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Spain and the river cities of France Balmoral 2026-09-18
12 nights | 18 September 2026 | Balmoral
Balmoral is named after the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family, and the Scottish theme runs throughout the main dining venues – the Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey – where guests can enjoy tantalising menus prepared by our expert chefs.
Featuring 710 well-appointed rooms and suites and a selection of comfortable lounges, bars and inviting public areas, Balmoral provides guests with ample space in which to relax and share a memorable cruise experience with hundreds, not thousands, of fellow travellers. And, as our guests have come to expect, there is always an array of superb entertainment on offer throughout the day, from lectures and hobby classes to live cabaret and comedians, ensuring you can make the most of your time on board.
Balmoral is small enough to navigate size-restricted waterways such as the Kiel Canal, providing fantastic scenic cruising opportunities, and retains the warm, intimate and friendly atmosphere that the Fred. Olsen fleet is renowned for.
Prices are per person including all taxes, based on 2 adults sharing one cabin on a twinshare basis.
Itinerary and port stops
Day 1
Southampton, England
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
18/09/2026
Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, cafe-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.
Day 2
At Sea
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
19/09/2026
Day 3
Pauillac, France
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
20/09/2026
This port town on the Gironde estuary serves as a major logistical hub where massive Airbus A380 components are transported by barge for final assembly.
Day 4
Pauillac, France
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
21/09/2026
Visitors flock to this renowned viticultural centre to tour the prestigious Premier Cru estates of Mouton-Rothschild, Latour and Lafite-Rothschild.
Day 5
Getxo (Bilbao), Spain
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
22/09/2026
Enjoy the citys spectacular cliffs, nature areas and friendly beaches. Getxo contrasts traditional and modern sights and activities to offer visitors a wealth of options. For many visitors, Bilbaos primary interest will be the world-famous Guggenheim Museum (whose stimulating art collection is rivalled by the buildings eye-catching design) and Fine Arts Museum.
Day 6
Getxo (Bilbao), Spain
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
23/09/2026
Enjoy a final day of exploration in the city.
Day 7
Santander, Spain
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
24/09/2026
Located between Gijon and Bilbao on Spains north coast, Santander is an elegant city with impressive buildings set against a natural backdrop of sea and mountains. The belle-poque elegance of Estadio El Sardinero underlines the engaging qualities of Cantabrias capital.
The Palacio de la Magdalena, once the royal summer residence, sits on the rocky peninsula, while the city centre is home to the octagonal cupola and Gothic cloisters of the Catedral de Santander. Inside is the tomb of Marcelino Menndez Pelayo, a work by the sculptor Victorio Macho, and under the main chapel lies the crypt of El Cristo, a vaulted chamber with artefacts from the Roman era.
Day 8
At Sea
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
25/09/2026
Day 9
St Malo, France
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
26/09/2026
Originally a fortified island, the walled city of St Malo at the mouth of the River Rance on Frances Brittany coast, is now connected to the mainland by a Sillon causeway. Visiting this atmospheric port, once a stronghold for privateers (pirates approved by the king), is like stepping back in time.
The walls of St Malo, largely destroyed in the Second World War, have been painstakingly reconstructed. A magnificent grey granite citadel protects the old city, the cobbled streets of which are packed with interesting shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. The main gate is Porte St-Vincent, home to the castle and town museum, and an eclectic mix of exhibits including maps and local artefacts. Saint-Malo Cathedral, built in Romanesque and Gothic styles, makes an impressive centrepiece.
Day 10
Seine River, France
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
27/09/2026
Cruise along the famous waterway.
Cruise along the famous waterway.
Day 11
Rouen, France
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
28/09/2026
The spire of the vast gothic cathedral soars over a superbly restored medieval and Renaissance old town. The city is rich in monuments and museums, with narrow pedestrianised streets lined by tall, half-timbered houses and the statue marking the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.
The spire of the vast gothic cathedral soars over a superbly restored medieval and Renaissance old town. The city is rich in monuments and museums, with narrow pedestrianised streets lined by tall, half-timbered houses and the statue marking the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.
Day 12
Seine River, France
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
29/09/2026
A final cruise along the French river.
A final cruise along the French river.
Day 13
Southampton, England
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
30/09/2026
Arrive back in Southampton today, marking the end of the cruise.
