Day One: Set sail from Newcastle Port of Tyne

Set Sail From Newcastle Port of Tyne

Day Two: North Sea Canal making way to Amsterdam

Despite its industrial importance, there’s a lot more to this winding waterway than just container ships. Along the banks of the 16-mile-long canal – from the mouth at Ijmuiden, to the end in Amsterdam – there are an abundance of diverse sights to see on a scenic cruise to the Dutch capital, including interesting fortifications from World War Two, huge power plants, pretty beaches and nature reserves.

Day Three: Amsterdam

Golden Age canals lined with elegant merchant homes is the familiar backdrop for the Netherlands's historic capital, Amsterdam. Established in the 17th century with the construction of the River Amstel dam, this celebrated port offers everything from treasure-packed museums and antiquarian bookshops to chic boutiques and convivial cafés. Equally, art is never far away in this hub of uber-creative design. 

Day Four: Cruising Western Scheldt River, Belgium towards Antwerp

Located in the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands, the Western Scheldt River is an estuary of the Scheldt River, and is the only direct way to the North Sea.  An important shipping route for the port of Antwerp, the Western Scheldt River is formed in the east where the Schelde River enters the Netherlands from Belgium. An interesting route to cruise along, there are no bridges across the river, only a tunnel running from Ellewoutsdijk to Terneuzen

Day Five: Antwerp, Belgium 

A riverside fortress and numerous intriguing cobbled streets are overshadowed by the 123m high tower of the imposing Cathedral of Our Lady, the biggest church in Benelux. Its construction started in 1352 on the site of a 10th century chapel, but like many medieval religious buildings, it took several centuries to complete. The cathedral interior has four altarpieces by Peter Paul Rubens – a true legend of baroque painting.  The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is dedicated to Rubens and houses many of his finest works, along with those of other Flemish maste

Day Six: Cruising River Seine, France  towards Rouen, France 

Simply sit back, relax and take in stunning 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. 

Day Seven: Rouen, France 

The ‘City of a Hundred Bells’, Rouen, is capital of the French region of Normandy. This 2,000-year-old port city on the River Seine, important in Roman times and the Middle Ages, is a unique city rich with monuments and museums.  The skyline is dominated by the spires of Cathédrale Notre-Dame, much-painted by  Claude Monet. The Gothic churches of Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen are also must-see attractions, two of the best examples of gothic architecture in France and a important part of Rouen’s history.

Day Eight: Cruising River Seine, France  towards Honfleur, France 

Slicing through the gorgeous lush-green countryside of Normandy's Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, the route Fred. Olsen's smaller cruise 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. 

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.

Day Ten: Arrive early morning into Newcastle Port of Tyne