Road Scholar : Mediterranean Medley: Italy, Spain, Portugal and Monaco - Italy/Monaco/Spain/United Kingdom/Portugal

Mediterranean Medley: Italy, Spain, Portugal and Monaco

Program Number:

21137RJ

Start and End Dates:


	10/31/2013 - 11/15/2013;

Duration:

15 nights

Location:

Italy/Monaco/Spain/United Kingdom/Portugal

Price starting at:

$6,430.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises

Meals:

41; 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners

Meal Options:

Vegetarian

Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Lisbon — experience these four capitals of history and culture plus much more on this in-depth voyage.

Activity Particulars

Must be able to handle your own luggage, get on and off a motorcoach, walk a few blocks and climb a few stairs.

Programs with Crystal Cruises are designed for the independent traveler. These programs offer a lower activity level and the ability to choose your own shore excursion based on your preferences and physical ability. Road Scholar will provide one exclusive shore excursion and private onboard lectures with our own Study Leader.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

Rome (Italy), 1 night; aboard Crystal Serenity, 13 nights.

Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.

Days 2-3: Arrival Rome (Italy) / embark Crystal Serenity:

An expert-led city excursion includes the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Lodging: Four-star hotel.

Day 4: Florence:

On an exclusive Road Scholar field trip, discover Florence, heart of the Renaissance, with a local art historian.

Day 5: Porto Venere:

Explore this idyllic medieval port on the shore excursion of your choice.

Days 6-7: Monte Carlo (Monaco):

Discover the historic Casino and much more during your two days in this tiny city-state.

Day 8: Palamós (Spain):

Go ashore to experience this beautiful harbor town on the rugged Costa Brava.

Days 9-10: Barcelona:

On an exclusive Road Scholar field trip, absorb the stunning art and architecture of Spain’s cultural capital. Enjoy a second day in this captivating city.

Day 11: Castellón de la Plana:

Explore this charming city whose skyline is dominated by the El Fadrí belltower.

Day 12: Cartagena:

Delve into the history of this harbor town that was once an outpost of the Roman Empire.

Day 13: Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory):

Discover this British colony famous for its imposing Rock of Gibraltar.

Day 14: Cadiz & Seville (Spain):

Absorb the unique culture of Andalusia on the shore excursion of your choice.

Days 15-16: Lisbon (Portugal) / disembark / departure:

Experience cosmopolitan Lisbon, a lovely city of Moorish castles, pastel buildings and orange-tiled roofs.

Crystal Serenity

At 820 feet long, this elegant ocean liner offers its 1,080 passengers plenty of space, unsparing amenities including the high-tech Computer University@Sea and several restaurants, including one by acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Complimentary fine wines and premium spirits available throughout voyage.

Road Scholar Instructors

These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.

Laura Johnson

Laura C. Johnson earned a master’s in art history from Northern Illinois University, with an emphasis in Early Christian and Byzantine Art, and her MLS from the University of Oklahoma. The director of education for the Rockford (Ill.) Art Museum for over 10 years, Laura moved in 1999 to Florence, Italy, where she has done extensive work for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Meals and Lodgings
	Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio
		Rome, Italy	1 night
	Crystal Serenity
		At Sea, At Sea	10 nights
	Crystal Serenity
		At Sea, At Sea	3 nights

Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio
	Type:	Four-Star Hotel
	Description:	Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio is located in the heart of Rome and it is located really close to the city's most important monuments. The Pantheon, the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, via Veneto, the Forum, the Opera House, the Palazzo delle Esposizioni, the National Museum of Rome and many other landmarks are within walking distance: a short romantic walk will take you back in time.
	Ship Information:	n/a
	Contact info:	Via Cavour, 18 Rome, 00184 Italy phone: +39 06 4870270
	Room amenities:	Wi-Fi in all rooms. Where history meets technology The 184 rooms of the Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio are spacious, light and have been recently revamped. With wooden floors, oak classic furniture, high ceilings and large airy windows they offer its guests a “fin de siecle” atmosphere with modern comforts such as air conditioning, mini-bar, safe and Wi-Fi internet connection. Respect for traditions, but aware of innovation Tradition, service, luxury, comfort, attention to detail, but also innovation. These are the main combined features in all the rooms of Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio. There is tradition with innovation All rooms are soundproof and equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, direct dial telephone, minibar, colour TV with international channels, safety deposit box and Wi-Fi internet connection. The charming bathrooms are equipped with bath, shower and hairdryer. In all rooms, free Wi-Fi internet access.
	Facility amenities:	ROOM SERVICE Treat yourself Room service is available from 6.30 am till midnight. From 6.30 am to 10.30 am you can order breakfast. During the opening hours of the restaurant you can have starters or main courses available on the menu of the day. In addition, throughout the day, you can request drinks, sandwiches or cold dishes such as salads, cold meats and cheeses. FITNESS AREA To feel great away from home A gym equipped with modern equipment awaits you. At the Hotel Mediterraneo you can also book Shiatsu, ayurvedic, anti-stress or relaxation massages, and aromatherapy. Prices start from € 40,00. INTERNET POINT Free Internet In the lobby you will find the Internet point for those wishing to connect to the Internet but do not have a portable PC. A printer is available for short prints, i.e. boarding cards or electronic tickets. Wi-Fi (Totally free internet coverage in all rooms) To surf unlimited free of charge from your room. Wi-Fi is available, free of charge, throughout the hotel.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	Please contact PD for price Pre-night rooms are available on a first come-first serve basis. Please the contact Program Development department for more information.

Crystal Serenity
	Type:	Cruise Ship
	Ship Information:	68,000 gross registered tons (approx.) 820 ft. length (250 m) 105.6 ft. width (32.2 m) 24.9 ft. draft (7.6 m) 21.0 knots cruising speed 22.0 knots maximum speed Fin type roll stabilizers Two transverse controllable pitch bow thrusters
	Contact info:	2049 Century Park East Suite 1400 Los Angeles, CA 90067 USA phone: 186-644-6662 x5 web: www.crystalcruises.com
	Room amenities:	verandahs in 85 % of staterooms; all other staterooms have picture windows Refrigerators hairdryer In-stateroom Internet access Shower, tub, double sink in bathroom Queen or twin-sized beds, depending on preference ship-to-shore phones safe
	Facility amenities:	Two-story Crystal Plaza and Crystal Cove, lobby area with atrium, comfortable seating and piano bar, "Avenue of the Stars" shopping arcade with three boutiques offering upscale clothing, jewelry, and specialty items, Casino featuring slot machines, bar poker and slant top poker machines, blackjack tables, craps, a roulette table, baccarat table and the Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Galaxy Lounge, the ship's main entertainment venue Hollywood Theatre for recently released movies, with state-of-the-art audio visual and translation equipment that may be used for meetings and/or conferences; theatre also features audio enhancement for the hearing-impaired, Computer University@Sea® center with a lab for classroom instruction and separate room offering 24-hour Internet and e-mail access, The Studio, a completely new learning center for a variety of creative and educational hands-on classes, a variety of lounges including the Stardust Club for dancing and cabaret, Avenue Saloon cocktail and piano bar, Connoisseur Club, an intimate refined cigar lounge, Palm Court/Sunset Bar observation lounge, and Pulse disco Fantasia children's center and Waves teen center, a library featuring over 3,000 books, videos, DVDs, and books-on-tape, and a Bridge Lounge.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Check out time:	9:00 AM

Travel Details
	Start of Program: This program begins in Rome, Italy with a welcome orientation at the program hotel. You will be staying at Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio that night.
	End of Program: This program ends on the morning following breakfast on board the ship in Lisbon, Portugal You will be staying at Crystal Serenity the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. IMPORTANT INFORMATION All participants MUST register online with Crystal Cruises. To register go to checkin.crystalcruises.com to access the Priority Check-in and Planning Center. To log in, you need type in your first/last names as they appear on your passport and your booking number (which appears on your cruise confirmation or can be obtained from Road Scholar). You will need to enter your contact and passport information in order to register. Once registered you will be able to book excursions and on-board activities (such as specialty dining, spa appointments, etc). If you did not recieve a booking number, please call us at 1.866.359.5966. For more information on using the Priority Check-in & Planning Center please see the attachment at the end of this booklet. Proof of citizenship is required for ALL guests. For full information regarding traveling with Crystal Cruises, we recommend visiting the Crystal Cruise website at: www.crystalcruises.com and refer to the "Cruise Guidebook"
	Parking availability: Driving to program site is not possible.

Transportation		(For Independent Travelers)

	To Start of Program
	Location:	Rome
	Nearest airport:	Rome International Airport - Fiumicino
	Transportation to site:	Transfers will be provided from the Rome Airport to the program hotel for all participants who arrange their air travel through Road Scholar, and are arriving on Day 2 of the program. There will be one designated group transfer, which Program Only Participants (POPS) may join if the flight times coincide with your arrival flights. The group transfer time will be confirmed in your final program materials sent approximately 5 weeks prior to the program. We recommend that all participants arrive by 3:00 pm in order to make it to the ship in time for the program orientation.

	From End of Program
	Location:	At Sea
	Transportation from site:	There will be one departure transfer from the Port of Lisbon on the morning of Day 14. Participants who arranged their airfare through Road Scholar Travel Services and who are departing on the group date will be provided with a transfer from the ship to the airport in Lisbon. Independent travelers may join the group transfer or take a taxi. We do not recommend booking flights that depart before 12:00 pm. The group transfer time will be confirmed in your final program materials sent approximately 5 weeks prior to the program.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Depart North America
(Thursday, October 31)

Depart From:

Flights depart from North America

Day 2:

Arrive in Rome, Italy
(Friday, November 1)

Arrive To:	Arrive in Rome, Italy and transfer to the program hotel.
Afternoon:	Program Welcome and Orientation: Review program details with your group leader.
Dinner:	Welcome dinner at the hotel

Accommodations:	Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 3:

Rome, Italy / Embark the Crystal Serenity
(Saturday, November 2)

Breakfast:	Buffet Breakfast at the hotel
Morning:	Depart the hotel by coach, for a panoramic overview of Rome. Highlights will include the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Transfer to the Port of Civitavecchia, approximately 1 hour northwest of Rome.
Lunch:	Lunch will be served enroute at a charming farmhouse approximately 30 mintues from the Port of Civitavecchia.
Afternoon:	Embark the Crystal Serenity for 13 nights. Settle into your stateroom and familiarize yourself with the ship.
Dinner:	Road Scholar participants are invited to eat as a group every night in the Crystal Dining room. Tables have been reserved for the first dinner seating which begins at 6:15 pm.

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Florence / Livorno, Italy
(Sunday, November 3)

Note: Today's field trip is included in your program price. Please do not book an Independent Crystal Shore Excursion today if you intend on joining the group.

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	EXCLUSIVE ROAD SCHOLAR FIELD TRIP: Travel from the port in Livorno to Florence. Learn about this Tuscan capital through an in-depth exploration with your group leader, a Florence resident and art historian
Lunch:	Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon:	Continue exploring Florence before transferring back to the Crystal Serenity
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

Porto Venere, Italy
(Monday, November 4)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Explore Porto Venere independently by choosing from a variety of shore excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. Excursions will vary in length from a couple of hours to a full day with different activity levels. Porto Venere, Italy, has all the essentials of an idyllic medieval town. It boasts two ancient churches, a 16th-century fortified castle, a bell tower built on the ruins of a Roman temple, even a wistful tale of English writers Lord Byron and Mary Shelley. Lord Byron, the story goes, had a favorite spot on the rocks at the base of the church of San Pietro where he would pause to find his muse; it was also the place from which he would launch his swim across the bay to San Terenzo, where Shelley would be waiting. While the legend is certainly romantic, Porto Venere's breathtaking natural beauty is enough to put it at the top of any traveler's list. Poised on the tip of the small peninsula that extends from the celebrated Italian Riviera, Porto Venere is the southernmost town on the walking trails connecting the five villages that make up the famous Cinque Terre, or five lands. Though not officially a part of the Cinque Terre, Porto Venere should be, and perhaps it would be if it weren't for its slightly removed location. With its sweeping views, brightly-colored houses, terraced gardens and three small islands — Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto — sitting prettily just off its rocky promontory, Porto Venere is so lovely, one wonders why Shelley did not instead make the swim to Byron.
Lunch:	Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon:	Continue independent exploration of Porto Venere
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

Monte Carlo, Monaco
(Tuesday, November 5)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	Monaco is an ancient principality steeped in rich and colorful history. Its proud monarchy is presided over by Prince Albert, who assumed the throne after his famed father Prince Rainier died in 2005. Today when gazing on its modern skyline, it is hard to imagine that Monaco endured a turbulent past. Once a Greek settlement conquered by the Romans, it was bought from the Genoese in 1309 by the Grimaldis, who still rule as the world's oldest monarchy. Monaco covers less than one square mile and is known primarily for its Grand Casino.
Lunch:	Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:	Continue exploring Monte Carlo before transferring back to the Crystal Serenity.
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
Evening:	The ship will be docked in port overnight.

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Monte Carlo, Monaco
(Wednesday, November 6)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Continue to explore Monte Carlo by choosing from a variety of shore excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. Excursions will vary in length from a couple of hours to a full day with different activity levels.
Lunch:	Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon:	Continue independent exploration of Monte Carlo. Upon returning to the ship, join your study leader for a presentation on art and culture in the Mediterranean.
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Palamos, Spain
(Thursday, November 7)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Explore Palamos independently by choosing from a variety of shore excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. Excursions will vary in length from a couple of hours to a full day with different activity levels. Dating back to the 13th century, Palamos is one of Spain’s most beautiful coastal towns, retaining much of its historical architecture and charm while embracing modern times with gusto. Life in this fishing village revolves around water. Swimming, sailing, and windsurfing are among the most popular daytime activities, along with sunbathing and some of the best people-watching in Europe. When the sun sets, the city pulsates with a hopping bar and nightclub scene. For foodies, Palamos is famous for its delectable, giant-sized prawns, hauled in by the boatload by local fishermen.
Lunch:	Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon:	Continue independent exploration of Palamos
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:

Barcelona, Spain
(Friday, November 8)

Note: Today's field trip is included in your program price. Please do not book an Independent Crystal Shore Excursion today if you intend on joining the group.

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	EXCLUSIVE ROAD SCHOLAR FIELD TRIP: Join your study leader and Guided city drive / field trip Sagrada Familia: This morning your local expert will discuss Barcelona’s beautiful landmarks, architecture and history during a panoramic city drive. Stop at the "Templo Expiatiorio de La Sagrada Familia" for a look at the interior of this remarkable cathedral. Originally conceived in a modest orthodox neo-Gothic style, the project changed direction and scale under Gaudi, who used the opportunity to reflect his own spiritual and nationalist feelings, spending most of the rest of his working life in the project.
Lunch:	Enjoy a tapas lunch at a local Barcelona restaurant.
Afternoon:	Picasso Museum: This afternoon enjoy a field trip to view the Picasso Museum collections, which testify to the artist's strong ties with the city where he spent his artistic formative years. Gain an understanding of the artist's development by examining some of the 3,500 works that make up the museum's permanent collection. Upon returning to the ship, join your study leader for a presentation on art and culture in the Mediterranean.
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
Evening:	The ship will be docked in port overnight.

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:

Barcelona, Spain
(Saturday, November 9)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Explore Barcelona independently by choosing from a variety of shore excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. Excursions will vary in length from a couple of hours to a full day with different activity levels. Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, is a celebration of history and heir to Greek, Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Gothic and Arab cultural legacies. Since it is nearly as close to Rome, Geneva and Munich as it is to Madrid, Barcelona has long been the Spanish link to Western Europe. It was the home of Picasso, Miró, Dali, Casals and Gaudí and has been described as a Mediterranean Manhattan, a cosmopolitan experimental center for political ideas and artistic movements. In addition to its abundance of artistic and architectural treasures, Barcelona serves as the gateway to one of the world's most impressive mountainside enclaves at Montserrat. Discover the secret legends of the Black Virgin and the alluring chants of monastic life high atop the Catalonian plains. Barcelona's ancient city walls and the narrow crooked streets of the town's old section are laid out for your discovery. You will find that Barcelona has something for everybody.
Lunch:	Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon:	Continue independent exploration of Barcelona
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:

Castellon de la Plana, Spain
(Sunday, November 10)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Explore Castellon de la Plana independently by choosing from a variety of shore excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. Excursions will vary in length from a couple of hours to a full day with different activity levels. This gem of a city is located between the sea and the Desert de les Palmas mountain range, thus connecting ocean scenery with the sleepy villages and old-time crafts of the hills. Castellón de la Plana also bridges the distance between historic and modern, with plazas dating to medieval times and a bustling avenue called “Avenida Rey Don Jaime” lined with contemporary buildings and shops. Must-sees are numerous. El Fadri is a 16th-century, 190-foot bell tower—a symbol of the city and nicely positioned between the Cathedral and Abbey. The Town Hall is an 18th-century, Tuscan-style marvel with gorgeous arched windows. The Basilica was renovated in the 16th and 18th centuries and boasts an ancient statue of the Virgin Mary and old canvas paintings. Then there are the many museums and gardens revealing beautiful works in ceramic, paint, textiles and nature.
Lunch:	Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon:	Continue independent exploration of Castellon de la Plana
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12:

Cartagena, Spain
(Monday, November 11)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Explore Cartagena independently by choosing from a variety of shore excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. Excursions will vary in length from a couple of hours to a full day with different activity levels. Thanks to its strategic position on the Mediterranean, Cartagena has long been one of the most important naval ports in Spain. Its maritime history can be appreciated with visits to the naval museum and naval buildings, including the Naval Headquarters, Dockyard Gate and Midshipman School. Cartagena also boasts an interesting Roman history. The city's bullring sits atop a Roman amphitheater, and the Old Cathedral was built over the stalls of the Roman Theater. Discovered in 1987 and still being excavated, the theater dates to the first century BC. While its landmarks from antiquity certainly are intriguing, Cartagena's lively streets and attractive squares reveal chapters from more recent centuries as well. The magnificent Concepción Castle, perched above the city in Torres Park, dates to the 14th century. Even closer to present day are the early 19th-century modernist buildings lining Calle Mayor, and beautiful City Hall, which was built in 1907.
Lunch:	Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon:	Continue independent exploration of Cartagena.
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13:

Gibraltar, Gibraltar
(Tuesday, November 12)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Explore Gibraltar independently by choosing from a variety of shore excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. Excursions will vary in length from a couple of hours to a full day with different activity levels. Like a crouching lion, the Rock of Gibraltar's imposing presence supports the legend that it is one of the two Pillars of Hercules. Dramatically soaring to almost 1,400 feet, it boasts one of the world's most recognizable silhouettes. Over 140 caves have been discovered within its limestone mass. Although linked by land to Spain, the self-governing British colony of Gibraltar maintains a strong allegiance to Britain. Shop the compact commercial center for tax-free treats, or perch atop the summit for thrilling views encompassing Europe and Africa.
Lunch:	Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon:	Continue independent exploration of Gibraltar
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14:

Cadiz / Seville, Spain
(Wednesday, November 13)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Explore Cadiz and Seville independently by choosing from a variety of shore excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. Excursions will vary in length from a couple of hours to a full day with different activity levels. On a low-lying peninsula extending into the crescent-shaped bay stands 3,000-year-old Cádiz, the Western world's oldest continuously inhabited city. Neat houses huddle within high walls, while the surrounding countryside is lush with olive groves. The Puertas de Tierra divides the city in two. Modern Cádiz lies on the isthmus, while the romantic, historical section is located on the other side. The old districts of El Pópulo and Santa Maria, adorned with narrow streets and ancient stone walls, are in sharp contrast to the parks, gardens, wide roads and plazas of the bustling commercial area.
Lunch:	Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon:	Continue independent exploration of Cadiz.
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15:

Lisbon, Portugal
(Thursday, November 14)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Explore Lisbon independently by choosing from a variety of shore excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. Excursions will vary in length from a couple of hours to a full day with different activity levels. Cosmopolitan Lisbon was the center of the world's last great colonial empire. Today the city nostalgically reveres its imperial past while adapting to Portugal's role as a member of the European Economic Community. Although located on the Atlantic coast, Lisbon has the soul of a Mediterranean city with Moorish castles, pastel and white buildings, orange-tiled roofs and luminous blue skies. Set amid the hills and valleys of the northern shore of the River Tagus, it is one of the loveliest capitals in the world.
Lunch:	Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Dinner:	Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16:

Lisbon, Portugal
(Friday, November 15)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning:	Disembark the ship and transfer to the Lisbon airport.

Accommodations:	Crystal Serenity
Meals Included:	Breakfast

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

14 nights accommodations
41 meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 2
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 2
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Plus these special experiences...

Exclusive Road Scholar Shore Experience in Florence, Italy
Exclusive Road Scholar Shore Experience in Barcelona, Spain

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Lisbon — experience these four capitals of history and culture plus much more on this in-depth voyage.

Activity Particulars

Must be able to handle your own luggage, get on and off a motorcoach, walk a few blocks and climb a few stairs.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

Rome (Italy), 1 night; aboard Crystal Serenity, 13 nights.

Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.

Days 2-3: Arrival Rome (Italy) / embark Crystal Serenity:

An expert-led city excursion includes the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Lodging: Four-star hotel.

Day 4: Florence:

On an exclusive Road Scholar field trip, discover Florence, heart of the Renaissance, with a local art historian.

Day 5: Porto Venere:

Explore this idyllic medieval port on the shore excursion of your choice.

Days 6-7: Monte Carlo (Monaco):

Discover the historic Casino and much more during your two days in this tiny city-state.

Day 8: Palamós (Spain):

Go ashore to experience this beautiful harbor town on the rugged Costa Brava.

Days 9-10: Barcelona:

On an exclusive Road Scholar field trip, absorb the stunning art and architecture of Spain’s cultural capital. Enjoy a second day in this captivating city.

Day 11: Castellón de la Plana:

Explore this charming city whose skyline is dominated by the El Fadrí belltower.

Day 12: Cartagena:

Delve into the history of this harbor town that was once an outpost of the Roman Empire.

Day 13: Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory):

Discover this British colony famous for its imposing Rock of Gibraltar.

Day 14: Cadiz & Seville (Spain):

Absorb the unique culture of Andalusia on the shore excursion of your choice.

Days 15-16: Lisbon (Portugal) / disembark / departure:

Experience cosmopolitan Lisbon, a lovely city of Moorish castles, pastel buildings and orange-tiled roofs.

Crystal Serenity

Laura Johnson

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Daily Schedule

Note: Today's field trip is included in your program price. Please do not book an Independent Crystal Shore Excursion today if you intend on joining the group.

Note: Today's field trip is included in your program price. Please do not book an Independent Crystal Shore Excursion today if you intend on joining the group.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

And included with all Road Scholar programs: