Crystal Serenty to Offer Two New Itineraries From Istanbul (Not Constantinople) This Fall

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Luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises will feature two new itineraries to and from Istanbul this fall aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity. Offered as part of the line's 2007 European season, the 12- and 11-day voyages end or begin in Istanbul, a city named as a European Capital of Culture by the EU. Istanbul was also the highest rated port of call on Crystal Cruises' recently concluded 2007 World Cruise, which included 45 ports of call.Departing September 24 and October 6, both itineraries feature multiple overnight stays, allowing for in-depth cultural immersion into some of the world's most fascinating destinations including Odessa, Ukraine; Alexandria, Egypt; Athens, Greece; and Istanbul itself. The only Black Sea itinerary to be offered by Crystal in 2007 travels from Athens to Istanbul (overnight), September 24 - October 6, and includes calls at Santorini, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Constanta, Romania; Odessa (overnight) and Yalta, Ukraine; and a maiden visit to Sochi, Russia, a candidate to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. Crystal Serenity then journeys from Istanbul (overnight) to Athens (overnight), October 6 - 17, calling at Kusadasi; Rhodes and Santorini, Greece; and Alexandria, Egypt (overnight). Straddling the Bosphorus, Istanbul is the only city in the world to make its home on two continents. Influenced by both Europe and Asia, it is a city filled with wonders of architecture and monuments - the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica of St. Sophia, even the world's largest bazaar - and Crystal offers nearly a dozen enriching Crystal Adventures ashore to explore every detail. Guests wishing to extend their travels in Istanbul either pre- or post-cruise may choose to stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul, newly added to the line's prestigious collection of world-class properties. Depending on itinerary, fares begin at $4,345 and $4,640, respectively, for the 11- and 12-day cruises. Fares are based on per person, double occupancy accommodations. Call us at 888-286-9827 to book onboard.