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.
Your Itinerary
Southampton, England
Feb 15 | Depart - late afternoon
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.
Gibraltar, Gibraltar
Feb 19 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early afternoon
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 due to its helmeted policemen, red pillar boxes, fish and chip shops, traditional pubs and Marks & Spencer shops.
Layers of fortifications on The Rock include the remains of a 14th-century Moorish Castle and the 18th century Great Siege Tunnels. The Europa Point Lighthouse and St. Michael’s limestone cave light show are both well worth seeking out.
Resolutely British for nearly 300 years, Gibraltar’s unique history is of interest but it's the camera-loving Barbary Apes that tend to steal the show.
Valletta, Malta
Feb 22 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
Malta’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 Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and the British – all leaving an enduring mark on Valletta’s cultural heritage. Home to The Knights of Malta, an order created in the Middle Ages, the town is known for museums, palaces and grand churches.
Baroque landmarks include the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral; its opulent interior is crowned by Caravaggio’s masterpiece "The Beheading of Saint John". Other noteworthy attractions include the National Museum of Archaeology, the 16th century Casa Rocca Piccola Palace and the military artefacts in the National War Museum.
The cityscape is probably one of the most stunning in the Mediterranean – the city’s sun-drenched stone walls have an almost permanent warm, honey hue, while colourful, decorative balconies overlook the worn and tethered streets below. Fine restaurants and shops leap out from side streets or are tucked away in charming courtyards.
Valletta is also well-situated to discover the silent city of Mdina, a fortified city in the Northern Region of Malta and home to the Roman burial complex of St. Paul’s Catacombs.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Feb 24 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon
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.
Split, Croatia
Feb 25 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
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.
Zadar, Croatia
Feb 26 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
The 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 which you can lose yourself marvelling at the roman ruins and Romanesque churches. The Zadar region oozes natural beauty and boasts 200 hidden islands and islets, bays and isthmuses that create an opportunity for all types of water sport activities.
Exploration of the archipelago is a must and a short boat ride will take you to the islands of Dugi Otok, Pašman and Ugljan.
If you want to explore further afield, Zadar is also the perfect base from which you can explore this part of Croatia and especially its national parks. It’s barely an hour from Krka National Park for some swimming and walking or Paklenica National Park if you fancy a spot of hiking or rock climbing.
Venice, Italy
Feb 27 - Mar 01 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late evening
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.
Naples, Italy
Mar 04 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
The 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 frescoes, elegant sculptures and superb panoramas can be uncovered.
Naples' centro storico (historic centre) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cache of archaeological treasures are among the most important globally. The city’s collection of palaces, castles and churches almost puts Rome to shame. The Duomo di San Gennaro cathedral is filled with sublime frescoes, while the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo ensure a spot for Italy's third largest city on any must-see list.
The bustling maze of shops, boutiques and open-air cafés are a constant distraction, and the local cuisine – derived from rich volcanic soils, an abundant sea, and years of cooking excellence – makes Naples one of the true Italian heavyweights.
Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy
Mar 05 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late evening
Civitavecchia 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 many visitors discover Terme Taurine, the ruins of a Roman thermal bath.
Principally however, the port is the main access point for Italy’s capital. From the Colosseum and Forum of Ancient Rome to the city's great masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture, the emblems of past grandeur and wealth provide a grandiose backdrop for the elegant designer boutiques, pavement cafes, inviting trattoria and countless sophisticated pleasures of today's vibrant capital.
Livorno, Italy
Mar 06 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
Livorno 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 promenade with checked paving, is the city's main spot for booth locals and visitors to converge.
The bastions of the 16th-century Fortezza Vecchia face the harbour and open onto Livorno's canal-laced Venezia Nuova quarter. This shabby, historic district is full of character and its elegant belle époque buildings point to a prosperous past.
An easy train from this Ligurian port opens up Florence, Pisa and Rome. Pisa has the 11th century Duomo Cathedral and the world-famous Leaning Tower, while the legendary Florence offers a truly stunning Renaissance city of the Medici grand dukes. The peerless art treasures of the Uffizi and a majestic prospect of domes, towers and spires are all framed by the distant Tuscan hills.
Cartagena, Spain
Mar 08 | Arrive - early afternoon | Depart - early evening
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.
Lisbon, Portugal
Mar 10 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon
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 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.
Southampton, England
Mar 13 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon
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.
Newcastle, England
Mar 15 | Arrive - early morning
Renowed for it's diverse range of cultures, impressive architecture, welcoming atmosphere and exciting attractions, Newcastle is an increasingly popular tourist destination and when you see the stunning bridges that cross the River Tyne, take advantage of the fantastic shopping on offer and sample the famous Geordie spirit, you'll quickly understand why.
With so much to see and do, there's plenty to keep you occupied both within the city centre and a little further afield. Be sure to head down to the riverside to see the world-famous Tyne Bridge and cross the magnificent Millenium Bridge, visit the Metrocentre - Europe's largest indoor shopping and leisure centre - to indulge in a little retail therapy and wander along the city's famous Grey Street - once voted Britain's best street - before heading out into the Northumbrian countryside in search of renowned monuments including the Angel of the North and Hadrian's Wall.