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At a glance
Visiting:
France
Length:
Cruise
Make your own way
no flight
Request Brochure - French Rivers of Normandy and Bordeaux
To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA
French Rivers of Normandy and Bordeaux
During explorations of four captivating cities, and scenic cruising of beautiful waterways, you get to experience the history, culture, beauty and flavours of France to the full. Discover the very best of Bordeaux; Balmoral docks alongside the promenade in this elegant city, so you can simply step off the ship and explore. You’re perfectly placed to take in highlights such as Cathédrale Saint-André, the Grand Théâtre and Cité du Vin. Alternatively, tour to one of Medoc’s small family run vineyards, to learn the region’s wines and taste them straight from the barrel. Your departure from Bordeaux will be memorable too, sailing the scenic Gironde and Garonne rivers.
Cruising the River Seine, through springtime countryside scenes of verdant fields and rolling valleys, as you sail to Rouen is sure to be a highlight. Once docked in Rouen, you’ve ample time to see this historic city’s sights, or even tour to nearby Paris, to see iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre, and perhaps indulge with the cuisine of one world’s culinary capitals. Elsewhere there are visits to La Pallice – starting point for visiting La Rochelle or boat trips into the marshlands of Marais Poitevin – and Honfleur, where you may be tempted to try Camembert and Calvados while people watching at one of the French cafés.
Holiday Highlights
Discover the many historical sights of beautiful Bordeaux
Relax as you cruise serenely along the River Seine
From Rouen, perhaps visit Paris to see the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe
What's Included
Comfortable, stylish cabins and suites equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
A tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea* with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
Full use of on board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
A wide choice of engaging on board activities and lectures throughout the day
All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
Formal welcome and/or Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet
Itinerary
1
Wednesday 19 April 2023 Departs Southampton
Depart: Late PM
2
Thursday 20 April 2023 Cruising River Seine
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
3
Thursday 20 April 2023 Rouen
Arrive: Late PM
Depart: Late PM
4
Friday 21 April 2023 Rouen
Arrive: Late PM
Depart: Late PM
5
Saturday 22 April 2023 Honfleur
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late Night
6
Sunday 23 April 2023 Cruising
7
Monday 24 April 2023 La Pallice (for La Rochelle)
Arrive: Late AM
Depart: Late Night
8
Tuesday 25 April 2023 Bordeaux
Arrive: Early PM
Depart: Early PM
9
Wednesday 26 April 2023 Bordeaux
Arrive: Early PM
Depart: Early PM
10
Wednesday 26 April 2023 Cruising Gironde & Garonne Rivers
Arrive: Early PM
Depart: Late PM
11
Thursday 27 April 2023 Cruising
12
Friday 28 April 2023 Arrive back at Southampton
Arrive: Early AM
Balmoral
With departures from Dover, Southampton, Newcastle and Rosyth, Balmoral cruises offer the chance to explore some of the world's most spectacular destinations. What's more, despite being one of the largest Fred Olsen ships, Balmoral is small enough to take advantage of the tighter waterways along each route, so guests do not miss out on remarkable sights along the way, such as the Norwegian fjords or Germany's Kiel Canal.
As well as incredible scenery, Balmoral cruises provide the very best in amenities and dining experiences, as well as stylish and comfortable accommodation. With fewer than 1,400 guests, there is ample room for every passenger to enjoy the spacious venues and public areas, while still having plenty of chances to enjoy the company of others. Whether you're travelling around the culture-filled Americas or the Scottish Lochs, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience on board Balmoral.
Chargeable Extras
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours.
*Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea not included.
Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra and can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in 2023, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information.
You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.