Being able to truly experience a location and immerse yourself in the local culture has become one of the biggest travel trends this year; so it is no surprise that Crystal Cruises has introduced Boutique Adventures to their Mediterranean itineraries this spring. The adventures, rather than being crowded and “touristy,” are going to give passengers an intimate and exclusive view of the inner workings of the city they are anchored in.
Boutique Adventures will accommodate no more than 15 guests per outing and feature experiences that no other cruise currently offers. In Florence, select passengers get a chance to view the Uffizi Gallery’s private Contini Bonacossi collection, which is full of Bellini and Savoldo paintings, furniture, a Bernini sculpture, and feelings of self-importance which will set in once they’ve viewed the pieces that are closed to the general public. In Rome, passengers have the opportunity for a training session with a former Valentino model, now a museum jewelry designer, to create a souvenir adornment. In Corfu, things get even more exclusive, when only six guests are allowed to receive a private painting lesson from the President of the Corfu Painters Society.
These Boutique Adventures are particular attractive to solo-travelers, as they are a great way to meet similarly interesting and mysterious people. Participation is first come first serve, and the excursions range from $223 to over $1,000. Crystal Cruises also has plans to include their Boutique Adventures program on their other itineraries, like Northern Europe and North America.