The ideal Bank Holiday escape for lovers of history, fine wine and French cuisine, this five-night cruise will show you the highlights of the Seine and the Channel Islands.
Step on board the stylish ship Balmoral in Southampton. On board you'll find six restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two swimming pools and lovely open decks for watching the passing views.
Your first stop is St. Malo, the final resting place of the seafarer Jacques Cartier, who set sail from here to the New World in Canada. Nearby, you can marvel at the unique tidal island of Mont St Michel, rising majestically from the sea.
Look forward to exploring the peaceful Channel Islands, including a stop on the island of Alderney. The northernmost of the inhabited Channel Islands, Alderney is a real haven for flora and fauna, and you might spot seabirds such as gannets and puffins, and pods of dolphins are often spotted frolicking in the warm waters.
As you sail along the scenic River Seine, you'll enjoy pretty views of France's countryside and charming villages before sailing into the heart of Rouen, a journey that is only possible on smaller ships like Balmoral.
In Rouen, immerse yourself in local culture and savour some of France's renowned cuisine, from delectable cheeses paired with award-winning wines to sweet Calvados brandy, distilled in Normandy.
During your stop in Rouen, you'll also get the chance to delve into Normandy's rich heritage and architecture, see the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, famously painted by Claude Monet, or take a day trip to Paris.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing an interior cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single cabin from £1,299pp. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Fred. Olsen Cruises.
Your adventure begins today in Southampton, where you`ll board your ship, Balmoral, in the late afternoon.
Take some time to get to know your home-from-home. Settle into your cabin and explore the facilities, including comfortable lounges, stylish bars and plenty of open-deck space, before enjoying your first dinner in the elegant restaurant.
Today you'll explore the walled city of St Malo in France. Originally a fortified island, St Malo is located at the mouth of the River Rance on the Brittany coast, and is now connected to the mainland by a 'Sillon' causeway.
The walls were mainly rebuilt after the Second World War. The town is famous for its links with the seafarer Jacques Cartier, who set out from here to discover the New World in Canada, and who is buried in the Cathedral in Saint Malo.
Today you will cruise past Brecqhou and to the island of Sark in the Channel Islands, which was named the world's first 'Dark Sky Island', thanks to its lack of any street lamps. Considered the crown jewel of the Channel Islands, this unspoiled land emerges from the Channel with spectacular cliffs, rocky coves and eye-catching bays.
Your final stop of the day is Alderney, the northernmost of the inhabited Channel Islands. This island is home to large numbers of seabirds such as gannets and puffins, and pods of dolphins are often spotted enjoying the warm waters.
The beautiful city of Rouen - known as the 'City of a Hundred Bells' - is today's port of call.
Particularly important in both the Roman times and Middle Ages, Rouen is home to the imposing Cathédrale Notre-Dame, painted by Claude Monet, who grew up in Normandy.
Thanks to Balmoral's small size, you'll be able to sail right into the heart of Rouen to discover its many cultural gems.
The city is also a gateway to the French capital of Paris and its array of world-famous attractions.
Today you'll sail through the lush-green countryside of Normandy's Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, which connects the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen.
Simply sit back, relax and take in scenes of rolling valleys, floral fields and charming communes dotted with historic churches and traditional houses. These landscapes have inspired many famous artists over the years, including Claude Monet and Henri Matisse.
Today you'll sail back into Southampton in the early morning, where your Bank Holiday adventure draws to an end.
Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral carries up to 1,350 guests, and is small enough to navigate narrow waterways and bring inspirational sights and experiences closer to you. Like the rest of the fleet, Balmoral has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation and lounges, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space. Your meals will be included on board and there’s a lively schedule of evening entertainment to enjoy while sailing, as well as dance classes, cookery demonstrations and daily games and quizzes.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing an interior cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single cabin from £1,299pp. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Fred. Olsen Cruises.