Itinerary

October 24 - Embark Athens/Piraeus, Greece

October 25 - Santorini/Thíra, Greece

October 26 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

October 27 - Ashdod, Israel: Gateway to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

October 28 - Ashdod, Israel: Gateway to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

October 29 - Limassol, Cyprus

October 30 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

October 31 - Iraklion, Crete

November 1 - Mykonos, Greece

November 2 - Kusadasi, Turkey

November 3 - Cruising the Dardanelles

November 4 - Istanbul, Turkey

November 5 - Disembark Istanbul, Turkey

HIGHLIGHTS:

Athens/Piraeus, Greece: Piraeus is Greece's largest port and has been a gateway to the Mediterranean since 482 BC. It lies on the innermost point of the Saronic Gulf and is a short drive from Athens, the cradle of Western democracy and culture. Throughout the ages, Athens' lofty Acropolis has been a source of inspiration. The ancient ruins scattered throughout this legendary city are reminders of Greece's great cultural heritage.

Santorini/Thira, Greece: Of all the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is often considered the most dramatic. In about 1500 BC, the volcano erupted with such force that the center of the island literally exploded, leaving the haunting submerged crater into which Crystal Serenity sails. The island's small villages were preserved in the ashes and recent excavations have uncovered a fascinating view of everyday life from 3,500 years ago. Santorini's dark landscape offsets its simple, yet refined Cycladic buildings, which glimmer in the sunlight. The rich volcanic soil is ideal for grapes and the local vines produce a cherished crop known for its "special volcanic taste." Thíra, or Fira Town, is laid out along the edge of a cliff that partially forms the rim of the now extinct caldera. A picturesque site, it exudes charm and an atmosphere of leisure that can be attributed to the easy-going Greek lifestyle.

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv/Ashdod, Israel: Jerusalem: this is where the stories we grew up with happened; where the events that have most profoundly affected humankind took place. No city in the world can match its power to bring the past to life. It is one of the many wonders of Israel - where the history that makes us who we are still lives. Ashdod is southern Israel's only Mediterranean harbor. Yet this new city has fabulously ancient roots: Ashdod is mentioned in the Old Testament, and archaeologists have found ruins almost 4,000 years old. This is the doorway to the historic treasures of Jerusalem, and the worldly pleasures of Tel Aviv. The port town of Ashdod serves as the gateway to one of the most revered cities in the world. Jerusalem, which is central to three world religions, includes both an old walled city and a modern urban area surrounding the wall. As you stroll inside the wall, you'll eventually "discover" some of the most magnificent holy shrines in the world.

Limassol, Cyprus: Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus, located on Akrotiri Bay. A wide spectrum of activities, museums and archaeological sites are here to explore. Visit the medieval castle, built in 1,000 A.D. where Richard the Lionheart married Princess Berengaria. A large collection of antiquities are in the Archaeological Museum, and visit the Folk Art Museum to see beautifully preserved Cypriot Folk Art of the last two centuries. For those who would rather revel in good buys, the expansive waterfront promenade and nearby streets present shoppers with a dizzying array of choices, from traditional, handmade goods to expensive designer labels.

Iraklion, Crete: Home of the world-famous painter, El Greco, Iraklion is the gateway to Knossos, the most impressive of the Minoan palace sites. The must-see Palace of Knossos is the closest you can get to piecing together the threads of the story on the Minoan civilization. The town has magnificent fortified walls and several other testimonies to the Venetians' time of power. An enormous archaeological museum spans sever thousand years, and have fun strolling the pedestrian 25th of August Street.

Mykonos, Greece: Everyone's favorite Greek island, Mykonos is part of the Cyclades. Its most recognized landmarks, the official mascot Petros the Pelican, and the 16th century windmills are all intertwined in a maze of winding streets, with fabulous shops. Every corner has a spectacular view!

Kusadasi, Turkey: A lovely seaside resort on Turkey's Aegean coast, Kusadasi [koo-SHAH-duh-see] is renowned for its inviting sparkling waters, broad sandy beaches and large marina. The shops in town are filled with designer clothing, carpets, jewelry and leather goods. South, along the Aegean coast, the ancient Greco-Roman cities of Priene, Miletus and Didyma furnish impressions of the sophisticated civilizations that once thrived here. Kusadasi is perhaps best known as the gateway to the archaeological site of Ephesus, one of the world's greatest archaic finds. Excavations continue in the 4,000-year-old city and it is believed that more than half of it still remains buried in the hillside. Its marble streets are lined with architectural masterpieces.

Istanbul, Turkey: For poets, Istanbul, next to Venice and Rome is the loveliest city in Europe and one of the most splendid in Asia. It is the only city in the world spread over two continents, separated by the Bosphorus. Istanbul was founded by Greek scouts in 660 BC and later became capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. With its 3,000 years of history behind, it has always been the meeting point of East and West. It is a city filled with wonders of architecture and monuments to the faiths that inspired them. Formerly known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, its mosques, minarets and museums span two continents where the Bosphorus divides Asia from Europe. This strategic position has assured Istanbul's status as a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange during the centuries. Must-see attractions include the dazzling treasury in Topkapi Palace and exquisite buildings of timeless beauty such as the Blue Mosque and Basilica of St. Sophia. Even those who are not avid shoppers will be enticed by the colorful sights and sounds of the world's largest bazaar.