The ideal Bank Holiday escape for history buffs, wine lovers, and foodies, this five-night cruise will show you the highlights of the Seine and the Channel Islands.
Board the elegant Balmoral in Southampton, and explore its six restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools, and open decks for taking in the gorgeous views.
Your first stop is St. Malo, final resting place of Jacques Cartier, who set sail from here to Canada. Nearby, marvel at the tidal island of Mont St. Michel before exploring the tranquil Channel Islands, including Alderney, a haven for wildlife including seabirds and dolphins.
Sail the scenic River Seine into Rouen, enjoying views of France's countryside and charming villages, a journey only possible on smaller ships like Balmoral.
In Rouen, immerse yourself in local culture, savour renowned French cuisine, and enjoy award-winning wines. Delve into Normandy's heritage, see the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, painted by Claude Monet, or take a day trip to Paris.
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.
