Crystal Symphony - October 28, 2024

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

The major island in the chain known as the Balearics, Mallorca is Spain's sunny outpost in the Mediterranean. The town of Palma boasts a shady plaza near the Gothic Cathedral. Visit the Roman ruins and the Drach Caves nearby, or journey to the enchanting village of Valledemosa. Leave time to shop for lovely majolica faux pearls and hand-made lace.

Situated only fifteen km from the Spanish frontier and the Costa Brava, Port Vendres is in the Roussillon, one of France's most beautiful region along the Mediterranean coast. Port Vendres has always been a merchant port. In ancient times, Roman ships used to call here to shelter against bad weather.

The town of Calvi is dominated by the imposing citadel and within it lies many treasures revealed to those who choose to wander beyond the port and explore the alleyways and old cobbled streets. Calvi has always been the capital of the Balagne region, one of the most prosperous areas of northwestern Corsica. The surrounding hills and mountains create a natural amphitheatre which is called the 'Garden of Corsica''.

The world's most famous casino (a must see even if you do not gamble), glittering nightlife, first-class dining and shopping, make it one of the world's most glamorous destinations. The casino is an elaborate Italianate structure capped by four towers and a copper-tin roof.

Located on Sardinia's northeast coast on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Olbia is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination. Originally a Greek colony, Olbia was later passed to the Romans and then colonialised by Pisa. It was also the scene in of a Roman victory over Carthaginian general Hanno. Visit the traces of Phoenician and Roman tombs and the Church of San Simplicio, created by Pisa during Roman times.

Civitavecchia is just moments from Rome, Italy's Eternal City. One of the most geographically perfect ports in the world, Civitavecchia boasts a number of compelling area attractions. Stroll through the streets of the medieval town of Tarquinia. View the resplendent Madonnina at the Resort of Pantano.