MANCASS and Fred Olsen cruise to France & Northern Spain
Bolette T2730 Sails from Newcastle
9 nights 17th – 25th Oct 2027
Timed for autumn’s rich food traditions, this cruise brings opportunities to sample local produce in less visited regions of France and Northern Spain. Each shaped by its own architecture and way of life, with October’s milder temperatures adding to appeal.
In Honfleur, colourful half-timbered buildings and artisan shops line the harbour, creating a picturesque setting to sample Calvados and Camembert.
Gijon brings a taste of Asturias through its renowned cider, poured in traditional sidrerias using a distinctive method.
While Pauillac places you within easy reach of Bordeaux’s celebrated vineyards.
In Santander beach strolls, pintxos and freshly caught seafood await, before a scenic departure past the Magdalena Peninsula.
Please note the booking for this trip is different from the normal Mancass method and you need to book directly with Fred Olsen (see details below). The reason for this is that you can book your own type of cabin. The prices below are only available until the 16th July 2026 so if this trip is for you please book before the deadline
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HONFLEURFRANCE - Oct 19Originally 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. |
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GIJONSPAIN - Oct 21Exploring Gijon in October offers many experiences and sights to savour, like the glacial lakes of Covadonga, whose picturesque views are a superb starting point for hiking trails in the Picos de Europa, renowned for their limestone peaks, deep gorges, and diverse ecosystems. You can engage in local life by enjoying Asturian cider at a traditional sidrería and discovering how it’s poured from a great height, or by sampling fabada asturiana, a rich bean stew known as one of the region’s most famous dishes. As you stroll through the narrow streets of the oldest part of the city, Cimadevilla, you’ll uncover historic buildings, quaint shops, and cider houses, while the Covadonga Sanctuary is a historic and spiritual site nestled in the mountains, an area that’s also home to the Basilica de Santa Maria, intriguingly built into the rock face. |
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SANTANDERSPAIN - Oct 22Located between Gijon and Bilbao on Spain’s north coast, Santander is an elegant city with impressive buildings set against a natural backdrop of sea and mountains. The city combines its heritage with modernity perfectly, and is best seen via the popular funicular railway that creeps up to the upper section of Santander, offering superb views across the bay. Close by are prehistoric caves, which contain some of the most important cave paintings of Quaternary art. |
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CRUISE BY ROYAL PALACE OF MAGDALENASPAIN - Oct 22On the Magdalena Peninsula, a beautiful, 69-acre haven located near to the entrance of the Bay of Santander, proudly stands the magnificent Royal Palace of Magdalena. Built by King Alfonso XIII, the palace served as a summer escape for the King and his family, who would visit the peninsula to enjoy its peace, beauty and seasonal sunshine. Its grand architecture and beautiful gardens now serve as a the seat of Menéndez Pelayo International University |
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PAUILLACFRANCE - Oct 23Situated in the Bordeaux wine region, Pauillac is well regarded as a key wine-producing area of France. The combination of renowned vineyards, beautiful landscapes and rich wine culture make it a special place to visit. The town itself is full of character with local cafes and restaurants offering regional dishes such as Canelé, a delicious cake with a rich, custardy filling, enrobed in a caramelised exterior; or meat dishes accompanied by bordelaise sauce, paired perfectly with a Médoc wine. Pauillac's other notable highlights are related to the chateaux and wine estates, among which are the acclaimed estates of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and Chateau Latour. |
Pricing
Please note the prices below are only available until the 16th of July 2026 after which they will go up.
Twin / Double Cabins:
Interior twin fare (I grade) from £899 per person.
Ocean-view twin fare (E grade) from £1,259 per person.
Superior ocean-view twin (C grade) from £1,439 per person.
Balcony suite twin fare (BJ grade) from £2,069 per person.
Solo travellers:
Interior solo fare (M grade) £1,079.
Ocean-view solo fare (K grade) £1,309.
Superior ocean-view twin cabin for sole occupancy, with restricted view (CO grade) £1,689.
Gratuities and Drinks with Lunch & Dinner included.
Transport:
Coach travel will be arranged from the North West to and from the port in Newcastle.
Details to follow.
How to Book
Please contact the Fred Olsen bookings team direct on 0800 0355 144
Quoting the MANCASS Group Reference - GRP0332 and cruise code T2730 also requesting the 8pm dining time.
Please note a 15% non-refundable deposit is required to Fred Olsen at the time of booking.
The balance due is payable direct to Fred Olsen 90 days prior to sailing.
Queries
Any questions regarding this trip please contact CLAIRE ASPIN – clairea.1963@outlook.com.
