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 harbor is lined with pastel-colored houses, high-end boutiques, and lush green hills. Visit nearby Santa Margherita or travel to Cinque Terre, a string of five fishing villages perched high on cliffs overlooking the sea.
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
Formerly a small fishing port on the Cote d’Azur, Cannes is now a popular resort town filled with designer shops and home of the annual Cannes Film Festival. Explore the Old Town 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
Also known as “White Island” due to the abundance of whitewashed houses, Ibiza features a wealth of history and natural beauty. The old town of Dalt Vila 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
Màlaga’s historical sites reflect Phoenician, Moorish, and Spanish influences, and include the Malaga Cathedral and the Alcazaba, an 11th-century fortress. Travel to nearby Granada and visit the Alhambra.
Gibraltar, UK
Day Twelve | Monday, July 4
Ride a cable car to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar and enjoy the view of the Rif Mountains of North Africa. Also see Gibraltar’s most famous residents—the Barbary Apes. Venture inside the Rock and explore the World War II tunnels.
Casablanca, Morocco
Day Thirteen | Tuesday, July 5
Discover Casablanca’s Moorish architecture and see the Hassan II Mosque. Travel to nearby Rabat to visit the Royal Palace and Old Town, or join a daylong excursion to Marrakech.
Portimão, Portugal
Day Fourteen | Wednesday, July 6
Portimão features a bustling waterfront and pristine beaches. Be sure to see the spectacular rock formations along the coast, or travel to Silves, formerly the Arab capital of the Algarve, and visit the Moorish Silves Castle and the Gothic Silves Cathedral.
Lisbon, Portugal
Day Fifteen | Thursday, July 7
Disembark the Crystal Symphony for your return flight home.