‘See Europe’s Alluring Cities, Lochs & Rivers’ with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2016

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ latest new brochure – ‘See Europe’s Alluring Cities, Lochs & Rivers’ – highlights 12 getaways in 2016 that offer unique scenic cruising experiences, along with exciting city break stopovers. Guests can glide through the Lochs of Scotland; sail along the Guadalquivir River into Seville; and pass towering fjords in Norway, all on one of Fred. Olsen’s smaller, more intimate ships. At the same time, guests can take the time to savour the destination: take in the nightlife of bustling Amsterdam; experience all that maritime Hamburg has to offer; or dine out at France’s oldest inn, world-renowned ‘La Couronne’, in pretty Rouen.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“When we say that our fleet of smaller-sized ships can take you places that others can’t, we really mean it. All of our unique cruise itineraries have been expertly planned to make the most of our size advantage, docking closer to the centre of some of the Europe’s most beautiful cities, with scenic cruising of rivers, canals, lochs and fjords along the way! Plus, we are offering even more overnight stays, so that guests can make the most of their time in the destinations.”

Fred. Olsen’s new ‘See Europe’s Alluring Cities, Lochs & Rivers’ brochure includes:

- Braemar’s14-night M1606 ‘French & Spanish River Cruising’ sailing, ex Dover on 18^th March 2016. Prices start from £1,449 per person (with limited availability).

Braemar will cruise first to Lisbon, Portugal’s lively capital. Spread out over seven hills on the north of the River Tagus, the city is a delightful mix of palaces, Art-Nouveau cafés, museums, gardens, ancient castles and splendid bridges.

Next, guests will take a stunning cruise along the Guadalquivir River, right into the very heart of Seville, for an overnight stay. This enchanting, traditional destination is full of Spanish culture and charm; with ornate architecture, cobbled streets, an abundance of art galleries and the ‘Catedral de Sevilla’ – the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Guests will then spend a day exploring Vigo, in Spain. The delightful old quarter has superb medieval churches, museums and galleries, or guests can take a tour to UNESCO-listed Santiago de Compostela nearby.

Braemar will then cruise along the Gironde and Garonne Rivers, before arriving in Bordeaux, in France, for another overnight stay. Known as one of the finest wine regions anywhere in the world, guests can choose to visit a local vineyard to taste some of the delicious local produce, or indulge in a shopping spree along one of the longest pedestrian streets in France, ‘Rue Sainte-Catherine’.

A leisurely and scenic cruise along the stunning River Seine follows, en route to Rouen, one of France’s most historic cities. With an overnight stay, guests can explore the local monuments and museums, the narrow pedestrianised streets, lined by tall, half-timbered houses, or alternatively take a tour to Paris and visit some of the many famous landmarks.

- Braemar’s nine-night M1619 ‘Waterways of Denmark’ cruise, ex Southampton on 30^th July 2016. Prices start from £1,099 per person.

Glide through the German countryside, along what is said to be the world’s busiest man-made waterway, the Kiel Canal.

Braemar’s first port of call is a new one for Fred. Olsen – Aabenraa. Here, guests can visit Brundlund Castle and take in the town’s many 13^th Century buildings.

The cruise then continues along the Aabenraa Fjord and Als Fjord – a feat that only smaller ships such as Braemar can achieve.

From the pretty town of Hundested – Braemar’s next port of call – guests can join the fantastic shore tour to Hamlet’s famous Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the excitement and fantastic atmosphere of the Shakespearean festivities and activities at Elsinore’s annual ‘Shakespeare Festival’. There are also spectacular views of Isefjord and Roskilde Fjord.

Sail straight into the heart of the Danish capital, Copenhagen – home to the historic Christianborg and Amelienborg Palaces, beautiful castles and iconic ‘Little Mermaid’ statue. Guests will have plenty of time to explore the world-famous Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn waterfront district, with an overnight stay in this cosmopolitan city.

After a cruise past the magnificent Limfjord, Braemar makes her final call in the welcoming city of Aalborg, to enjoy a pint or two of the local brew on a guided ‘beer walk’ tour, or spend the day exploring the picturesque streets.

- Boudicca’s eight-night D1618 ‘Lochs of Scotland’ cruise, ex Liverpool on 22^nd September 2016. Prices start from £1,399 per person (with limited availbility).

Departing from Liverpool, Boudicca will first take a scenic cruise through Loch Fyne, where guests can look out for seals and otters. First port of call is in Tarbert, a tranquil village surrounded by Scotland’s rugged landscapes. Enjoy fresh seafood, head to the ruins of Robert the Bruce’s 14^th Century castle, or take a stroll along the shell beach of White Shore.

After a morning cruising Loch Linnhe, guests will arrive in Fort William, where the mighty Ben Nevis is an impressive backdrop. Next, Boudicca will take a leisurely cruise throughUpper Loch Torridon,Loch Shieldaig, Loch Torridon and the Sound of Raasay, before docking in Portree, on the Isle of Skye.

Guests can then spend a day exploring Cawdor Castle and Dunrobin Castle, or even go in search of the Loch Ness Monster, with a full day in Invergordon, on Scotland’s east coast.

Boudicca then calls into Kirkwall, capital of the remote Orkney Isles, and Tobermory, on the stunning Isle of Mull. After afull afternoon cruising the Sound of Mull andpast Duart Castle, guests can spend a day discovering Holy Loch, in Scotland, another maiden call for Fred. Olsen.

All prices include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. Guests can also choose to upgrade to Fred. Olsen’s ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package, from just £10 per person, per night.

Fred. Olsen is very proud to have won the ‘Best for Itineraries’ accolade in the 2015 Cruise Critic ‘UK Editors’ Picks Awards’, which is an important acknowledgment of Fred. Olsen’s extensive efforts to ‘bring the world closer to you’ on its fleet of four smaller, more intimate ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm; Saturday, 9am – 5pm; Sunday, 10am – 4pm), or visit an ABTA travel agent.