JUNE 7 - 19, 2009
THE SPLENDORS OF EUROPE
Rome to London
The Six-Star Crystal Symphony

Itinerary

June 7 - Embark Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy

June 8 - Porto Venere, Italy

June 9 - Monte Carlo, Monaco

June 10 - Barcelona, Spain

June 11 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

June 12 - Tangiers, Morocco

June 13 - Lisbon, Portugal

June 14 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

June 15 - Bilbao, Spain

June 16 - Le Verdon, France

June 16 - Bordeaux, France (overnight)

June 17 - Bordeaux, France

June 18 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

June 19 - Disembark London/Dover, England

HIGHLIGHTS:

Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy: Civitavecchia was founded by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century. Today this port is noted for its fine seafood and attractive monuments. Located 90 minutes away is the Eternal City of Rome. Steeped in 2,500 years of history, Rome was for many centuries the center of Western civilization. It was both the focal point of the Roman Empire and of Christendom. Landmarks such as the Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Spanish Steps are reminders of the legacy of its rich past. Enjoy a pre-cruise stay in the "Eternal City."

Porto Venere, Italy: Porto Venere, Italy, has all the essentials of an idyllic medieval town. It boasts two ancient churches, a 16th-century fortified castle, a bell tower built on the ruins of a Roman temple, even a wistful tale of English writers Lord Byron and Mary Shelley.
While the legend is certainly romantic, Porto Venere's breathtaking natural beauty is enough to put it at the top of any traveler's list. Poised on the tip of the small peninsula that extends from the celebrated Italian Riviera, Porto Venere is the southernmost town on the walking trails connecting the five villages that make up the famous Cinque Terre, or five lands. With its sweeping views, brightly-colored houses, terraced gardens and three small islands -- Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto -- sitting prettily just off its rocky promontory, Porto Venere is so very lovely.

Monte Carlo, Monaco: Monaco is an ancient principality steeped in rich and colorful history. Its proud monarchy is presided over by Prince Albert, who assumed the throne after his famed father Prince Rainier died in 2005. Today when gazing on its modern skyline, it is hard to imagine that Monaco endured a turbulent past. Once a Greek settlement conquered by the Romans, it was bought from the Genoese in 1309 by the Grimaldis, who still rule as the world's oldest monarchy. Monaco covers less than one square mile and is known primarily for its Grand Casino. Visit the Royal Apartments and Princess Grace's tomb.

Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, was the home of Picasso, Miró, Dali, Casals and Gaudí and has been described as a Mediterranean Manhattan, a cosmopolitan experimental center for political ideas and artistic movements. In addition to its abundance of artistic and architectural treasures, Barcelona serves as the gateway to one of the world's most impressive mountainside enclaves at Montserrat. Discover the secret legends of the Black Virgin and the alluring chants of monastic life high atop the Catalonian plains. Barcelona's ancient city walls and the narrow crooked streets of the town's old section are laid out for your discovery. You will find that Barcelona has something for everybody.

Tangiers, Morocco: Situated at the western entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar, the Moroccan city of Tangiers is not only where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, but is also where empires have met to fight and conquer. Morocco's interesting past is on display throughout Tangiers and the surrounding area. Museums and souks reveal Moroccan history and vibrancy, while numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites feature ancient ruins and archaeological sites.

Lisbon, Portugal: Cosmopolitan Lisbon was the center of the world's last great colonial empire. Today the city nostalgically reveres its imperial past while adapting to Portugal's role as a member of the European Economic Community. Although located on the Atlantic coast, Lisbon has the soul of a Mediterranean city with Moorish castles, pastel and white buildings, orange-tiled roofs and luminous blue skies. Set amid the hills and valleys of the northern shore of the River Tagus, it is one of the loveliest capitals in the world.

Bilbao, Spain: Home of the newly-erected fabulous Guggenheim Museum, this bustling city epitomizes the merger of modernity and history. The gateway to the Cantabrico Sea from the plateau of Castilla, Bilbao has flourished from the middle ages as a busy port, and a major exporter of the metals found in surrounding areas. Today, the city flourishes with a vital exuberance, as modern architects erect new buildings next to 19th-century structures.

Bordeaux, France: Bordeaux was at one time France's richest community and largest port. It is second only to Paris as the country's most densely populated city. Today it is best-known for its glorious châteaux, mouth-watering cuisine and incomparable wines. It is surrounded by the world's most famous vineyards including Médoc, St-Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes. Crystal Symphony's sojourn in this world-renowned wine capital is bound to please even the most discerning bon vivant.

London/Dover, England: For centuries, Dover has been a symbol of England's royal fortitude. The port's legendary White Cliffs have long been a welcomed landmark for seafaring travelers. The solid Dover Castle has faced invasions by Roman, French and even English troops. London's legendary sights, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament Square, Whitehall and the fashionable West End, lie just 80 miles from historic Dover. Enjoy a post-cruise stay in everyone's favorite city.