Iconic Italy with the Venice Carnival
Experience a journey of contrasts combining the tranquillity of ancient towns, the classic opulence of iconic cities, and the vibrancy and extravagance of the Venice Carnival.
Rome, within reach of the port of Civitavecchia, is one of the world’s most famous cities and home to treasures galore, including the magnificent Colosseum and Vatican City, while your extended stay in Venice is certain to be an undoubted highlight of your holiday. You’ve ample time to explore Venice’s network of canals, delight at the legendary landmarks and immerse yourself in all the sights and sounds of the city’s unique carnival.[ReadMoreMob] The flamboyant costumes and intricate jewelled masks cannot fail to amaze as the streets come alive with music and dance. Elsewhere in Italy, Livorno is your gateway to Tuscany’s iconic highlights; you could head to Pisa to see its iconic leaning tower, or to Florence to lose yourself in the most romantic of Renaissance cities.
In Croatia, you’ll not only get to revel in views of the country’s spectacular Adriatic coastline, but also step ashore and be greeted by its fascinating history and culture in spellbinding cities. Visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites of Dubrovnik and Split’s enchanting old towns, and stroll through tales of centuries past amongst their ancient walls, terracotta-topped buildings, churches and monasteries, and breathtaking seascapes. There’s a call at Zadar, the perfect base from which to journey to the beautiful Krka National Park, with its waterfalls and walking trails. And, as if all that wasn’t enough, you’ll have chances to explore Valletta and see its UNESCO-listed Grand Harbour; delve into the maritime heritage of Lisbon, and step back to Roman times in Cartagena.
Itinerary

Cruise durations and departure dates are based on cruise only. Fly-cruise durations and dates may change depending on flight timings, which will be confirmed closer to departure.
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British overseas territory, Gibraltar, on Spain's south coast is dominated by a 426m-high limestone ridge: The Rock. The Rock of Gibraltar is a sentinel that guards the Straits, and the overtly-British town nestled between the European and African continents. Its atmosphere is all the more familiar...
Read moreMalta’s 16th century walled capital of Valletta, with its Grand Harbour, is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture. This most scenic of ancient ports echoes the epic, heroic history of the tiny island it nestles on. Centuries of invasion and siege have brought the influence of Ro...
Read morePerched 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 1...
Read moreThe 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...
Read moreThe walled port of Zadar lies on the dramatic northern Dalmatian coast. Located between Rijeka and Split, it is quieter than its neighbouring resorts on the south coast and rich in history and natural beauty. The capital of Dalmatia for many centuries, Zadar has an old network of narrow streets in...
Read moreVenice, 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 on...
Read moreVenice, 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 on...
Read moreThe southern Italian city of Naples dates to the 2nd millennium BC, and boasts centuries of volcanic drama, art and architecture all robustly perched on the Bay of Naples. Naples can appear chaotic, tattered and neglected on first sight, but go beyond the ruggedness and a city of breathtaking fresco...
Read moreCivitavecchia is the coastal port to the northwest of Rome, and gateway to the Eternal City. This 2nd century port retains many features from its long history, including the Roman Dock and the 16th-century Michelangelo Fort. The National Archaeological Museum exhibits many ancient artefacts, and man...
Read moreLivorno is a quintessential Italian port city on the west coast of Tuscany, known for its seafood, Renaissance-era fortifications and modern harbour. It is also the gateway to many of Italy’s ancient treasures. Tuscany’s second largest city and the central Terrazza Mascagni, a waterside...
Read moreOne 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 includ...
Read moreStretched 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...
Read moreNot only is Newcastle one of Britain’s greatest and most vibrant cities, it is also a fantastic starting point for a Fred. Olsen cruise. With its excellent road and rail connections to the rest of northern England, Scotland and beyond, and its large, comfortable passenger lounge, the Port of T...
Read morePricing & cabins
Please call our Reservations Team for latest pricing and availability.
Please call our Reservations Team for latest pricing and availability.
What's Included?
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours. *Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea not included.
Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra and can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.
About Your Ship
Balmoral, carrying up to 1,350 guests is small enough to navigate narrow waterways such as Kiel Canal and bring inspirational sights and experiences closer to you.
Like the rest of the fleet, Balmoral retains a warm, welcoming atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation and lounges, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.
The Fred. Olsen Difference
Our size advantage means we can take you to places that some of the larger cruise vessels simply can’t. We dock close to the heart of some of the world’s most beautiful cities and can take you on scenic cruising adventures showcasing inspirational landscapes. Our itineraries are expertly crafted to make the most of this advantage.
Aboard our smaller, friendlier ships you'll find there's plenty of room to stretch out by the pool, enjoy a drink and great conversation with like-minded guests, and make the most of your time away. Sailing with hundreds, not thousands, of others allows you to get ashore faster too, and make the most of each destination.
Each member of the Fred. Olsen team has been carefully selected for their warm and welcoming personalities. The quality of our people, supported by training and development, ensures they will give you a great holiday. In fact, 97% of guests rated Fred. Olsen’s friendly, attentive staff ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.
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Reviews
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