Set sail along Croatia's stunning coastline

Croatia promises hidden bays, rugged mountains and glistening islands – all of which can be discovered on a cruise to Croatia with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

This small-ship cruise line brings you to the heart of multiple hotspots in Croatia, such as Split, Korcula and Dubrovnik. By sailing from Dover, you’ll be able to enjoy sightseeing in other Mediterranean destinations along the way, such as Montenegro, Malta and Greece.

It’s no coincidence – Fred. Olsen’s journey planners have meticulously crafted their Croatian itineraries to feature experiences that highlight stunning scenery. Take Montenegro’s mountainous Bay of Kotor and the glittering coastline of the Makarska Riviera in Croatia for example.

And onboard you can look forward to tasting the tempting regional dishes and local delicacies, taking part in stargazing experiences and attending fascinating talks to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of your ports of call.

Fred. Olsen offers the ultimate Croatia cruise – ‘Scenic Gems of Croatia’. Dive into what you can see, do and learn on this stunning sailing…

Your itinerary

The ‘Scenic Gems of Croatia’ itinerary features 10 ports of call spread over 22 nights onboard Borealis, which holds 1,360 guests and 662 crew.

After embarking at the ultra-convenient port of Dover, you’ll sail into Tangier, Morocco, in the early morning. Here, you can get lost in the narrow, winding streets of Tangier’s Medina where your senses will be busy with the traditional spices, fresh fruit and local restaurants.

Ensure you visit the Kasbah (fortress) that dominates the skyline or for some history, stroll to the Tangier American Legation Museum which depicts how Morocco was the first country to recognise the United States by opening its ports to the nation in 1777.

Scenic cruising makes up a key part of your cruise, so grab a cup of tea – or glass of prosecco – and head up to the top deck to soak up the sights of the Grand Harbour in Malta – which is one of the largest in the Mediterranean.

Later that same day you’ll pull into the instantly recognisable Valletta, Malta, with its 16^th-century walls. Spend time noticing the influences of the Romans, Greeks, Crusaders and British in the churches and palaces. The silent city of Mdina is well worth a visit while you’re here, home to the Roman burial complex of St. Paul’s Catacombs.

Fred. Olsen has crafted your itinerary to sail past Mount Biokovo, part of the Dinaric Alps characterised by its dramatic limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. Keep an eye out for the two protected bird species that live here, the peregrine falcon and golden eagle.

You’ll know when you’ve sailed into Croatia as the pristine beaches of the Dalmatian Coast welcome you into Split. Admire the Riva Waterfront before diving into the pedestrianised old town, protected by the walls of the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace. You could spend hours wandering the cobbled streets, alleyways and courtyards.

Korcula and Dubrovnik are your other two ports in Croatia. In fact, Korcula is known as ‘little Dubrovnik’ as they both share a rich history exemplified by the countless Gothic and Renaissance monuments.

Make sure to visit Marco Polo’s birth house, which is beautifully preserved in his memory, in Korcula and in Dubrovnik, you can’t miss the pedestrianised Old Town which leads to the 14^th-century Dominican Monastery.

On your way back to Dover, you’ll call in on Kotor, Montenegro, which is one of the best-preserved Medieval towns.

Soak up the natural beauty and glorious climate of Corfu in Greece, which is known as the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’. Explore the Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its diverse mix of Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture.

La Goulette in Tunisia is another highlight. Spend the morning and early afternoon learning everything there is to know about the nearby extensive ancient archaeological site of Carthage, founded in the ninth century B.C.

Getting closer to home, Cartagena in Spain also offers up a dosage of fascinating ancient history, with several archaeological sites in the city – with the Roman Theatre being the first to be discovered, which held 6,000 spectators.

Your last port of call before Dover is Gibraltar, with its delightful fusion of Spanish, Mediterranean and British influences. Hop on a cable car to the top of the Rock for unrivalled views over the Straits of Gibraltar and to meet the mischievous Barbary macaques – Europe’s only wild monkey population.

And with Fred. Olsen, you’ll be taken on the most fascinating route possible so by the end of your cruise, you’ll walk away feeling full of knowledge about every port of call visited.

The itinerary lives up to the name of this cruise, with so many gems to visit. This cruise is calling your name for summer 2025…