Cruise & Walk holidays: the best of both worlds

There's something magical about waking up in a new port each morning, the gentle sway of the sea having carried you overnight to your next adventure. Working with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, we've created a special collection of cruise and walk holidays that combine the joy of travelling by sea with expert guided walking at each port of call.

Do you like the idea of taking a cruise to lots of different places, but would prefer a holiday with a bit more activity? Are you keen to go on a walking holiday, but would like to cover more ground during your time away? Problem solved! 

Each night, a cruise ship takes you to a different port, so you’ll wake up somewhere new. Then you disembark and explore the area on foot: coast, countryside, hills, cultural and historical cities... there’s always lots to see and do. At the end of the day, you get back on board, and while you’re sleeping, you’re carried away to your next destination.

If you're wondering what cruise and walk holidays actually involve, think of them as the perfect combination of active exploration and relaxing sea travel. Unlike traditional cruises where shore excursions might involve bus tours, our walking cruises are designed for people who want to truly experience each destination on foot. 

You'll ramble through beautiful landscapes, taking in ancient sites, dramatic peaks, coastal paths, hidden beaches and natural wonders. These holidays offer the perfect combination of onboard relaxation, convivial evenings with fellow walkers, and incredible guided walks that reveal the heart of each location.

We offer a wide range of Cruise & Walk holidays, in all sorts of interesting locations and lasting from five nights to over a fortnight. Here are just a few examples.

Images left to right: View of the magical Ulvik village,  Briksdalsbreen waterfall in distance with Briksdal glacier in far background, Fred.Olsen Bolette cruise ship docked amongst fjords of Norway.

Navigating the Norwegian Fjords

See towering mountains and thundering waterfalls on visits into Norway's majestic fjordland. There's something profoundly moving about gliding through these ancient glacial valleys, watching waterfalls cascade down sheer cliff faces.

Visit the magical villages of Haugesund and Ulvik, pass the gentle shores of the Hardangerfjord where fruit blossom decorates the landscape in spring, and explore Bergen on foot with a local guide. Relax onboard during days at sea, enjoying the pool, sauna, or simply watching spectacular coastal scenery drift past.

Images left to right: Iceland city centre Reykjavic with Hallgrímskirkja church in background, impressive geysir erupting in geothermal hot spring area backlit by sunshine, Atlantic puffin perched amongst grass (opportunity to spot on day 6 of itinerary)

Discover Iceland's incredible geological masterpieces on a voyage that feels like stepping onto another planet. Capture the extraordinary Atlantic rift at Thingvellir National Park, listen to thundering water at Gullfoss waterfall, and visit the impressive geysir geothermal area.

Admire Akureyri, the charming capital of the north, discover the unspoilt wilderness of Isafjörður and Seydisfjörður, and explore Reykjavík with a knowledgeable local guide.

Discover the Atlantic's most enchanting islands on a voyage combining volcanic drama with subtropical gardens and Portuguese elegance. Explore Gran Canaria's diverse landscapes and marvel at Tenerife's majestic Mount Teide, ascending via cable car to its 3,715-metre summit for breathtaking views across the archipelago. 

Visit La Gomera, accessible only by sea and wonderfully safe from mass tourism. This serene island offers panoramic hilltop views where you can spot Mount Teide across the water. In Madeira, discover Funchal's enchanting levadas, centuries-old irrigation channels winding through verdant landscapes and fragrant botanical gardens. 

Your final stop brings you to vibrant Lisbon, where a knowledgeable local guide leads you through pastel-coloured streets steeped in maritime history. Marvel at scenic miradouros offering breathtaking viewpoints and visit magnificent monuments from Portugal's Age of Discovery.

 Throughout, enjoy golden beaches, taste papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, and experience the lively sounds of timple music.

The partnership between Ramble Worldwide and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines brings together over 75 years of our walking holiday expertise with Fred Olsen's tradition of thoughtful, intimate cruising. 

On Fred Olsen's elegant, smaller ships, we dock at ports that larger cruise ships simply cannot reach. Imagine walking through a Norwegian fjord village that sees few tourists, or exploring a secluded Mediterranean cove accessible only by smaller vessels. With less need for tender boats, as soon as the gangway descends, your walking adventure begins. 

Our guided shore walking programme features expertly designed itineraries that help you discover the essence of each port. You'll travel in small groups (typically 12-14 people) with our experienced leaders and friendly companions. Many walks feature local professional guides whose intimate knowledge adds invaluable insight. 

Remember, you don't have to walk at every port. This is your holiday, and you have complete flexibility to explore independently, relax onboard, or simply enjoy the ship's facilities whenever you prefer.

Learn more about our popular Cruise & Walk holidays here.