45+ New Ways to See the Mediterranean -- Via New Crystal Adventures

LOS ANGELES, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Croatian noble lands, Crimean Tartars' stomping grounds, Madrid and Odessa's art worlds, colorful Italian Riviera cliffs, and Dubrovnik-by-air are just a few of the worlds to be explored in more than 45 new "Crystal Adventures" shore outings offered during Crystal Cruises' 2012 Mediterranean season.  With 19 voyages planned from the Canary Islands to southwest Russia this March to December, travelers have plenty of 7- to 14-day (or longer, if combined) options to explore the region from the luxurious base of the world's best cruise ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120312/LA69092)

New active and cultural off-ship experiences along the western and eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea include:

• Dubrovnik: Snorkel secluded coves, ride horses through wealthy Konavle countryside, visit the former Ranjina noble family estate, enjoy the coastal view from a helicopter 1000 feet up, or make a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia, known for six reported Virgin Mary sightings.
• Split: Climb the vertical coastal cliffs of outdoorsy hotspot, Omis.
• Sevastopol: Explore coastal Ukraine's military history, join the Black Sea Navy Ensemble in local folk songs and dances, or tour the homes and tombs of Crimean Khans.
• Odessa: Study Odessa's art history at its modern art museum and renowned local galleries, or soak in an evening concert designed exclusively for Crystal guests at the Philharmonic Society Concert Hall.
• Porto Venere/La Spezia: Trek the narrow, medieval streets, beaches, and cliffsides along Cinque Terre's Monterosso.
• Valencia: Zoom to Madrid's "Fifth Avenue" via high-speed train for clothes and art browsing, or stay close-to-home sampling local delicacies in a tapas crawl.
• Barcelona: Attend a private mass with the ship's priest at Gaudi's infamous Sagrada Familia.
• Monte Carlo: Play 18 holes of golf overlooking the Mediterranean Sea at championship Monte Carlo Golf Club.
• Palamos: Walk through Greco-Roman ruins in Empuries, Salvador Dali's surreal castle refuge in Pubol, or Santa Clotilde Garden atop Costa Brava cliffs.
• Corfu: Top off a day of local lace-making and private estate wine tasting with hands-on Greek cooking lessons, including baking bread in a traditional olive wood-fire outdoor stove.
• Samos Island: Share a traditional Samian feast with local villagers or survey Hellenic archaeological ruins.
• Zadar: Be welcomed into the village of Burni for a taste of small-town Dalmatian life.
• Arrecife: Voyage underwater in a submarine discovery of Canary Island waters, or go where plant and animal life are almost void amongst the lunar-like, volcanic landscape of Rimanfaya National Park.

Local overnights on most voyages offer expanded opportunities to explore the stunning region's diverse activities and sites, day or night.  Guests can review all Crystal Adventures, including new, more intimate Private Options for many popular group activities, at www.crystalcruises.com.

"Crystal specializes in creating unique ways to experience destinations," says John Stoll, vice president of land and port operations.  "With more than 400 total 'Crystal Adventures' available in the area, we're offering travelers not only the most luxurious, easy, and safe way to explore 'The Med' this year, but also the most innovative ways to intimately access the land and people.  Our shore opportunities create memories that are once-in-a-lifetime for all guests, whether visiting for the first time, or the tenth."

Until April 30, "Book Now" fares for Crystal's luxury Mediterranean cruises start at $1,945 per person/double occupancy, with additional savings available for combining select voyages.  Attractive air add-ons are also available from more than 90 North American airports. 

Crystal's passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences are cornerstones of its Crystal Adventures program, earning the line top ratings for two decades. 

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

CONTACT:  Mimi Weisband or Susan Wichmann 310-203-4305, [email protected]
VISIT:  Crystal's Media Center

SOURCE Crystal Cruises