Trip Type: Cultural Connection
AAUM Representative(s): Richard Norton
Physical Activity Level: Mildly Active
Highlights:
- Take advantage of 2-for-1 pricing and free air from select cities
- Relax aboard the Six-Star Crystal Symphony, ranked “World’s Best” by Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines
- Enjoy chic shopping, cafes and restaurants in the picturesque setting of Funchal
- Explore the wildlife of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Dine on Moroccan cuisine at a seaside restaurant in Casablanca
- Explore Europe’s most southern city- Malaga
Day 1: Depart Gateway City
Day 2: Arrive Lisbon/Embark Crystal Symphony
Begin your journey in Lisbon, Portugal’s radiant capital. Before you set out, glimpse Gothic cathedrals, monasteries and a surprisingly quaint lifestyle within the city as you transfer to the ship.
Day 3: Cruise the Atlantic Ocean
This is your first day to experience the many amenities on board Crystal Symphony. Spend the day engaged in the pursuits of your choice, from watching a movie in the Hollywood Theatre to working out in the fully equipped gym.
Day 4: Funchal
Small yet stylish, Funchal¬¬-the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira-is a fun-loving port city with lush, gorgeous parks full of tropical fauna, a bustling nightlife and clear blue waters perfect for water sports or scenic walks along the coast. Fennel grows in abundance and the scent of eucalyptus permeates the air. Enjoy chic shopping, cafes and restaurants in a picturesque setting.
Day 5: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Situated on the largest of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers museums, beaches and one of the most famous Carnaval celebrations in the world. Also known for its rich ecosystem and year-round spring like weather, the island boasts an abundance of native wildlife.
Day 6: Cruise the Atlantic Ocean
Enjoy a leisurely day sailing the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps you’ll sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed. Or, you may wish to start the day with a jog along the Promenade Deck, followed by an invigorating dip in one of the crystal clear pools. On Crystal Symphony, there is as much or as little to do as you please.
Day 7: Casablanca
The name Casablanca might conjure up the 1942 moving starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, yet today this dynamic city still holds a mystique that attracts world travelers. Visitors enjoy a crossroads of cultures in its eclectic architecture, arts and customs. Dine on Moroccan cuisine at a seaside restaurant, shop for luxury goods at trendy shops, marvel at art-deco buildings or wander through a souk for exotic crafts.
Day 8: Cadiz
Cadiz, located on a peninsula jutting out into the bay, is one of Europe’s oldest cities dating back to 1100 B.C. when it began as a trading post. Well-known explorers including Christopher Columbus are said to have ventured here. Today, Cadiz is a fanciful city with Moorish architecture, cobblestone streets and winding alleys, known for its historical sites, including an ancient Roman theatre and city wall.
Day 9: Malaga
Malaga, Europe’s most southern city, was founded by the Phoenicians and later became part of the Roman Empire. Many archaeological wonders, including a first-century theater, can still be seen today. The year-round warm weather and location on Spain’s Costa del Sol, make it an ideal getaway for holidaying Europeans.
Day 10: Cruise the Mediterranean Sea
Enjoy sailing along the Mediterranean Sea. You can choose to relax on deck with a book, treat yourself to a massage at the Crystal Spa or browse the ship’s gift shops.
Day 11: Barcelona
It’s no wonder that Barcelona is one of the most beloved cities to visit: countless artistic treasures and elegant shopping are just a few of the attractions that make Barcelona so appealing. The food is especially noteworthy, from traditional tapas at neighborhood hot spots to award-winning cuisine by celebrated chefs, this Mediterranean city is overflowing with things to see and do. Enjoy acres of public green space in and among a bustling cosmopolis, the famed opera house and Gaudi’s elaborate “melting” cathedral.
