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From£1,399pp

France & Spain with the River Seine

L2508

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Vineyard in Bordeaux, France Vineyard in Bordeaux, France
06 May 2025
Southampton
10 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

The benefits of Balmoral’s smaller size come to the fore on this cruise, as you dock in Bordeaux and sail along the River Seine to Rouen, both of which aren’t possible on larger vessels. You will have the chance to view impressive architecture throughout, from Spain’s contemporary Guggenheim Museum to France’s beautiful medieval buildings. Traditional food and drink can be enjoyed in their place of origin, including tasty pintxos in Bilbao and creamy Camembert and Calvados in Honfleur. Visiting a local vineyard in Bordeaux, where the owners will guide you through a winemaking and tasting session, makes for a rewarding experience, too. Meanwhile, join us on deck to savour picturesque countryside views as Balmoral sails along the River Seine.

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Highlights

The Guggenheim museum, Bilbao, Spain

Explore iconic French & Spanish River Cities

On this Balmoral cruise, you will have a number of opportunities to explore some of France and Spain's most iconic riverside cities, including Rouen and Honfleur, nestled on the banks of the picturesque River Seine. Located at the confluence of the Gironde and Garonne rivers, Bordeaux offers an air of elegance with its neoclassical architecture, world-renowned vineyards, and flourishing food culture, while the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a masterpiece of modern architecture and Basque culture and showcases contemporary art against the backdrop of industrial history.

Wine Tasting in  Bordeaux

Discover the French and Basque way of life

There will be plenty of opportunities for you to fully experience the local way of life as we explore these French and Spanish riverside cities. In Bordeaux, visit world-class vineyards that produce some of the most prestigious Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sémillon wines, or indulge in speciality cheeses like creamy Brie, Camembert, or a tangy Roquefort spread on thickly sliced warm bread. Meanwhile, in the Basque Country, daily life is based around pintxos bars offering an array of flavoursome small bites, like Gilda (pepper, an anchovy fillet, and olive on a skewer, served on crispy bread) or Boquerones (fresh or marinated anchovies wrapped around green olives), accompanied by a warming Rioja wine or a refreshing Basque cider. You might want to try learning some of the Euskara language, a native dialect of the Basque Country, regarded as the oldest language still in use in Europe.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Map Image

Life On Board

Introducing Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.

Balmoral
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

710 cabins
1,325 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
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Sample Shore Tours

At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you to see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.

Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.

Mouthwatering pintxos

Bilbao & Basque Pintxos

Explore the Basque country's vibrant tapas, pintxos, through a unique tour starting with a panoramic drive of Bilbao, leading to its colourful old quarter, the Seven Streets. Discover traditional Basque architecture on a walking tour, then enjoy pintxos in a local bar.

££££

Getxo (Bilbao)

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

Panoramic Tour & The Guggenheim

Journey through Bilbao, passing the Ensanche Area and the bridges over the Nervión River and enjoy views of Bilbao from Artxanda Mountain before visiting the Guggenheim Museum.

££££

Getxo (Bilbao)

 La Rijoa Vineyards

La Rioja Vineyards

Discover the region of La Rioja, renowned for its vineyards and high-quality wines, with visits to the Bodegas Campillo winery, Laguardia and the winery of Eguren Ugarte.

££££

Getxo (Bilbao)

Route des Chateaux, Vineyard in Medoc, wine estate of Bordeaux wine, France

The Médoc Vineyards

Discover Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this tour highlighting its famed vineyards. Travel the Quai des Chartrons before exploring the Médoc region along the scenic Route des Châteaux. Enjoy a guided visit of a prestigious wine château, learning about winemaking techniques and sampling exquisite Bordeaux wine.

££££

Bordeaux

Château Carbonnieux

Château Carbonnieux

Visit Château Carbonnieux, a vineyard operational since the 13th century by Benedictine monks. Tour the historic wine cellars, admire the owner's classic car collection, and conclude with a tasting session that unveils the secrets of their renowned red and white wines.

££££

Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion Vineyard

Saint-Émilion Village & Vineyard By Little Train

Begin exploring Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of Merlot grape cultivation. Enjoy a vineyard tour via traditional open-air train and a guided walking tour of the village's upper part, ending with free time to explore.

££££

Bordeaux

The Eiffel tower, Paris, France

Paris in a Day with Seine River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic drive through Paris to see the city's highlights, before an idyllic boat cruise on the River Seine with a delicious lunch.

££££

Rouen

Rouen

Historical City of Rouen

Discover Rouen's highlights on this scenic walking tour. Pass iconic sights such as the beautiful Saint-Maclou Church and visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen before spending some free time at Place du Vieux Marché.

££££

Rouen

Monet's Garden & Giverny

Monet’s Garden & Giverny

Enjoy a visit to the house and gardens of Monet, one of the most famous painters in the world. Explore his iconic pink and green house and the Japanese gardens which served as inspiration for multiple pieces of his work. 

££££

Honfleur

Your Guest Speakers

We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.

John Francis
Art & Architecture

John Francis

John is an accredited Arts Society speaker who will be joining us to deliver a series of engaging talks on the art and architecture you will experience in each of the destinations you will be visiting.

 

 

Rosalind Cooper
Wine

Rosalind Cooper

Rosalind began her wine career as a lecturer and a tour guide, since then she has been an editor of Decanter magazine. She will be joining us to deliver a series of talks about the wines from the regions you will be visiting during your cruise.

Sue Wilmot
French Way of Life

Sue Wilmot

Sue, a former resident of France for seven years, brings her fluency in French and deep cultural insights, acquired through extensive travel, particularly in Bordeaux, to share anecdotes and conduct French language workshops, enriching our onboard experience.

Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 20:00 02/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 20:00 02/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Freedom Fare From £3,999 pp

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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on Bridge & Highland deck, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £4,099 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on Highland deck, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £5,199 pp

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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on Highland deck, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £5,499 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £6,199 pp
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What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • Swimming Pools
  • Jacuzzis
  • Fitness Centre
  • Fitness Classes

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

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