Embark Crystal Serenity in Barcelona, an intoxicating mix of Greek, Roman, Gothic and Arab cultures which was home to Gaudi, Picasso and Dali. To admire Gaudi's fantastical vision, stroll in Parc Güell and visit the still unfinished Sagrada Familia.

Boats can be hired at the lake in Park de la Ciudadella, which has many fine museums built in traditional Spanish style, and the Museo Picasso's collection includes work spanning the artist's career. Join the locals and walk the shady boulevard of La Rambla or go up the hill to Montjuic to see the site of the 1992 Olympics.

Enjoy the fantastic range of facilities and activites aboard Crystal Serenity. Brush up your skills at the Computer Uniersity at Sea, browse the luxury boutiques or relax by the pool.

(1 Oct departure - Monte Carlo) Well-known for its famous film festival, glamorous Cannes has much to offer. Stroll the promenade of La Croisette, the little alleys of Le Vieux Port and Le Suquet, and visit the art and crafts galleries along Le Cannet-Rocheville. For shopping, head to Le Centre-Ville district, or take a trip to equally glamorous Antibes, just 5 miles along the coast.

This call at Livorno is an opportunity to visit Florence, the capital of Tuscany and the heart of Italian art and culture. The remarkable Uffizi Gallery has works by all the major Renaissance artists, and the striking 14th century Duomo houses Michelangelo's Pi?ta. Restaurants serve delicious Tuscan specialities, and for serious shoppers, there is a shuttle service from Florence to the designer Mall at Leccio.

There is a plentiful supply of seafood restaurants in Civitavecchia, which is the port for Rome. The Italian capital is full of landmark sites; Vatican City, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Sistine Chapel and the Spanish Steps. Shoppers will enjoy strolling the Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso and their designer boutiques. To enjoy good food with great views in the Italian sunshine, go to Piazza della Rotunda overlooking the classical masterpiece of the Pantheon.

Sorrento has all the unhurried charm of Italy at its best. Sit at one of the cafés in Piazza Tasso and watch the world go by, or perhaps make the short journey to the beautiful fishing villages of the Amalfi Coast.

(1 October departure - Taormina, Sicily) Sorrento is close to the wonderful sites of Pompei and Paestum. Pompeii captures a moment in time in 79AD when Mt Vesuvius erupted burying its citizens in ash. At Paestum, the Temple of Hera is the oldest and most well-preserved Doric Temple still standing, which was only discovered in 1740. It has a wonderful setting on the coast beneath the mountains.

Relax in the plush comfort of the luxurious cabins, or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment in the Feng-shui inspired Spa.

Walk along the medieval walls of Dubrovnik for wonderful views of its red roofs. The city has some beautiful Venetian architecture, and entering by the grand Pile Gate, the broad, marble-paved Stradun leads to the old custom house, Sponza Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. The monastery houses a pharmacy which has been in use since 1316.

The glorious buildings along the Grand Canal are a breathtaking sight - the ornate façades of 15th century Palazzo Dario and Ca' d'Oro, the Rialto and St Mark's Square and Basilica. Venice is renowned for its Murano glass and for its exclusive shops. with upmarket boutiques running from Piazza San Marco to the Accademia Bridge and more unusual wares available in Frezzeria.

Disembark Crystal Serenity in Venice.