European Cities & Scenic Rivers

Originally occupied in the 9th century by the Vikings, the charming town of Honfleur has attracted artists for many years, with masterpieces housed in its museums and art galleries. Under the guidance of Eugène Boudin, a young Claude Monet and his friend Alfred Sisley began studying light effects and painting landscapes outdoors, rather than from memory, trailblazing for artists of the future.

Main port town of the Channel Islands, St. Peter Port is picturesque and historic, and has much evidence of Georgian and Regency architecture, heavily influenced by the French. Occupied by the Germans during World War II, it is surprising that so many of the town’s historic fortifications still stand today; 800 year old Castle Cornet is one such building that has seen many conflicts and holds many artefacts from over the centuries.

Exploring Bordeaux during the autumn offers you the opportunity to discover not just the world’s wine capital but also its fascinating cultural and historical sites. Spend time at Place de La Bourse, with its iconic Miroir d’eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool, or wander along the Rue de Saint Catherine and the maze of streets running through the city, lined with boutiques and wine shops. Renowned for its incredible wines, the region surrounding Bordeaux is home to numerous wineries and vineyards producing some of the best wines from around the globe. You can explore La Cite du Vin, a museum dedicated entirely to wine and its production and designed to look like a wine decanter, discover local food markets and 18^th-century architecture, or simply enjoy a glass of Bordeaux wine on the banks of the Garonne River.

Long known as a centre of strategic maritime importance due to its location in the Normandy region of France, Cherbourg's focal point is its historic harbour, transformed by Napoleon into a major port in the 1800's. This blend of maritime history and cultural attractions make the city and surrounding are fascinating to explore, with beautiful beaches and cliffs, and the D-Day landing sites close by. The streets are a delight to wander through, with the old town renowned for colourful umbrellas suspended between buildings; and small restaurants offering typical Normandy cuisines such as fish soup and the famous "tartiflette au Camembert". The Cité de la Mer is a maritime museum housed in the old Transatlantic Railway Station, featuring exhibits on underwater exploration and oceanography; while the fortifications of La Redoute des Capucins offer panoramic views of the city and harbour.

The beautiful city of Rouen – known as the ‘City of a Hundred Bells’ is a hugely significant and historical destination, particularly prominent in both the Roman times and Middle Ages. Home to the imposing Cathédrale Notre-Dame, painted by Claude Monet, who grew up in Normandy; Rouen is also gateway to the French capital of Paris and its plethora of well-known cultural sights.

Flowing through the lush-green countryside of Normandy's Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, the route Fred. Olsen's smaller ships sail along the River Seine - connecting the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen - presents guests with simply unforgettable views to enjoy in comfort on board. Simply sit back, relax and take in scenes of rolling valleys, floral fields and charming communes dotted with historic churches and traditional houses that have inspired many famous artists over the years, including Claude Monet and Henri Matisse. 

Located in the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands, the Western Scheldt River is an estuary of the Scheldt River, and is the only direct way to the North Sea.  An important shipping route for the port of Antwerp, the Western Scheldt River is formed in the east where the Schelde River enters the Netherlands from Belgium. An interesting cruising route, there are no bridges across the river, only a tunnel running from Ellewoutsdijk to Terneuzen, or foot ferries.

The medieval city of Antwerp has much to offer with magnificent monuments and narrow streets to explore, and lovers of art and diamonds, with over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds passing through the diamond district, thus cementing its place as the international centre of the diamond industry. Antwerp is also famous for its Belgian chocolate, which, and over time, has been refined from a tonic used by pharmacists into the deliciously smooth praline sold in the many quaint chocolate shops in the city.