A&K x Crystal Cruises: A Voyage Around Italy

A heady dream of Carnival, canals, basilicas and Byzantine relics, Venice bewitches from the very first breath. Nowhere else in the world can you turn from a grand marble palace floating amid the canals into a warren of stirring, salty-aired passageways where life has ebbed and flowed with the rhythm of the water for centuries. Take your front-row seat amid these timeless canals at your hotel, secluded on its own private Venetian island.

Take in the golden mosaics and Byzantine splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica, wander the majestic halls of the Doge’s Palace, and browse masterpieces by Bellini, Titian and Tintoretto at the renowned Accademia Gallery. Alternatively, take to the canals for a timelessly magical gondola ride and visit to a gondola workshop, embark on a food and wine adventure in taverns known only to the locals, or venture off the beaten path through the city’s hidden gardens and private palaces. Reconvene for a welcome dinner.

Visit some of the Venetian Lagoon’s most iconic islands as you explore Murano’s glassblowing traditions and Torcello’s richly mosaiced Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Or, head to the island of Burano’s Venissa Wine Estate, the only vineyard in Venice. Continue to the port of Fusina, where your vessel awaits.

With its timeworn terracotta churches, sea-kissed breezes and warren of ambling lanes, Ravenna has a way of transporting travellers back to a time when life moved more slowly. This less-frequented jewel of the Emilia-Romagna region is renowned for the luminous early Christian mosaics that cover the interiors of its UNESCO-listed basilicas. Get an exclusive look with before-hours access to the stunning Byzantine mosaics of the Domus of the Stone Carpets. For a more active adventure, opt for a hike in the Foce del Torrente Bevano Nature Reserve. Alternatively, head to Bologna for a walk in the local market and a pasta-making demo, or a tour of the Ducati Factory and Museum. Afterward, gather back in Ravenna for a special event ashore.

On your second day in Ravenna, go hands-on with a cooking class or a mosaics workshop. Alternatively, take a day trip to the UNESCO-listed Emilia-Romagna enclave of Ferrara, where you stroll the medieval streets of the Via delle Volte and tour the Renaissance halls of Este Castle.

Surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters, the island enclave of Korcula traces its history back to the times of ancient Greece. Stroll Korcula’s well-preserved old town as you uncover remnants of Illyrian settlements, traces of of ancient Roman rule, a legacy of medieval trade and the grand Gothic Renaissance architecture of St. Mark’s Cathedral. Alternatively, visit an eco-minded farm nestled on the island in the village of Zrnovo, followed by a winery tour of Korcula. Or, bake traditional cookies in the charming village of Lumbarda. A hike of Korcula’s scenic coastal paths is also on offer.

Bari serves as your seaside gateway to the time-warp villages and sweeping countryside of the Puglia region. This university town’s youthful, urban vibe plays well with its grand boulevards lined with historic architecture. Once ashore, choose from a culinary experience at a local farmhouse, a nature trek through the hills of Alta Murgia National Park, a drive inland to explore Matera’s cave dwellings, or a wine tasting in Alberobello, a town famous for its conical-roofed trulli houses.

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

The Maltese capital of Valletta offers a vivid journey through time, where every corner reveals layers of history. Take in the Caravaggio masterpieces of St John’s Co-Cathedral and resplendent marble tombs of the Knights, as well as an impressive collection of art and armor at the the Grand Master’s Palace. Continue to the former Maltese capital of Mdina, its narrow streets and warmly patinaed houses dating back five millennia. In the village of Rabat, visit The Wignacourt Collegiate Museum, the former residence of the Chaplains of the Knights of Malta. Or, catch the ferry to the emerald island of Gozo, home to the megalithic temple complex of Ggantija and the impeccably restored Bronze Age Citadel of Victoria. Connoisseurs might opt for stops at two boutique wineries set outside the rural village of Siiewi.

With its ancient maritime tradition, sunbleached baroque old town and classic coastal charm, Trapani may well be the quintessential Sicilian port town. Walk the historic center’s narrow alleys, small shops and cozy trattorias — all in the shadow of Torre di Ligny, an ancient watchtower turned museum. Alternatively, head out for a tour and winery visit in Marsala, or a day trip to the medieval enclave of Erice and the Greek temple of Segesta.

Characterized by an unabashed “live for today” mantra, Naples offers an authentic glimpse into a living, working Italian city. Delve into Naples’ broad-shouldered appeal with a walk through the city and a culinary experience exploring its most cherished gift to the world: pizza. Also on offer are a hike to the crater of Mount Vesuvius or a visit to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii and the ancient Roman residence of Villa Poppea.

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.