Chopper over Italy

On 16 of its Mediterranean itineraries, Crystal Cruises is offering optional helicopter excursions.

Examples — the 6-hour “Majestic Dolomites” tour ($3,268 per person) includes flying over Venice, Treviso, the Piave River and Mt. Civetta, with lunch in Cortina d’Ampezzo, and the 1½-hour “Mount Etna” tour ($1,995) overflies Europe’s largest active volcano, then lands in Taormina where guests can explore on their own.

The fifteen 11- and 12-day Mediterranean itineraries aboard Crystal Symphony or Crystal Serenity range from $2,995 per person for a shared stateroom up to $37,500 for the Crystal Penthouse. Crystal Cruises (888/722-0021, www.crystalcruises.com).