Belgium, France & Netherlands - Global River Cruising

At Fred.\ Holidays, we specialise in tailor-made holidays. This means we can create the perfect holiday designed specifically to your requirements; whether you prefer 3, 4 or 5-star accommodation, additional nights, rail transport, regional flights or even multicountry holidays, simply let us know and we will do the rest. Inside this brochure we have hand-picked our most popular Austria & Germany holidays including river cruising and rail journey itineraries. If however our suggested holidays are not quite what you are looking for, or if your preferred destination is not featured, please do not hesitate to call us for more information and your personalised holiday quotation. For your peace of mind – In addition to being part of one of the UK’s most established travel companies, Fred.\ Holidays is ABTA & ATOL bonded, ensuring that you are financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

The Amadeus Experience

The Amadeus Experience

As a traditional family-owned Austrian company since 1972 Amadeus River Cruises combine the highest luxury with world-class hospitality and legendary itineraries. In partnership with tailor-made experts Fred.\ River Cruises we invite you to “discover the art of travel your way”.

Amadeus have an enviable reputation with some of the highest rated ships on European waters, and their passion for quality shines throughout with world-class dining and service. At each mealtime you can expect a choice of regional delicacies alongside classic favourites, so you can taste the cuisine of the destination as you sail the waterways. With every lunch and dinner you’ll enjoy included free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks. While for breakfast why not try one of the delicious pastries - freshly baked on board each day.

Throughout your cruise your time is free to spend as you wish. Relax in the lounge or sun-deck with a good book or perhaps stretch your legs with a stroll around town. If you fancy venturing further afield there are a choice of optional excursions bookable on board to give you complete flexibility to do as much or as little as you wish.

Fred.\ River Cruises are part of the Fred Olsen Travel family and are experts in European and Worldwide rivers and holidays. As a tailor-made specialist you don’t need to be one of the crowd when you book with Fred.\ River Cruises. We can combine your chosen cruise with flights, rail, transfers and much more, including pre and post-cruise tours and stays. Contact our expert team at Fred.\ River Cruises to create your perfect holiday.

The Amadeus fleet features some of the largest cabins available on European waterways. All cabins include a modern en-suite bathroom with shower and w/c, a walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, mini bar, individual climate control, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

Deluxe Suite

Upper Deck

26.4M 2 WALK-OUT BALCONY

Our suites, situated on the upper deck also include a comfortable corner sofa and walk-out exterior balcony.

Balcony Cabin

Middle or Upper Deck

17.5M 2 WITH FRENCH BALCONY

Our balcony cabins, situated on the middle and upper decks also include an electronic dropdown panoramic window which transforms into a French balcony.

Standard Cabin Lower Deck

16M 2 WITH PANORAMIC WINDOW

Our standard cabins, situated on the lower deck feature all amenities required to ensure you enjoy a comfortable stay on board.

Your Amadeus River Cruise Includes: 

large, outside riverview stateroom with picture window, French balcony, or walkout balcony. 

Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe’s famous wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner onboard.

Gourmet dining onboard with regional specialities 

Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Services of an experienced Englishspeaking onboard Cruise Director.  24 hour coffee station. 

All onboard entertainment including talks, musical performances and nightly piano music.  Bottled water in every stateroom. 

In-stateroom infotainment centre. 

Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard. 

Complimentary use of onboard bicycles. 

Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for optional excursions. 

All local taxes & port charges included.

On this short tour you’ll spend three days in Paris, with free time to wander the Christmas Markets and marvel at the “City of Light” in its full festive glory, before boarding the most famous train of all and heading to Venice for a brief stay.

No-Fly Holiday

11 nights from £1,899 pp

Daily departures available November to March

What’s included:

• Eurostar from London to Paris

• 2 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Paris with breakfast

• Overnight full board journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice WITH A FREE BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE*

• Overnight 4-star accommodation in Venice with breakfast

• Flight from Venice to UK

• Overseas transfers

Enhance your experience

Upgrades available: hotels, first class rail from £350 per person, fly start/return available

Optional Excursions:

Ziller Valley Railway – Sound of Music tour – Mountains & Salt Mines – Zell am See

Normandy & The Loire by Rail

France is a country steeped in historical significance. This sixday tour of the North-West of France takes in the pretty Norman town of Bayeux, with its incredible tapestry and proximity to the poignant Normandy beaches, ahead of a stay in the gorgeous Loire Valley, home to some of the most renowned of the French castles. You will have to optional opportunity to visit and learn about the D-Day Landings at Omaha Beach with a local guide as well as explore some of the magnificent Castles of the Loire.

France Paris City Break by Eurostar

This week-long cruise aboard the AMADEUS Diamond, begins and ends in Paris — the city of light. Combine the most romantic city in the world with a fascinating journey into the past of the Impressionist masters. Follow the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cezanne and Gauguin while winding along the Seine River into the beautiful Normandy region to Le Havre on the rugged Atlantic Coast. Normandy was the stage of one of the most pivotal military operations in history: D-Day during World War II. Idyllic Normandy villages, the “museum town“ of Rouen and the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur are among the wonders to be explored during this cruise.

The “Vieux Bassin“, the old harbor of the ornate town of Honfleur on the Seine estuary

ROUEN

Rouen walking tour Cidre tasting at Pressoir D‘Or and Lyons-La-Forêt or Visit to the Rouen Museum of Fine Arts

LE HAVRE • Étretat — cliffs and walking tour •Honfleur — city of art and history or Flower coast “Côte Fleurie“ Chanson singers on board

LE HAVRE •Full-day “Fascinating Normandy“ with lunch CAUDEBEC-ENCAUX or Fécamp with Palais Bénédictine or Caudebec-en-Caux walking tour 6 LES ANDELYS

• Monet‘s House and Garden with stop at Château Gaillard or Les Andelys and Vernon walking tours

VERNON

• Château de Malmaison, once home to Joséphine and Napoleon Bonaparte or Visit to La Roche-Guyon

MANTES-LA-JOLIE Captain‘s Gala Dinner 7 PARIS

•Paris — City of Lights

• Jardin du Luxembourg and the Latin Quarter or Montmartre walking tour 8 PARIS Disembarkation after breakfast Excursions listed in green are not included in the cruise price. Please refer to www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk for specific shore excursion details. We reserve the right to make amendments to the timetable and program. For cruise fares and excursion packages, www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk.

France Spotlight on Paris

Escorted Tour

Be filled with joie de vivre as you soak in the romance and unparalleled charm of Paris. Savor dinner at the Eiffel Tower featuring wonderful French cuisine and breathtaking views of Paris. Explore priceless treasures in the Louvre Museum. Learn about the history, architecture and gardens of Versailles, one of the world’s most opulent royal palaces. Choose how you explore the neighborhood of Montemarte – at the Musée de Montmartre or the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Enjoy ample free time to discover Paris independently. Glide down the Seine on a romantic river cruise. Revel in the allure of the city and take in its spectacular sights, history, architecture, art, and cuisine.

Daily departures available 5 nights from £1,899 pp

What’s included:

• Return flights from the UK

• Overseas escorted travel from your hotel arrival

• 8 meals: 5 breakfasts; 1 lunch; 2 dinners

• 5 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Paris

• Exclusive highlights and guided day excursions including dinner at the Eiffel Tower

Highlights:

• Culinary inclusions:

0 Dinner at the Eiffel Tower with unparalleled views of the ‘City of Lights’

0 Interactive local foodie city tour

0 Seine dinner cruise

• Cultural experiences

0 Discover the beloved neighbourhood of Montmartre

0 Experience the worlds largest collection of impressionist masterpieces housed in the former Orsay train station

• Must-see inclusions

0 Explore the treasures of the Louvre Museum with a museum expert

0 Tour the Palace of Versailles and its gardens

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London St. Pancras on 8th March 2023.

France Castles of France by Rail

France is peppered with imposing and impressive châteaux, and it’s very hard to choose which ones to visit! So we have created this 10-day tour taking in some of the highlights, with stays in Paris and the Loire Valley with included visits to the Palace of Versailles, Château de Chambord & Château de Chenonceau, before heading south to the spectacular walled city of Carcassonne and further east, “sur le pont d’Avignon” and the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes). Plus, there’s even lunch in a privately-owned castle. If you’d like to extend your holiday and take in some more - or some different - castles, just speak to our travel specialists and they will tailor-make a holiday for you visiting your preferred places of interest.

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Paris including breakfast

• Included visit to Château de Versailles

• 2 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Tours, Loire Valley including breakfast

• Included full-day excursion to Château de Chambord & Château de Chenonceau with lunch in a private castle

• 2 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Carcassonne including breakfast

• 2 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Avignon including breakfast

• Standard Class rail travel for the duration of your trip

DAY/PORT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM

1 LYON Embarkation from 4 pm Welcome Cocktail and Welcome Dinner

2 MÂCON Mâcon and the Beaujolais or Mâcon walking tour Château de Pierreclos with wine tasting or Visit to Cluny Abbey

3 CHALONSUR-SAÔNE Beaune and the Burgundy Medieval Brancion and Cormatin or Tournus walking tour and St. Philibert Abbey

TOURNUS Leisure time/rejoin the ship

4 LYON Lyon — France‘s Culinary Capital or Visit to Les Halles by Paul Bocuse with tasting

Avignon walking tour with Pope Palace

5 AVIGNON

Enjoy this uniquely beautiful cruise along the French rivers of the Rhône and Saône.

Experience picturesque villages, world famous wine regions such as the Côte d’Or, unforgettable stretches of land in the regions of Provence and Burgundy, and impressive views of historic cities and monuments. The height of gastronomy is celebrated in Lyon along with wine, art, architecture, scenery and history — it all comes together in glorious harmony in the South of France. Traveling in comfort and style the Roman emperors would have envied, you’ll find yourself falling under the timeless spell of southern France on a journey that is nothing less than “magnifique“!

Southern France, and above all, the Provence, is a land of colors and scents

• Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and Uzès or In the footsteps of the Romans in Nîmes Engaging rhythms and feel-good live performance by a gypsy band

6 ARLES Arles walking tour with Arena or Tarascon — in the middle of the Provence

7 CHÂTEAUNEUFDU-RHÔNE

• Arles and Vincent van Gogh or Camargue Nature Reserve

•Valley of the Ardèche Gorge or Grignan with truffle farm and tasting

LE POUZIN Leisure time/rejoin the ship

Captain‘s Gala Dinner

8 LYON Disembarkation after breakfast

Excursions listed in green are not included in the cruise price.

Please refer to www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk for specific shore excursion details.

We reserve the right to make amendments to the timetable and program.

For cruise fares and excursion packages, www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk.

France Spotlight on Riviera

Escorted Tour

Uncover the chic resorts, sun-soaked beaches and elegant allure that attracts the rich and famous to the exquisite French Riviera. Unpack for a leisurely multi-night stay, embracing the luxury and breathtaking beauty of the French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur. Spend time in the fairy-tale principality of Monaco. Discover the opulence of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and Gardens. Get a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous in Cannes. Watch artisans create fragrant perfumes. Enjoy leisure time to explore on your own. It’s time you lived a little bit of the good life.

France France

in the Soth of France

The cultural riches of France await you on this cruise, together with some of the most beautiful French golf courses! Our journey commences and ends in Paris and follows the footsteps of the old French masters, discovering their history. You will continue downriver to Normandy and to Le Havre, the shining star of post-war reconstruction on the northern coast. The landscapes along the banks of the Seine provide the perfect setting for golf excursions. In the company of an experienced golf expert, you will enjoy the unmistakable French flair while playing a relaxed round of golf.

DAY/PORT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM

1 PARIS

Embarkation from 4 pm

Welcome Cocktail and Welcome Dinner Briefing on all golf clubs and starting times

2 CONFLANS Morning transfer and round of golf at Aigle Course / Le Golf National

3 ROUEN

Full-day and round of golf at Champ de Bataille Golf Club (opt.) or Rouen walking tour in the morning (opt.) or Domaine Duclos Fougeray, visit to a typical 18th century farmhouse in the afternoon (opt.)

4 LE HAVRE Morning transfer and round of golf at Golf d’ Étretat

5 LE HAVRE Morning transfer and round of golf at Barrière de Deauville Golf Club CAUDEBECEN-CAUX Rejoin the ship

6 LES ANDELYS

Morning transfer and round of golf at Albatros Course / Le Golf National Golf Club MANTESLA-JOLIE Rejoin the ship

7 PARIS

Paris city of lights in the morning (incl.) Montmartre walking tour in the afternoon (opt.) Captain‘s Gala Dinner

8 PARIS Disembarkation after breakfast

Excursions listed in green are not included in the cruise price. We reserve the right to make amendments to the timetable and program. Port times and itineraries are subject to change. Golf package operates with minimum of 20 and a maximum of 40 participants.

Embark on a cruise along the meandering rivers Rhône and Saône, with prime opportunities to experience golf in southern France. Select golf courses provide a superb golfing experience combining beautiful natural settings with technical challenges.

Admire the passing Provençal scenery as your journey takes you from Lyon - the gastronomic capital of France, to picturesque villages, pastel-colored Mâcon, world famous wine regions such as the Côte d’Or, down to the Ardèche Gorge, also known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe.” You’ll find yourself falling under the timeless spell of southern France with golf experiences that are nothing less than “magnifique!”

DAY/PORT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM

1 LYON

Embarkation from 4 pm

Welcome Cocktail and Welcome Dinner Briefing on all golf clubs and starting times

2 M Â CON Transfer and round of golf at Golf de la Bresse

3 CHALON TOURNUS Transfer and round of golf at Golf de Beaune Levernois Rejoin the ship

4 LYON Lyon - Culinary Capital of France in the morning (incl.)

5 AVIGNON Transfer and round of golf at La Grande Motte

6 AVIGON ARLES Morning transfer and round of golf at Albatros Course / Le Golf National Golf Club

7 CH Â TEAUNEUF LE POUZINDU-RHONE

Full-day trip and round of golf at the Golf de la Valdaine (opt.) or Valley of the Ardèche Gorge in the morning (incl.) Rejoin the ship Captain›s Gala Dinner

8 LYON Disembarkation after breakfast

Excursions listed in green are not included in the cruise price. We reserve the right to make amendments to the timetable and program.

Port times and itineraries are subject to change. Golf package operates with minimum of 20 and a maximum of 40 participants.

Côte D’Azur via La Ligne Des Cévennes

This week-long tour showcases the contrasts of France and culminates with a stay on the glitzy Côte d’Azur. Travelling through the country’s charming heart along one of its lesser-known but most spectacular rail lines, running alongside several National Parks and through the dramatic Cévennes mountains; La Ligne des Cévennes is the perfect way to reach the south of France by rail.

•

• Standard Class rail travel from London St. Pancras for the duration of your trip including La Ligne des Cévennes

• Excursion to Monaco & Èze including entrance to the Fragonard Perfumery Enhance your Experience:

• Fly start/return available on request

• Upgrade rail to First Class (excl. La Ligne des Cévennes) from £xxxpp

• Extend your stay in any city

France Star Clippers Corsica Cruise via Lyon

•

Bypass airports and take to the rails and sea to visit the beautiful French Island of Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. The island’s mountainous centre gives way to the sea, creating a coastline of gorgeous white sandy beaches embraced by the rugged shore. The local trains - Chemin de Fer de La Corse traverse the island in a “Y” shape, through spectacular terrain, making this the perfect island getaway without a flight in sight!

Ho� andValkenburg Christmas

Ho� and & Belgium Tulip Serenade

Enjoy spring as the countryside awakens from a long winter‘s slumber. Cruise along the Waterways of Holland & Belgium, past lazily spinning windmills, blossoming foliage and sleepy towns. Along the intricate net of extensive waterways, explore the capital city of Amsterdam, ‘the Venice of the North‘, the quaint villages and Renaissance cities of Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges medieval churches. View Dutch and Flemish masterpieces and taste Dutch cheeses and world-famous Belgian chocolates. Take the opportunity to visit the Keukenhof gardens with its 79 acres of breathtaking beauty, only open in the spring. A riot of flowers exploding in color and scent as well as centuries of history and culture make the Tulip Serenade a wonderful treat.

Your Itinerary:

DAY/PORT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM

1 AMSTERDAM Embarkation from 4 pm Welcome Cocktail and Welcome Dinner Shanty Choir on board

2 ARNHEM Arnhem and the history of World War II Arnhem and the Open Air Museum or Visit to the Kröller-Müller-Museum

3 MIDDELBURG Delta Works experience & Veere walking tour or Middelburg walking tour

4 GHENT Ghent with Gravensteen medieval fortress Bruges — Venice of the North or Belgian beer and chocolate tasting

5 ANTWERP Brussels with Atomium & Cinquantenaire park Antwerp with visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady

6 ROTTERDAM

7 AMSTERDAM

Kinderdijk and visit to the windmills or Rotterdam harbor cruise with visit to the market hall Visit to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens or Delft landmarks

Amsterdam with canal trip Holland Waterland with Volendam, Edam and cheese tasting

or Haarlem — art, history and Dutch lifestyle Captain‘s Gala Dinner

8 AMSTERDAM Disembarkation after breakfast

Excursions listed in green are not included in the cruise price. Please refer to www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk for specific shore excursion details. We reserve the right to make amendments to the timetable and program.

For cruise fares and excursion packages, www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk.

Centred in enigmatic Amsterdam, you’ll have two days enjoying steam train excursions in the Netherlands, and an additional option to see yet more vintage trains in the Railway Museum in Utrecht, or just enjoy time at your leisure in the “Venice of the North”.

Steam trains captivate the imagination; there is something about the sound of steam that evokes the beauty of travelling by rail like no other.

Classical Rhine Ho� and & Belgium

Discover the many beautiful facets of “Father Rhine“ along 500 miles of rivers from Amsterdam in the Netherlands through Germany and France to Basel, Switzerland or vica versa. Pass through the Dutch Ijsselmeer on the way to the cathedral city of Cologne.

Take a detour along the winding Moselle River, with its blossoming vineyards tucked on each side of the valley. Delight in the panorama of the myth-enshrouded Middle Rhine Valley with its high concentration of castles nestled on sunny hillsides around every bend, and the fabled Lorelei — siren of the Rhine. Visit quintessential wine villages as well as the one of Germany‘s oldest cities — Speyer. Visit Strasbourg, the capital city of the Grand Est region (formerly Alsace) before ending in Basel, located at the three countries corner of France, Germany and Switzerland.

with canal trip Haarlem — art, history and Dutch lifestyle or Holland Waterland with Volendam, Edam and cheese tasting Captain‘s Gala Dinner

8 AMSTERDAM Disembarkation after breakfast

Excursions listed in green are not included in the cruise price.

* The German National Garden Show 2023 takes place between 14 Apr and 08 Oct. Please refer to www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk for specific shore excursion details. We reserve the right to make amendments to the timetable and program. For the Amsterdam to Basel itinerary, www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk.

Belgium, France & Netherlands Belgium, France & Netherlands

Escorted Tour

Dutch windmills, cosy streets, bubbling champagne, and the “City of Light” – experience the essence of 3 European countries. Cruise through the canals of Amsterdam on a private boat. Sample Gouda nearby its namesake town. Stand in awe before the powerful windmills of Kinderdijk. Spend 2 nights in the storybook town of Bruges. Spend the day in the lively city of Brussels. Travel along the Route du Champagne and enjoy a local tasting menu. See Parisian boulevards through an open-roof retro car at night. Make the most of a free day in Paris. Connect with deeply rooted cultures as you make your way through the Netherlands, Belgium and France.

Departing May to December 10 nights from £4,049 pp

What’s included:

• Return flights from the UK

• Overseas escorted travel from your hotel arrival

• 15 meals: 10 breakfasts; 5 dinners

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Amsterdam

• 2 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Bruges

• 2 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Reims

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Paris

• Visits to 0 Gouda 0 Kinderdijk 0 Brussels 0 Épernay

Highlights:

• Culinary inclusions:

0 Dine in Amsterdam with a choice of restaurants

0 Visit a family-run brewery before enjoying a dinner of French and Belgian specialities

0 Admire the skyline as you float down the Sein on a relaxing dinner cruise

• Cultural experiences

0 Ride through the ‘City of Lights’ in an open-roof retro car

0 Enjoy two nights in the UNESCO town of Bruges

• Must-see inclusions

0 Stand before the iconic dutch windmills of Kinderjik

0 Enjoy a full day exploration of Brussels

0 Immerse yourself in France’s champagne country on a full day of exploration along the Route de Champagne

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London St. Pancras on 21st May 2023.