2014 Europe River Cruising, We invite you on The Royal Experience.
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See the Basilica di Santi Mari del Fiore (the Duomo) during your time in Florence Learn about the family's famous Amarone wine and enjoy a light lunch, then continue to Venice. Upon arrival, transfer by private boat to your hotel on the Island of Venice. Two Night Stay: Venice, Westin Europa & Regina. BL Day 11. Venice. Known to many as the most beautiful city in the world, Venice stretches across 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon. On a guided tour, see the Bridge of Sighs, St Mark's Square and St Mark's Basilica, then visit a Venetian glass factory for a glass-blowing demonstration. Afterwards, take in the elaborate architecture of the city during a gondola ride. This evening, indulge in a memorable three-course Venetian meal on the terrace of the Restaurant La Cusina, set right on Venice's Grand Canal. BD Day 12. Venice, Zagreb. Travel to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of the city, visiting the Stone Gate and the little chapel of Our Lady of the Stone Gate. Stay: Zagreb, Esplanade Zagreb. B TRAVEL TO BUDAPEST, EMBARK CRUISE Day 13. Budapest. Today travel to Budapest, where 14 Day (EULI14) guests spend overnight at the Sofitel Budapest before departing the tour with a transfer to the airport the following morning. Remaining guests transfer to your ship. After dinner on board, take in the lights along the river during an enchanting twilight cruise through Budapest. 14 Night Stay: one of APT's luxurious B Aria or Concerto river ships. Day 14. Budapest. Explore the Hungarian capital on a tour today, then visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a tour, a glass of champagne and a private opera recital. Tonight, enjoy the Captain's Gala Welcome Dinner as your ship departs. BLD 170 Day 15. Vienna. Disembark in Vienna and enjoy a sightseeing tour. After dinner on board, travel to the newly renovated City Palace, a magnificent aristocratic residence in the heart of Vienna. Here, after a Cocktail Reception, enjoy a private concert featuring members of the Mozart Boys' Choir.BLD Day 16. Vienna, Freedom of Choice. On your second day in Vienna, you may like to tour Schönbrunn Palace, or perhaps explore the Fine Arts Museum. Alternatively, visit the Spanish Riding School or enjoy a bicycle tour around the capital. Another option is to take a trip to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. BLD Day 17. Dürnstein, Freedom of Choice, Melk. Disembark in Dürnstein today, where you may like to take a walking tour of Dürnstein before cruising to Melk. Alternatively, perhaps ride a bicycle along the banks of the Danube to Melk. On arrival, both groups will then tour Melk Abbey and enjoy an organ recital. BLD Day 18. Linz, Freedom of Choice, Passau, Vilshofen. From Linz, perhaps take a trip to Salzburg and take a 'Sound of Music' tour; visit Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic; or cruise to Passau for a walking tour. Tonight, enjoy 'Oktoberfest' in Vilshofen, with beer, Bavarian snacks and folk music.BLD Day 19. Regensburg, Freedom of Choice. In Regensburg today, choose from a walking tour of the town, or a bicycle tour BLD to the hillside temple of Walhalla. Day 20. Nuremberg, Freedom of Choice. Cross Europe's Continental Divide and continue to Nuremberg. There, take a World War II tour or a medieval tour, before enjoying a choice of the city's local dining fare. Perhaps sample some Nuremberg beer and sausages, BLD or enjoy fresh gingerbread with coffee. Day 21. Bamberg. Explore World Heritagelisted Bamberg on your choice of a range of walking tours. Later, visit a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus and enjoy the local brew, compliments of APT. BLD Day 22. Würzburg, Freedom of Choice. Perhaps tour Würzburg's Residential Palace and enjoy a wine tasting in a spectacular wine cellar. Or visit the medieval town of Rothenburg and tour its German Christmas Museum. Alternatively, enjoy a bicycle tour. BLD Day 23. Miltenberg. Disembark in Miltenberg, a pretty Franconian town. Today, you'll enjoy a unique village experience and gain insight into daily life as you explore quaint shops and mingle with the locals.BLD Day 24. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice, Andernach, A Night of Royalty. Cruise through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim. Here, tour a mechanical musical instrument museum, take a ride in a gondola for views over the Rhine Valley, or perhaps visit a Rhine Valley winery and enjoy a tasting. Later this afternoon, cruise to Andernach and visit Burg Namedy castle, opened exclusively for APT guests. Explore the grounds at your leisure, before enjoying a banquet dinner. BLD Day 25. Cologne, Freedom of Choice. Explore Cologne today on a walking tour or perhaps take a bicycle tour from Bonn. BLD Day 26. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice. In Amsterdam today, perhaps take a canal cruise, tour the Van Gogh Museum or visit the Zaanse Schans windmill village. After a Farewell Dinner on board, perhaps step out to experience the city's famous nightlife. BLD Day 27. Disembark, Depart Amsterdam. After breakfast, transfer to the airport. B