Piraeus (Athens) Round Trip
Piraeus (Athens) Round Trip
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About Piraeus
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views.
About Alexandria
Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was Egypt's capital for over 1,000 years. Now, it is visited by tourists looking to enjoy some diving and those interested in the Great Library, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
About Alexandria
Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was Egypt's capital for over 1,000 years. Now, it is visited by tourists looking to enjoy some diving and those interested in the Great Library, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
About Haifa
Spilling down from the pine-covered heights of Mount Carmel, Haifa is a city with a vertiginous setting that has led to comparisons with San Francisco. The most striking landmark on the mountainside is the gleaming golden dome of the Baha'i Shrine, set amid utterly beautiful garden terraces. The city is the world center for the Baha'i faith, and its members provide informative walking tours of the flower-edged 100-acre spot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the top of the hill are some small but interesting museums, the larger hotels, and two major universities. At the bottom is the lovingly restored German Colony, a perfect area for strolling.Israel's largest port and third-largest city, Haifa was ruled for four centuries by the Ottomans and gradually spread its tendrils up the mountainside into a cosmopolitan city whose port served the entire Middle East. The climate is gentle, the beaches beautiful, and the locals friendly.You don't see the religious garb of Jerusalem or the tattoos and piercings of Tel Aviv in this diverse but fairly conservative city. In fact, you can't always tell at a glance who is part of an Arab or Jewish Israeli family, or if someone is a more recent immigrant from the former Soviet Union.
About Haifa
Spilling down from the pine-covered heights of Mount Carmel, Haifa is a city with a vertiginous setting that has led to comparisons with San Francisco. The most striking landmark on the mountainside is the gleaming golden dome of the Baha'i Shrine, set amid utterly beautiful garden terraces. The city is the world center for the Baha'i faith, and its members provide informative walking tours of the flower-edged 100-acre spot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the top of the hill are some small but interesting museums, the larger hotels, and two major universities. At the bottom is the lovingly restored German Colony, a perfect area for strolling.Israel's largest port and third-largest city, Haifa was ruled for four centuries by the Ottomans and gradually spread its tendrils up the mountainside into a cosmopolitan city whose port served the entire Middle East. The climate is gentle, the beaches beautiful, and the locals friendly.You don't see the religious garb of Jerusalem or the tattoos and piercings of Tel Aviv in this diverse but fairly conservative city. In fact, you can't always tell at a glance who is part of an Arab or Jewish Israeli family, or if someone is a more recent immigrant from the former Soviet Union.
About Limassol
A major commercial port, cruise ship port of call, and wine-making center on the south coast, Limassol, 75 km (47 miles) from Nicosia, is a bustling, cosmopolitan town, with some of the liveliest nightlife on the island. Luxury hotels, apartments, and guesthouses stretch along 12 km (7 miles) of seafront, with the most luxurious ones just to the north of town. In the center, the elegant, modern shops of Makarios Avenue (where you'll mainly find clothes and shoes) contrast with those of pedestrian-only Agiou Andreou in the old part of town, where local handicrafts such as lace, embroidery, and basketware prevail; make sure you avoid shopping on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, when many shops close at 2 pm. A luxurious marina that will hold 650 yachts as well as house apartments, shops, and restaurants should further boost the town's lively appeal.
About Rhodes
Early travelers described Rhodes as a town of two parts: a castle or high town (Collachium) and a lower city. Today Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—is still a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that incorporates the high town and lower city, and the modern metropolis, or New Town, spreading away from the walls that encircle the Old Town. The narrow streets of the Old Town are for the most part closed to cars and are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses (some of which follow the ancient orthogonal plan), and medieval public buildings with exterior staircases and facades elegantly constructed of well-cut limestone from Lindos. Careful reconstruction in recent years has enhanced the harmonious effect.
About Kusadasi
Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit.
About Istanbul
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
About Istanbul
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
About Istanbul
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
About Bodrum
About Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Having been controlled by Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years - it's no surprise that Heraklion is a diverse patchwork of exotic cultures and historical treasures. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Spanish Renaissance artist, El Greco, you can visit to explore the storied ruins of the Minoan empire's capital, and unearth the rich cultural treasures that Crete’s bustling modern capital has to offer.
About Mykonos
Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square.
About Vólos
About Thessaloníki
About Thessaloníki
About Kusadasi
Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit.
About Rhodes
Early travelers described Rhodes as a town of two parts: a castle or high town (Collachium) and a lower city. Today Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—is still a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that incorporates the high town and lower city, and the modern metropolis, or New Town, spreading away from the walls that encircle the Old Town. The narrow streets of the Old Town are for the most part closed to cars and are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses (some of which follow the ancient orthogonal plan), and medieval public buildings with exterior staircases and facades elegantly constructed of well-cut limestone from Lindos. Careful reconstruction in recent years has enhanced the harmonious effect.
About Santorini
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.
About Hydra
Rising from the turquoise expanse of the sunny Mediterranean, Hydra is the counterpoint of choice for Athenians - who can swap the city chaos for blissful relaxation with an hour’s boat journey. Known for its inspiring celebrity appeal - Leonard Cohen bought a house here in the 60s - Hydra is a pretty island of rising streets, whitewash mansions, and carefree clamour. Located a stone's throw from the Greek mainland, the authorities have resisted the temptation to cash in, meaning Hydra remains an endearing time-warp, which revels in life in the slow lane. With cars and new building developments banned – discover an island of donkeys plodding cobbled streets, and fishing boats undulating gently on the harbour’s waves.
About Piraeus
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views.
About Piraeus
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views.
DETAILS
- Large private veranda with teak furniture
- Spacious living room with TV, custom wool carpets, walnut floors, cabinetry and Swarovski® chandelier
- Dining area with panoramic ocean views
- Separate study
- Custom built-in bar
- Large bedroom with queen-size bed or twins, plus his and hers walk-in closets and TV
- Master bath with jacuzzi, ocean view, crystal sconces and Calacatta marble floors, separate shower and bidet
- Guest bathroom
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Room service from Osteria d'Ovidio
- Unlimited dining in Osteria d'Ovidio
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
- Free unlimited laundry and dry cleaning, 2nd day service
- In-Suite cocktail parties
- Private transfer to and from ship up to 100 miles
- Butler or Concierge escort from terminal to suite on embarkation day
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Flowers
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Turndown service with handmade truffles
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Afternoon canapés
- Nespresso coffee maker
- Binoculars
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
DETAILS
- Large private veranda
- Spacious living room
- Dining area
- Two TV's
- Separate bedroom area
- Vanity in bedroom
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding, and third berth
- Full jacuzzi bathtub with separate shower and bidet
- Walk-in closet
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Room service from Osteria d'Ovidio
- Unlimited dining in Osteria d'Ovidio
- Turndown Service with handmade truffles
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
- Dry cleaning for five pieces plus one bag of free laundry every 10 cruise days, 2nd day service
- Free pressing (5pcs/day), 2nd day service
- In-suite cocktail parties
- Private transfer to and from ship up to 100 miles
- Butler or Concierge escort from terminal to suite on embarkation day
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Flowers
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Afternoon canapés
- Nespresso coffee maker
- Binoculars
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
Spacious suite, with living area, elegant finishings and private veranda, accompanied by attentive butler service. Sapphire suites are available to book in new and classic design.
DETAILS
- Private veranda
- Spacious living room
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding, and third berth
- Walk-in closet
- Two TV's
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
- Dry cleaning for five pieces plus one bag of free laundry every 10 cruise days, 2nd day service
- Free pressing (5pcs/day), 2nd day service
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Flowers
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Afternoon canapés
- Nespresso coffee maker
- Binoculars
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
Redesigned in 2023, these spacious suites feature a living area, lavish finishings and expansive ocean views, accompanied by attentive butler service.
DETAILS
- Large Picture Window
- Spacious living room and dining area
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding, and third berth
- Walk-in closet
- Two TV's
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Turndown service with handmade truffles
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
- Free Pressing (5pcs/day), 2nd day service
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Afternoon canapés
- Nespresso coffee maker
- Binoculars
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
DETAILS
- Private veranda
- Sizeable living area
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding
- Vanity in dressing area
- TV
- Walk-in closet
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Turndown service
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Afternoon canapés
- Nespresso coffee maker
- Binoculars
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
DETAILS
- Large picture window
- Sizeable living area with sofa
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding
- TV
- Walk-in shower
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Turndown service
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
DETAILS
- Private veranda
- Sizeable living area with sofa
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding
- TV
- Walk-in shower
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Turndown Service
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
DETAILS
- Large picture window
- Sizeable living area with sofa
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding
- TV
- Walk-in shower
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Turndown service
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
Crystal Symphony
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.
Ship Facts
| Speed | 20 | ||||||||
| Width | 30 | ||||||||
| Length | 238 | ||||||||
| Capacity | 606 | ||||||||
| Currency | USD | ||||||||
| Language | en | ||||||||
| Crew Count | 499 | ||||||||
| Deck Count | 8 | ||||||||
| Refit Year | 2023 | ||||||||
| Cabin Count | 477 | ||||||||
| Launch Year | 1995 | ||||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 51044 | ||||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
|
||||||||
| Large Cabin Count | 0 | ||||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | 4 |
Deck 12
- Glass Roof
- Wimbledon Court (Paddle Tennis & Pickle Ball)
- Crystal Life Spa & Salon
- Putting Green
- Golf Driving Nets
- Crystal Life Fitness
- Forward Observation Deck
- Stairs
Deck 11
- Palm Court
- Wave's & Fantasia (Children & Teens Spaces)
- Scoops Ice Cream Bar
- Trident Grill
- Seahorse Pool
- Marketplace
- Tastes Kitchen & Bar
- Elevator & Stairs
Deck 10
- Aquamarine Veranda Suite
- Sapphire Veranda Suite
- Crystal Penthouse Suite
- Self-Service Laundry
- Elevator & Stairs
Deck 9
- Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite
- Aquamarine Veranda Suite
- Sapphire Veranda Suite
- Double Guest Room with Veranda
- Self-Service Laundry
- Elevator & Stairs
Deck 8
- Crystal Penthouse Suite
- Sapphire Veranda Suite
- Double Guest Room with Veranda
- Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite
- Sapphire Ocean View Suite
- Double Guest Room with Ocean View
- Elevator & Stairs
- Table Tennis
- Self-Service Laundry
Deck 7
- Sapphire Ocean View Suite
- Single Guest Room with Ocean View
- Double Guest Room with Ocean View
- Shuffle Board Courts
- Elevator & Stairs
Deck 6
- Uma Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar
- Atrium
- Starlite Club
- Computer University@Sea
- Connoisseur Club
- The Vintage Room
- Crystal Images
- Hollywood Theatre
- Jade Night Club
- The Studio
- Library
- Galaxy Lounge
- Crystal Collection
- Bridge Lounge
- The Bistro
- Avenue Saloon
- Apropos & Facets Onboard Shopping
- Osteria D'Ovidio
Deck 5
- Sapphire Ocean View Suite
- Double Guest Room with Ocean View
- Medical Center
- Concierge Desk
- Reception
- Shore Excursions Desk
- Crystal Cove
- Future Sales Consultant
- Crystal Plaza
- Waterside Restaurant
Our award-winning cuisine is created and influenced by pioneers in the global food scene, with nine distinct complimentary venues to choose from. Open seating with extensive dining options are tailored around the personal preferences of our guests, allowing them to choose exactly what they want at a time that works for them. Whether that be a late breakfast, six-course wine pairing lunch, or dinner in our exclusive Osteria d’Ovidio or Umi Uma.
All inclusive – however its one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant (Umi Uma and Osteria) is included on sailings of 11 days or less, two reservations on sailings between 12 and 22 days, three reservations on sailings 23 days or more, and unlimited reservations for all full World Cruise guests”. However guests can pay to dine outside of their allowance at £50 pp which is great value for these 2 specialist restaurants
Waterside
The main dining room, features open seating as well as tables for two and four guests. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No reservations are required.
Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa
Created by legendary Master Chef Nobuyki (Nobu) Matusuhisa, Umi Uma is an innovative Japanese-Peruvian restaurant inspired by the rich culture of Japanese cuisine and Peruvian ingredients. Reservations required and limited per sailing.
All inclusive – however its one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant (Umi Uma and Osteria) is included on sailings of 11 days or less, two reservations on sailings between 12 and 22 days, three reservations on sailings 23 days or more, and unlimited reservations for all full World Cruise guests”. However guests can pay to dine outside of their allowance at £50 pp which is great value for these 2 specialist restaurants
Osteria D'Ovidio
All inclusive – however its one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant (Umi Uma and Osteria) is included on sailings of 11 days or less, two reservations on sailings between 12 and 22 days, three reservations on sailings 23 days or more, and unlimited reservations for all full World Cruise guests”. However guests can pay to dine outside of their allowance at £50 pp which is great value for these 2 specialist restaurants
The Bistro
The Vintage Room
Trident Grill
Tastes Kitchen & Bar
Scoops Ice Cream Bar
Marketplace
24 Hours In-Suite Dining
Tea Time
More information coming soon.
Our two elegant vessels host an equally exceptional offering including world-renowned restaurants, restorative spas and endless opportunity for inspiration and enrichment, tied together by unparalleled personal service.
Apropos & Facets Onboard Shopping
Atrium
Computer University@Sea
Connoisseur Club
Crystal Collection
Crystal Cove
Library
A well-stocked library containing over 2,000 books on a range of subjects from classics to popular biographies, history to contemporary mysteries. Plus enjoy an ample selection of magazines and board games perfect for poolside reading.
Palm Court
Featuring large sky lights, floor-to-ceiling windows and a fabulous 270-degree forward view, this venue is perfect for afternoon tea, social gatherings and dancing.
Seahorse Pool
Starlite Club
Jade Night Club
Hollywood Theatre
Galaxy Lounge
Avenue Saloon
Casino De Monte-Carlo
Play blackjack, roulette, slot machines, and more in the sophisticated surroundings of the glamorous new casino we have created with the world leader in luxury gaming.