursion in Santorini. &nbsp;

Ancient Akrotiri & Ouzo Distillery

Thira, the Wild Island' and 'Kalliste, the Fairest One' - all terms of endearment for this seductive, volcanic Greek island in the Sea of Crete. Whitewashed villages clinging to the sides of the sea cliffs have made the volcanic island of Santorini one of the most widely photographed places in the world. Extraordinary for its black sand beaches and sheer limestone cliffs, Santorini also showcases remnants of the Phoenician, Spartan and Minoan cultures, which fell under the island&#39;s spell - an unvarying, irresistible lure that continues to this day. The island&#39;s charm and subtle mystery have even made it a target of speculation as the location of the lost city of Atlantis.&nbsp; A tender transfers you to Athinios port, where you will join your minivan for a short private transfer to Vlihada marina, from where you will launch your catamaran cruise. On board, you will find an expert captain and crew, along with wines, beer, soft drinks and appetizers.&nbsp; Enjoying the Aegean sea breeze and the beautiful views, sail past Red Beach, White Beach before reaching, the rock formations of Akrotiri and the venetian lighthouse in the southern tip of the island. Coming into view next will be the volcanic islands formed around 1570 BC and the black rock formations of Nea Kameni.&nbsp; There will be amazing photo opportunities during sailing in the bay of the Caldera as the villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia &ldquo;hanging&rdquo; like a nest at the edge of the cliff. Admire the different layers and formations of Santorini&rsquo;s coastline sailing around the volcano and the natural hot springs, which have waters that are green and yellow due to a variety of minerals.&nbsp; Today&rsquo;s cruise drawing to a close, gaze at ocean vistas as your yacht returns to the Vlychada marine. Your excursion will end at Fira, the capital of Santorini, where you will have the option to explore the town independently or walk to the cable car to descend to your tender to return to your ship..&nbsp;

Explore the volcanic island of Santorini on a private catamaran cruise, see the rock formations, and villages on the cliffside.

Catamaran Sailing Adventure

Leaving the port, where you&rsquo;ll tender from the ship, we head north to the picturesque town of Oia. Built high up on the ridge of red rocks, the town offers breathtaking views of the blue Aegean. Leave your coach for a stroll around the narrow streets filled with old beautiful houses and tiny picturesque shops. Oia&rsquo;s whitewashed houses hugging the hills, azure-blue domes, and triple bell towers are all picture-perfect highlights that make this one of the most photographed spots in the world. On a clear day, you may see spectacular views of the volcanoes of Palea and Nea Kameni and the island of Thirassia. Proceed to one of Santorini&rsquo;s wineries, where you can sample traditional Santorini wines, renowned for their lively mineral taste from the volcanic character of the soil. Enjoy three different varieties before you reboard your coach and continue to Pyrgos Village. At the picturesque village of Pyrgos, admire its well-preserved architecture; steep, narrow winding paths leading up the hillside; vineyards; churches; and breathtaking views.&nbsp; A short ride will take you to a local restaurant where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a lunch with wine and traditional dances entertainment.&nbsp; Finally, we drive to Fira town where you will have the option to stay longer and explore independently or walk to the cable car to descend to the tender area for the return back to your ship.

Make the most out of your visit with this this full-day excursion: visit picturesque Oia with its stunning views, taste wines at a local winery, explore Pyrgos village, enjoy lunch with traditional dances, and get some free time for independent exploration in Fira.

Best of Santorini

Santorini is undeniably one of the world&rsquo;s most beautiful islands, and also one of the most popular. With this brief excursion you will avoid the large crowds that visit the island as you explore two off-the-beaten-path villages. After tendering ashore to the port of Athinios, meet with your guide and board your motorcoach. Our first stop is the village of Megalochori, located in the heart of the island. The town is built according to the traditional Cycladic architecture, with whitewashed houses and bright blue domed churches, all reached by a steep labyrinth of narrow, picturesque streets. The area around Megalochori is dotted with vineyards, and during the harvest season, even the roofs of the houses are covered with grapes, as the locals leave them to dry under the island&rsquo;s bright sun. Driving towards the highest point of Santorini, we will visit Pyrgos village. A fortress-settlement, typical of the Cycladic Medieval period, this traditional and well-preserved village is a beautiful amalgam of narrow winding paths, small cubic whitewashed houses, art galleries, chapels, and breathtaking views across the sea. After our two memorable town visits, a very short drive will take us to a nearby restaurant to savor Santorinian mezedes (Greek tapas) and local wine. We finish by driving to Fira town, where you can take the cable car to tender to your ship.

Visit off-the-beaten-path villages in Santorini - Megalohori and its vineyards and Pyrgos village&#39;s fortress, followed by local cuisine and wine.

Megalochori & Pyrgos Villages

Following your tender disembarkation from the ship, meet your local guide and board a private traditional wooden boat for a cruise to the uninhabited island of Nea Kameni, the summit of an underwater volcano located in Santorini&#39;s caldera . Walk about a half mile up to the crater with your guide, learning about the landscape and lava fragments along the way. At the pinnacle, you&#39;ll have free time to take in the spectacular views at the rim. After our walk, head back to the boat for a scenic cruise to the hot springs on nearby Palea Kameni island where you can swim in the sulfur and magnesium-rich volcanic heated waters reputed to have therapeutic powers to help both skin conditions and muscle aches (weather permitting). Upon returning to the port, you will tender back to the ship.

Hike to Nea Kameni&#39;s volcanic crater for stunning views of the caldera, and cruise to Palea Kameni hot springs for a restorative dip in the waters.

Volcanic Island Hike

Santorini is defined by its simple buildings and their ability to adapt to all that nature and history throws their way. This excursion will introduce you to the architectural heritage of Santorini island. Starting from the port after tendering from the ship, meet with your guide and board the bus to depart to Emporio Village, located at the foot of Santorini&rsquo;s Mt. Prophitis Elias. The village has some of the most unique architecture in Santorini, &nbsp;including a remarkable 15th-century medieval castle and tower. Continue to Megalochori, known for its cobblestone streets and both its Neoclassical mansions and the traditional cave houses of Santorini.&nbsp; After your visit to Megalochori, reboard your coach for the short ride to Firostefani and a walking tour that leads toward Fira to see the &ldquo;Yposkafos&rdquo; houses built into the volcanic rock, creating entire villages nestled into the island&rsquo;s cliffs. Your visit will end at Fira, where you will have the option to stay longer and explore the town on your own before tendering back to the ship.

Explore Santorini&#39;s architectural heritage while walking around the villages of Emporio, Megalochori, and Firostefani to view unique buildings and cave houses.

Unique architecture of Santorini

After tendering ashore, board your motorcoach for the drive to the coastal village of Kamari. After our arrival, we&rsquo;ll begin our ascent up the rocky slopes of Mesa Vouno to reach the ruins of ancient Thira, built 1,200 feet above sea level. You can explore the agora, several temples of Apollo, and the ruins of many private houses while also taking in the stunning sea views at the top of the mountain.&nbsp; Leaving the site towards sea level, we&rsquo;ll pass through the Necropolis of ancient Thera before reaching sea level and Santorini&rsquo;s famous Perissa black-sand beaches.&nbsp; Then we head to charming Pyrgos village where we&rsquo;ll enjoy tastings at a privately owned winery.&nbsp; Your visit will end at Fira, where you will have the option to stay longer and explore town on your own or board the cable car and descend to the tender area for the return to your ship.

Visit Kamari and Mesa Vouno and see the ancient Thira settlement and Perissa Beach. Partake in wine tasting in Pyrgos village. &nbsp;

Spartan Trails Hike to Ancient Thira

&nbsp;Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private van and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for four hours. We recommend this Destination Experience be booked in advance with confirmation provided 72-hours following your request. While private vehicles may be requested on board 48 hours prior to arrival to the port of call, confirmation is based on availability and subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person. Private vans accommodate a maximum of four guests seated in the back of the vehicle.&nbsp; While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this excursion require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated.

Private Half-Day Van & English-Speaking Guide - Santorini

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private car and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for four hours. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person (only one person in the party needs to book it). Private cars accommodate a maximum of two guests seated in the back of the vehicle. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this experience require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated. &nbsp;

Private Half-Day Car & English-Speaking Guide - Santorini

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private car and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for eight hours. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person (only one person in the party needs to book it). Private cars accommodate a maximum of two guests seated in the back of the vehicle. Maximum round-trip mileage for this service is 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles). Mile overages may be subject to additional costs and will be billed onboard. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this experience require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated. &nbsp;

Private Full-Day Car & English-Speaking Guide - Santorini

&nbsp;Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private van and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for eight hours. We recommend this Destination Experience be booked in advance with confirmation provided 72-hours following your request. While private vehicles may be requested on board 48 hours prior to arrival to the port of call, confirmation is based on availability and subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person. Private vans accommodate six guests comfortably with a maximum of six guests seated in the back of the vehicle. The guests in the middle seats will not have a window. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this excursion require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated. &nbsp;

Private Full-Day Van & English-Speaking Guide - Santorini

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.

On the lower slopes of Mt. Taygetos, a short distance from Sparta and approximately one and half hour drive from Monemvasia, stands the silent, ruined city of Mystras. So much has remained unharmed by time that wandering along the grass-covered streets, between churches and noblemen&rsquo;s houses to reach the citadel crowning the summit, the visitor has the feeling that he re-lives part of the Byzantine Hellenism. During its two centuries of Mystras existence as the Byzantine capital of the Peloponnese, many churches and monasteries were erected, representing all the painting trends of the capital. Going down the hill your first visit is the church of Agia Sofia and then pass outside the Palaces of Katakouzinos family on the slope to the east is the impressive Pantanassa monastery, built on the 15th century and is today a hospitable convent. Going down the castle you visit the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios. After visiting this last Byzantine stronghold, enjoy a Greek lunch in a local restaurant before you will reboard your coach for the one and a half hour return drive to Monemvasia.

Mystras, a Byzantine city on Mt. Taygetos near Sparta, has well-preserved churches, monasteries, and palaces. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before you will return back to port.

Mystras - The Last Byzantine Stronghold

Discover the enchanting Monemvasia, known as the 'Gibraltar of Greece,' a stunning medieval town built on a reddish-brown rock surrounded by the deep blue sea. Start your adventure by boarding a shuttle bus from the tender point, and enter the town through its sole ancient gate—Monemvasia, meaning 'single entrance.'Wander through the lower and upper towns, where stone-built mansions, charming cobblestone lanes, and numerous Byzantine churches create a captivating atmosphere. Stroll along the main alley to the square of Elkomenos, home to the impressive church of Elkomenos, a mosque-turned-museum, and an old Turkish cannon.Continue to the upper town to admire the 12th-century octagonal church of Agia Sofia, offering breathtaking views of the walled city and the sea. Next, a short drive takes you to the Liotrivi Historical Mansion, the former summer home of poet Yiannis Ritsos. Explore the traditional 'Olive Press' house and indulge in a wine tasting, sampling local wines, fresh bread, olives, feta cheese, and other regional delights.Conclude your visit with a return to Monemvasia, where you&#39;ll board your tender back to the ship, leaving with unforgettable memories of this magical Greek town.

Discover the fortified city of Monemvasia and take a visit of a Liotrivi mansion with local tastes.

Monemvasia Castle & Liotrivi Historical Mansion

Discover the enchanting Monemvasia, often dubbed the Gibraltar of Greece, where a medieval fortress town sits atop a striking reddish-brown rock, encircled by the deep blue sea. Begin your journey with a shuttle ride from the tender point, entering the town through its sole gate—Monemvasia, meaning 'sole entrance.'Once inside, you&#39;ll be transported to another era as you wander through narrow, stone-paved lanes lined with ancient mansions and Byzantine churches. Monemvasia is split into two parts: the Lower Town and the Upper Town.Stroll along the main alley, marveling at the historic architecture, until you reach the square of Elkomenos. Here, you&#39;ll find the Elkomenos Christos Church, a former mosque turned museum, and a Turkish cannon at the center.Continue to the Upper Town to admire the octagonal Church of Agia Sofia, a 12th-century gem offering panoramic views of the walled city and the sea. Before heading back, take time to browse the quaint shops filled with local herbs and handcrafted items.After this journey through history, choose to explore further on your own or return via shuttle to the tender point and your awaiting ship.

Explore Monemvasia&#39;s fortified medieval town with stone-built mansions, Byzantine churches, and unique views of the sea and walled city.&nbsp;

Monemvasia: The Enchanted Byzantine Fortress

Upon arrival in Katakolon, venture out to see the ancient site of Olympia, the storied place where the Olympic Games originated in 776 BC.  The Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera and the famous stadium, along with a visit to the nearby Archaeological Museum, offers a fascinating introduction to the Games and ancient mythology. Relax over ouzo in an open-air café, or engage in a friendly round of bargaining as you shop for Greek jewelry and handicrafts.

After disembarking, we&rsquo;ll head to our guided motorcoach starting from the small fishing village of Katakolon, the gateway to the mystical site of Olympia, some 25 miles to the east. Once we arrive, we&rsquo;ll explore the remarkable site where the first Olympiad was held in 776 B.C. Located in the middle of a fertile valley with the rivers of Alphios and Kladhios flowing past, the setting could not be more idyllic. The site was a sanctuary even before the Stadium was built; the games took place in the sacred area called &ldquo;the Altis.&rdquo; The most imposing monument in this area was the outstanding Temple of Zeus, housing a gold-and-ivory statue in his likeness, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today, only ruins of the temple remain. Continuing on, reboard your coach for a 15-minute drive to the Magna Grecia estate. The owner of the property will welcome you with a small glass of ouzo before you enter the main tasting room to sample local wine and olive oil along with delicious homemade snacks. Stroll around the olive trees and vineyards of the estate before you re-board your coach for your return trip to Katakolon and the ship.

Enjoy a visit to ancient Olympia and explore an organic farm for a tasting of locally produced wine and olive oil.

Ancient Olympia & Organic Farm Tasting

After disembarking, we&rsquo;ll head to our guided motorcoach starting from the small fishing village of Katakolon, the gateway to the mystical site of Olympia, some 25 miles to the east.&nbsp; Once we arrive, we&rsquo;ll explore the remarkable site where the first Olympiad was held in 776 B.C. Located in the middle of a fertile valley with the rivers of Alphios and Kladhios flowing past, the setting could not be more idyllic. The site was a sanctuary even before the Stadium was built; the games took place in the sacred area called &ldquo;the Altis.&rdquo; The most imposing monument in this area was the outstanding Temple of Zeus, housing a gold-and-ivory statue in his likeness, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today, only ruins of the temple remain. Continuing onwards, we visit the Archaeological Museum located &nbsp;just a 5-minute walk from the site. Among the displays here are the Head of Hera, ornaments from the Temple of Zeus, the famous statue of Hermes created by Praxiteles, and the helmet of Miltiades, Athens&#39; famed &ldquo;Golden Age&rdquo; general.&nbsp; Your visit complete, reboard the motorcoach for the return drive to the pier and your ship.

Visit the Archaeological Museum in Olympia where you will be able to admire remnants from the Temple of Zeus, the famous statue of Hermes created by Praxiteles, and the helmet of Miltiades, as well as other famous artifacts.

Ancient Olympia & Archaeological Museum

After disembarking, we&rsquo;ll head to our guided motorcoach starting from the small fishing village of Katakolon, the gateway to the mystical site of Olympia, some 25 miles to the east. Once we arrive, we&rsquo;ll explore the remarkable site where the first Olympiad was held in 776 B.C. Located in the middle of a fertile valley with the rivers of Alphios and Kladhios flowing past, the setting could not be more idyllic. The site was a sanctuary even before the Stadium was built; the games took place in the sacred area called &ldquo;the Altis.&rdquo; The most imposing monument in this area was the outstanding Temple of Zeus, housing a gold-and-ivory statue in his likeness, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today, only ruins of the temple remain. Continuing on, we&rsquo;ll arrive at Touris Estate where you will join an intimate cooking class, becoming acquainted with the heart of authentic Greek ingredients, techniques, history, and flavors. Ingredients such as honey, feta cheese, olives, olive oil, lemon, and pungent Greek oregano are commonly used in Greek cuisine. These are the building blocks of the Mediterranean diet, recognized as one of the healthiest in the world. Tzatziki, cheese pie, traditional phyllo pastry, and zucchini balls are some of the options you may be invited to taste by the owner of the restaurant. Afterwards, you will be invited to enjoy delicious Greek dishes presented buffet style. You will also have the opportunity to learn a few steps of &ldquo;Zorba the Greek&rdquo; syrtaki dancing! Your visit complete, reboard the motor coach for the return drive to the pier and your ship.

Visit the site of ancient Olympia and experience a cooking demonstration with lunch and a Greek dance show.&nbsp;

Olympia Archaeological Site & Cooking Demonstration

After disembarking at Katakolon Port, you&#39;ll board your comfortable motorcoach for a scenic 35-minute drive to the charming village of Makrisia. Along the way, enjoy views of the picturesque Alfios River Dam. Your first stop is Liotrivi, a small, family-run olive oil producer known for its modern facilities and commitment to organic, cold-pressed olive oils. Here, you&#39;ll tour the estate, learn about the art of olive oil production, and savor a tasting of their finest varieties.Next, a short drive brings you to the quaint village of Koskina, where you&#39;ll visit Olympia Gi Estate, a boutique winery renowned for its artisanal approach to winemaking. The warm and welcoming family will guide you through their vineyard, share their passion for winemaking, and offer a tasting of their limited-edition wines, perfectly paired with local snacks. After this delightful experience, you&#39;ll return to Katakolon Port, where your ship awaits.

Visit Liotrivi olive oil production unit and Olympia 'Gi' Estate winery for local tastings.

Tastes & Flavors of Olympia

Visit the two Peloponnesus archeological sites were the Olympic Games history began: Elis (or Ilia) and Olympia. The archaeological site of Elis, 60 kilometres north of Olympia, was Antiquity&#39;s largest city in the Northwestern Peloponnese and capital of the homonymous city-state. Elis flourished during different periods and it was responsible for organizing the Olympic Games, and athletes would stay there to train before the games. Visti the site and the Archaeological Museum, showcasing various artifacts, including statues, inscriptions, pottery, and architectural pieces, dating from the early Hellenic period to the Roman era.&nbsp; After visiting Elis, the tour continues to Olympia, where you can enjoy lunch before visiting the Arch. The site of Olympia is where the first Olympiad was held in 776 B.C. in honor of Olympian Zeus. Its setting could not be more idyllic: in the middle of a fertile valley with the rivers of Alphios and Kladhios flowing past. The site was a sanctuary even before the Stadium was built and the games took place in the sacred area called &ldquo;the Altis&rdquo;. The most imposing monument in this area was the outstanding Temple of Zeus housing the gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, nowadays there exist only the ruins of the temple and the statue has disappeared, its traces lost in the ages. The Temple of Hera, the Prytanion, and the Philippion were also monuments standing in the sacred grove. The famous Stadium, the largest of its day with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage, constructed in Roman times. At the end of your informative visit, return to the ship.

Visit the two Peloponnesus archeological sites were the Olympic Games history began: Elis, in charge of the flawless organization of the Olympic Games, and Olympia, where the first Olympiad was held in 776 B.C. .&nbsp;

Antiquity&#39;s Secrets: Archaeological Sites of Elis & Olympia

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private car and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for four hours. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person (only one person in the party needs to book it). Private cars accommodate a maximum of two guests seated in the back of the vehicle. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this experience require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated.

Private Half-Day Car & English-Speaking Guide - Katakolon

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private van and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for four hours. We recommend this Destination Experience be booked in advance with confirmation provided 72-hours following your request. While private vehicles may be requested on board 48 hours prior to arrival to the port of call, confirmation is based on availability and subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person. Private vans accommodate four guests seated in the back of the vehicle. The guests in the middle seats will not have a window. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this excursion require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated.

Private Half-Day Van & English-Speaking Guide - Katakolon

Immerse yourself in this immaculately preserved island covered in cypress and olive trees. Corfu is considered one of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets and its elegant downtown area, serene beaches and warm breezes will keep leave you truly captivated.  

Paleokastritsa is arguably the most picturesque village of the island of Corfu, situated just north of Corfu Town. Visit the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, one of the oldest in Corfu dating from 1225. Enjoy a bird&rsquo;s-eye view of scenic Paleokastritsa from the village of Lakones, nestled in the nearby hills.&nbsp; Ascending Mt. Pantokrator, appreciate the vista as the island opens out below you. Along our route, there will be time to explore several Corfiot villages, from traditional Nissaki and Acharavi - where you will enjoy a delicious Greek lunch - to the coastal resorts of Barbati, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia, and Kontokali.&nbsp; In the Old Town of Corfu, a World Heritage UNESCO site, appreciate the island&rsquo;s rich history as you pass the Town Hall, Old Fortress, Church of St. Spyridon - built in 1580s and the Esplanade Square which is the biggest in the Balkans.

Visit picturesque and historical villages and walk the Old Town of Corfu, a World Heritage UNESCO site. A traditional Corfu cuisine lunch is included in this full-day excursion.

Best of Corfu

Discover the heritage, traditions and sights of Corfu during a guided walk through the streets of its Old Town.&nbsp; This UNESCO Heritage historic quarter is a maze of medieval buildings and winding pedestrian streets dating back to the 18th century. Your half-day excursion will begin with a walk in Spilia, visiting the main entrance to the Old Town, then stroll through the atmospheric labyrinth of narrow alleyways. Visit a soap factory which has been family-owned for more than a century and still produces handcrafted soaps using traditional methods.&nbsp; At the bustling open-air market, enjoy a Greek meze accompanied by a glass of traditional ouzo, before heading into the heart of the Old Town.&nbsp; See the famous Liston arcade and the soaring bell tower of St. Spyridon Church en route to the Casa Parlante Museum. Through the exhibits learn about the life of Corfu&#39;s 19th-century nobility. Your visit complete, reboard your motor coach for the return to your ship.

Explore Corfu&rsquo;s Old Town on a guided walk, including a traditional soap factory, the local market, and Casa Parlante Museum.

Heritage & Traditions of Corfu

Explore Corfu&rsquo;s spectacular natural landscapes and inviting villages by bicycle on this invigorating scenic excursion. A 30-minutes coach ride takes you to Dassia, where you will choose your bicycle and be briefed by a local guide before embarking on a nine-mile-long bike ride.&nbsp; Cycle to &Aacute;no Koraki&aacute;na, one of the most colorful villages in Corfu, where you will enjoy refreshments at a traditional cafe. From the foothills of Pantokrator, Corfu&rsquo;s tallest peak, enjoy stunning views of the island&rsquo;s wide plains.&nbsp; Arriving at the picturesque village of Saint Marcos, appreciate this old Venetian settlement of carefully restored stone houses and a Byzantine chapel.&nbsp; Pause at a local tavern to enjoy a snack before you coast downhill to meet the scenic seaside road that leads back to Dassia.

Explore Corfu by bicycle, visiting picturesque colorful villages and coastal roads.

Corfu by Bicycle

Start with a visit to Lazaris Distillery where you will learn about the production and distillation process of kumquat liquor and other artisanal products such mandolato, a delicious nougat. A tastings of various liqueurs and other Ionian culinary delights will be offered.&nbsp; Continue to the Ropa Valley, where the Theotokis Estate and organic Winery is located. Visit the farm and the wine press, and enjoy tasting local wine varieties. At the farm&rsquo;s shop, find award winning Theotoky wine, as well as other local products. Continue through some of the most beautiful, traditional villages on the northern side of the island until you reach the village of Bistonas, home to the Enosis Olive Oil Museum. The Konstantis family has a long history in olive oil production, spanning over five generations. They are happy to share their knowledge and tastings are available. Your day will be completed with a scenic sightseeing drive of the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic Old Corfu Town.

Visit Lazaris Koum Kouat Distillery and Theotokis Winery, then enjoy a scenic drive through traditional villages and visit the Enosis Olive Oil Museum.

Tastes of Corfu

Mount Pantokratoras is located on the north eastern part of Corfu Island and at approx 3,018 feet is Corfu&rsquo;s highest mountain. After about an hour&#39;s drive in a motor coach,you will arrive at the starting point of your hike. It takes about 60 mins to hike up the mountain, passing&nbsp; through the traditional style villages of Spartilas and Strinilas. From there enjoy spectacular views of the whole island and the sea stretching out to Albania. Enjoy an easy downhill hike of approximately 90 minutes before reaching&nbsp; the historic, heritage-protected village of Old Peritheia, a designated area of natural beauty.&nbsp;&nbsp; Old Peritheia is the oldest village in Corfu. Records date it back to the mid-14th century, although it is thought&nbsp; to have been inhabited much before. Encircled by eight churches, it was once a hideaway from Pirate attacks. In the 1960&rsquo;s the village was almost totally abandoned but since 2010 is being lovingly restored and brought back to life.&nbsp; Enjoy mezze &amp; refreshments in Old Peritheia, before a motor coach takes you back to your ship.

A hike up Mount Pantokratoras then a visit to Old Peritheia, the oldest village in Corfu.

Hike the Old Settlement of Perithia

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private car and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for four hours. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person (only one persons needs to book the service. Private cars accommodate a maximum of two guests seated in the back of the vehicle. Maximum round-trip mileage for this service is 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles). Mile overages may be subject to additional costs and will be billed onboard. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this experience require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated.

For guests wishing to explore independently, Crystal is pleased to offer this private vehicle service and English-speaking guide.

Private Half-Day Car & English-Speaking Guide - Corfu

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private car and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for up to eight hours. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person (only one person in the party needs to book it). Private cars accommodate a maximum of two guests seated in the back of the vehicle. Maximum round-trip mileage for this service is 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles). Mile overages may be subject to additional costs and will be billed onboard. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this experience require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated.

Private Full-Day Car & English-Speaking Guide - Corfu

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private van and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for four hours. We recommend this Destination Experience be booked in advance with confirmation provided 72-hours following your request. While private vehicles may be requested on board 48 hours prior to arrival to the port of call, confirmation is based on availability and subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person. Private vans accommodate a maximum of six guests seated in the back of the vehicle. The guests in the middle seats will not have a window. Maximum round-trip mileage for this service is 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles). Mile overages may be subject to additional costs and will be billed onboard. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this excursion require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated.

Private Half-Day Van & English-Speaking Guide - Corfu

Enjoy a personalized destination experience allowing you to choose how you spend your time ashore. Go sightseeing or shopping. Maybe linger at a famous landmark or dine at a favorite restaurant. Crystal is pleased to offer you the option to explore independently with the service of a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Beginning from your ship, embark on an itinerary of your own design to explore the city&#39;s main attractions, or sights off the beaten path. The local beauty, history, and culture are yours to discover as you travel at your leisure, enjoying the comfort of a private van and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, both at your disposal for up to eight hours. We recommend this Destination Experience be booked in advance with confirmation provided 72-hours following your request. While private vehicles may be requested on board 48 hours prior to arrival to the port of call, confirmation is based on availability and subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Pricing and reservations are based per vehicle, not per person. Private vans accommodate a maximum of six guests seated in the back of the vehicle. The guests in the middle seats will not have a window. Maximum round-trip mileage for this service is 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles). Mile overages may be subject to additional costs and will be billed onboard. While this service does not include a tour program, entrance fees, meals, refreshments, gratuities or any other incidental charges, including parking and/or tolls, you can either tell your guide where you would like to go or take the guide&rsquo;s suggestions. The departure date and time, as well as the model and type of private vehicle, will depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language guides may be available upon request but may incur additional fees. Kindly email <a href='mailto:CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com'>CrystalDestinations@crystalcruises.com</a> for availability. Requests for this excursion require a valid booking ID number for all participants. Unfortunately, visitors and outside guests cannot be accommodated.

Private Full-Day Van & English-Speaking Guide - Corfu

Meet with your guide then take your place in the driver&#39;s seat of a manual-shift 4x4 vehicle along side your passenger. Follow the main coastal road before heading inland to Kato Korakiana and Ano Korakiana, the island&#39;s oldest villages that still maintain a traditional way of life. Take the narrow Mt. Pantokrator road and follow all 27 hairpin bends to reach the picturesque village of Sokraki and admire its traditional architecture. From Troumbetta and Kratsalo, the island&#39;s highest point, marvel at sweeping landscapes stretching out toward the sea. Sample delicious local products such as olives, olive oil, honey and herbs at the village of Makrades. Stop at the village of Lakones, a natural balcony with magnificent views of Paleokastritsa Bay. Return to your ship via Corfu&#39;s main road.

Drive a 4x4 vehicle with manual transmission to visit traditional villages, mountain roads, and panoramic vistas in Corfu.&nbsp;

Discover the Villages of Corfu by 4x4

A local guide will lead you on a walking tour through the historic center of the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow the narrow, cobblestone streets to the 19th-century house Casa Parlante, a unique museum where a nobleman&rsquo;s mansion comes to life, before enjoying some free time for exploring.&nbsp; After your Old Town exploration, transfer to the beautiful peninsula of Kommeno Bay, on the east coast of Corfu where you will visit a privately owned villa, and be personally received by the owners. In the villa&rsquo;s spacious kitchen, learn about traditional local dishes and participate in a cookery lesson. Once the dishes are complete, enjoy tasting them, accompanied with wine and other local specialties on the villa&rsquo;s stunning garden terrace.

Discover the charm of Corfu&#39;s Old Town, then, immerse yourself in a hands-on cooking class at a private villa, where you&#39;ll learn to create authentic dishes. Savor the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch on the villa&#39;s breathtaking garden terrace.

Corfu Old Town and Greek Cuisine Discovery

Dubrovnik is one of the most recognizable cities in Europe. Behind the walls, find sleek Venetian-style buildings and a rich Slavic culture. Home to lavender, olive oil, and gorgeous beaches, Dubrovnik will leave a lasting impression on all your senses.   

As you travel along the coast aboard your air-conditioned motor coach, observe the ever changing scenery; the ancient walls of the city, the tourist area of Zupa, the village of Cavtat, and the coast around Molunat. There will be several stops to admire the amazing views, one of particular interest is above the UNESCO-listed city of Dubrovnik. Arriving at an old Konavle Valley water mill, you will be met by a local resident who will explain how flour is milled. For a taste of Croatian culture, enjoy a welcome brandy served with dried figs and regional delicacies with wine. Return to your ship with a new appreciation for old Croatian traditions.

Not only is this excursion to the Konavle Valley a scenic one, it is easygoing, designed to highlight the best of the region with little walking.

Scenic Konavle Valley

Leaving the pier, your air-conditioned motor coach will take you the short distance to the Dubrovnik City Walls. Climbing the stairway at Ploce Gate, you will soon reach the city walls where you will first visit the Maritime Museum. This will be followed by a guided walking tour along the entire length of the city walls, offering breathtaking views of Minceta Fortress, St. John&rsquo;s Fortress, Bokar Fortress and the Maritime Museum. Delight also in the panorama of terra cotta roofs and charming Dubrovnik homes. During your visits to the Walls, refreshments will be served in a local caf&eacute;. Reaching Ploce Gate once again, descend from the Walls and make your way to the Rupe Museum. Its unique collection of archaeological relics provides an interesting picture of Dalmatia&rsquo;s historical development. After some free time in the old city, return to your ship at leisure.

This excursion offers a walk of Dubrovnik&rsquo;s medieval city walls, and a visit to the Maritime and Rupe Museums.

City Walls Walk with Maritime & Rupe Museums

Leaving the pier, your air-conditioned motor coach makes the short journey to Pile Square. As the old city center is pedestrianized, you will then continue on foot from Pile Square. &nbsp;&nbsp; Pile Gate, approached by a beautiful bridge, is one of the two main entry points to the walled city, and is guarded by a statue of St Blaise. Our guide will then lead you along Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik . During your walk, visit a 14th-century Franciscan Monastery, the Sponza Palace and the Dominican church and monastery. Next is a visit to fascinating Dubrovnik Cathedral built between 1673 - 1713 but actually built over the remains of other cathedrals dating back to the 7th century. Today, it contains an interesting collection of gold and silverware and priceless works of art. After the tour, enjoy one hour of free time to explore the Old City at your own pace. Re-board your motor coach and return to the ship.

The jewel of the Croatian coast is undoubtedly the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik. Discover its charms on foot.&nbsp;

Exploring the Walled City of Dubrovnik on Foot

A half-hour transfer brings you to the village of Orasac, where you will visit one of the best-preserved olive oil mills in the region.&nbsp; Your host will talk about the history of village life, and its inevitable hardships. You will be shown how olive oil was once produced and invited to taste local olive oils.&nbsp; Then a change of scene offers a glimpse of the other side of life. Just outside the old city walls of Dubrovnik, you will visit the former summer residence of a noble family, the Ranjinas. Enjoy looking at their beautiful antique furniture, paintings, photos and stunning collection of antique glass. Sitting on the terrace in the shade of century-old pines, admire the lovely views and perhaps, for a moment, feel like nobility yourself. &nbsp;

This is an exclusive excursion developed for a very limited number of our Crystal guests, and will provide insights into two sides of Croatia&rsquo;s bygone times: that of the wealthy nobility and that of villagers, who worked the land and produced local foods such as olive oil.

Noble Estate & Village Olive Mill

Depending on the ship position, walk or take a short transfer to the lower station of the Dubrovnik Cable Car. Built in 1969, the cable car was used by visitors and locals alike for a chance to take in beautiful views of the city and surrounding area. When war came in 1991, the cable car was destroyed and remained in disrepair until its recent restoration.&nbsp; Arriving at the top of Srdj hill, disembark the cable car and enjoy a short orientation before proceeding to the nearby war museum, where you will learn about the 1990s invasion of Croatia by the Serbs and Montenegrins. After a pleasant stroll and refreshments enhanced by majestic views, rejoin your motor coach and travel to the Ploce Gate, the eastern entrance to the Old City, to begin your walking city exploration. View the Dominican church, the 15th-century Rectors Palace, the Church of St. Blaise, and the Cathedral, which is built on the remains of the old Cathedral that was destroyed in the earthquake of 1667. Another highlight is Sponza Palace, notable for its columned courtyard with elaborate stone carvings. Next, discover the Croatia of 1,500 years ago with your memorable visit to the 5D Visia Museum. Here, you will be mesmerized by a multimedia presentation that tells the story of the arrival of the Croatian people and the founding of Dubrovnik. Take advantage of some free time to further explore Old Town Dubrovnik before returning to your ship.&nbsp;

Discover Dubrovnik from many different perspectives, ranging from a ride on the restored cable car to a walking exploration of the Old City to a fascinating journey through time at the unique 5D Visia Museum.

The Story of Dubrovnik

After boarding your motorboat, enjoy refreshments of local wine and fruit as you begin your cruise to the island of Lokrum. Now a nature preserve, Lokrum is known for its array of exotic plants and gardens. After approximately one hour on Lokrum, re-board your motorboat for the pleasant cruise to nearby Lopud Island. On arrival, you will see a quaint town with a population of barely 300. During your stay on Lopud, you will enjoy a delicious lunch of local specialties. After your leisurely day of exploring the islands around Dubrovnik, re-board your motorboat, enjoy another glass of wine, and sail back to your ship.

Join a small group and sail aboard a private motorboat, sip chilled wine, and journey to two islands in the blue waters off Dubrovnik.

Island Cruise

Depart from the pier to the Arboretum, where you will begin your guided walk through the lovely garden, which boasts hundreds of different plants and trees from all over the world. After your stroll through the Arboretum, rejoin your motor coach and travel to the small village of Ponikve. Here, at the Vukas Winery, you will enjoy a brief introduction to wine production and taste one of the finest vintages of the region. Next, venture to a small village outside of Ston, where you will stop at a restaurant to learn about the cultivation of another of Croatia&rsquo;s treats for the palate, world-famous Ston oysters. Sample oysters and enjoy a delicious lunch before heading into the charming town of Ston, often thought of as a smaller version of picturesque Dubrovnik. Free time in Ston allows you to independently discover its unique history. Then, return to your ship with tales of your memorable day.

This outing is a feast for the senses. Not only will you discover the beauty of one of the largest botanical gardens in Croatia, you will also taste local wines and world-famous Ston oysters.

Croatian Delicacies: Oyster & Wine Tasting

Start with a drive to Trsteno Botanical Garden, home to the Arboretum that served as a set in seasons 3 and 4 of Game of Thrones. While also posing as part of King&rsquo;s Landing, the Arboretum is most notably associated with the powerful family from the Reach, the Tyrells of Highgarden. This is where the iconic scenes involving Lady Margaery, Ser Loras, and their witty grandmother Lady Olenna Tyrell (aka &ldquo;the Queen of Thorns&rdquo;) take place. Following your visit to the Arboretum, travel to Pile and walk to Gradac Park and Lovrjenac Fortress, both used as filming locations. Continue your walk to the Old City for a viewing of some of the many places where cast and crew shot dozens of scenes for Seasons 2, 3, 4 and 5. In fact, Dubrovnik&rsquo;s characteristic atmosphere and architecture proved to be a perfect match for playing the role of King&rsquo;s Landing and &ldquo;the greatest city that there ever was or ever will be,&rdquo; the magical town of Qarth. Too many to mention here, the scenes shot in Dubrovnik&rsquo;s environs include King Joffrey&rsquo;s name day tourney; the &ldquo;slaughter of the innocent&rdquo; with Goldcloaks killing King Robert&rsquo;s bastard children; King Joffrey provoking riots in King&rsquo;s Landing; the Purple Wedding; Lady Olenna and Margaery finding out the truth about Joffrey&rsquo;s vile nature from Sansa Stark; Queen Cersei meeting with Oberyn and trying to persuade him to take her side on Tyrion&rsquo;s trial; and many more. The swift-moving plot of your excursion having thickened and resolved, it is now time to fade to black and roll credits. After some free time in the Old City, return to your ship.

Join a guided walking tour to visit some of the sites featured in the TV show, &lsquo;Game of Thrones&rsquo;.

Scenes from Game of Thrones

Perched along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is perhaps the best-preserved example of an ancient city&rsquo;s fortifications in self-defense. The city is walled in a protective armor of stone with only a few gates yielding access to the sea below, or to the land beyond. Step through one of those gates to the shimmering Adriatic for a lively kayak outing. Reach the Old town port where your kayak and instructor are waiting. After a safety briefing, slip into the kayak and paddle into the Adriatic Sea, first passing under the St. John Fortress, the mighty stone fort built into the rock to keep the Venetians from attacking the city in the 11th century. Paddle next to the tall city walls toward Lokrum Island, a peaceful spot popular with locals and visitors for day trips. Stop at Betina Beach for a rest and an optional refreshing swim, or enjoy your surroundings while relaxing before kayaking back to Old Port and returning to your ship.

Kayak from Old port to Betina Beach while paddling by St. John Fortress and the island of Lokrum on this active adventure.

Piraeus (Athens)

Barcelona

THE MEDITERRANEAN