2017 - APT Small Ships

40 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 ✫ Visit a quintessential French oyster farm for a tasting ✫ Perhaps sample fine wines from the Bordeaux region ✫ Explore a Portuguese family estate, where you will enjoy a local wine tasting and an authentic lunch ✫ Enjoy an exclusive private visit to the Flamenco Museum followed by a fiery flamenco show ✫ Enjoy a private tour of an 18th-century bullring at the famous Plaza de la Maestranza ✫ Take an excursion to Albufera Natural Park ✫ APT's included Freedom of Choice™ Sightseeing in Guernsey, Saint Malo, Bordeaux, A Coruna, Lisbon and Portimao CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Shores of Southern Europe 15 Day Soft Expedition Cruise | MS Hebridean Sky United Kingdom | France | Spain | Portugal Day 1. Arrive London, Portsmouth. Arrive in London and be transferred to Portsmouth to board your small ship. Enjoy a Welcome Drinks and Dinner. 14 Night Stay: aboard the MS Hebridean Sky. D Day 2. Guernsey, Sark Freedom of Choice. During a walking tour, take in Guernsey's highlights including Castle Cornet, an ancient harbour fortress. Alternatively, visit the German Occupation Museum. After your activity, sail to Sark and explore the island via horse-drawn carriage. BLD Day 3. Saint Malo, Mont Saint-Michel, Freedom of Choice. Journey to Mont Saint- Michel for a walk up the steep path to the abbey. Continue to Cancale and visit an oyster farm for a tasting. Or perhaps discover Saint Malo's colourful history on a tour of the old city, including a tasting of local cider and biscuits. BLD Day 4. Brest. Travel to Locronan, one of the most picturesque medieval villages in France. See the 15th-century church and learn about Saint Ronan. BLD Day 5. Le Verdon for Bordeaux, Freedom of Choice. Travel to World Heritage-listed Bordeaux and enjoy a splendid panoramic tour, followed by a guided walk through Old Bordeaux, including the Place de la Bourse. Alternatively, head to the wine-growing region of Medoc and absorb stunning vistas along the way. Visit Chateau Lanessan estate for a wine tasting and visit its sophisticated Horse Museum. BLD Day 6. Bilbao. Today you will dock in Bilbao, where you will enjoy a city tour. Afterwards, visit the Guggenheim Museum, taking in its unique art and architecture. The Guggenheim in Bilbao focuses on postwar painting and sculpture. BLD Day 7. A Coruna, Freedom of Choice. Perhaps discover A Coruna's food scene with a tour from the pier to the local markets, savouring local tapas with fine local wines. Those feeling more active might alternatively like to set off on a bicycle tour, passing by the galleries, San Anton Castle and the Tower of Hercules. BLD Day 8. Porto. Head to the spectacular wine country of the Douro Valley. Along the way, stop at Amarante, a small town with charming 16th-century houses. Visit a Portuguese family estate, where you'll enjoy a wine tasting before a traditional lunch with the family. BLD Freedom of Choice TM Sightseeing Signature Invitation Admire the exquisite abbey on Mont Saint-Michel 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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