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At a glance
Visiting:
Italy
Italy
Length:
26 nights
Price from:£3,599pp
Request Brochure - Exploring the Balkans & Adriatic with Venice
To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA
Exploring the Balkans & Adriatic with Venice
In cities famed for their historical importance, and places found off the beaten track, you’re in for an unforgettable insight into the Balkan Peninsula’s centuries of fascinating history, witnessing the marks that the Romans, medieval Ottomans and many other powers made during their rule in the region. At each destination, ancient monuments, walls, ruins and remarkable archaeological finds all have their own stories to tell. Dubrovnik, Croatia’s ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, is the pinnacle of this Balkan discovery; capture the beauty, as well as the history, of this UNESCO-listed city, with its imposing fortifications and terracotta-topped buildings. In Split, see the influences of Emperor Diocletian in the ruins of his 4th century palace; or tour to the war-torn town of Trogir, where impressive examples of centuries-old architecture await. Along the coast, Kotor beckons amongst scenes of Montenegro’s magnificent landscapes; the Venetian Works of Defence, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, will be in view of your ship and ready for exploration when you venture ashore.
Bolette takes you to discover the historic sites of lesser-known destinations too; a highlight is Neum, gateway to places showcasing the influence of Ottoman rule such as UNESCO-listed Pocitelj and the Mostar & Stari Most. From Neum it’s also possible to tour to Sarajevo to discover the Tunnel of Hope from the siege of 90's, Tito's nuclear bunker and the assassination location of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. There are also rare visits to the Albanian city of Durres, with its mix of architectural highlights from the Byzantine, Greek, Roman and Ottoman eras, and the Croatian city of Rijeka. What’s more, you’ll get to spend two days in Venice, amongst its iconic monuments and canals; revel in the scenic splendour of Sardinia and the Strait of Messina; experience scenic cruising of the fjord-like Bay of Kotor; and – either side of your time in the Balkans – visit the culture-rich cities of Catania and La Coruna, as well as sun-kissed Gibraltar.
Special Offer:
FREE Door to Door or £250pp On Board Spend
Holiday Highlights
An insight into the Balkan Peninsula’s centuries of fascinating history
See the influences of powers such as the Romans and medieval Ottomans
Each destination has a unique story to tell, through its architecture and culture
What's Included
Comfortable, stylish cabins and suites equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
A tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea* with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
Full use of on board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
A wide choice of engaging on board activities and lectures throughout the day
All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
Formal welcome and/or Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet
Itinerary
1
Monday 18 September 2023 Departs Southampton
Depart: Late PM
2
Tuesday 19 September 2023 Cruising
3
Wednesday 20 September 2023 Cruising
4
Friday 22 September 2023 Málaga
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late Night
5
Saturday 23 September 2023 Cruising
6
Sunday 24 September 2023 Cruising
7
Monday 25 September 2023 Catania
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
8
Tuesday 26 September 2023 Cruising
9
Wednesday 27 September 2023 Dubrovnik
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
10
Thursday 28 September 2023 Split
Arrive: Late AM
Depart: Late Night
11
Friday 29 September 2023 Zadar
Arrive: Late AM
Depart: Late Night
12
Saturday 30 September 2023 Rijeka
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
13
Sunday 1 October 2023 Venice
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
14
Monday 2 October 2023 Venice
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
15
Tuesday 3 October 2023 Koper
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
16
Wednesday 4 October 2023 Neum
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late Night
17
Thursday 5 October 2023 Cruising Bay of Kotor
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Early AM
18
Thursday 5 October 2023 Kotor
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late Night
19
Friday 6 October 2023 Durres
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
20
Saturday 7 October 2023 Cruise Strait of Messina
Arrive: Early PM
Depart: Late PM
21
Saturday 7 October 2023 Cruising by Stromboli
Arrive: Late Night
Depart: Late Night
22
Tuesday 10 October 2023 Gibraltar
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
23
Wednesday 11 October 2023 Cruising
24
Thursday 12 October 2023 La Coruña
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
25
Thursday 12 October 2023 Cruise by Tower of Hercules Lighthouse
Arrive: Late PM
Depart: Late PM
26
Friday 13 October 2023 Cruising
27
Saturday 14 October 2023 Arrive back at Southampton
Arrive: Early AM
Bolette
Depart from Dover or Southampton and choose from a wide variety of exceptional journeys covering Europe and far-flung exotic destinations. Whether embarking on a scenic tour of Scotland or a month-long trip to the Arctic or the Americas, you can look forward to all of the amenities you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible, along with fantastic entertainment and excellent customer service.
Whichever route you decide on, Bolette cruises provide the chance to create treasured lifelong memories, with a range of enthralling tours and experiences. From witnessing the beguiling Northern Lights and Arctic Midnight Sun to wildlife watching and exploring ancient ruins, you're sure to end your holiday with a feeling of having tasted true adventure.
Chargeable Extras
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.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in 2023, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information.
You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.