Bookended by history, majesty, and myth, this voyage is a hop, skip, and jump around Greece. Beginning in Rhodes' pretty harbor, you'll first sail to Chania in Crete. Katakolon, gateway to Olympia is next, before Crystal Symphony takes you to Monemvasia, a gorgeous little town on the mainland. Conclude your journey with an overnight in Athens, the birthplace of democracy.

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Grand Journey

A Greek paradise in the Aegean Sea that enchants visitors with its stunning natural beauty, ancient ruins, and charming old town. Rich with natural beauty and colorful history, Rhodes represents one of the most architecturally varied locations in Europe. Hellenistic, Byzantine, Medieval and Turkish influences intermingle with abundant sunshine and dry air to cast a magnificent light over the island that the ancients dedicated to Apollo, the God of Light. High on a cliff, the ruins of the Temple of Athena sit amidst the beautifully preserved Acropolis at Lindos.

Your adventure begins at Rhodes Port, where you will meet your motor coach and guide. Following the island&rsquo;s east coast, drive through lush vineyards and fertile olive groves to Lindos. With a view of the Acropolis of Lindos and the village&rsquo;s cluster of picturesque, whitewashed houses nestled along the shore, it&#39;s the perfect place for a photo stop.&nbsp; Later, pause at Psarto, a small fishing harbor where St. Paul is said to have landed on the island. Pass the imposing Castle of Feraklos, built by the knights of St. John, en route to the resort area. Stop at a seaside taverna to enjoy a glass of ouzo or wine with traditional local meze (snacks). Make a final stop at Monte Smith, the site of ancient Rhodes&rsquo; Acropolis, for sweeping views over the city and sea before returning to the pier and your ship.

Explore the east coast of the island, stopping at Lindo Village, Psarto fishing harbor and Monte Smith acropolis for sweeping views, refreshments will be served at a seaside taverna.

Panoramic Island Drive & Greek Meze

Enjoy a &nbsp;35-mile scenic drive to Lindos, passing pretty villages, vineyards, and olive groves. The sublime setting of Lindos is evident, the dramatic natural landscape enhanced by the Lindos Acropolis, standing 380 feet above sea level, dominating the scene. Its grandeur and majestic fortress walls provide a breathtaking backdrop to the town below. Join your guide as you walk through the narrow cobblestone streets to the foot of the ancient Acropolis. Lindos is a labyrinthine village with a seamless array of buildings. Whitewashed flat-roofed houses ascend a slope from the golden sandy beach. The steep climb is immediately rewarded with the sight of the Doric Temple of Lindian Athena, enclosed within the walls of a Crusader-era castle. From the Acropolis, you will have an incredible view of the village, the sea, and the small fishing harbor of Psarto, where legend has it St. Paul landed to bring Christianity to the region. On your return to Lindos village, visit the church in the town, enjoy some time for independent exploration, browse the many souvenir shops, or stop in a cafe for a cold drink before the return journey to your ship.

Embark on a scenic drive to Lindos, passing charming villages, vineyards, and olive groves. The town of Lindos, with its dramatic natural landscape and the towering Lindos Acropolis, captivates with its picturesque setting. Walk through narrow cobblestone streets to reach the ancient Acropolis, where the Doric Temple of Lindian Athena stands within Crusader-era castle walls, offering breathtaking views.

The Acropolis of Lindos

Embark on a fascinating walking tour through the historic Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with captivating history and medieval architecture. Meet your guide at the pier and walk the short distance to the city walls. Passing through the majestic Gate of Freedom, step back in time as you step into the ancient narrow, cobbled streets; Marvel at the well-preserved medieval walls encircling the town, a souvenir of its fortified past. Continue your walk to the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. Look out for seven inns along the street representing the seven countries from which the Knights of the Order of St. John came, constructed in the early 1500s and exceptionally well preserved today. Pass colorful shops and the 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, now home to a splendid archaeological museum, before arriving at the colossal building of medieval Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Masters. The palace was the residence of the governor and administrative center in Medieval times. Constructed in the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John, it&#39;s remarkable for its spherical towers and the arched gate. Enjoy some free time to explore before returning to your ship. There are many discoveries to make in the maze-like alleys, charming squares, churches adorned with beautiful frescoes, and local artisan shops.

Embark on a captivating walking tour through Rhodes&#39; Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start at the city walls and pass through the Gate of Freedom into ancient narrow streets. Admire the well-preserved medieval walls and reach the Street of the Knights, home to seven beautifully preserved knightly inns. Discover colorful shops, the Hospital of the Knights turned archaeological museum, and the grand Palace of the Grand Masters. Enjoy free time to explore the maze-like alleys, squares, churches with stunning frescoes, and local artisan shops. Immerse yourself in the history and charm of this remarkable Old Town before returning to your ship.

Old Town Walk & Grand Master&#39;s Palace

Embark on a fascinating exploration that takes you to some of the most iconic landmarks of Rhodes. Your full-day excursion begins with a scenic drive to the Grand Masters Palace, the most majestic building of medieval Rhodes, a work of art and architecture. Constructed in the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John, it&#39;s remarkable for its spherical towers and the arched gate.&nbsp; Knights Street runs from the Palace of the Grand Master to the square in front of the Knights&#39; Hospital and is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. Look out for seven inns along the street representing the seven countries from which the Knights of the Order of St. John came; they were constructed in the early 1500s and exceptionally well preserved today. Next, head to Lindos to enjoy a guided tour of the ancient village set in a dramatic natural landscape; the Lindos Acropolis, standing 380 feet above sea level, dominates the scene. Its grandeur and majestic fortress walls provide a breathtaking backdrop to the town below. The steep climb to the Acropolis is immediately rewarded by the sight of the Doric Temple of Lindian Athena, enclosed within the walls of a Crusader-era castle. Enjoy free time to explore the charming, photogenic, whitewashed village at your leisure.&nbsp; A delicious lunch follows a scenic drive to Kolymbia before heading to Mt. Filerimos, which at 875 feet, offers amazing panoramic views of northern Rhodes. Finally, your exploration concludes with a walking tour of the medieval Old Town before returning to your ship.

Embark on a full-day excursion exploring the iconic landmarks of Rhodes. Begin with a scenic drive to the Grand Masters Palace, a majestic medieval building known for its spherical towers and arched gate. Walk along Knights Street, one of Europe&#39;s best-preserved medieval streets, lined with seven well-preserved inns representing the countries of the Knights of the Order of St. John. Continue to Lindos, where a guided tour reveals the ancient village&#39;s dramatic landscape and the impressive Lindos Acropolis, offering panoramic views. Enjoy free time to explore the picturesque whitewashed village. After a delicious lunch, visit Mt. Filerimos for breathtaking panoramic views before concluding the day with a walking tour of the medieval Old Town of Rhodes.

The Best of Rhodes

Scenic drive along the island&#39;s west coast to Mount Filerimos. Offering fantastic views of the city of Rhodes, it was once the site of Ialyssos, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes. Admire the Church of Our Lady, built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, and that of St. George, which has wall paintings dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. After driving back to Rhodes Town, continue on foot, following your guide through the narrow, cobblestone streets. Visit the most imposing building of medieval Rhodes, the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Masters, which dominates the end of the Street of the Knights.&nbsp; Walking down the Street of the Knights and passing through numerous colorful shops, pass the 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, now an Archaeological Museum. At the end of your visit, you may return directly to the ship or stay longer in town and walk back to the ship at leisure.

This brief experience takes you to Mount Filerimos for stunning views, then on foot to explore the historic Rhodes Town, including the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Street of the Knights.

Mount Filerimos & Old Town Rhodes

Drive by motor coach through the New Town of Rhodes, passing Mandraki Harbor and Fort Nicholas, noticeable for the two bronze deer, marking where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. In the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes, admire the ruins of the ancient stadium of Rhodes, next to the temple of Apollo, the Odeon, the Stoa Building, the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus. The stadium is approximately 600 feet in length, with some of its parts being very well preserved even today. Return to the Old Town of Rhodes, where you continue your tour by foot through narrow, cobblestone streets. Follow the Knights street past colorful shops, the 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, and the Palace of the Grand Masters. Later, visit &ldquo;Path of Gods,&rdquo; which is housed in a building combining medieval architecture with modern design. It was built to house and shelter replicas of artifacts. Beside Path of Gods, there is an excavation that began in 1976 and was completed in the 1990s dating back to the Hellenistic Period. You will have the chance to become familiar with the Rhodian history and culture through replicas of ancient war engines, technology and toys. After your guided visit, enjoy a 20-minute HD film showing the history of ancient sports and Rhodian Olympic winners.

A scenic motor coach ride through New Town of Rhodes and exploring the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes, including the remains of the Rhodes stadium and various historic sites. A visit the 'Path of Gods,'museum.

In the Path of the Gods

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. 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 nguide, both at your disposal for four hours. We recommend this Destination Experience be requested in advance. 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 pre-reservations are based per vehicle, not per person. Private taxis accommodate maximum 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 driver/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, no separate guide. Foreign-language driver/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.

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 - Rhodes

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 and English-speaking guide.&nbsp; 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. We recommend this Destination Experience to be requested in advance. 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 pre-reservations are based per vehicle, not per person. Private taxis accommodate maximum 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 driver/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, depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available, no separate guides. Foreign-language driver/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 Car & English-Speaking Guide - Rhodes

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 and English-speaking guide. 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 to be booked in advance. 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 pre-reservations are based per vehicle, not per person. Private vans accommodate maximum 4 guests comfortably. 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 driver/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, depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available, no separate guides. Foreign-language driver/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;

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

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

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 and English-speaking guide. 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. 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 pre-reservations are based per vehicle, not per person. Private vans accommodate maximum four guests comfortably. Guests in the middle seats will not have a window. Maximum round-trip mileage for this service is 120 kilometers (approximately 74 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 driver/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, depend on availability. In some destinations, only driver/guides are available. Foreign-language driver/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 - Rhodes

The spectacular town of Chania on the island of Crete is a perfect place to spend some time. Chania is known for its charming ambience and incredible beaches, as well as for its medieval monuments such as the Frangokastello fortress. Visit picturesque Agii Apostoli beach or the lively Nea Chora beach to enjoy the sea.

Join your coach and travel to Rethymnon, where you will visit the famous Arkadi Monastery. This monastery is located to the southeast of Rethymnon town on a rocky plateau, and it is well-known for the holocaust it suffered in 1866. It has become a memorial for the island&#39;s freedom from Turkish occupation. The monastery was built during the last Venetian period and is made up of a set of fortress-like buildings, which were used as a refuge for people during troubled times. As you continue your journey, reach the charming old town of Rethymnon. The town has retained its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating back to the 16th century.&nbsp;You will have the opportunity to admire the arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, as well as the small Venetian harbor. After a guided walking tour of the old town, you will have lunch at a local restaurant and then some free time to explore the old quarters on your own. You will then board your motorcoach and return to Souda port.

Visit the famous Arkadi monastery, linked to the island`s many historical events, then walk the traditional old town of Rethymnon and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.&nbsp;

Arkadi Monastery & Old Rethymnon Town

Take an approximately 2 and a half hours scenic drive drive through Crete&#39;s fertile soil and towering peaks to reach Heraklion, the capital city of Crete. Here, you can explore one of the earliest recorded civilizations on Earth, the Minoan Civilization, and visit Knossos, the court of legendary King Minos. The excavations at Knossos were started by Sir Arthur Evans and his team in 1893 and lasted for 35 years.&nbsp; As you enter the Great Palace through the West Court, you&#39;ll be transported to a time when the legend of the labyrinth grew up here. You can spend about an hour exploring the Palace and admiring the Royal Quarters, the Throne room, the Antechamber, and the Queen&#39;s Quarters, which are adorned with the famous Dolphin Frescoes. You&#39;ll also see other important buildings on the site, such as the Small Palace, the House of the High Priest, and the Caravanserai. After exploring Knossos, we&#39;ll take a short drive to the village of Arhanes, where you will enjoy a delicious three-course meal and savor the healthy and tasty Cretan cuisine. Then, relax on the coach as we drive back to Souda port after lunch.&nbsp;

Travel to Heraklion and the Knossos archaeological site, the court of the legendary King Minos. In the village of Arhanes, savor the healthy and tasty Cretan cuisine for lunch.

The Minoan Palace of Knossos

The Monastery of Agia Triada, also known as Tzagarolon Monastery, is a remarkable religious site in Crete situated on the Akrotiri Peninsula in the northern part of Chania Prefecture, about 15 kilometers away from Chania. Built by Cretan monks Ieremias and Lavrentios, members of the Venetian Orthodox Tzagarolos family, the monastery&#39;s distinctive facade boasts Doric columns and Renaissance architecture elements. As a Patriarchal-Stavropegiac monastery, Tzagarolon is a significant religious institution with a tremendous impact on education on the island. Apart from its historical and religious importance, the Monastery of Agia Triada is a sight to behold, making it a must-visit attraction when exploring Chania Prefecture. Next stop will be at the monument of Eleftherios Venizelos who was a renowned political figure in modern Greece, born in 1864 in Crete, which was then under Turkish occupation. He actively participated in the revolutionary movements for the liberation of Crete and played a significant role in negotiations with the Turks. Venizelos served as the Prime Minister of Greece seven times and died in 1936 in self-exile in Paris. He is highly respected by the Cretans and Greeks for his efforts in doubling Greece&#39;s territories and establishing the foundations for a modern social state in the early 20th century. Time will be given for photos. You will then visit Chania, the second largest city on Crete, inhabited since the Neolithic era and built on the ruins of the ancient city of Kydonia. Your guided walking tour will begin with a stroll through the old city, which reflects a blend of Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman influences. The district is Crete&#39;s most beautiful urban area, with impressive sites such as Minoan ruins, Byzantine churches, Italian Palazzos, and colorful neighborhoods with a traditional lifestyle. The Venetian harbor and its 15th-century Lighthouse are the most picturesque. We&#39;ll visit important sites such as the Venetian Dockyards, the Neoria, the Venetian Lighthouse, the Kioutsouk Hassan Mosque, the Cathedral, and the Market Hall, as well as some off-the-beaten-path spots that showcase Chania&#39;s unique character. Free time will be given before returning to the port.

Visit Aghia Triada monastery, with its distinctive fa&ccedil;ade boasting Doric columns and Renaissance architecture elements. See Venizelos monument and learn about this renowned political figure in modern Greece. During a walking tour of Chania old town discover the blend of Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Aghia Triada Monastery & Chania Old Town

Depart port towards Kanakis Olive Mill, a family-owned olive oil factory that was founded by Kanakis Boudourakis in 1965. The family&rsquo;s commitment to producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil remains as strong today as it was almost six decades ago. You will witness the olive oil production process firsthand, gain knowledge about olives and olive oil, and enjoy a complimentary tasting of this exceptional product.&nbsp; In addition to the award-winning olive oil, a selection of locally produced traditional goods is offered as well as products from carefully chosen small-scale producers across Crete.&nbsp; Next, we&#39;ll visit Dourakis winery, which is surrounded by a beautiful natural habitat. Dourakis family has a proud heritage of winemaking, combining scientific care with traditional methods to create high-quality products. A guided tour of the winery will lead you through a stone building resembling a fairy-tale castle before ending with a tasting of four of their wines and healthy Cretan snacks. We&#39;ll then return to the port by coach.&nbsp;

Visit a family-owned Olive oil factory, witness the olive oil production process firsthand and try the final product. Next enjoy a visit and wine tasting at Dourakis winery.

Taste the Cretan Olive Oil & Wine Experience

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, along with the vestiges of the Temple of Hera and the Prytaneion (the seat of the ancient Greek government). You will have free time in Olympia to explore the village on your own. When our visit is complete, reboard the motorcoach for the return drive to the pier and your ship.

Visit ancient Olympia, the remarkable site where the first Olympiad was held in 776 B.C.&nbsp;

Ancient Olympia & Village of Olympia

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

Monemvasia, often referred as the &ldquo;Gibraltar of Greece&rdquo;, is undoubtedly unique with its fortified medieval town built on a reddish-brown rock and surrounded by the blue sea. Board your shuttle bus from the tender point and start your exploration by entering the one and only gate of the city (Monemvasia means Moni=sole, Emvasia = entrance). The old stone-built mansions, the picturesque lanes and the numerous Byzantine churches create an environment of superb beauty. Monemvasia is split in two, the lower town and the upper town. Walking on the main alley and admiring the wonderful architecture of the houses, you will end up at the square of Elkomenos. The square is dominated by the church of Elkomenos on the left, a mosque converted into a museum on the right and an old Turkish cannon in the middle of it. Continuing your walk in the upper town you will admire the octagonal church of Agia Sofia from the outside, built by the Emperor Andronicus in the 12th century AD, one of the most beautiful worship spots in Greece, offering unique views of the walled city and the sea. Spend some time wandering around the small shops with herbs and local artifacts. After this journey back in time you can either stay longer on your own and return at your leisure or board the shuttle bus for the short trip to the tender point, and then to the 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

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’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'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.

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 

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

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

Welcome to Hotel Grande Bretagne, offering breathtaking views of the fabled Acropolis, regal Syntagma Square and the Parliament, lush Lycabettus Hill or the original Olympic Stadium. Located right in the heart of the city since 1874, this multi-awarded landmark luxury hotel is within walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, museums and the business district. With meticulous attention to detail, the 320 rooms and suites marry charming old-world elegance with state-of-the-art facilities, whereas the 58 suites enjoy additional benefits including personalized Butler Service. Visit the picturesque GB Roof Garden Restaurant for the finest Mediterranean cuisine or the Winter Garden for an afternoon tea.

Hotel Grande Bretagne

Welcome to the Athens Capital Center Hotel. Enter an oasis of modern, understated elegance in the heart of one of the world's oldest cities. From its rooftop terrace and pool, sip a house cocktail as you soak in one of Athens's most enchanting views of the Acropolis. Nestled in Athens's upmarket Kolonaki district and next to the historical and picturesque Plaka neighbourhood, the hotel is an unrivalled spot for discovering the cradle of Western civilization. From your haven, step out onto Syntagma Square, a site of historical interest with its neoclassical Old Royal Palace housing the Hellenic Parliament, its ceremonial Presidential Guard and its famed Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Around the hotel, enjoy high-end boutiques, trendy bars and art galleries, and relax in the National Garden's lush greenery just a stone's throw away.

Athens Capital Center Hotel

9 Exceptional Restaurants

9 Exceptional Restaurants Title

Ship Dining

Aurora SPA

Talents (dynamic based on voyage)

Featured Offers

Feature Offers

SUITE DREAMS UPGRADE OFFER

CRYSTAL EXPLORER FARE

CRYSTAL REFERRAL PROGRAM

SPECIAL CRYSTAL SOCIETY SAVINGS

SPECIAL SOLO FARES

Regular

WITH ELEGANT LINES AND SWEEPING OCEAN VIEWS, OUR INTIMATE SHIP HOUSES EXPANSIVE SUITES AND GUEST ROOMS, ALONGSIDE A WORLD-CLASS CHOICE OF DINING, WELLNESS AND ENTERTAINMENT.

Crystal Symphony

FIND A CRUISE

DESTINATIONS

GRAND JOURNEYS

WORLD CRUISES

CRYSTAL SERENITY

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY

LIFE ON BOARD

OUR SHIPS

STORIES

WHY CRYSTAL

OFFERS

Guests will receive twenty percent (20%) off the cruise-only fare. Full payment of the reduced fare will be due at time of booking. Booking is not refundable. Additional terms and conditions apply.

A&K Travel Group Ltd, along with its subsidiary companies listed below (collectively “A&K Travel,” “us,” “our,” or “we”) recognize the importance of protecting your privacy. This global privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”) describes how we collect, process, and share Guest Personal Data (defined below). This Privacy Policy also describes your rights and choices with respect to Guest Personal Data and other important information. You reached this Privacy Policy by clicking on the privacy policy link when you visited the Crystal Cruises website, however, this Privacy Policy applies to the activities across all of the A&K Travel companies. Please carefully review this Privacy Policy.

A&K Travel Group Ltd is a company incorporated under the laws of the Bahamas. A&K Travel’s subsidiary companies include but are not limited to the following: AK Group Ltd, A&K Corp. Ltd, Abercrombie & Kent Global Travel, AK Monaco Sarl, Abercrombie & Kent Limited, Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, Crystal Cruises Holding Ltd, Crystal Cruises SAM, Crystal Cruises USA, LLC, Crystal Cruises Pty Ltd and Cox & Kings.

A&K Travel acts as both a controller and processor with respect to the collection, use, and other processing of personal identifying information which can be used to identify, directly or indirectly, or locate guests ("

) in connection with the guest relationship, as described in more detail in this Privacy Policy.

We have appointed a data protection compliance manager who is responsible for overseeing questions in relation to this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions about this privacy notice, including any requests to exercise your legal rights, please contact the data protection compliance manager using the details set out below.

Please see below the relevant contact details of the Data Controller for your country or region. If you are uncertain of have a general question regarding data protection, please use the contact details for the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Legal entity: Abercrombie & Kent Ltd.
Company No: 01082430
Name: Data Compliance Officer
Email address: 


Postal address: St George's House, Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3LG.

Legal Entity: GRCiLaw ltd
Company No: 11311669
Name: Data Protection Officer as a Service
Email Address: 

Postal address: Unit 3 Clive Court, Bartholomews Walk, Cambridge Business Park, Ely, Cambs. CB7 4EA.
Supervisory body: The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Website URL: 

The contact details for our registered data protection representative in the European Union.

Legal entity: Abercrombie & Kent Italy and Croatia
Name: EU Data Protection Representative
Email address: 


Postal address: Via Fattori 10, Florence, 50132, Italy.
Supervisory body: Garante Per La Protezione Dei Personali
Website URL: 

United States of America, Canada and South/Central America

The contact details for our registered data protection representative for the USA and the Americas

Legal entity: Abercrombie & Kent USA LLC
Name: Data Protection Manager
Email address: 


Postal address: 1411 Opus Place Executive Towers West II, Suite 300, Downers Grove, IL 60515.

The contact details for our registered data protection representative Australia and Asia.

Legal entity: Abercrombie & Kent Australia Pty. Ltd.
Name: Data Protection Manager
Email address: 


Postal address: Level 3, 290 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205.

This Policy is written in the English language. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any translated versions of this Policy. To the extent any translated versions of this Policy conflict with the English language version, the English language version of this Policy shall control.


A&K Travel will collect personal data from you when you interact with any of the A&K Travel websites, contact any of its subsidiary companies’ reservations departments, use our services, or purchase our products.


We collect Guest Personal Data about or generated by any device you have used to access the websites of subsidiary companies, or when you use Wi-Fi while traveling with A&K Travel. Such collected data could include contact details (such as email address) and previous purchase history or interests. When you use our websites, we also collect certain information about you automatically through our use of cookies and similar technologies. Please see below for our cookie policy.


We receive Guest Personal Data about you from our third-party affiliates or partners and from marketing companies that provide us with such information as a part of their relationship with us. We receive Guest Personal Data from third party travel agents who transfer Guest Personal Data to us when you purchase products or services from them in connection with services that we provide, and other service providers performing services on our behalf. We may receive Guest Personal Data from ad networks, behavioral advertising vendors, market research, and social media companies or similar companies that provide us with additional Guest Personal Data. We may also receive Guest Personal Data from Facebook and other social media companies who may transfer Guest Personal Data to us when you register for one of our services or interact with that social media company on or in connection with our services or the purchase of our products.

We may combine this with data that we already have collected about you.


A&K Travel feels strongly about protecting the privacy of children. A&K Travel’s websites are not targeted for use by minors under the age of 18 (“minors”). A&K Travel does not knowingly collect personal information from minors in connection with the features of our websites without the consent of a parent or guardian. A&K Travel requests that all minors who may visit its websites not disclose or provide any personal data. Minors may not access those sections of the websites that require registration. Upon notification that a minor has provided us with personally identifiable information, we will delete the minor’s personally identifiable information from our records. If you believe we might have any information from a child, please email us at 

III. CATEGORIES OF GUEST PERSONAL DATA AND PURPOSE FOR PROCESSING

A&K Travel collects and processes the following categories of Guest Personal Data, for the purposes specified below when you make an inquiry or purchase a service or product:

Personal name and initials (e.g. First Name, Last Name)

Communicate, interact and identify you and customize the content, products and services that are offered to you;

Verify your authority to enter and use our Services; and

Personal characteristics (e.g., age, date of birth, gender, marital status, nationality) and personal preferences (product preferences, online preferences, interests)

Conduct our business and improve our websites and services, develop new products and services, provide information and support, to better understand your needs and interests, personalize communications and advertising, and generally promote a quality experience for you.

Process, fulfil and follow up on transactions and requests for products, services, support, and information

Financial information (e.g., credit card number, financial institution information and number)

Process transactions you enter into with us (e.g., purchase of goods and services, refunds, discounts and offers)

Contact information (e.g., address, phone number, email address)

Perform certain automated decision-making, including profiling, which is used for direct marketing

Contact you with information about A&K Travel products and services and affiliated third-parties;

Send you other marketing materials, for example, via email, and to notify you about products and services that we believe would be of interest to you

Government Issued ID (e.g., Social Security Number, Government ID Number, Passport Number)

Authentication information (e.g., login id, password)

Verify your authority to enter and use our website and other services

Deter, detect, and prevent fraud and other prohibited or illegal activities

Health related information (e.g., information about physical or psychological state of health, prescriptions, vaccinations, temperature, data on health screening questionnaires, COVID-19 testing)

Book or embark on some of our offerings, visit certain properties or visit certain locations where our cruise ships berth

Health information when / if medical care is required while onboard

Enable us to provide you with bespoke services or in connection with our response to health-related incidents

Information obtained from third parties, including:

Casino third parties related to marketing and background checks

Travel Agents and / or Travel Consortiums for booking purposes

Online behaviour information (online activity, preferences, time spent viewing features on our Site)

Measure, analyze and improve our products and services, the effectiveness of our websites, and our advertising and marketing

Provide targeting advertising, including the use of re-targeting technology

The type of Guest Personal Data collected by A&K Travel may vary from country to country, and in some countries A&K Travel might not collect all of the categories of Guest Personal Data listed above.

A&K Travel is committed to only collecting and processing the minimum amount of data from you that is necessary to the purposes of our data processing activities, and to retain such data only if required to fulfil such purposes. Where applicable, if A&K Travel intends to further process the personal data for a purpose other than that for which the personal data was initially collected, A&K Travel shall, prior to such processing, provide you with any relevant information on such additional purpose, and, to the extent required by applicable law, obtain your consent for this.

While traveling with A&K Travel subsidiary companies:

A&K Travel processes Guest Personal Data when you interact with us offline. Additionally, when you use electronic or RFID technologies, or use on-premise digital services, we may collect browsing information including but not limited to, search history, server logs, application logs, browsing data, first party cookies, third party cookies, pixel tags and clear gifs. In addition, we may process this data in combination with other data that we collect and/or create as necessary in connection with certain legitimate business interests in (i) verifying your identity for authentication and security purposes; and (ii) to prevent fraud.


We may operate CCTV or security cameras on properties operated or owned by A&K Travel subsidiary companies. In connection with these systems, we may collect and/or create Guest Personal Data as necessary in connection with certain legitimate business interests, such as (i) ensuring the safety and security of guests and employees; (ii) recording and investigating health and safety incidents; (iii) keeping track of guests and employees for safety and commercial purposes; and (iv) creating aggregate data.

When you use our digital services, we may collect and process device and network data. We use this data as necessary to fulfil guests’ requests. We may also collect and process data that we collect, create, and/or receive (including through the use of cookies and similar technologies). We typically use this data as necessary in connection with certain legitimate business interests, such as ensuring the security of our websites and other technology systems.

We and certain third parties process Guest Personal Data we hold for certain purposes including but not limited to distribute marketing communications and to create marketing profiles, in connection with online advertising, including targeted advertising, data sales, personalization and guest profiles.

In order to understand our guests’ preferences, and better recommend bespoke products and services we may create a “Guest Profile” by linking together and analyzing Guest Personal Data collected in the following circumstances: (i) when you purchase our products and services; (ii) when you travel with companies owned or operated by A&K Travel and its subsidiary companies; (iii) when you use our digital services; (iv) through cookies and other tracking technologies; (v) when you contact us or submit information to us; and (vi) through feedback and surveys.


During our interactions we may collect special categories of personal data about you as detailed below.This may be because you want us to have the information or inadvertently as result of a group you travel with (please see example below).It may also be because we need to know certain personal data about you which is special category data in order that we can provide you with the best possible service and advise you whether a trip is suitable for you.Health is one of the best examples of this.

Rhodes

Piraeus (Athens)

THE MEDITERRANEAN