Springtime France and Fjords

Renowned as the world’s wine capital, the beautiful city of Bordeaux is located on the banks of the Garonne River in France. The climate in Bordeaux makes it perfect for winemaking, and many of the wines produced here are highly collectable. Along the waterfront is the spectacular Miroir d’Eaux, creating a mirror effect and misting effect, with the outstanding backdrop of the historic Place de la Bourse, and close to the contemporary Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas vertical bridge.

During summer, the picturesque capital of Guernsey, St. Peter Port, is a bustling, historic town that blends perfectly with nature and adventure. After you have explored the fascinating 800-year-old Castle Cornet, sitting proudly at the mouth of the harbour; stroll along the winding, cobbled streets of the quaint old town, with its charming boutiques and restaurants offering fresh Guernsey crab and lobster, or sample traditional locally made Gache (fruit loaf). Meanwhile, the island is famed for its coastal walks, providing opportunities to search for hidden coves and beaches and enjoy panoramic views across to the islands of Herm and Sark. There will also be chances to learn about the island’s World War II history through a collection of memorabilia at the local German Occupation Museum.

Originally occupied in the 9th century by the Vikings, the charming town of Honfleur has attracted artists for many years, with masterpieces housed in its museums and art galleries. Under the guidance of Eugène Boudin, a young Claude Monet and his friend Alfred Sisley began studying light effects and painting landscapes outdoors, rather than from memory, trailblazing for artists of the future.

As one of the Royal Navy's most significant ports and the birthplace of Charles Dickens and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Portsmouth has an extensive heritage and boasts an abundance of unique attractions, most of which can be found at its vibrant waterfront area. The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard boasts over 800 years of maritime history and its exhibits include the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior.

Ålesund promises a captivating blend of history, nature, and adventure. After ascending the 418 steps to Mount Aksla’s summit, which reveals panoramic views across the surrounding islands and fjords, you could be enjoying a summer stroll in the charming city centre, with its colourful Art Nouveau buildings and eateries serving fresh seafood and local dishes like bacalao. Meanwhile, the nearby islands of Giske and Godøy, with their quaint villages and unspoilt scenery, offer opportunities to partake in outdoor pursuits such as hiking and wildlife spotting.

The beautiful village of Olden is nestled in the inner arm of Nordfjord, with sparkling green fjord waters framed by rolling meadows and towering cliff faces. Venture further afield to visit Briksdal Glacier as it glistens in the sun, offering remarkable views across the fjord on a hike to a natural viewing platform, while the village itself is delightfully compact enough to explore on foot, with paths that offer vistas of the surrounding mountains. Meanwhile, one of the steepest cable cars in the world, Loen Skylift, offers you the chance to be transported to the top of Mount Hoven in just a few exhilarating moments. For those wishing for a more tranquil experience, picturesque Lovatnet Lake is close by, whose striking mix of blue and green crystal-clear waters come from melted glaciers.

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.

Located on a picturesque arm of the Hardangerfjord, beautiful Ulvik is known as one of Norway’s most fertile fruit-growing regions, earning itself the affectionate nickname of ‘Orchard of Norway’. Apples from here are delicious due to the special micro-climate surrounding the fjord, making them just ripe for cider making, which was the fastest-growing product at Vinmonopolet in 2019. Also grown here are cherries, plums and pears.