A&K x Crystal Cruises: Cosmopolitan Coasts of the Mediterranean

Artist Antoni Gaudí made the paintbrush-straight avenues and leafy squares of the Catalan capital his living studio. From the tangled lanes of the Gothic Quarter to the beaches of Barcelona, a lifetime could fly by basking in the city’s cultural riches, hopping from art galleries filled with Mirós and Picassos to restaurants where locals gather.

Explore the legacy of artist Antoni Gaudí as you take in the gingerbread spires of Sagrada Família, a basilica 144 years in the making, and the enchanting mosaics of Parc Güell. Or, head to the labyrinthine lanes and quiet squares of the medieval Gothic Quarter to visit the magnificent 13th-century cathedral and Santa Maria del Mar Church. Alternatively, set out on a day trip to take in the pink-hued peaks and Black Madonna of Serra de Montserrat and sample cava in the beautiful Penedés wine region. Reconvene for a welcome reception at the hotel.

Delve deeper into the Gaudí legacy at the Casa Batlló Museum and Casa Milà, one of Barcelona’s best-known Art Nouveau buildings. Or, opt for a hands-on culinary experience exploring traditional Catalan favorites. Afterward, head to the port, where your vessel awaits.

While fishing launched this idyllic seaside enclave of Spain’s sun-soaked Costa Brava, the city’s resorts have now gained traction with travellers in the know. Once ashore, head to a local farmstead to tour the milking room and sample freshly prepared cheeses. Or, visit a renowned wine estate for a cellar lunch showcasing the region’s fresh fish and farm-to-table fare. Alternatively, take a day trip to Girona, a beautifully preserved medieval town featured in Game of Thrones. Here, visit the Romanesque baths and wander a maze of winding alleyways in El Call, one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters.

Relax as you cruise toward Cannes, taking advantage of the ship’s amenities along the way. En route, the team sets the stage for tomorrow’s shore excursions with a series of enriching presentations.

Renowned for its international film festival, Cannes struts the red carpet as the glamorous headliner of the Côte d’Azur. With rows of yachts moored just offshore and a glass of chilled rosé never far away, Cannes’ cinematic seafront of palms, parasols and poodles is always camera ready. Linger on the waterfront and take a walking tour of the city, or head further afield to visit Antibes’ Picasso Museum and the fortified medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, hike the peaceful haven of Monk’s Island and visit its histioric Abbey of Lérins, or create your signature scent at a renowned perfumerie in Grasse and visit the arty enclave of Mougins.

Meeting the Mediterranean with moored mega yachts and terraced Belle Époque villas, Monte Carlo weaves its meandering footprint into the base of the Maritime Alps. Here, gain VIP access to the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo or explore the vast car collection of His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III with an exclusive, early-access visit to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. A culinary excursion to nearby Nice is also on offer.

Strewn across the coastline of northern Italy’s Liguria region, the five villages of Cinque Terre cling to towering cliffs high above the roiling sea. Once only accessible by the cozy harbors tucked into the rugged shores below, these fishing villages retain their strong bond with the sea. Explore the Cinque Terre villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola, strolling narrow lanes amid pastel houses, quaint piazzas and terraced cliffs. A hike of Palmaria Island’s pine forests and a visit to the nearby Carrara marble quarries are also on tap.

A cypress-dotted vision of Italian beauty, Tuscany charms like a Medici prince, capturing the very essence of the nation’s heartland. You can barely move for masterpieces in the Tuscan capital of Florence: Michelangelo’s David, centerpiece of the Galleria dell’Accademia; the Uffizi; the romantic Ponte Vecchio; and the Duomo, a holy canopy of terracotta high above the rooftops. Even the streets are an elegant, edifying showcase of Italian culture. Take in this living exhibition as you walk the historic city center and the Oltrarno District. Then, tour the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Uffizi to see the works of the Renaissance masters in the flesh. Looking to venture beyond Florence? Head into the Tuscan countryside for a winery tour in the village of Bolgheri or a truffle hunt on a local farm.

Choose your own Tuscan adventure with excursions exploring Lucca, Pisa or Florence. Head to Lucca to stroll its picturesque town center, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and its impressive 16th-century ramparts. Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower is also on the menu, along with the city’s historic Baptistery, Campo Santo and Duomo. Or, linger in Florence to tour some of the city’s finest villas and gardens.

The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the mountainous island of Corsica juts imposingly from the Mediterranean, as bold and proud as the French emperor himself. Come ashore in the historic port of Calvi, its impressive medieval citadel overlooking an idyllic crescent bay, long sandy beach and pine forest beyond. Stroll the town’s lively cafés, restaurants and boutiques, pausing to taste Corsican charcuterie along the way. Or, get active with a kayaking excursion along Calvi’s scenic shores. A visit to an organically certified wine estate is also on offer.

Disembark Crystal Symphony in the port of Civitavecchia and transfer to Rome for your homebound flight, or continue to Tuscany for your post-tour extension.