Summertime Adriatic Discovery


This cruise has now set sail.
Experience an insight into the Balkan Peninsula’s centuries of fascinating history, shaped by various civilisations and changing eras. Visiting cities of deep historical importance, you’ll get to journey from the middle ages through to modern times, witnessing the marks that the Romans, medieval Ottomans and many other powers made during their rule in the region.
At each of the destinations, ancient monuments, walls, ruins and remarkably well preserved archaeological finds all have their own stories to tell.[ReadMoreMob] Dubrovnik, Croatia’s ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, is the pinnacle of this Balkan discovery; capture the beauty, as well as the history, of this UNESCO-listed city, with its imposing fortifications and terracotta-topped buildings. In Split, see the influences of Emperor Diocletian in the ruins of his 4th century palace; or tour to the war-torn town of Trogir, where impressive examples of centuries-old architecture await. Along the coast, Kotor beckons amongst scenes of Montenegro’s magnificent landscapes; the Venetian Works of Defence, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, will be in view of your ship and ready for your exploration.[ReadMoreDesk]
Off the beaten tourist track, Bolette takes you to discover the historic sites of lesser-known destinations too; a highlight is a maiden visit to Neum, gateway to places showcasing the influence of Ottoman rule such as UNESCO-listed Pocitelj and the Mostar & Stari Most. There are also rare visits to the Albanian city of Durres, a city awash with the contrasting architectural wonders of various eras, and Reggio Calabria in Italy. What’s more, you’ll get to revel in the scenic splendour of Sardinia and the Strait of Messina; experience scenic cruising of the fjord-like Bay of Kotor; and – either side of your time in the Balkans – visit the culture-rich cities of Cartagena and Tangier.
Southampton, England
Jun 14 | Depart - early evening

Considered the 'Cruise Capital of the UK', Southampton is the departure port for hundreds for cruise holidays every year, including a number of Fred. Olsen sailings on our smaller sized ships. But beyond being the starting poing for many cruise adventures, you can be assure that this historic city on England's sunny south coast has much to offer as a destination in its own right.
Whether you enjoy a call at Southampton as part of your cruise itinerary, or choose to spend time exploring either before of after your cruise from the city, you'll find there are plenty of attractions, highlights and sights to discover, showcasing fascinating history and local culture. Perhaps see the timber-framed treasures of the Old Town, including the beautiful Tudor House and Gardens, and visit the Sea City Museum to learn of Southampton's links to the Titanic's ill-fated voyage. Other Titanic-related sights include war memorials, the former White Star Line HQ and the Grapes Pub - wander the 'Titanic Trail' to take them in.
There are art galleries and museums aplenty too, as well as an abundance of places to shop, and a number of trendy bars, restaurants and cafés where you can always stop for something delicious. Alternatively, you might opt to explore nature trails and wetlands near to the city, or simply stroll through one of the green spaces or pretty parks.
Cartagena, Spain
Jun 18 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early afternoon

One of Spain’s most important port cities for over 2000 years, Cartagena is bursting with history and culture. Originally built over five hills by the Romans, Cartagena is strategically placed on the Mediterranean coast and boasts some wonderful architecture and historic monuments. They include Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics, and the medieval Castillo de la Conception, which served as a fortress for the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and Castilians, and overlooks the city's stunning natural harbour.
Many of the buildings from Roman Cartagena have disappeared, but some important sites remain, including the amphitheatre which dates from around 100BC. Cartagena is also home to a number of Modernist buildings that were designed and built by the pupils of Antoni Gaudi, the world famous architect renowned for designing the stunning La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The city’s tapas bars and vibrant bars on the marina offer some fabulous local wining and dining.
Cruise Strait of Messina, Italy
Jun 20 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late morning

The Strait of Messina is steeped in legend and is famed for its rocks and whirlpools – many of which were personified as female monsters in Greek mythology.
An extremely busy highway of seafaring traffic, this narrow waterway is seen as being key to the economic success of Messina. The currents, whirlpools, and winds of the strait, which still hamper navigation, gave rise in ancient times to many legends about its dangers to navigators.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Jun 21 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening

Perched between mountains and sea on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic maritime city of Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most popular and interesting tourist destinations. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, and the focus of ongoing sieges and wars over the centuries, the city has managed to preserve many stunning monuments from the Renaissance (Sponza Palace), Gothic (Rector’s Palace) and Baroque (St. Blaise Church) periods.
The visit typically starts at the Ramparts – the huge stone walls that encircle the Old Town that offer wonderful views of the Adriatic’s blue waters and the surrounding Baroque palaces, fountains and sculptures. The Onofrio Fountain at Pile Gate - built in 1438 for people with the plague to wash at, and Fort Lovrijenac – built to protect the city from Venetian invasion, are also worth discovering.
The Old Town is famous for its limestone thoroughfare, the Stradun, and the squares off it, which are festooned with popular open-air bars and cafés. Fresh local seafood tops the menu in Dubrovnik, while the cable car up to Mount Srđ is another popular distraction.
Cruising Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Jun 22 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early afternoon

The winding, fjord-like landscapes of Montenegro's beautiful, UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor boast some of the finest scenery in Europe. A mix of soaring mountains, rugged rocky cliff faces and fairytale-esque towns, cities and villages dotted with traditional terracotta-topped houses and ancient architecture line the coast, creating spectacular scenes best admired from the bay's cobalt waters.
Sail into the Bay of Kotor on a Fred. Olsen Adriatic cruise and you'll have the chance to revel in the incredible sights from the comfort of your smaller cruise ship. Be sure to have your camera to hand to capture the experience, ready to share your memories with friends back home.
Kotor, Montenegro
Jun 22 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late evening

Located on the Bay of Kotor, a natural fjord near the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the city of Kotor is the oldest town in Montenegro, with roots embedded deep in the ancient world. Together with the nearly overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovćen, which the city nestled between, Kotor is situated amongst one of the Mediterranean's most impressive landscapes.
Characterized by cobbled winding streets and squares, this well-preserved medieval old town has earned Kotor’s listing as a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site. The ancient architecture includes several Romanesque churches, such as Kotor Cathedral, and the town is a maze of museums, cafe-strewn plazas and Venetian palaces. It's also home to the Maritime Museum, which explores the local seafaring history.
Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Jun 23 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late evening

Bosnia and Herzegovina only has around 24 kilometres of coastline, an Adriatic stretch flanked by Croatian lands, and Neum is the country's only coastal city.
Sheltered from the often strong Adriatic winds by the Peljesac Peninsula, this picturesque location boasts a gloriously warm climate, beautiful scenery and soft-sand beaches, making the perfect summer retreat for locals and visitors alike. Perhaps not as well known as other Adriatic destinations, such as Split and Dubrovnik, Neum manages to retain a 'hidden gem' feel somewhat, despite its popularity as a holiday escape.
The beaches here are of course busier in summer months, but you're always likely to find somewhere to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Or, if you'd prefer to escape some of the crowds, there's always the town itself to explore, amongst its terracotta-topped villas and raking streets.
Split, Croatia
Jun 24 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon

The exuberant city of Split, on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, has the perfect balance of modernity and tradition. It is known for its fine beaches and the fortress-like, UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace – a hugely-impressive 4th century Roman monument.
Life in Split has been buzzing along for millennia. Within its white stone walls, maze of alleys and atmospheric courtyards numerous shops, lively bars and cafés, and two vibrant markets can be found.
The wonderfully picturesque Narodni Trd is a pretty square overlooked by the Venetian-style city hall and Romanesque clock tower. The octagonal St Domnius Cathedral is another well-preserved Roman building well worth seeking out. Roman heritage is still evident in the Old Town, close by the waterfront, which has the remains of the Diocletian’s Palace – essentially the most magnificent retirement home for the Roman Emperor, Diocletian.
Split has a gem of a seafront that combines honeycombs of unique historical buildings with a sublime, palm-lined Riva waterfront. The Marjan, a glorious wooded peninsula, has fine secluded beaches among fabulous olive groves.
Durres, Albania
Jun 25 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon

Situated on a small peninsula on the beautiful coast of the Adriatic Sea, and benefitting from shallow, sandy beaches, gloriously clear and inviting blue waters and a hot Mediterranean climate, Durrës is one of Albania's most popular holiday destinations. A wonderful place to live, as well as visit, the city has been inhabited almost 3000 years, is rich in centuries of fascinating history, and captivates with its local culture.
An ancient city, the former Albanian capital is packed with an abundance of interesting places to explore, discover and visit, particularly within its historic heart. The city centre is full of interesting places to visit, including the Ancient City Wall, the Byzantine forum, the Archaeological museum, the Venetian tower, the Monument of Resistance and the Ethnographic museum. Each site has its own deep history, incredible architecture and cultural importance.
Cruise Strait of Messina, Italy
Jun 26 | Arrive - late morning | Depart - early afternoon

The Strait of Messina is steeped in legend and is famed for its rocks and whirlpools – many of which were personified as female monsters in Greek mythology.
An extremely busy highway of seafaring traffic, this narrow waterway is seen as being key to the economic success of Messina. The currents, whirlpools, and winds of the strait, which still hamper navigation, gave rise in ancient times to many legends about its dangers to navigators.
Cagliari, Sardinia
Jun 27 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon

Venture away from the modern harbourside city to explore the picturesque upper town's old quarter - dominated by a medieval castle and cathedral and protected by walls nearly 1,000 years old, or simply relax on one of the lovely beaches located within easy reach of your cruise ship.
Tangier, Morocco
Jun 29 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early afternoon

Tangier sits on the Strait of Gibraltar and is often regarded as Europe’s gateway to Africa. Its status as an ‘International Zone’ from the 1920s until 1956 attracted an eclectic group of millionaires, writers, artists and even spies. Modern Tangier is far from its wild heyday with rapid development to modernise the city, while retaining its historic charm. The city’s labyrinthine Medina sits inside the walls of a 15th-century Portuguese fortress and can be accessed via the Grand Socco – a lively palm tree-lined market square that makes way for numerous cafés, shops and restaurants that line the narrow, winding alleyways. Inside the Medina is Little Socco, a slice of authentic Tangier with pretty buildings surrounding a small market square.
Café Hafa is an icon of Tangier, dating back to 1921, having hosted a roster of stars including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Paul Bowles. This open air café is as known for its celebrity clientele as it is its unmissable sea views, with multiple terraces cascading down the hillside.
Southampton, England
Jul 02 | Arrive - early morning

Considered the 'Cruise Capital of the UK', Southampton is the departure port for hundreds for cruise holidays every year, including a number of Fred. Olsen sailings on our smaller sized ships. But beyond being the starting poing for many cruise adventures, you can be assure that this historic city on England's sunny south coast has much to offer as a destination in its own right.
Whether you enjoy a call at Southampton as part of your cruise itinerary, or choose to spend time exploring either before of after your cruise from the city, you'll find there are plenty of attractions, highlights and sights to discover, showcasing fascinating history and local culture. Perhaps see the timber-framed treasures of the Old Town, including the beautiful Tudor House and Gardens, and visit the Sea City Museum to learn of Southampton's links to the Titanic's ill-fated voyage. Other Titanic-related sights include war memorials, the former White Star Line HQ and the Grapes Pub - wander the 'Titanic Trail' to take them in.
There are art galleries and museums aplenty too, as well as an abundance of places to shop, and a number of trendy bars, restaurants and cafés where you can always stop for something delicious. Alternatively, you might opt to explore nature trails and wetlands near to the city, or simply stroll through one of the green spaces or pretty parks.