Cruise Advice
Duration
9 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
7 Ports
1 July
Setting sail from Athens (Piraeus)
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance. Towering over the city are the gleaming columns of the Parthenon, surely one of the most iconic sights in the whole of Europe. And yet Athens is much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding. For all its faults, the Greek capital possesses an energy and an optimism that are manifest in everything from the burgeoning art scene to the restaurants and bars that continue to pop up on a regular basis.
Don't miss
Obviously don’t miss the Acropolis, nor the new adjacent museum, where space has pointedly been left for the frieze we call the Elgin Marbles – it is really excellent. Then take time to stroll on the hills and slopes around the outcrop.
2 July
Greece: Chania
Chania, Crete’s second city, is an alluring blend of architectural styles. The jumble of streets that make up the Venetian old town are remarkably intact, and there are plenty of reminders too of the two centuries of Ottoman rule, such as the imposing harbourfront Mosque of the Janissaries.
3 July
Greece: Santorini
The volcanic island of Santorini (known officially as Thira) is one of the most spectacularly beautiful in the Mediterranean. The pretty village of Oia, with its whitewashed houses and windmills tumbling down the hillside, is particularly photogenic.
4 July
Greece: Rhodes
Sun-kissed Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is steeped in history; the medieval heart of Rhodes Town was once home to the crusading Knights of St John, and later fell to the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The hillside village of Lindos, with its pretty whitewashed houses, is another highlight.
5-6 July
Turkey: Kusadasi
The Turkish port of Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the Eastern Mediterranean. This was the Roman capital of Asia Minor, and the remains constitute the most complete classical city in Europe.
7 July
Greece: Patmos
Saint John is said to have written the Book of Revelations in a cave on Patmos, and today the spot is marked by the hillside Monastery of the Apocalypse. As well as spirituality, the island is known for its beaches and upmarket vibe, with a scattering of stylish restaurants and bars.
8 July
At sea
9-10 July
Arriving in Thessaloniki
Your home from home
Crystal Symphony returned to the ultra-luxury cruise sector in 2023 - newly refurbished and enhanced and not to be missed.
What we love
The beloved Crystal Symphony, having been dutifully maintained for the past three decades has undergone an extensive refurbishment, reducing the guest capacity and enhancing the accommodations onboard. Crystal signatures such as exceptional service and world-class dining remain but the ship returns to service with a new lease of life.
|
Capacity |
606 Guests |
|---|---|
| Style | A new era of Crystal: Reduced guest capacity means nearly one staff member per guest and together with enhanced contemporary accommodations, award-winning cuisine and extensive entertainment options means this is a true luxury experience. |
| Inclusions |
|
| Year built | 1995 |
| Last refurbished | 2023 |
| Tonnage | 51,044 grt |
| Length | 781 feet |
| Breadth | 99 feet |
| Cruising speed | 21 knots |
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Extend your stay in Athens
At Mundy, we have long been hunting for the perfect Athenian hotel - our favourite so far is the Electra Palace in Plaka.
Excursions from Athens
Delphi is an absolute must – you’ll need a full day though, it’s quite a drive.
