2017 - APT Small Ships

76 Grand Expeditions For the ultimate small ship experience, our Grand Expeditions combine two cruises to create one unforgettable adventure of a lifetime. These Grand Expeditions have been handcrafted just for you. Unpack once and let the world's hidden gems come to you as you explore a multitude of amazing destinations. Mediterranean Odyssey & Southern European Sojourn From Istanbul, embark on a 29-day cruise through the dazzling Mediterranean region. Relive the ANZAC legend in Gallipoli, discover ancient Greek culture, embark on a culinary journey of Spain, sample some of the finest wines from the Bordeaux region, before concluding your adventure in England. Baltics to Britannia & Southern European Sojourn Experience Scandinavian culture at its finest and cruise the Baltic's most stunning locales. Then, glide through history as you explore the best of France, Portugal and Spain. Southeast Asia Adventure & Kimberley Coast Cruise A once-in-a-lifetime adventure from Manila to Broome awaits, as you encounter the formidable Komodo dragons, experience an overnight adventure in Torajaland and then explore the landscapes and wildlife of the Kimberley's coastline. A Baltic Renaissance... To visit so many Baltic countries on one cruise was a feat in itself but to be able to berth in the centre of so many cities gave a feeling of place that has to be experienced to be understood. This cruise promised to be very exciting, and for me it definitely was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Our lecturers, Imogen and Gordon, informed and entertained us in advance of the following days' tours, greatly adding to the splendid local tour guides' entertaining cultural, historical and contemporary heritage interpretations. We enjoyed many and various tours visiting great cities, museums, churches both old and new, castles, gardens, parks and islands. We were asked to choose our favourite tour - for many this must have been the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. We arrived at the Hermitage to be told, to our total delight, that we were to have the museum to ourselves for the first hour – hard to image but true! However the highlight for me had to be our visit to Peterhof Palace – I fell in love with this wonderful palace and its beautiful gardens, and was bewitched during the turning on of the Grand Cascade fountains to the music of 'Hymn to the Great City' from Reinhold Glière's ballet 'The Bronze Horseman'. I have never seen such spectacular fountains with golden statues and features abounding. The palace from the outside gleams in yellow and white, with its turrets shimmering in the sunshine. I hope of many more adventures to come. – Leonora Dungan (Small Ship Guest) Baltics to Britannia and Southern European Sojourn (NOBHSB29) www.aptouring.com.au

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