2017 - APT Small Ships

34 CRUISE APPEAL This Soft Expedition cruise will dock in ports where both active and gentle pace excursions are offered, most including walks through quaint towns. This cruise will appeal to guests who: ✫ Have a passion for food and wine, and want to savour Europe's most authentic and divine gastronomic delights ✫ Wish to explore some of Europe's most dazzling ports, many of which are only accessible by small ship ✫ Have an interest in historic architecture ✫ Want to discover some of Europe's most famous cities ✫ Take an excursion to Albufera Natural Park with the choice of a paella demonstration or a bird-watching tour ✫ Take a private tour of an 18th-century bullring at the famous Plaza de la Maestranza ✫ Enjoy an exclusive private visit to the Flamenco Museum followed by a fiery flamenco show ✫ Explore a Portuguese family estate, where you will enjoy a local wine tasting and an authentic lunch ✫ Perhaps sample fine wines from the Bordeaux region ✫ Visit a quintessential French oyster farm for a tasting ✫ APT's included Freedom of Choice™ Sightseeing in Portimao, Lisbon, A Coruna, Bordeaux, Saint Malo and Guernsey CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Southern European Sojourn 15 Day Soft Expedition Cruise | MS Island Sky Spain | Portugal | France | United Kingdom Day 1. Arrive Barcelona. Arrive in the city of Barcelona and be transferred to your small ship. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner. 14 Night Stay: aboard the MS Island Sky. D Day 2. Valencia. Enjoy a trip to Albufera Natural Park, one of the most important wetlands of the Spanish peninsula. Set off to explore by 'albufarenc', a rustic small canoe that has been used to sail the area for generations. You might then like to take a bird-watching tour through the park, exploring one of Spain's most interesting birding areas, before lunch. Alternatively, take in a paella cooking demonstration and learn about the local Valencian origins of this classic dish. BLD Day 3. Cartagena. Sail into Cartagena and discover the magnificent Roman Theatre Museum, with its exhibit items discovered in excavations around the Cathago Nova that explain the theatre's careful restoration. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore this charming port city. BLD Day 4. Motril, Granada. Today, embark on a full-day tour to Granada, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. See the world-renowned 9th-century palace and fortress complex, Alhambra. After a tapas lunch, explore the palace of the Generalife, before re-boarding your ship in Motril. BLD Day 5. Cadiz, Seville. From Cadiz, enjoy a full day to explore Seville. Your tour includes the Reales Alcazares (Royal Palace), and the Christian Cathedral. At the famous bullring, Plaza de la Maestranza and Museum, enjoy a private tour of one of the 18th-century bullrings. Dine in a local restaurant for lunch, before a private visit to the Flamenco Museum followed by a fiery flamenco show. BLD Day 6. Portimao, Freedom of Choice. Perhaps enjoy a guided tour of Portimao, including the Old Town and the Portimao Museum. Or ride through the mountains by jeep for a safari to the unexplored Algarve, including a visit to a local firewater (medronho) distillery. BLD Day 7. Lisbon, Freedom of Choice. Perhaps board Lisbon's iconic tramcars for a ride through the city's old quarters, sampling pastries and Port on the way. Or savour the flavours of Lisbon on a guided market tour, sampling treats selected by acclaimed chef Marlene Vieira. Alternatively, take a guided tour to historic Alfama. BLD Freedom of Choice TM Sightseeing Signature Invitation Delight in a full-day exploration of Seville E X P E D I T I O N S O F T E X P E D I T I O N www.aptouring.com.au

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