Cruise the Aegean Sea
with the
Best Chef
in the Northeast |
| Save an additional $250*
per couple |
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when you book by January 31st, 2010 |
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May 17-27, 2010 rates from $3,420 per person*
Bonus: $1,000 ship credit per stateroom!
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JOIN 2009 BEST CHEF in the Northeast James Beard Award recipient and 2004 Food & Wine Magazine Best New Chef in America Rob Evans, Chef/Owner of Hugo's Restaurant in Portland, Maine, on a 7 night Aegean Escape aboard the luxurious Crystal Serenity from Athens to Venice. Enjoy 2 additional nights in Venice in Deluxe Metropole Hotel and explore all this unique city has to offer.
- Enjoy cooking demonstrations with James Beard Award winner Rob Evans - Shop with Rob in Italian Markets in Venice - Optional dinner at 1 star Michelin Restaurant in Venice: MET
Athens (Piraeus), Greece Santorini, Greece Bodrum, Turkey Corfu, Greece Dubrovnik, Croatia Venice, Italy (overnight)
Your trip includes: - 7 night cruise in an ocean view cabin (other categories available) - All meals onboard - $1,000 ship credit per stateroom - 2 nights hotel in Venice - Taxes, Transfers |
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Welcome aboard the very best ship in the world.
THE READERS OF CONDE NAST TRAVELER
consistently vote Crystal Serenity the number one cruise ship in the world. At 68,000 tons and capable of serving 1,070 guests, Crystal Serenity while the larger of Crystal's two ships, still maintains one of the highest space-per-guest ratios at sea, so you'll never feel crowded.
Crystal Serenity Ship Facts Guest Capacity: 1,070 Per guest space ratio: 63 Ship's Registry: The Bahamas
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For reservations and information call
Hewins Travel
at
800-370-0888
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*Price is based on a minimum of 20 passengers in a Category C(oceanview) cabin and includes all taxes. *Savings applies to new booking made January 4-30, 2010
Not responsible for errors or omissions. | |
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| ATHENS/PIRAEUS, GREECE |
Piraeus is Greece's largest port and has been a gateway to the Mediterranean since 482 BC. It lies on the innermost point of the Saronic Gulf and is a short drive from Athens, the cradle of Western democracy and culture. Throughout the ages, Athens' lofty Acropolis has been a source of inspiration. The ancient ruins scattered throughout this legendary city are reminders of Greece's great cultural heritage. |
| SANTORINI/THIRA, GREECE |
Of all the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is often considered the most dramatic. Once an active volcano, it was known as Stongyle, or the Round Island. In about 1500 BC, the volcano erupted with such force that the center of the island literally exploded, leaving the haunting submerged crater into which Crystal Serenity sails. The island's small villages were preserved in the ashes and recent excavations have uncovered a fascinating view of everyday life from 3,500 years ago.
Santorini's dark landscape offsets its simple, yet refined Cycladic buildings, which glimmer in the sunlight. The rich volcanic soil is ideal for grapes and the local vines produce a cherished crop known for its "special volcanic taste."
Thíra, or Fira Town, is laid out along the edge of a cliff that partially forms the rim of the now extinct caldera. A picturesque site, it exudes charm and an atmosphere of leisure that can be attributed to the easy-going Greek lifestyle. |
| BODRUM, TURKEY |
Bodrum is a popular destination for jet-setters, Turkish intellectuals and European vacationers who enjoy sandy beaches, sheltered coves, clear, warm waters and a touch of sophistication. Indeed, the city has long been a gathering place for artists and a magnet for yachtsmen.
While the bustling harbor welcomes visitors to Bodrum's shores, the city's interesting attractions invite them to explore. The Castle of St. Peter was built by the Knights of Rhodes in 1402 and boasts grand stone staircases, impressive towers and gardens populated by peacocks, statues, mosaics and sarcophagi. From the castle's courtyard, magnificent views of the town and bay are to be admired and captured with a few clicks of the camera. The Museum of Marine Antiquities showcases the world's largest collection of artifacts retrieved from ancient shipwrecks. And the waters surrounding the city offer scuba diving, with chances to see the coral beds and natural sea sponges for which the area is famous.
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| CRUISING THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA |
Your Day at Sea Enrich. Entertain. Escape. Enjoy a cooking demonstration by Rob Evans and sample his Mediterranean inspired delights! Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish. Pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360˚ Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at our Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging lecture series; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of our tranquil pools. From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal's own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours. |
| CORFU, GREECE |
Shaped like a scythe, the island of Corfu is considered one of the Mediterranean's best-kept secrets. Its lush interior is covered in cypress and olive trees while the main downtown area has elegant Venetian architecture and a serene atmosphere. Strategically important due to its location, this island has managed to maintain its uniqueness despite numerous invasions by outside forces. Today, the culture of Corfu reflects its turbulent past as well as its origins. |
| DUBROVNIK, CROATIA |
Though it has only recently re-emerged as an independent nation, Croatia is by no means a new country. There were settlements along the Dalmatian Coast before recorded time. When Slavic people migrated here in the 6th century, they converted to Catholicism and adopted the local Latin alphabet. The region eventually became part of the powerful Kingdom of Croatia. Medieval Dubrovnik, formerly the Republic of Ragusa, was one of several walled cities established in the 7th century to guard the coastal approaches. Its fortification was completed in the 13th century and has remained relatively unchanged. The city walls are in excellent condition and today prevent invasion by automobiles. Within the walls, the lovely sleek lines of Venetian-style buildings complement a wealth of ancient stone architecture. Nearby islands feature beautiful beaches as well as intriguing ancient ruins. |
| VENICE, ITALY (OVERNIGHT) |
Venice rests three miles off the coast of mainland Italy and is considered one of the world's most enchanting cities. Known as the "Queen of the Adriatic," it actually comprises more than 100 separate islands. Laced together by a string of 400 intricate bridges, Venice is legendary for its labyrinthine network of canals. A whimsical stroll through the city can lead one to a hidden world of ornately decorated piazzas and shops. As you explore colorful marketplaces and busy town squares, marvel at a priceless legacy of Baroque architecture. Admire the richness of St. Mark's Basilica and the lavishness of the Palazzo Ducale. Getting lost in Venice can be a truly delightful experience. The place of dreams, this romantic city will live long in your memory.
Optional: This morning you may choose to shop with Rob in the open air Rialto Market as he buys provisions for hors d'ouevres for our evening cocktail hour.
Two additional days in Venice at your leisure while staying at the Deluxe Metropole Hotel.
Optional: Dinner at MET one of two Michelin 1 star Venice Restaurants
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