Cruise · 16 nights · with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France & Italy
A 16-night early autumn cruise aboard Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral, threading Portugal’s coast, Gibraltar’s outpost, Spain’s eastern ports and quieter Mediterranean Rivieras of France and Italy.
- Duration
- 16 nights
- Departs
- 30 Sep 2027
- Sails from
- Southampton
- Returns to the same port
- Ship
- Balmoral
- From
- £1,549
- per person, sharing
Highlights
What makes this one worth it
The British territory of Gibraltar
Cinque Terre gateway at La Spezia
Ajaccio and Corsica’s southern coast
Porto region’s ceramics and seafood in Matosinhos
Two days along the French Riviera
About the trip
This 16-night cruise with Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral begins and ends in Southampton, taking a leisurely path through Portugal, Spain, Italy and France. From Matosinhos, near Porto, the ship ventures to Gibraltar, the British outpost at the Mediterranean’s gateway, followed by Cartagena and Alicante with their blend of Roman and Moorish remains alongside working harbours.
The French and Italian Rivieras have fewer tourists this time of year, a welcome change from summer crowds. La Spezia serves as a quieter gateway to the Cinque Terre villages, while Villefranche’s small bay lies close enough to Nice for a shore excursion. Along the southern coast of Corsica, Ajaccio’s Napoleonic connections sit amid pine-scented hills and the still waters of the bay.
The pace allows time to take in details: the ceramics markets of Matosinhos or the impressive fortifications of Gibraltar. After two weeks and nearly ten ports, Balmoral returns to Southampton, bringing a quiet edge to a Mediterranean route better known for its high season bustle.
- 1 Southampton
- 2 Porto
- 3 Gibraltar
- 4 Cartagena
- 5 Alicante
- 6 Mahon
- 7 La Spezia
- 8 Villefranche-sur-Mer
- 9 Toulon
- 10 Ajaccio
Itinerary
The route, day by day
Day 1
Southampton, United Kingdom
Day 2
Matosinhos, Portugal
Day 3
Gibraltar
Day 4
Cartagena, Spain
Day 5
Alicante, Spain
Day 6
Mahon, Spain
When to go
Departures and prices
Lowest price each month, per person.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
Before you book
- Price based on
- Two people sharing a cabinThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
- Travelling alone
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Flights
- Not needed if you join at Southampton
- What’s included
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Accessibility
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Cabin
- Interior Room
For full details of what’s included, check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. See the full details on their site
Questions people ask
- How long is Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France & Italy?
- Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France & Italy is a 16 nights cruise holiday.
- Where does Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France & Italy depart from?
- Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France & Italy departs from Southampton.
- Who operates Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France & Italy?
- Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France & Italy is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines aboard Balmoral.
- How much does Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France & Italy cost?
- Prices for Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France & Italy start from £1,549, subject to availability.
The operator
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Smaller-ship cruises, many from UK ports
A Norwegian family name in shipping since the nineteenth century, known for smaller ships that can reach the narrower fjords and harbours.
You book with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.
New to United Kingdom? Our United Kingdom guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.
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