Port Descriptions
Sail the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and visit lands rich with history
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Days One–Two | Thursday, June 23–Friday, June 24
Overnight on the Côte d’Azur in Monte Carlo, capital of Monaco, the world’s second-smallest country. Stroll along the yacht-lined harbor, and visit the Casino de Monte Carlo, the Prince’s Palace, and Saint Nicholas Cathedral, where Grace Kelly is buried.
Portofino, Italy
Day Three | Saturday, June 25
Located on the Italian Riviera, Portofino’s yacht-filled harbor is lined with pastel-colored houses, high-end boutiques, and lush green hills. Travel to nearby Santa Margherita, shop along the waterfront, or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre.
Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy
Day Four | Sunday, June 26
See Michelangelo’s David, the art collections of the Uffizi Gallery—including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and Brunelleschi’s masterpiece, the Duomo. The Basilica of Santa Croce holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Cannes, France
Day Five | Monday, June 27
Once a small fishing port on the Cote d’Azur, Cannes is now a glamorous resort town lined with designer shops and sunny beaches. Explore the Old Town, see where the famous Cannes Film Festival takes place, or visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Le Lavandou, France
Day Six | Tuesday, June 28
Le Lavandou on the French Riviera is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. The nearby Domaine du Rayol, or Mediterranean Gardens, is one of the loveliest spots on the Var coast.
Barcelona, Spain
Days Seven–Eight | Wednesday, June 29–Thursday, June 30
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, has served as one of Spain’s primary centers of trade since at least the 13th century. Its spectacular architecture includes the Barcelona Cathedral, Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, and Montaner’s Casa Fuster.
Ibiza, Spain
Day Nine | Friday, July 1
Often called the “White Island” due to its abundance of whitewashed houses, Ibiza is a popular destination for its nightlife, however, travelers can also find a wealth of history and natural beauty on this Mediterranean gem. The old town of Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a medieval fortress and the Castell de Eivissa.
Seminars-at-Sea
Day Ten | Saturday, July 2
Enjoy Hillsdale College seminars-at-sea, as well as the luxurious amenities of the Crystal Symphony.
Málaga, Spain
Day Eleven | Sunday, July 3
Once a major trading port and the hometown of artist Picasso, Màlaga has an eclectic mix of sites influenced by the Phoenicians, the Moors, and the Spanish. In town, explore the Picasso Museum and Alcazaba, an 11th-century Moorish fortress, or travel to Alhambra, an ancient palace in nearby Granada.
Gibraltar, UK
Day Twelve | Monday, July 4
In British-influenced Gibraltar, take a cable car up the Rock of Gibraltar where you can take in the coastal views of Africa, just twelve miles away, and see Gibraltar’s most famous residents—the wild Barbary Apes. Inside the Rock is a massive network of tunnels constructed by the British in WWII.
Casablanca, Morocco
Day Thirteen | Tuesday, July 5
The vibrant metropolis of Casablanca is home to the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca. Explore the city’s Moorish architecture, travel to nearby Rabat to visit the Royal Palace and Old Town, or take a full-day excursion to Marrakech known for its ancient artistry and lively souqs.
Portimão, Portugal
Day Fourteen | Wednesday, July 6
Portimão is a colorful port with a bustling waterfront, charming city, and easy access to pristine beaches. See the spectacular rock formations along the coast or travel to the ancient city and castle of Silves, once the Arab capital of the Algarve.
Lisbon, Portugal
Day Fifteen | Thursday, July 7
Disembark the Crystal Symphony for your return flight home.