2013 - APT Europe River Cruising

Botanica Garden & Gourmet Holidays Cruising & Touring with APT's sister company – Botanica Designed for like-minded gardening and gourmet enthusiasts, Botanica's European experiences take in stately homes, stunning landscaped gardens and iconic attractions. Revealing the ways in which different gardeners use their landscapes, they are sure to inspire, motivate and challenge you in your own horticultural endeavours. Welcome to Botanica Botanica founder and co-owner Judy Vanrenen invites you to join her on exclusive botanical sailings and land journeys across Europe. On all of our Botanica European holidays you'll have the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the company of like- minded travellers who share a botanical interest. Moreover, the custom-designed river ships and small ships that Botanica presents are the newest and most innovative on the waterways – providing the perfect complement to your discovery of the stunning gardens and iconic sights of the region you're in. Book Two Land Tours & Save If you book and combine any two Botanica land tours you will receive a $500 per person, $1,000 per couple discount. See pages 196-197 for conditions. Quality Accommodation During your land journeys across England, France and Italy, Botanica has carefully chosen comfortable and friendly hotels that boast a central location and exceptional service. Designed to bring the elegance and amenities of a five-star hotel to the water, our ships offer truly luxurious accommodation. In addition to all the comforts you'd expect from a boutique hotel, both the MS AMAVERDE and the MS Island Sky offer you a new and visually sumptuous setting every day. The tranquil waters of the Rhine and Danube rivers, as well as the coastal splendour of the British Isles, will forge a resplendent backdrop to your journey. Small Groups – More Personalised Discovery On Botanica's intimate land journeys and during our small ship cruises, you'll travel in small groups of like-minded people. Europe's Impressive Gardens On our European journeys, you'll enjoy the romance of exploring medieval villages, and staying in the heart of each destination. We have selected a diverse range of European gardens to visit. Styles vary from Renaissance to Rococo, formal to casual, intimate to grand, but you can be assured that they all have something different to offer. As you view them, you'll discover the historical importance of European gardens. Cruising the British Isles Wander the grounds and gardens of 16th-century Crathes Castle near Aberdeen; visit one of Scotland's premier gardens, Inverewe, in the Scottish Highlands; explore Mount Stewart, a famous 18th-century house and garden in Northern Ireland; and experience the quaint villages lining Britain's rugged coast on a memorable small-ship expedition. Please note: Botanica's inclusions and benefits may be different to APT.

• Cover