Exploring Iconic Sites of Croatia & Italy

Situated just north of Sicily, Stromboli Island is one of the smallest Aeolian Islands, but arguably the most famous thanks to its intense volcanic activity.

One of the Europe's most active volcanos after Mount Etna, Stromboli has been erupting for over 2000 years and almost non-stop since 1932. The island's eruptions are so distinctive that geologists use 'Strombolian' to describe similar eruptions around the world.

Cruising by Stromboli is always a memorable experience and from the comfort and safety of your ship you'll take in unforgettable views of stunning landscapes moulded by unstoppable molten rock and lava flows. Look out for black sand beaches and tiny inhabited settlements dotted along the lower slopes of the cone-shaped island. You may even be lucky enough to witness volcanic activity as you sail by too.

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.

An ancient city that has stood on the gorgeous Calabrese coast since the 4th century BC, but now harmoniously combines a wonderful blend of old and new, Crotone enchants from the very first moment you see its coastal landscapes and historic landmarks standing proudly alongside colourful villas and sea-view apartments. This is Italy at its classical best.

Explore Crotone and expect to feel the buzz of typically Italian city life, as the friendly, yet energetic locals go about their day-to-day business, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture and heritage. Within and around the ancient city walls, a wealth of treasures await; look-out for the neo-classical cathedral, which originally dates back to between the 9th and 11th centuries, the impressive Charles V Fortress, and imperious palaces such as Palazzo Olivieri Susanna and Palazzo Baracco.

Meanwhile, the cafés, bars and restaurants of Crotone offer an authentic taste of Calabrese cuisine and locally produced delights, from handmade pasta and sausage created using traditional ancient recipes to superb wines and fragrant herbs, vegetables and fruits.

With its glorious coastline, inviting beaches, magnificent historic landmarks and monuments, and enchanting narrow streets and squares, Gallipoli – Greek for ‘beautiful city’ – certainly lives up to its name, and is a true delight to discover and explore on Italy’s picturesque Ionian Coast.

A city of two parts, Gallipoli is divided into a vibrant modern district on the mainland, and an ancient historic centre situated on a small island reaching out into the Ionian. While both provide plenty of highlights, the island-based ‘centro storico’ is the place to experience the city at its most authentic. Wander the streets, which are barely wide enough for even the smallest Italian cars, and you’ll be immersed in centuries of history amongst ornate churches, fortifications, towers and fountains, while charming cafés, restaurants and markets alive with friendly locals await discovery too, ready to provide a taste of authentic traditional flavours.

Outside the city’s heart, the beaches – considered some of the best throughout Italy – make for the perfect place to enjoy some time away from the Gallipoli’s exciting, enchanting yet hectic hustle and bustle, so perhaps take to the golden sands and enjoy some rest, relaxation and soothing sunshine too.

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.

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.

Lesser known than the beautiful, yet well-trodden cities of Split and Dubrovnik, Sibenik offers all of the quintessential delights than one might have come to expect from destinations situated on Croatia’s glorious Adriatic Coast.

Sibenik is situated within a deep bay, one of the best-protected harbours found anyway in the Adriatic region, and boasts spectacular surrounding landscapes, while the city itself is a sight to behold from the first moment it comes into view; typically Croatian scenes of white-washed, terracotta-topped buildings hint at the type of treasures awaiting discovery ashore.

Wander the little, steeply-angled streets and attractive squares framed by a mix of centuries-old architectural gems, shops and cafés reveal themselves; particular highlights to see-out include the impressive town hall, the churches of St Barbara and St Fran, and the piece de resistance: Cathedral Sveti Jakov. Built in the early 15th century, UNESCO-listed Sveti Jakov is considered one of Croatia’s finest and most important Renaissance-era landmarks, built from limestone and marble under the supervision of the great Croatian stone masters Juraj Dalmatinac and Nikola Firentinac.

Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, remains a city unrivalled in its marriage of serenity and spectacle, legend and romance. With tranquil waters that stretch along 150 canals and audacious historic architecture, it’s no surprise that the city of Venice is lauded as one of the must-see global destinations.

With no cars, Venice is a gondola-ride into the past through its web of narrow cobbled streets and under 500 ancient bridges that entangle the city centre. The fittingly-named Grand Canal epitomises the grandeur of this magnificent city: stunning Venetian architecture reflects on its surface, while at one end, the magnificent Palazzo Ducale and Basilica di San Marco offer a jaw-dropping finish to any trip along this majestic canal.

Away from the water, neighbourhood churches are lined with Veroneses and priceless marbles, and the great piazza San Marco – the place Napoleon once referred to as the ‘drawing room of Europe’ – is a total showstopper. From the lavish 14th century Doge’s Palace, to the stunning mosaic-decorated interior of the famous basilica, the square boasts some of the city’s best sights. All of which glistens in the shadow of the impressive clock tower, Torre dell’Orologio.

This lagoon-based city produces wining and dining specialities all of its own: a sunny morning spritz in a campi (square); a seafood lunch in a bacaro (bar); a happy hour selection of cicheti (Venetian tapas); or a traditional Venetian meal at a canal side restaurant with a glass of the city’s beloved Prosecco – all are truly unforgettable experiences. Venice is a city of trendsetters. From controversial artwork in the Punta della Dogana to showrooms of local artisans and the radical new art at the Biennale, an unconventional, creative vibe can be found everywhere in this magical place.

Away from the tourist-packed attractions of Venice, the laidback island town of Chioggia offers a slice of authentic Venetian lifestyle with none of the hustle and bustle. With pretty canals to explore and historic architecture to admire, it’s a wonderful place to spend a relaxing day in the Adriatic sunshine. 

Situated south of Venice in the Venetian Lagoon, the unpretentious Chioggia may be similar in appearance to its iconic neighbour, but represents a very different experience. The city offers a Venetian lifestyle at a slower, easier pace. The busy fishing marinas and pedestrianised alleyways lined with historic buildings and traditional terracotta-topped houses, are a delight.

Popular highlights include the morning fish market and several sublime seafood restaurants serving the day’s catch. Chioggia has its share of museums and beautiful, centuries-old churches – Chiesa di San Domenico and Chiesa di San Giacomo Apostolo in particular are well worth a visit. The dominating cathedral, or Duomo, at the far end of the Corso also needs uncovering. [ReadMoreDesk]

Chioggia is linked by a bridge to the resort island town of Sottomarina and its long, sandy beach along the Adriatic Coast. The promenade is lined with a number of fantastic restaurants and friendly bars.

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.

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.

With its imposing, fortress-like appearance and busy fishing harbour, Monopoli perfectly contrasts the many beach resorts and sleepy towns situated along Puglia’s beautiful Adriatic Coast. While it may not have quite the same visual appeal as many of the picturesque locations found along the coast, this city reveals its own charms to those who take the time to delve into its heart.

As you wander the streets between the white-fronted buildings, and explore the harbour, you get a feel for Monopoli’s rich history, which dates back well before Roman times, and can sense the prosperity provided by the thriving local fishing trade. The Old Town in particular is a delight to explore; this area is dominated by the mid-16th century Castello Carlo V castle, while the Baroque-Romanesque cathedral and its towering belfry – built in 1693 – is an unmissable highlight.

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.

Located on the western coast of Sicily, the beautiful city of Trapani is a fishing port with a long history renowned for its Baroque-style architecture. The sickle-shaped spit of land Trapani's Old Town occupies, was once the heart of a great trading network stretching from Carthage to Venice.

Trapani’s highlights include The Dovecote, the city’s offshore medieval fortress the restored 14th century Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, and the 17th-century Torre di Ligny watchtower, which houses the Museo di Preistoria e del Mare and its many archaeological artefacts. North of the impressive harbour, the Chiesa del Purgatorio Church holds wooden sculptures that are paraded through the city during Easter’s Processione dei Misteri.

There are several beautiful boulevards to walk around and enjoy, including Mura di Tramontana – arguably the prettiest of them all. A good range of shops and restaurants are on offer to enjoy and the boulevard delivers great views of the bay.

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.

Stretched across its seven trademark hills overlooking the River Tagus estuary, Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city of Lisbon, is a cinematic collection of cobbled alleyways, pastel-coloured buildings, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals. The city was decimated by an earthquake in 1755, and modern Lisbon has been shaped by that eventful day. The Pombaline architecture that now defines the city represents some of the first seismically-protected buildings in Europe.

The city’s bridges include the Ponte 25 de Abril – similar to the Golden Gate in San Francisco – and the Ponte Vasco da Gama, which includes over 11km of viaducts. Lisbon’s many fascinating museums, include the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Coach Museum and the Carmo Archaeological [ReadMoreDesk]Museum. 

Lisbon is also a shopper’s paradise, with the Centro Commercial Colombo – the biggest shopping mall on the Iberian peninsula – and the elegant Avenidas Novas, full of upmarket shops. Alternatively, there bargains to be had in the local flea market, Campo de Santa Clara. Don't miss the chance to sample iconic egg tarts at Pasteis de Belém too.

A short journey from Leixões takes you into the heart of Oporto, with its fortress-like Cathedral and the Baroque Church of Clérigos. Head to the historic Ribeira District, where the narrow, cobbled lanes wind their way down to the Douro River. Don’t forget to visit one of the many wine cellars for a taste of the tipple named after the city, Port. On the ground floor of the Museu Romantico is the Port Wine Institute, where port is served with great ceremony. 

Oporto sits deep in the gorge of the River Douro and on the riverside – dominated by the two-level Luis I bridge – it’s possible to look up at the narrow old town streets climbing out of the valley. Pastel-fronted houses with red-tiled roofs line the streets, mixed with neo-classical buildings and wonderful baroque churches. Dominating the centre of the city is the fortress-like Cathedral, which is worth visiting for the views alone.

The Spanish city of Avilés in the north-western province of Asturias, is steeped in history and architectural gems just waiting to be discovered. A former maritime and farming town, the scenic city of Avilés is now one of the country’s most important industrial centres.

The city centre remains stylish and easy to navigate, with plenty of high street stores, pretty cafes and a number of museums and galleries to visit, while the Old Town quarter is Aviles’ finest feature.

Largely pedestrianised, the Old Town consists of several historic squares and plazas, interlinked by a series of pretty boulevards from centuries past. The collection of stunning historic buildings includes the Camposagrado Palace, the Palacio de Valdecarzana – Avilés’ sole example of civil medieval architecture – plus a number of outstanding Gothic churches such as San Nicolás and San Francisco.