WHEN I read Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines’ exciting itinerary on Bolette, a recent addition to their small ships fleet, then talked to the shore destination team about the exciting excursions along the Adriatic coast, I promptly booked.
Three glorious days at sea gave us the opportunity to discover the Bolette cruise ship. It quickly became apparent this was a vessel of elegance. Restaurants, bars and lounges all had their own unique style. The staff welcomed us with enthusiasm and a willingness to please.
First port of call was Cartagena in Spain, a city with a long history of over 3,000 years. Our tour started from the beautiful marina, through the city’s marbled walkways and grand architecture to the Roman Theatre. This spectacular site, considered one of the most important of its kind, was only discovered in 1988 when existing houses were demolished. The grand theatre once held 7,000 Roman spectators - a must to visit.
We sailed into Dubrovnik, Croatia, our ship’s excursion took us through small villages to picturesque Konavle Valley, where a local family welcomed us into their 15th century home with brandy and dried figs. We were shown a traditional mill used for producing olive oil; learning also how they made brandy. Then we were treated to a lunch of cheeses, hams, olives and gherkins served with home baked bread, washed down with local red wine, whilst being entertained by musicians singing folk songs from a bygone age. Our tour concluded by exploring inside Dubrovnik’s ancient walled city.
Bolette then glided into the bay of Kotor, Montenegro, and anchored in Boka Bay, surrounded by mountainous landscapes.
Our tour began with a scenic drive, winding towards the top of Lovcen Mountain to the village of Mirac. We were greeted by the Kascelan family, offering us various types of brandy produced on their estate. We toured their farm and vineyards, appreciating the way of life for the local people. We then enjoyed a scrumptious feast of traditional dishes made from organic ingredients grown on the estate. A joyous day which ended with a stroll around Kotor’s imposing medieval walled town.
Later, Bolette sailed into the sunset, bound for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Neum is a pretty seaside resort; from there we journeyed to Mostar a quaint city rich in culture, characterised by Turkish influence, where cobbled streets take you to the iconic Mostar bridge - Stari Most - built in 1566. It was badly damaged during the Balkans war but in 2004 the bridge was restored to its former glory. From the bridge you admire surrounding views with the vivid green river flowing underneath.
It was a short drive to the Kravice Waterfalls, we boarded a small train descending through a lush valley - it was a spectacle to see 15 waterfalls, each separated by overhanging small trees, cascading into a natural emerald green lake. A sight to behold - nature at its best.
We were now half-way through our cruise, enjoying Bolette’s amenities, inspiring days and wonderful evenings looking forward to mouth-watering menus, followed by entertaining shows in the elegant Neptune Theatre.
We dined for a nominal fee at Bolette’s two speciality restaurants; Vasco where the menu is inspired by chefs from Goa, this Indian cuisine never tasted better, and the Colours and Tastes Restaurant which features delicious Asian Fusion dishes, a real treat.
Returning to Croatia, arriving in Split, its second largest city, where a bustling market awaited, with an abundance of merchandise on display. We browsed and after some good-natured bargaining; my wife bought a dress which didn’t hurt my wallet too much.
The Roman Dioletian Palace is fascinating; we gazed in awe at its architecture and meandered through narrow streets to the main square where we watched a re-enactment portraying the glory of Ancient Rome accompanied by sterling marching music.
Arriving in Sarande in Albania, our jeep safari took us through authentic Albanian villages. We stopped at Borsh, a coastal village built around a beautiful waterfall where we drank iced coffee, to the sound of flowing water. Half-way up the mountain at a shepherd’s cottage, he and his wife invited us to drink their moonshine, eat nuts and sheep’s cheese - not the usual elevenses! It was so tranquil; the only sounds were of birdsong and tinkling bells around the goats’ necks.
Our jeep climbed through dramatic landscapes with an array of wild flowers towards the top of the mountain to Himara, a small village; here we enjoyed a delightful Albanian lunch while being entertained by traditional singing and dancing. I watched an eagle fly on this mountain high - a sight to savour.
Once a wartorn region, now the beautiful Balkans is a joy to behold.
It was then homeward bound, visiting Cagliari, Sardinia where we saw the sights of both modern and old town, and finally Gibraltar, a haven for duty free shopping.
This Fred. Olsen cruise was perfectly balanced, experiencing the best of both worlds, cities and countryside regions, leaving us with indelible memories.
Did the joy of the journey match expectations? It surpassed them.
* A similar cruise - Bolette’s 26- night T2326 ‘Exploring the Balkans & Adriatic with Venice’ cruise - departs from Southampton on September 18, 2023. Prices start from £4,099 per person.
Visit www.fredolsencruises.com/cruise/balkans-adriatic-venice-t2326
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