One of the greatest privileges of travel is experiencing the beauty of our planet—pristine coastlines, lush vineyards, vibrant cities, and untouched wilderness.

I sat in a 2,000-year-old Roman theater after dark while a string quartet played, the ruins glowing gold around us, and a stray dog settled on the ancient steps like he'd always belonged there. This is the story of a Crystal Symphony Mediterranean cruise — and why I still tell clients about it.