Take in ‘Venice & the Beauty of the Adriatic’ with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in Autumn 2015

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to cruise right into the heart of Venice and take in the splendour of the Adriatic, on Braemar’s 28-night M1526 ‘Venice & the Beauty of the Adriatic’ cruise, which departs from Dover on 12^th September 2015.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“In an increasingly cluttered market, where the consumer finds it difficult to distinguish the differences between one brand and another, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is proud to showcase what its smaller and more intimate ships are able to offer – innovative and unique cruise holidays!

“Because of our smaller size, we are able to take guests closer to destinations, and Venice is a real highlight. Sailing into this beautiful city, with Saint Mark’s Bell Tower in the horizon, is a beautiful sight and something that we encourage our guests to experience.”

First stop on this Adriatic adventure is Cadiz, in Spain, where guests can take a tour into Seville and visit The Cathedral of Saint Mary, often known as the Cathedral of Seville.

Next stop is Trapani, in Sicily, surrounded by colourful landscapes and filled with ancient buildings, such as the offshore fortress Torre della Colombia and the restored San Lorenzo Cathedral.

Braemar will then cruise to Kerkira, on the island of Corfu, in Greece, where guests can visit the Palaio Frourio – an old Venetian castle in Byzantine style, which is situated close to the main square, Spianada – or relax on one of the many intimate beaches.

Next call isDubrovnik, in Croatia, where guests will be impressed by the city’s marble streets, Baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic.

One further Croatian gem comes next: mesmerising Split, the second largest city in Croatia and the largest city on the Adriatic coast, where guests can visit The Riva, one of Europe's finest seafront promenades, which runs the length of the Old Town.

Koper, in lesser-known Slovenia, is a ‘must-see’ destination. An island until the 19^th Century, the city is the main port in Slovenia and a stunning gateway to Central Europe.

Braemar then docks right in the heart of Italy’s breath-taking Venice, for two overnight stays. This stunning floating city has been described as one of the most beautiful cities built by man, and one of the most romantic! With plenty of time here, guests can take a relaxing gondola ride on the Grand Canal, soak up the city’s culture and architecture, visit one of the many art galleries or sample some delicious Italian cuisine.

Kotor, in Montenegro, is the next stop, and is one of the most exquisitely preserved medieval centres in the Mediterranean. The sheer mountains surrounding the town are an impressive backdrop to narrow alleyways that open out into lively piazzas and ornate churches and palaces.

Bari, the capital of Southern Italy’s Apulia region, follows, before Braemar calls at Durres, in Albania. The city plays host to a number of important historical sites, such as the amphitheatre, the Byzantine Forum and the Venetian Tower.

Kefalonia, in Greece, comes next, with a call to the capital, Argostoli. This splendid city was the backdrop for the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, and boasts a picturesque harbour dotted with tiny fishing boats.

The cruise then continues to Catania, back in Sicily. This historic centre lies on the Ionian Sea, under the shadow of Mount Etna, or ‘A Muntagna’, as the locals refer to it. The old town centre is relatively small, but the main square, Piazza Duomo, is a wonderful place to visit.

Guests will then arrive in Valletta, the fascinating, multi-cultural capital of Malta. Walking around this exciting city, guests will come across an intriguing historical sight around every corner; votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets.

Braemar will then make her final call at Gibraltar, home tothe famous Rock, with its mischievous Barbary apes and spectacular views.

Prices for this cruise start from £1,999 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin-bedded cabin, including accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, plus port taxes.

Guests can also choose to upgrade to Fred. Olsen’s ‘All-Inclusive’ drinks package, from just £10 per person per night.

Fred. Olsen is pleased to have been awarded the ‘Gold Trusted Merchant’ status by independent review site Feefo in 2015, for the second year in a row. This accreditation is based on genuine customer feedback and, to date, Fred. Olsen has received over 11,000 reviews, with 95% of these being in the ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ categories.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday, 9am to 5pm; Sunday, 10am to 4pm), or visit an ABTA travel agent.