Serenity, Minarets & Monuments ex Istanbul to Venice

12 Night Cruise sailing from Istanbul to Venice aboard Crystal Serenity.

At 68,000 tons and capable of serving 1,080 guests, Crystal Serenity-is the largest ship in the fleet. However, like her sister ships, she still maintains one of the highest space-per-guest ratios at sea, so you'll never feel crowded. Featuring many of the same popular public spaces as Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity also serves up innovation in the form of new dining venues like Tastes, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, The Studio, and 85% of staterooms with private verandahs.

Istanbul
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.

Mykonos
Mykonos, a former 18th-century pirates' bastion, is now a sophisticated and cosmopolitan island resort. This quintessential Greek island offers a maze of winding streets, graceful windmills, inviting beaches, domed churches and whitewashed houses accented in blue. Dotting the waterfront are cafés, taverns and tempting shops. Guests may spend the day exploring the island independently. Feel free to investigate its fine boutiques and pleasant, labyrinthine streets. For helpful hints or suggestions on things to do while you are ashore, please contact the onboard Shore Excursions staff.

Athens
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.

Navplion
When in Greece, do as the Grecians do: Go to the Peloponnese. Connected by a narrow isthmus (it's less than four miles across at its narrowest) off the southern end of central Greece, the Peloponnese is a large peninsula with many things going for it. Not only are there fewer crowds than on the Aegean islands, it has just as many-if not more-ancient sites, including the temples at Nemea and Olympia. On the sunny east coast of the Peloponnese, tucked away in a deep bay, is the city of Navplion.

As Greece's first capital after the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s, Návplion has its share of history, including two Venetian fortresses and many neoclassical buildings. But in fact, Navplion is the more modern side of Greece — a relaxed and appealing place with leafy parks, small museums, picturesque streets and lively outdoor cafes.

Corfu
Shaped like a scythe, the island of Corfu is considered one of the Mediterranean's best-kept secrets. Its lush interior is covered in cypress and olive trees while the main downtown area has elegant Venetian architecture and a serene atmosphere. Strategically important due to its location, this island has managed to maintain its uniqueness despite numerous invasions by outside forces. Today, the culture of Corfu reflects its turbulent past as well as its origins.

Kotor
Rising above the Adriatic Sea, the town of Kotor is splendid for both its ocean views and medieval Old Town. To walk through its streets is to take a stroll through history. You'll see fortifications dating from the 9th century; the Church of Saint Ana dating from the 12th century; the Church of Saint Luke from the 13th century; the Church of the Healing Mother of God from the 15th century; the Prince's Palace from the 17th century; and Napoleon's Theatre from the 19th century. Stylish gates, enticing flights of stairs and inviting squares, all accessed via a maze of narrow lanes, make Kotor's Old Town a true delight. With your visit, you will understand why Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Zadar
Zadar is blessed with beautiful natural surroundings. The city faces an Adriatic archipelago that is one of the best sailing areas in the world. With its mild winters and warm summer, Zadar offers inhabitants and visitors an excellent environment for work and leisure. Zadar is bordered by four national parks: the untouched Kornati Islands, the breathtaking Velebit mountains, the winding Krka River and the peaceful Plitvice Lakes. Other natural sites include the canyon of the river Zrmanja and the caves at Cerovac. These places are ideal for swimming, diving, boating, surfing, tracking, climbing and even skiing.

Venice
Venice rests three miles off the coast of mainland Italy and is considered one of the world's most enchanting cities. Known as the "Queen of the Adriatic," it actually comprises more than 100 separate islands. Laced together by a string of 400 intricate bridges, Venice is legendary for its labyrinthine network of canals. A whimsical stroll through the city can lead one to a hidden world of ornately decorated piazzas and shops. As you explore colorful marketplaces and busy town squares, marvel at a priceless legacy of Baroque architecture. Admire the richness of St. Mark's Basilica and the lavishness of the Palazzo Ducale. Getting lost in Venice can be a truly delightful experience. The place of dreams, this romantic city will live long in your memory.

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