Itinerary

August 2 - Embark London/Dover, England

August 3 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

August 4 - Oporto/Leixoes, Portugal

August 5 - Lisbon, Portugal

August 6 - Gibraltar, United Kingdom

August 7 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

August 8 - Valencia, Spain

August 9 - Barcelona, Spain

August 10 - Cannes, France (overnight)

August 11 - Cannes, France

August 12 - Florence/Livorno, Italy

August 13 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

August 14 - Disembark Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy

HIGHLIGHTS:

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.

Oporto/Leixoes, Portugal: Ideally placed where the Douro River meets the Atlantic, Oporto brings together the best of Portugal: warm sunshine, a relaxed riverside setting, grand churches, winding medieval streets, houses garnished with wrought iron, courtyards filled with geraniums. Perhaps what Oporto is most famous for, however, is its port wine. Crafted in the neighboring Vila Nova da Gaia district, ports from all over the region can be sampled in the lodges just across the river or at Solar Vinho do Porto, an Oporto tasting room housed in a gracious, rose-clad villa. After your wine tasting, wander through historic Ribeira, the recently restored riverside district and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.

Gibraltar, United Kingdom: Like a crouching lion, the Rock of Gibraltar's imposing presence supports the legend that it is one of the two Pillars of Hercules. Dramatically soaring to almost 1,400 feet, it boasts one of the world's most recognizable silhouettes. Over 140 caves have been discovered within its limestone mass. Although linked by land to Spain, the self-governing British colony of Gibraltar maintains a strong allegiance to Britain. Shop the compact commercial center for tax-free treats, or perch atop the summit for thrilling views encompassing Europe and Africa.

Valencia, Spain: One of the largest cities of Spain, Valencia is also one of the country's most dynamic. Its location on the Mediterranean offers a mild climate, bringing sun worshippers to Valencia's many beaches. Sports aficionados will find activities galore, including golf, diving, cycling and tennis. Given that Valencia was founded by the Romans and has been a witness to the history of the centuries, the city also is a showcase of art and architecture. Old Town boasts an early gothic cathedral. In the cathedral's museum are works of Goya and the paintings of the Valencia School. Spanning the river are three old bridges, one of which has 15th-century towers that were part of Valencia's fortified walls. Then there is Spain's national hero, El Cid, whose famous battle against the Moors was waged here in Valencia.

Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, is a celebration of history and heir to Greek, Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Gothic and Arab cultural legacies. It 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.

Cannes, France: One of nature's miracles, the Côte d'Azur was blessed with superb natural beauty. This sun-drenched slope stretches some 60 miles westward from the border of the fairy-tale Kingdom of Monaco. As Crystal Serenity approaches the shore, you will be treated to a spectacular panorama of irregular peaks and scenic villages clustered on narrow ledges. Majestic cities like Nice, Monte Carlo and St-Tropez host pleasure boats, yachts and all the other trappings of the glamorous French Riviera.

Florence/Livorno, Italy: Goethe once observed that Tuscany "looks like Italy should [look]." Fortunately, little has changed in the two centuries since the German poet was himself a tourist in Tuscany. The Tyrrhenian port of Livorno was founded in the 15th century. It is the gateway to Italy's Tuscan region and to many spectacular sights; including the extraordinary Leaning Tower of Pisa, the charming medieval village of Lucca, the lovely hill town of San Gimignano and the timeless city of Florence. No place is as imbued with such grace, dignity, serenity and history as is Florence. This city's wealth of architectural and artistic treasures includes works by Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Truly Florence, cradle of the Italian Renaissance, is one of the world's most enticing cities.

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.