WHEN I was a schoolboy my favourite subject was History. One of my heroes was Alexander the Great; I never dreamt I would walk in his footsteps!

This was made a reality through Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines - Landmarks of Greece and Adriatic cruise. The programme of shore tours was innovative and exciting, I couldn’t wait for the experiences they would provide. I was going to walk in the footsteps of the Greats.

We boarded Balmoral, one of the small ships of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. It didn’t take long to feel the warmth from the staff, and the friendly intimacy they create. The decor is style and comfort.

Our first two ports of call were Gibraltar, then Malta, where we enjoyed tours taking in highlights.

Balmoral sailed into Split in Croatia, where we enjoyed a mountain village experience; travelling through beautiful countryside we arrived at the authentic village of Radovici. Our host welcomed us into his 300-year-old farm house and invited us to sample his home produced brandy - walnut was my favourite. He then served a delicious lunch using open fire cooking methods passed down from his ancestors, while we were entertained by musicians singing traditional folk songs.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Chris's host cooking lunch the traditional way in a Dalmatian village Chris's host cooking lunch the traditional way in a Dalmatian village (Image: Submitted)

An overnight sailing to Dubrovnik and after visiting the walled old town, we took a water taxi to Cavtat, a picturesque inlet that’s a hidden gem, surrounded by cypress and palm trees. An idyllic place to relax, all you hear is the gentle lapping of the water.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A traditional musician in a Croatian village A traditional musician in a Croatian village (Image: Submitted)

At sunrise next day, we entered the stunning bay of Kotor in Montenegro for an excursion to the National Park near the summit of Mt.Lovcen 1,780 metres above sea level. The drive was exhilarating on serpentine roads, with dramatic landscapes. Descending to the quaint old town of Budva, built in the 6th century BC by the ancient Greeks, we strolled the narrow cobbled streets, and felt the presence of its history.

Balmoral slipped out of the bay underneath a golden sunset, heading for our Greek odyssey, Volos. Our journey to Pelion stopped at the village of Millies, we sat in a traditional Greek taverna where we were served coffee, chocolate and brandy, a pleasant way to have elevenses. Boarding a vintage train, passing rock faces, through tunnels, canyons and sheer drops, was a great introduction to Greece.

In Theseloniki, beginning our city tour, we were greeted by the magnificent bronze statue of Alexander the Great, icon of Greece, a prominent landmark. Other highlights included the great city wall built in the 5th century AD with panoramic views of the city. An archaeological museum displays rare gold jewellery, and ancient artefacts.

We were now half-way through our cruise and enjoying Balmoral’s amenities, tantalising meal menus, and terrific evening cabarets and shows, with acts including superb guitarist Declan Zapala.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The charming bay of Kavala The charming bay of Kavala (Image: Submitted)

Kavala is a charming town situated in a gorgeous bay, with a backdrop of forested hills sloping down to the waterfront. The old town of Panagia is a must to explore, its streets are lined with colourful houses and an imposing castle, the contrast between modern and ancient architecture is a distinctive blend.

Leaving Greece, we sailed to Kusadasi in Turkey, my excitement was mounting as we headed for the great city of Ephesus. First we visited the house of the Virgin Mary which nestles on a mountain slope surrounded by forest, where it is said she lived the last period of her life. You can’t help but feel the peacefulness and tranquillity.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Chris outside the old library at Ephesus Chris outside the old library at Ephesus (Image: Submitted)

Then a short drive to the city of Ephesus, entering by a very narrow pathway, where legends such as Alexander the Great, Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Julius Caesar, Hadrian and Saints Paul and John walked. I was walking in the footsteps of the great. Gazing in awe at the architecture and splendour we were enthralled by its history over centuries. An amazing experience.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Virgin Mary house in Ephesus Virgin Mary house in Ephesus (Image: Submitted)

Returning to Greece you can’t visit Athens without experiencing the wonder of the Acropolis standing majestically above the city. This iconic temple built in dedication to the Greek Goddess Athena some 2,500 years ago is a sight to savour. Below lies the Plaka district, its charming streets is ideal for bargain shopping, and a lunch of Moussaka and Greek salad was scrumptious.

The final stop of our Greek odyssey was Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games situated in a lush valley. Olympia was built in 776 BC in honour of the Greek God Zeus. Sites we visited included the gymnasium, baths and original track area where chariots raced and athletes competed, watched by 40,000 spectators, finally the Temple which Alexander the Great built.

Homeward bound, we arrived at Mahon-Menorca; our island tour took us to beautiful bays, inlets, small coves and fishing villages. The countryside is characterised by its greenery, wild and cultivated flowers. Finally Cadiz-Spain, a walking tour to the atmospheric Old Quarter.

The shore excursions on this Fred.Olsen cruise enabled us to discover sights that would leave indelible memories. I never felt like a tourist, I was a traveller on a journey of adventure. A schoolboy dream realised, I walked in the footsteps of the Greats.

* Braemar’s 17- night M2314 Sunset & Cities of the Mediterranean Brought Closer cruise. Departing from Southampton on June 15, 2023. Prices from £2,799 per person. Visit fredolsencruises.com or call 01473 742424.