CANALS, CITIES & SCENIC RIVERS

Our European sailings deliver countless rewards, combining scenic rivers and waterways with traditional towns and attraction-packed cities. The benefi ts of our smaller ships really come to the fore on these cruises. We’ll be visiting Bordeaux, sailing the River Seine into Rouen, and docking in Antwerp, just a short distance from the city centre – all of which are only possible on smaller vessels. Our Journey Planners have also timed sailings to coincide with tulip season in the Netherlands, Easter on a cruise to Germany and the Lowlands, and the Christmas Markets in Antwerp and Rouen.

Dutch Waterways In Five Nights

20th February 2024 · Bolette · Sail from Southampton · 5 nights · Cruise code T2403

Our Journey Planners have designed this itinerary to include destinations and experiences that show you the very best of the Netherlands • The towns of Edam and Gouda, renowned for their cheeses, are reachable on tours from Amsterdam and Rotterdam, respectively. Rotterdam is also well-placed for seeing the iconic Dutch windmills – there’s even a chance to explore a working windmill accompanied by a miller, making for a more insightful visit • Amsterdam’s iconic canal system, which spans over 100 kilometres, can be explored on a boat tour • Bolette will take you on a daylight Scenic Discovery along the Nieuwe Maas river and North Sea Canal, and will transit through Amsterdam’s canal lock

Prices from £599 pp

EASTER ESCAPE TO GERMANY & THE LOWLANDS

DUTCH TULIPS & WATERWAYS IN FIVE NIGHTS

Southampton

Cruising

Hamburg, Germany

Cruising River Elbe, Germany

Cruising by Heligoland, Germany

Cruising North Sea Canal, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Zeebrugge (for Bruges), Belgium

2nd May 2024 · Borealis · Sail from Southampton 5 nights · Cruise code S2408

This short yet rewarding cruise has been planned to coincide with a Bank Holiday and for when the tulips are in bloom, a seasonal event synonymous with the Netherlands. What’s more, there will be two overnight stays in destinations that offer traditional Dutch experiences • In Amsterdam, there’s a chance to meet a tulip grower at a local farm before heading to the Keukenhof Gardens to see colourful displays of tulips. Alternatively, you can capture the sights of the capital on a boat tour of the famous canals • Rotterdam is your gateway to the Netherland’s iconic windmills at Kinderdijk • Borealis will sail the Nieuwe Maas river, the North Sea Canal and through Amsterdam’s canal lock

Prices from £749 pp

28th March 2024 · Bolette · Sail from Southampton

7 nights · Cruise code T2405

The Olsen Way Highlights

On this Easter getaway, Bolette will visit the canal cities of Germany and the Netherlands, opening up the possibility of exploring both on land and via historic waterways • Hamburg is home to the Alster Lakes and numerous canals and bridges, and is steeped in maritime history. Departing via the River Elbe will allow you to enjoy views of the city’s busy shipyards and drydocks • Cruising along the North Sea Canal will bring you to Amsterdam. With over 160 canals and more than 1,200 bridges, the Dutch capital’s iconic waterways are well worth exploring on a boat tour • Zeebrugge is your gateway to another canal city, Bruges, where you can browse the artisan chocolate shops for Easter treats

Prices from £899 pp

RIVER CITIES OF FRANCE & PORTUGAL

Wed

Newcastle

Cruising

Cruising River Seine, France

Rouen, France

Rouen, France

Cruising

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux, France

Cruising Gironde & Garonne Rivers, France

Cruising

Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Cruising by Christ the King statue, Lisbon

Cruising under 25th April Bridge, Lisbon

Cruising by Belém Tower, Lisbon

Cruising by Monument to the Discoveries, Lisbon

Cruising

Honfleur, France Cruising

8th May 2024 · Balmoral · Sail from Newcastle 15 nights · Cruise code L2413

The Olsen Way Highlights

The destinations on this cruise have been chosen for their traditional food and drink. Highlights include joining a tour to meet the owners of Château Boutinet, where you can discover Bordeaux’s wine history, and learning how to make pastéis de nata with a local pastry chef in Lisbon • Scenic Discoveries include sailing past the Tower of Hercules – the world’s oldest working lighthouse, and along the River Seine – lined by quaint villages and rich, hilly countryside – en route to Rouen, a journey only possible on smaller ships • Your itinerary has also been designed to take you on a cultural exploration to uncover historical battles and power struggles, including the Norman invasion in France

Prices from £1,999 pp