2013 - APT Europe River Cruising

Amsterdam NETHERLANDS 14 Aria or Concerto river ship Rhine River Cologne Koblenz Rüdesheim Kitzingen Coach Cruise Train No. of nights stay Freedom of Choice InclusionsTM Included Sightseeing / Rothenburg GERMANY Wertheim Würzburg Dresden Main River Bamberg Nuremberg 1 CZECH REP. Main-Danube Canal Regensburg Danube River Prague 2 Passau Linz Salzburg AUSTRIA Day 15. Dürnstein, Freedom of Choice Inclusions, Melk. This morning you'll stop in Dürnstein, a small Austrian town set right on the banks of the Danube River. Here, above town, lie the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Disembark your ship and perhaps set off on a guided bicycle ride over a path along the pretty banks of the Danube from Dürnstein to Melk. Alternatively, embark on a walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets that reveal 16th-century townhouses and wine taverns, then re-board your ship and cruise to Melk. On arrival, both groups will then tour the famous Benedictine abbey – Melk Abbey – located high above the town of Melk on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Day 16. Linz, Freedom of Choice Inclusions, Passau. This morning your ship will arrive in Linz. Here, you may like to disembark and travel by coach to Salzburg for a tour of the city's 'Sound of Music' sights, including the Wedding Church, Mirabell Gardens and Great Salzburg Festival Hall. Or you may like to take a day tour to the World Heritage-listed city of Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Alternatively, take a tour of Linz, before enjoying a lovely cruise into Germany and on to Passau. During your cruise, perhaps take in an apple strudel cooking demonstration. THE MAIN-DANUBE CANAL Day 18. Nuremberg, Freedom of Choice Inclusions. Today your ship enters the Main-Danube Canal and arrives at the highest point of the cruise, 435 metres above sea level. Cross Europe's Continental Divide then arrive in Nuremberg, which played a pivotal role for the Nazi Party during World War II. Here, perhaps visit a range of sites from the war or take a medieval tour. Tonight, enjoy a Continental Divide Cocktail Celebration before dinner. BLD BLD THE MEANDERING MAIN RIVER Day 19. Bamberg. Today disembark and travel to World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn't destroyed by bombs during World War II. Here, tour the city's streets with their charming houses and 18th-century mansions. Then, visit a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus and enjoy a local brew compliments of APT, before you continue your cruise, now on the waters of the Main River. BLD Day 20. Kitzingen, Würzburg, BLD Day 17. Regensburg, Freedom of Choice Inclusions. You'll arrive in Regensburg this morning, known as one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, located at the confluence of the Regen and Danube rivers. Here perhaps take a tour of the city's architectural highlights – including the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage-listed city centre and the Porta Pretoria. Alternatively, enjoy a bicycle tour to the 18th-century hillside temple of Walhalla, which honours laudable and distinguished Germans. Freedom of Choice Inclusions. On arrival in Kitzingen, enjoy a special wine tasting event, hosted by a 'Wine Queen' and members of the Aulic Council at Germany's oldest wine cellar, an historic setting in which to sample Franconian wines. Later, cruise to Würzburg where you may like to tour the Residential Palace or perhaps travel to Rothenburg on the Romantic Road. This evening venture back in time as a guest at a special Medieval Banquet on board, followed by a medieval music performance in the Showroom. BLD Day 21. Wertheim, Freedom BLD of Choice Inclusions. In Wertheim today, choose from a bicycle tour or a walking tour. Afterwards, visit Wertheim Castle to learn about the castle's history from a local guide and enjoy a glass of Sekt (a German sparkling wine), as you take in the views out over the Main River. Ceský Krumlov Dürnstein Melk SLOVAKIA Vienna Bratislava Budapest HUNGARY CRUISING THE LEGENDARY RHINE Day 22. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Inclusions, Koblenz. In Rüdesheim this morning, perhaps ride the Winzerexpress mini-train to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where one of Germany's most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments is on display. Alternatively, take a ride in a gondola for views over the Rhine Valley, or perhaps explore the Rhine Valley wine region during a guided tour and wine tasting at a local winery. Afterwards, re-join your ship and cruise through the Rhine Gorge on what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. After dinner this evening, you may have the chance to step out for a stroll through the charming 2,000 year-old city of Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Danube River Czestochowa POLAND Berlin 3 25 GUESTS ON LAND JOURNEYS AVERAGE Warsaw 2 Krakow 2 BLD Day 23. Cologne. This morning you'll continue cruising on to Cologne, Germany's fourth largest city. Here, join a tour that includes city's imposing Gothic cathedral, once the tallest building in the world. Later, rejoin your ship and continue along the Rhine River, bound for the Netherlands. Day 24. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Inclusions, This morning, perhaps take a canal cruise and admire the city from a glass-top boat as you glide past 17th-century homes, churches and 16th-century merchant houses. Or visit the Van Gogh Museum, home to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. Alternatively, tour the National Maritime Museum, which offers great insight into the Netherlands' centuries-long tie to the sea. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board, then perhaps step out to experience the city's nightlife or relax in the Main Lounge. BLD Day 25. Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam. After breakfast, you'll disembark your ship and transfer to the airport. www.aptouring.com.au BLD BLD B 141 EASTERN EUROPE P L A T I R I N E E U M S S

• Cover