Scenic Gems of the Dalmatian Coast

When you cruise from Dover with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines you are in for an unforgettable experience from the moment you set sail. After embarking your smaller, friendlier cruise ship, you can settle in on board, relax and watch the iconic white cliffs drift out of view as you sail away from England’s beautiful southeast coast on a memorable voyage featuring some of the world’s greatest destinations. Fred. Olsen’s diverse selection of cruises from Dover include chances to sail breathtaking Norwegian or Greenlandic fjords; journey along picturesque, size-restricted waterways to stunning cities such as Amsterdam, Bordeaux, Hamburg and Stockholm; and go in search of cultural and scenic highlights in the Baltic, or on Italy’s glorious Amalfi Coast. Whatever itinerary you choose, you’ll enjoy a holiday packed with incredible experiences and make memories that will last a lifetime. See below to find your perfect Fred. Olsen cruise from Dover.

Overlooking a vast sweeping bay, Tangier is the traditional gateway to Morocco. Though no more than 15 miles across the Straits of Gibraltar from Europe, this is a cosmopolitan city that stands on the threshold of Africa. Its world of soaring minarets and domes, ancient casbah (once the sultan’s walled palace and gardens) and animated souks express the rich part-Arab, part-African heritage of a city that has seen occupation by 12 nations since the 5th century.

Strategically situated midway between Sicily and North Africa, Malta is in every sense a Mediterranean crossroads – a tiny island with an epic and heroic history in which invasion and siege have seen the influence Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and, of course, Britain all leave an enduring mark upon its cultural heritage. The16th century walled capital of Valletta with its Grand Harbour is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture, its narrow streets a tempting honeycomb of colourful shops and stalls.

In the heart of Dalmatia, the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast dates back to the days of Diocletian. The old town is built around the harbour and much of the old city remains to this day. A visit to the Roman Palace of Emperor Diocletian is well worth a visit. Other notable site include the cathedral; the Temple of Jupiter; the Golden Gate; the Silver Gate; and Peristyle Square.

It is one of the most popular travel destinations in this part of Croatia, and the island itself is rich in art and culture, as well as beautiful nature such as numerous tiny and secluded beaches and bays, small and uninhabited islands and breathtaking views.

There’s no mistaking the past wealth and proud spirit of this ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, perched on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. An independent city-state for 600 years until conquered by Napoleon, Dubrovnik survives, despite recent events, as one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities – a timeless architectural showpiece, whose graceful churches and cloisters, palaces and fountains, mellow Baroque facades and encircling ancient walls, all seem more stage set than reality.

The Old City is a highly preserved example of life in the Middle Ages, and the medieval architecture there has ensured its place as a UNESCO listed ‘World Natural and Historical Heritage Site’.

This beautiful Greek island may have a chequered past, but its interesting history, stunning natural beauty and glorious climate make it one of the most appealing holiday destinations in Europe. Ruled by many foreign powers in its time, the Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, French, and British influences are seen within the wide avenues, narrow flagstone alleys, open squares, ancient churches and fortresses of historic Corfu Town.

Aside from Corfu’s seemingly endless stretches of fine beaches and azure blue waters, the island’s main attraction is the historic Old Town – an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognised for its diverse mix of Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture, the Old Town is home to stunning palaces, vast fortresses and charming public buildings. The 15th century Old Fortress, New Fortress and imposing Church of St. Spyridon in particular are must-visit sites, while Spianáda – the largest square in the Balkans and one of Corfu’s most impressive places – is awash with stunning French architecture from the 19th century and worth visiting 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.

Today Spain’s major commercial port and naval base, Cartagena lies on the coast of Murcia, its great indented bay guarded by rocky promontories, each topped by a fort. Founded in 221 BC by Hasdrubal, leader of the Carthaginians (hence the name) from North Africa, it has a fascinating history – and as Nova Carthage was long the Romans’ principal settlement in their Iberian stronghold. Attractive promenades extend along the harbour, while to the northeast is the famous beach and watersports resort area of the lagoon-like Mar Menor.

Dominated by ‘the Rock’, a towering 1, 396 ft sentinel that guards the Straits, the Arabs’ Gebel el Tarik or Tarik’s Rock is today simply ‘Gib’. Resolutely British for nearly 300 years, its unique setting unites the oddly familiar – from the helmeted policemen to Marks & Spencer – with an extrovert Mediterranean mood. Test the shops and pubs in Main Street and Irish Town, take a cable-car ride to enjoy the grandstand views to a nearby Africa, and of course make a call on those Barbary apes!

When you cruise from Dover with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines you are in for an unforgettable experience from the moment you set sail. After embarking your smaller, friendlier cruise ship, you can settle in on board, relax and watch the iconic white cliffs drift out of view as you sail away from England’s beautiful southeast coast on a memorable voyage featuring some of the world’s greatest destinations. Fred. Olsen’s diverse selection of cruises from Dover include chances to sail breathtaking Norwegian or Greenlandic fjords; journey along picturesque, size-restricted waterways to stunning cities such as Amsterdam, Bordeaux, Hamburg and Stockholm; and go in search of cultural and scenic highlights in the Baltic, or on Italy’s glorious Amalfi Coast. Whatever itinerary you choose, you’ll enjoy a holiday packed with incredible experiences and make memories that will last a lifetime. See below to find your perfect Fred. Olsen cruise from Dover.