2013 - APT Europe River Cruising

North Sea Day 7. Rouen, Caen, Pays d'Auge. Departing Rouen by coach, travel across the lovely Norman countryside on an excursion to Caen – located just 15 kilometres from the English Channel. The site of the Battle of Caen – which occurred during the historic Battle of Normandy – Caen was largely destroyed during World War II. During your time here, you'll see several memorials for the landings at Normandy, the Battle for Caen and indeed the Second World War. Afterwards, continue through the Pays d'Auge – an area that seemingly epitomises the Norman countryside. See the charming timber-framed houses of the towns and the Norman cows grazing in the lush green fields as you make your return to the ship for dinner this evening. Day 8. Rouen, Freedom of Choice Inclusions. Today disembark and perhaps join an excursion to the pretty port city of Honfleur, set at the Seine estuary, opposite Le Havre. Here, a tour of the city takes in the cobbled streets, the picturesque port area and Saint- Catherine's Church, the largest wooden church in France. Then enjoy some time at leisure before returning to Rouen. Alternatively, travel a stretch of the Routes des Abbayes (The Norman Abbey Circuit). Visit the grandiose ruins of Jumièges and discover St-Wandrille, the Trappist monastery in Soligny-la-Trappe. During the journey, your local guide will detail the spiritual, intellectual, artistic, political and economic roles that Normandy's abbeys have played since the 5th century. Somme Battlefields English Channel Honfleur Caen 3 Soligny-la-Trappe Coach Cruise BLD Grand City Stay option No. of nights stay Freedom of Choice InclusionsTM Included Sightseeing / FRANCE Jumièges 7MS AMALEGRO Rouen Vernon Paris Les Andelys Giverny NormandyConflans Versailles Seine River FRANCE 3 Paris Beaune 7MS AMADAGIO Rhône River Avignon Arles SEASONAL CRUISING Spring Time Cruising- March – May Autumn Colours September – mid-November Christmas Markets November & December See pages 46-47 for details. 3 BLD Day 9. Les Andelys. Cruising back towards Paris, today's port of call, Les Andelys, is set right on the Seine River and is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful places in all of France. High on a cliff above Les Andelys lie the ruins of Château Gaillard, built between 1196 and 1198 by Richard the Lionheart. On disembarking, you'll enjoy a tour of Les Andelys before heading up to Château Gaillard to tour the ruins and take in the amazing views. Afterwards, re-board your ship and enjoy an afternoon of picturesque cruising. Day 10. Conflans, Freedom of Choice Inclusions. Today, you might like to take an excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise, a commune in the suburbs of Paris in which Vincent Van Gogh spent the final days of his life. Here, take in the sights and scenes that Van Gogh himself saw and often painted during his last years, and pay your respects at the cemetery where he now rests. Alternatively, take a trip to the city of Rueil-Malmaison for a tour of Château de Malmaison, a vast manor house that was once home to General Napoléon Bonaparte. With both groups back on board, take in the lights by the riverside as your ship cruises in to Paris. BLD TRAVEL TO LYON, EMBARK SHIP Day 11. Paris, Disembark, Lyon, Embark Ship. Today disembark the MS AMALEGRO for the last time back in Paris. Journey by coach via Beaune to Lyon and board APT's MS AMADAGIO. Seven Night Stay: APT's luxurious Aria River Ship – the MS AMADAGIO. CRUISING THE RHÔNE AND SAÔNE Day 12. Lyon, Freedom of Choice Inclusions, Trévoux. Today presents you with the unique opportunity to experience Lyon, considered to be the gastronomic centre of France. Perhaps take a city tour or enjoy a cooking demonstration, showcasing the fine art of preparing French cuisine. After lunch, your ship will cruise along the pretty Saône River and you'll enjoy an onboard demonstration of silk-making. On arrival in the historic town of Trévoux, a tour includes a private walk through the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall). BLD Day 13. Trévoux, Beaujolais region, Vienne. This morning's tour will take you through the Beaujolais wine region, the Pays d'Or or 'land of the golden stones' – named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. After visiting the medieval hilltop village of Oingt, head to Pascal Gayot's Domaine de la Logère, a family-owned and run winery. Here, a member of the family will take you on a tour, explain the history of the winery, introduce you to the age-old traditions they employ and host a wine tasting. Afterwards, return to your ship, which will cruise onto the Rhône River, heading for Vienne. Day 14. Vienne, Freedom of Choice BD Inclusions, Tournon. Set between the famed regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne's strong Roman history is highlighted by its well-preserved ruins. After breakfast, take a mini-train tour, during which you'll see the Roman Temple of Augustus and the medieval churches of St Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St Pierre. Barcelona Balearic Sea Perpignan Tournon Viviers Vienne Saône River Trévoux Lyon Grignan PROVENCE Marseille Les Baux de Provence Mediterranean Sea Cannes Monte Carlo 3 Nice MONACO Alternatively, travel to Chateau de Rousillion, an imposing castle, for a tour of the interior courtyard and its rooms. After, enjoy a pottery demonstration then return to your ship for lunch. With both groups back on board, cruise to Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage, towns that face each other across the Rhône. BLD Day 15. Tournon, Freedom of Choice BLD Inclusions, Viviers. This morning, visit a local vineyard on Hermitage hill for a walk among the vines as a specialist explains the wines of the region. After a wine tasting, return to your ship. Alternatively, travel by coach into the Ardèche Mountains and on to Boucieu-le-Roi. Here, enjoy a tour of a family-run goat farm, followed by the chance to sample goat's cheese. Then, after re-boarding your ship for lunch, you'll set out for Viviers. After dinner enjoy a 'ghost walk' through the largely abandoned medieval town or stay on board for a nougat-making demonstration. CRUISE THROUGH PROVENCE Day 16. Viviers, Grignan, BLD Avignon, Freedom of Choice Inclusions. Today begins with a trip to Grignan, perched upon a hill and surrounded by lavender fields. Here, visit a truffle farm for an insight into this unique industry. Head out with the dogs in search of truffles then enjoy a tasting of these delicacies. After, cruise to Avignon, where you may like to take a tour through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Palace of the Popes. Alternatively, visit the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct, before time at leisure in Uzès. www.aptouring.com.au BLD BLD 101 ROMANTIC RIVER SEINE CRUISING P L A T I R I N E E U M S S

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