HONG KONG – Crystal Cruises is inviting travelers to try something different in 2013. The ultra-luxe cruise liner is taking its well-traveled guests off the beaten paths – often literally – to historically significant, naturally extraordinary and culturally diverse destinations and landmarks. Voted #1 overall among small-, mid- and large-size ship cruise lines on Condé Nast Traveler’s January Gold List, the line is shaking up 2013 with countless experiences from Asia to Antarctica. “Top 10” unexpected travel opportunities with Crystal in 2013 include:
1. Málaga, Spain – The lesser-known neighbor to Madrid and Barcelona that serves up classic Andalusian cuisine, with a heaping side of architecture and history, was named by Departures magazine as one of the world’s most “under the radar” destinations
2. New England/Canada – A rare spring voyage through the region, trading more familiar fall foliage for spectacular spring blooms and landscapes
3. Yalta, Ukraine – The rugged, mountainous Crimean peninsula and lush forest by 4×4 or horseback providea picturesque contrast to the historic urban landscape for which the city is known
4. Hong Kong, China — An invigorating hike through the lush Dragon’s Back Trail for an escape from the city’s bustling Central District
5. Oslo, Norway – An Olympian’s view from the wheel bob track in Lillehammer
6. Sainte Agnès, France – For one’s French Riviera bucket list, a jaunt to the highest coastal village in Europe offers breathtaking views and much medieval charm
7. Edinburgh, Scotland – A quest for the Holy Grail, tracing the steps of the centuries-old tale connecting the Knights Templar to the Grail, and visiting sites featured in The Da Vinci Code
8. St. Petersburg, Russia –An interactive look at Russia’s modern art — an alternative to the city’s famous palaces and classical museums – concludes with a master class on Giclée painting technique
9. Padua, Italy – A bird’s eye view of Italy’s second most ancient city from hot air balloon
10. Reykjavik, Iceland – Trekking across Icelandic lava fields riding one of the country’s characteristic small horses
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- Edinburgh, Scotland – A quest for the Holy Grail, tracing the steps of the centuries-old tale connecting the Knights Templar to the Grail, and visiting sites featured in The Da Vinci Code.
- Málaga, Spain – The lesser-known neighbor to Madrid and Barcelona that serves up classic Andalusian cuisine, with a heaping side of architecture and history, was named by Departures magazine as one of the world's most “under the radar” destinations.
- Yalta, Ukraine – The rugged, mountainous Crimean peninsula and lush forest by 4×4 or horseback providea picturesque contrast to the historic urban landscape for which the city is known.
