2017 - APT Small Ships

36 CRUISE APPEAL This Soft Expedition cruise allows you to explore Europe in a new light, with both gentle and active excursions that are off- the-beaten pathway. This adventure will appeal to guests who: ✫ Desire an immersion into French culture ✫ 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 ✫ See a spectacular show at the iconic Moulin Rouge, a world-famous cabaret in Paris ✫ Take a guided tour of Lyon including a visit to a local silk workshop, or perhaps embark on a culinary city tour ✫ Sample fine French wines at Domaine de Jarras wine growing estate ✫ Absorb the many and varied attractions of Barcelona during a wonderful two-night stay ✫ Explore a Portuguese family estate, where you will enjoy a local wine tasting and an authentic lunch ✫ APT's included Freedom of Choice™ Sightseeing in Lyon, Barcelona, Portimao, Lisbon, A Coruna, Bordeaux, Saint Malo and Guernsey CRUISE & TOUR HIGHLIGHTS France & Southern European Sojourn 24 Day Soft Expedition Cruise & Land Tour | MS Island Sky France | Spain | Portugal | United Kingdom Day 1. Arrive Paris. Be met on arrival in Paris and transferred to your hotel. Meet your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers during a Welcome Reception this evening. Two Night Stay: Paris, Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe. Day 2. Paris. On a tour of Paris this morning, see the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, one of the world's most famous streets, as well as the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Later, take a trip to the second level of the stunning Eiffel Tower, where sweeping views over the city skyline await. This evening, experience quintessential Parisian culture with a meal and a spectacular show at the world-famous Moulin Rouge, the iconic Parisian cabaret captured in the magnificent paintings of Toulouse-Lautrec. BD Day 3. Paris, Lyon. Board the speedy TGV train from Paris to Lyon. Upon arrival, you will have some time to explore at your leisure. This evening, perhaps step out to enjoy the local cuisine. Two Night Stay: Sofitel Lyon Bellecour or similar. B Day 4. Lyon, Freedom of Choice. Perhaps learn about the city's historic areas, many of which are World Heritage-listed, on a guided tour. Then visit a silk workshop in the Croix-Rousse district where Lyon's silk weavers worked during the 15th century at a time when the city became an important trade centre. Alternatively, learn why Lyon is considered the gastronomic centre of France on a culinary tour, sampling gourmet delights along the way. BLD Day 5. Lyon, Aix-en-Provence. Travel to the quaint town of Aix-en-Provence, famous as the home of French artist Cézanne. Just like many Provençal towns, the centre consists of narrow streets lined with 17th-century buildings. On arrival here, enjoy a walking tour followed by dinner at your beautiful hotel. Two Night Stay: Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel. BD Day 6. Aix-en-Provence, Camargue. Discover the sprawling wildlife sanctuary of Camargue National Reserve today, with its vast salt flats and marshy wetlands. This remarkable area is home to many bird species, including pink flamingoes, but is most famous for its beautiful white horses, an ancient breed of wild horse indigenous to the area. Later, tour Europe's largest wine-growing estate, Domaine de Jarras, and sample some of their exquisite wines during a special tasting. Freedom of Choice TM Sightseeing Signature Invitation Marvel at the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris 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

• Cover