Fred. Olsen – Flavours Of France & Spain – 2021
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Plaza Nueva, Bilbao, Basque Country ©
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Museo del Guggenheim, Bilbao, Basque Country
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Honfleur
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Braemar ©
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Cabins - Braemar ©
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Thistle Restaurant, Braemar
Sails from Southampton
Enjoy a taste of France and Spain at their most authentic, visiting destinations known for their links to famous food and drink, as well as their many cultural highlights. There’s an overnight stay in Nantes; allowing for explorations of famous French vineyards sprawled across the Loire Valley’s gorgeous countryside, and time to sample the city’s delicious tipples and local cuisine. Braemar is small enough to dock in the centre of Nantes, so many other highlights such as Château des ducs de Bretagne and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul – are also easily uncovered just a short walk from your ship’s gangway.
Elsewhere in France, you’re sure to be tempted by the sweet flavours of locally-produced Calvados brandies and Pommeau in Honfleur, while you’ve a chance to delve into this charming city’s rich maritime history amongst its 16th century cobbled streets and iconic Vieux Bassin district. Meanwhile, there are plenty of opportunities for full-flavoured discovery in Spain’s verdant northern regions too; you could indulge with tapas and Basque pintxos – a staple of the traditional local diet – in Getxo, or tour to visit the legendary vineyards of the Rioja wine region; and taste, compare, and learn about the history of various Asturian ciders in Avilés.
Click to view Ship Information of the Braemar
Dates
Friday 20th August 2021
Friday 20th August 2021
Departure from Southampton, United Kingdom
Board the ship mid-afternoon before you set sail later that evening.
Saturday 21st August 2021
Honfleur, France
Historic Honfleur in northern France’s Lower Normandy region is a quaint little port with a rich cultural and artistic heritage. One of France’s most visited towns, Honfleur – with its beautiful 15th and 16th century architecture and distinctive harbour – was the inspiration for Impressionist painters and poets.
Vieux-Bassin, Honfleur’s colourful old harbour, is lined with 16th to 18th-century lofty slate-and-timber fronted houses. Its sloping cobbled streets have long been a subject for artists including Claude Monet and native son, Eugène Boudin.
A visit to the 15th century St. Catherine’s Church, a vaulted timber structure erected by shipbuilders, is a must, as is the maritime museum and Notre Dame de Grâce – a 17th century chapel containing various paintings and models. The chapel also offers fabulous views of the town, the Seine estuary and the impressively-engineered Normandy Bridge that crosses it.
Sunday 22nd August 2021
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Monday 23rd August 2021
Avilés, Spain
The Spanish city of Avilés in the north-western province of Asturias, is steeped in history and architectural gems just waiting to be discovered. A former maritime and farming town, the scenic city of Avilés is now one of the country’s most important industrial centres.
The city centre remains stylish and easy to navigate, with plenty of high street stores, pretty cafes and a number of museums and galleries to visit, while the Old Town quarter is Aviles’ finest feature.
Largely pedestrianised, the Old Town consists of several historic squares and plazas, interlinked by a series of pretty boulevards from centuries past. The collection of stunning historic buildings includes the Camposagrado Palace, the Palacio de Valdecarzana – Avilés’ sole example of civil medieval architecture – plus a number of outstanding Gothic churches such as San Nicolás and San Francisco.
Tuesday 24th August 2021
Getxo (Bilbao), Spain
The underrated Getxo in Northern Spain, is an attractive seaside location, and the access port for Bilbao. Getxo’s wonderful beaches, beautiful architecture and truly impressive monuments include the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge – the world’s oldest transport bridge.
The town’s Old Port area, Algorta, is situated at one end of the Ereaga Beach and is a popular spot to soak up the sun, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and take advantage of the exciting water sports. At Ereaga’s other end, delightful palaces and gardens can be found and explored.
Getxo is also perfectly placed for tours to nearby Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque country, and home to the world famous Guggenheim Museum, Museum of Fine Art and its stunning 14th century Gothic-style cathedral.
Wednesday 25th August 2021
Cruising Loire River, France
Much more than just the route into the heart of Nantes for Fred. Olsen’s smaller-sized ships, the Loire – France’s longest river – is an undoubted highlight of any cruise itinerary it features on.
Sailing this beautiful waterway makes for a relaxing and memorable experience; as you glide serenely along the river’s rippling waters, through ever-changing cultural and scenic landscapes, you’ll see charming cities, towns and villages steeped in centuries of French history and capture the beauty of gorgeous rolling valleys and countryside.
Wednesday 25th August 2021
Nantes, France
Regarded as one of the best places in France for quality of life, Nantes is a vibrant, friendly and welcoming city for both residents and visitors alike. Situated at the mouth of the Loire River, Nantes is a picturesque city and a true joy to explore.
Nantes has plenty to see, discover and explore so there is always something to do. The Château des ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) is one of France’s historic monuments and now serves as the Nantes History Museum. It is one of Nantes must-visit sites, along with Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul, the city’s grand cathedral.
There are also several places to shop and enjoy a bite to eat or glass of wine in Place du Commerce – the central hub of the city – and a few beach resorts that are found nearby – perfect if you want to spend some time relaxing in the sunshine.
Thursday 26th August 2021
Nantes, France
Friday 27th August 2021
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Saturday 28th August 2021
Arrival at Southampton, United Kingdom
After an early breakfast, disembark the ship for your journey home.
Braemar Ship Information
Braemar’s timeless style and elegance will capture your senses. Large windows bathe the ship’s interior in natural light and provide spectacular views while polished wooden fixtures, shining brass fittings, decadent fabrics and carefully designed decor assume the feel of a traditional country house.
All of the 485 comfortable and stylish rooms are equipped with private facilities which include an en-suite bathroom (some are fitted with a bathtub), a desk, telephone, interactive Smart TV, hairdryer, air conditioning and tea & coffee making facilities. According to your needs you can chose between different room types, like Interior, Porthole, Ocean View, Balcony and Suites.
There are five elegant and intimate dining venues oboard, including two main restaurants, cafe, bar & lounges as well as ‘The Grill’ offering an extra special dining experience so you’ll always find something heavenly to tantalise your tastebuds. A selection of soft drinks, wines and beers are included as well of course.
As well as a choice of comfortable accommodation, dining venues, bars and lounges, Braemar features all the facilities and amenities you need for a comfortable, restful and stress-free stay on board, including heated pools and bubbling jacuzzis, a library, gaming tables & card rooms, and even a self-service Laundry Room. Stroll through the Port or Boutique shop whether you need any essentials or a holiday bargain.
During the day several talks, lectures and classes take place and in the evening fantastic live performances, including cabaret, stand-up comedy and concerts will keep you entertained throughout the duration of your cruise.
| Date | Arrival | Departure | Port of Call |
| Fri 20 Aug 2021 | Late PM | Southampton, United Kingdom | |
| Sat 21 Aug 2021 | Early AM | Late Night | Honfleur, France |
| Sun 22 Aug 2021 | Cruising | ||
| Mon 23 Aug 2021 | Early PM | Late Night | Avilés, Spain |
| Tue 24 Aug 2021 | Early AM | Late PM | Getxo (Bilbao), Spain |
| Wed 25 Sep 2021 | Late PM | Late Night | Cruising Loire River, France |
| Wed 25 Sep 2021 | Late Night | Nantes, France | |
| Thu 26 Sep 2021 | Late Night | Nantes, France | |
| Fri 27 Aug 2021 | Cruising | ||
| Sat 28 August 2021 | Early AM | Southampton, United Kingdom |
