How much would you pay for a city break?

As someone who likes to travel I enjoy city breaks and have in recent years spent time in Paris, Oslo, Amsterdam and Barcelona. They offer a few days away from the routine and the chance to explore and take in a new place. However they can be expensive, and by the time you have checked in at an airport, waited for your bags at the other end, transfered to the hotel and got yourselves settled in the majority of your first day has gone. Before you know it, the weekend is over and it’s time to go through the whole checking out and flying home process again, arriving home often as stressed as you were to begin with.

Now many cruises call into or dock close by cities and give you a full day for sightseeing but
Fred Olsen are going a step further next year and are offering a series city break cruises. These cruises feature up to 3 overnight stops in cities of northern Europe giving you that extra time to explore.

My favourite one of these is Balmoral’s 10 night cruise on the 24th October, she sails in and out of Southampton – no airports and as much luggage as you’d like and she has overnight stops in Oslo, Amsterdam and Antwerp. Having been to the first two of these cities I know that 1 day just isn’t enough  to truly appreciate them.

I spent New Year in Oslo at it is an amazing city. We toured the Viking Ship Museum which I really enjoyed having only ever read about such things and spent a fanastic New Years Eve outside of the Royal Palace. Situated on top of a hill it offers amazing views across the land and I believe tours are offered inside. We also walked out to the Frogner Park, also known as the Vigeland Sculpture Park this is Norway’s top tourist attraction and features sculpture by Gustav Vigeland. The majority are of people engaging in typical activities, running, dancing, wrestling etc. I will warn you though there are quite a few of a sexual nature too.

In Amsterdam there is a whole host of things to do – walk out to the flower markets, these are fully operational at all times of year. Tour Anne Frank’s house – this can be busy though so leave until later in the day. Take a canal cruise along the waterways or spend time in a coffee house. Amsterdam is one of the most cosmopolitan cities that I have been too and really does offer something for everyone.

The beauty of cruising as a city break holiday is that it offers exceptional value for money. Aswell as giving you the chance to experience both the day and the night life of  3 cities without the hassle of packing and unpacking each day the cost of this cruise also includes all of your meals on board. Fred Olsen include breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, a five course evening meal, late night buffet and self service tea and coffee. You’re average city hotel doesn’t offer that. There are also lectures and talks on board, evening entertainment in the form of shows and live music, and jacuzzis to relax in.

This 10 night cruise starts at a price of just £799pp for an inside cabin, plus you can have a balcony junior suite for the price of a balcony cabin. I don’t think you could pay to visit all 3 cities for that do you?