I READ with enthusiasm that Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines’ smaller ship Bolette was visiting great cities in Greece, Turkey, Sardinia, Spain and Portugal.
I was excited; particularly about the hand crafted shore destination excursions. I booked the cruise and a tour in every port.
We were warmly greeted when we joined Bolette in Limassol Cyprus. Our first port of call was Rhodes, the fortified old city walls set the tone, inside a labyrinth of quaint narrow cobbled streets. After exploring, we lunched on Greek salad with a local beer.
Then Bolette sailed for Turkey. Kusadasi is on the Aegean coast and gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus and the house of the Virgin Mary. At Ephesus you enter by a narrow pathway and walk where it is said that legends such as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra and Mark Antony and Saints Paul and John walked. We were in awe of the city’s architecture and splendour, and enthralled by its centuries-old history.
The Virgin Mary’s house, where it is said she lived in the last period of her life, nestles on a mountain slope surrounded by trees giving off various aromas. It’s a ‘must do’ tour.
The district of Kusadasi provides many shopping opportunities. You can barter with shopkeepers and stall-holders, it’s all fun.
Next we headed for Istanbul. As a young marine engineer returning home, I flew into what was then Constantinople and was amazed at the illuminated city at night. I hoped I would see this again.
Entering the Bosphorus, my excitement was mounting. Istanbul straddles two continents: it bridges Asia and Europe.
Our tour commenced at the Blue Mosque, we were immediately impressed at its external design with six minarets. Internally adorned by 21,000 blue tiles.
Outside is the Hippodrome where, during the Roman days, chariots raced, gladiators fought and games took place.
Moving on to the Topkapi Palace, situated in magnificent gardens and home of the former Sultans. The highlight was a visit to the Treasury housing over 1,000 items of precious jewelry. Here were sights to behold - not least the golden throne and the Topkapi dagger with its hilt displaying three huge emeralds.
Shimmering and dazzling is the ‘spoon makers diamond’. The story behind this is that a poor man found it amongst rubbish and sold it to a spoon maker for three wooden spoons. Sold on a number of times, it’s now part of the museum, weighing 86 karats, its setting comprises of 49 diamonds. Mesmerising.
After a traditional Turkish lunch, we went to the Grand Bazaar a vibrant market, and you can’t leave without buying Turkish delight.
An evening on the Bosphorus, our river boat cruised on both the European and Asian sides with bridges and buildings spectacularly illuminated. I returned and saw the lights and sights to savour.
Sailing into Piraeus and ready to explore Athens, our panoramic tour included the sights of the city, we watched the changing of the Palace guards, a ceremony of style and skill. It’s an experience to see the wonder of the Acropolis standing majestically above the city, this iconic temple is a sight to savour.
Below lies the Plaka district, a quaint area where we lunched at a Greek taverna, enjoying traditional fare served with local win. Delightful.
We were half way through our journey and thoroughly enjoying the elegance and comfort of Bolette and her amenities. Evenings on board commenced with glorious sunsets leading on to mouthwatering five-star dining menus, including speciality restaurants. Then to the theatre, enjoying a variety of evening shows.
Visiting the city of Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, our orientation excursion took in white sandy beaches, ancient and modern architecture and lakes, where we admired the sights of pretty flamingos. Seeing these beautiful birds in their natural habitat is one of nature’s thrills.
Arriving into Cartagena, Spain, you’re impressed with the beautiful marina where a multitude of stylish craft bob and sway. A short walk to the centre on decorative tiled walkways, lined with an abundance of pretty flowers and shrubs, we strolled past grand architecture. This is a city of affluence.
Situated in the centre is one of the most important and preserved Roman theatres, which in its day held 6,000 spectators.
A unique product made in Cartagena is Liqueur 43, a recipe only known by three people, and a must tipple to try.
Interspersed between the tours Bolette sailed smoothly and silently under sunny skies.
Our final ship’s tour was in Lisbon, Portugal. First we had a drive through the modern part of Lisbon then, boarding a 100-year-old tram, we saw all the landmarks of the old city. Our host, a charming lady in traditional dress, served us port wine and the local delicacy of pastry with a creamy custard filling - delightful. The tram weaved through narrow streets and up and down steep hills, a thrilling ride.
The Olsen family’s maritime legacy started 175 years ago and its experience prevails today. On this cruise we discovered the wonders of the ancient empires as well as modern day life. The tours were innovative and well planned. Life on board this small ship with its friendly and intimate atmosphere was a large part of the joy of the journey.
* Bolette’s 20 -night T2423 Exploring the Colourful Adriatic cruise, departing from Liverpool on September 30. Prices start from £2,999 per person. It includes a cruise along the fjord-like Bay of Kotor aboard Bolette, two days in Croatia, a trip to Diocletian’s Palace and Sicily, home to the famous still active volcano Mount Etna.
* Visit fredolsencruises.com/cruise/exploring-the-colourful-adriatic
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