Fjords of Norway & River Cities of France
July 2027

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

The Lysefjord is a spectacular example of the Norwegian fjords’ natural beauty. Carved into the landscape by glacier movement in the Ice Age, Lysefjord is lined by tall mountains and dramatic cliff faces – some soaring over 1,000 metres high. On a clear day it is possible to see the famous Preikestolen – a huge 604 metre-high flat mountain plateau – and Kjeragbolten, a large rock wedged in one of Mount Kjerag’s crevices.

On the island of Stord, between Bergen and Haugesund, lies the small town of Leirvik, a friendly and authentic slice of western Norway. It has long been a regional hub, with a history shaped by fishing, shipbuilding and trade, with a town centre that is easy to explore on foot, including a lively marina, shops and cafés. Close by is the Sunnhordland Museum, where you can see exhibitions on local culture and traditions, including historic boats and houses, and the impressive steel Storddøra monument that has propellors that rotate in the wind and sparkle in the sun.

The unspoilt and tranquil waters of Akrafjord, located in western Norway offer one of the country’s most breathtaking cruising experiences. As your smaller ship glides through the still, mirror-like waters, sheer mountains rise on either side, interspersed with small hamlets dotting its shores. The main attraction of Akrafjord is Langfoss, one of Norway’s most beautiful waterfalls, which cascades over 600 metres down the mountainside directly into the fjord below, best seen from the decks of your ship.

Enjoy an incredible scenic cruise along the Åkrafjord past the mighty Langfoss Waterfall, where it’s almost possible to feel the spray of this magnificent natural wonder. Widely regarded as one of Norway’s best waterfalls – in fact, CNN once voted as it as one of the top ten in the world – the Langfoss is a truly unforgettable sight.

The idyllic village of Skjolden is located at the end of Norway’s longest fjord, the Sognefjorden, where the deep blue waters contrast against the green landscape and red-roofed houses, creating a summer kaleidoscope of colour. Spectacular waterfalls tumble down steep cliffsides into the fjord below, and close by are the magnificent Jotunheimen Mountains and Jostedalsbreen Glacier, which you will have opportunities to explore on a tour from your ship. You’ll also be ideally placed to enjoy a hike to the tiny hut where world-famous Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein exiled himself to write some of his most important works.

Gently sloping green hills, steep mountains, and charming villages surround the jewel-like waters of Lustrafjord, offering miles of incredible natural beauty. As you sail along the fjord, you’ll witness the majestic Feigefossen, one of Norway’s highest waterfalls, at its most powerful in the summer months, and the country’s oldest remaining Stave church, built in the 12th century. From your ship’s decks, you may have the opportunity to spot marine life such as seals, otters, and dolphins, along with magnificent birdlife flying overhead.

Nestled among lush green landscapes and climbing gently up forested hills, Nordfjordeid offers a postcard-perfect scene at the tranquil end of Eidsfjorden, an arm of the breathtaking Nordfjord. Though small, this charming town is rich in history and deep-rooted traditions, making it as captivating to explore as it is to admire from the deck of your smaller-sized ship. Stroll through its delightful old town, relax in its scenic parks, and take in its picturesque coastline. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the fjordland, Nordfjordeid is an ideal gateway to some of the region’s most spectacular natural wonders. From the striking Briksdal and Kjenndal glaciers to the thrilling Loen Skylift and serene Hornindal Lake, unforgettable adventures await at every turn.

Stretching over 66 nautical miles from the westernmost point in Norway, overlooking the Sunnmøre Alps, to Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe, picturesque Nordfjord has postcard-perfect ice-blue waters framed by towering peaks covered in lush greenery. As your ship navigates into Innvikfjord, a narrow branch of Nordfjord, the landscape becomes fairytale-like, with the changing colours of forested hillsides leading down to tranquil waters, cascading waterfalls, and remote villages and farms dotted along the fjord edge. Sailing along these fjords in summer also offers chances to spot vibrant apple orchards from the decks of your ship.

A scenic cruise alongside Hornelen offers the opportunity to get closer to Norway’s highest sea cliff. Standing at a height of 860m, it rises steeply above the Nordfjord and has been used for centuries as a landmark for passing ships. It is said that a troll lives in the northeast corner of the mountain, an area known as Juratinden by local Norwegians.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Exploring Bordeaux during the summer offers you the opportunity to discover not just the world’s wine capital but also its fascinating cultural and historical sites. Spend time at Place de La Bourse, with its iconic Miroir d’eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool, or wander along the Rue de Saint Catherine and the maze of streets running through the city, lined with boutiques and wine shops. Renowned for its incredible wines, the region surrounding Bordeaux is home to numerous wineries and vineyards producing some of the best wines from around the globe. You can explore La Cite du Vin, a museum dedicated entirely to wine and its production and designed to look like a wine decanter, discover local food markets and 18th-century architecture, or simply enjoy a glass of Bordeaux wine on the banks of the Garonne River.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Originally a fortified island, the walled city of St Malo is located at the mouth of the River Rance on the Brittany coast, and is now connected to the mainland by a ‘Sillon’ causeway. The walls were mainly rebuilt after the Second World War. The town is famous for its links with the seafarer Jacques Cartier, who set out from here to discover the New World in Canada, and who is buried in the Cathedral in Saint Malo.

Flowing through the lush-green countryside of Normandy’s Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, the route Fred. Olsen’s smaller ships sail along the River Seine – connecting the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen – presents guests with simply unforgettable views to enjoy in comfort on board. Simply sit back, relax and take in scenes of rolling valleys, floral fields and charming communes dotted with historic churches and traditional houses that have inspired many famous artists over the years, including Claude Monet and Henri Matisse.

The beautiful city of Rouen – known as the ‘City of a Hundred Bells’ is a hugely significant and historical destination, particularly prominent in both the Roman times and Middle Ages. Home to the imposing Cathédrale Notre-Dame, painted by Claude Monet, who grew up in Normandy; Rouen is also gateway to the French capital of Paris and its plethora of well-known cultural sights.

The charming town of Honfleur, with its cobblestone alleys, Calvados shops and timber-framed houses, has a fascinating history, having been first occupied by the Vikings in the ninth century. Its beauty has long attracted artists, with many masterpieces found in its collection of museums and galleries. One of the most notable is the Eugène Boudin Museum, named after Honfleur’s most famous artist who first introduced Claude Monet to outdoor painting. Honfleur is also known for being the last village to be liberated from German occupation during World War II following the D-Day landings, the largest and most complex airborne and amphibious military operation of all time. Honfleur is home to the D-Day Museum in Arromanches, the British Cemetery of Ranville, which houses over 2,500 war graves, and the famous Pegasus Bridge replica at Benouville.