Crystal Schedules Cruise that Focuses on Spanish Culture

Crystal Cruises has scheduled a new Mediterranean itinerary departing Oct. 31 that focuses on Spain, including Picasso, paella, history, art, architecture and cuisine.

The Crystal Serenity will sail the new route from Rome and call at Barcelona, home of Gaudi’s masterpieces; Valencia, where classic Spanish paella was first perfected; Malaga, birthplace of Pablo Picasso; and Almeria, a maiden call. Culinary and cultural Crystal Adventures ashore include a private apartment visit in Gaudí’s famed La Pedrera House and aerial adventures by helicopter and paraglide.

The 11-day voyage also calls in Naples and Sicily, Italy; Valetta, Malta; and Tunis, Tunisia. Among the speakers slated for this cruise are former Washington Post bureau chief Thomas Lippmann (also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations) and Dr. Jay Wolff of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Renaissance Academy and a commentator on the History Channel.

With Crystal’s two-for-one promotion, per-person, double-occupancy fares start at $5,080, including $1,000 per person shipboard credit and free air from many North American gateways, including business-class air for Penthouse guests.