Discovering The Balkans

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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 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.