Treasures of the Mediterranean

Spend most of the day immersed in Venice’s timeless beauty, wandering alongside its atmospheric canals and through its elegant piazzas at your own pace. Later, make your way to the nearby port of Fusina, where your Crystal ship is ready to welcome you on board. Settle into your luxurious suite before setting sail late this evening.

Arriving early this morning, you'll have almost two full days to discover one of northern Italy's best-kept secrets. Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, this captivating city is home to no less than eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including a remarkable collection of Byzantine monuments adorned with some of the world's finest mosaics. With an overnight stay in port and a choice of 13 fascinating shore excursions around Ravenna and beyond, there's ample time to explore its rich history and artistic treasures before an early evening departure on day 5.

Often nicknamed "Little Dubrovnik", the town of Korcula is considered one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in the Mediterranean, while the enchanting island of the same name is renowned for its pine-clad landscapes, sheltered coves and vineyard-dotted hillsides. Spend the day strolling historic streets or embarking on island adventures, from off-road buggy tours and speedboat excursions to sea kayaking along the Adriatic coastline.

The Italian seaside city of Bari, capital of Italy’s Puglia region, is a feast for the senses, blending history, culture and incredible cuisine. Foodies can delve into local flavours on an old town and street food tour or enjoy a traditional farmhouse experience, while those drawn to the region’s rich heritage will also find plenty to discover. For a glimpse of Puglia’s most iconic architecture, opt for a shore excursion to UNESCO-listed Alberobello, where hundreds of whitewashed trulli with their conical roofs lend the town an unmistakably storybook charm.

There’s plenty to entertain onboard Crystal Symphony during a day at sea. Nine exceptional restaurants and a serene spa, complete with a steam room, sauna and luxurious treatment rooms, offer a world of indulgence. As evening falls, live music, world-class performances and a glamorous casino ensure the ship sparkles long into the night.

Discover Malta's captivating capital today. Often described as an open-air museum, Valletta may be small in size, but it's incredibly rich in history. Admire its honey-hued Baroque architecture and the opulent interiors of St John's Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio's masterpiece, The Beheading of St John the Baptist. Alternatively, venture beyond the city to explore Malta's stunning coastline by boat or discover the island's hidden corners on a scenic cycling tour.

Return to Italian shores as you dock at the charming city of Trapani on the western tip of Sicily. With a history that stretches back to antiquity, it combines centuries of culture with an authentic Sicilian ambience. From ancient archaeological treasures and the iconic salt pans that line the coast to wine tastings and olive oil experiences at family-run estates, the region's diverse attractions are sure to impress.

After a northern cruise across the Tyrrhenian Sea, it's time to explore Naples, a vibrant city, as well as a gateway to some of southern Italy's greatest cultural and scenic riches. A visit to the extraordinarily well-preserved ancient Roman city of Pompeii, frozen in time following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is always a highlight. Meanwhile, the Amalfi Coast's stunning cliffside towns and spectacular coastal scenery are equally memorable.

Your Crystal cruise comes to an end today. Take time for a final stroll along Civitavecchia's attractive seafront promenade or pause in one of its charming piazzas, soaking up the atmosphere of this historic port before continuing your journey onward to Rome, approximately an hour away. Your hotel for the next three nights is nestled amid its historic streets. A picture of effortless elegance and distinguished grandeur, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome promises five-star luxury in an exceptional setting, providing the perfect base from which to discover the timeless treasures of the Eternal City.

Rome’s iconic sights and world-class culture are at your fingertips – gaze out of the hotel windows at the stunning Fountain of the Naiads and enjoy a relaxed walk to illustrious landmarks including the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. While the city’s much-admired attractions certainly deserve your attention, Anantara's carefully curated experiences offer the chance to delve deeper, whether touring hidden corners of the Vatican, exploring by vintage Vespa sidecar, meeting local artisans, mastering traditional recipes in a cooking class or venturing beyond the city to the turquoise waters of Ponza.

Your Mediterranean adventure draws to a close today. Filled with memories of sun-drenched shores, ancient wonders and captivating cultural experiences, it's time to make your way to the airport for your flight home.