2014 - APT Europe River Cruising

Enjoy a full day exploring Avignon the Alsatian Wine Route. During a tour here, see half-timbered framed houses; the Germaninfluenced old quarter; the Launch River and more. You'll also enjoy a wine cellar visit and a wine tasting. After dinner tonight, perhaps set out for a stroll in Breisach. BLD Day 13. Speyer. Disembark your ship this morning in Speyer, and explore this quaint medieval town on a guided walking tour. Later, visit a local family for a special morning tea of coffee and cake. Afterwards, travel to Europe's largest private technology museum, the Technik Museum Speyer, which features more than 3,000 exhibits from all areas of technical history. Spread over more than 30,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor space, exhibits include a space shuttle, 60 aeroplanes and more. Later, continue cruising along the Rhine River. BLD Day 14. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice, Koblenz. In Rüdesheim, board the Winzerexpress mini-train and travel to your selected sightseeing activity. Perhaps tour Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to one of Germany's most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments. Alternatively, ride a gondola for views over the Rhine Valley. Or explore the Rhine Valley wine region during a tour and wine tasting at a local winery. Later cruise through the Rhine Gorge, on what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. After dinner tonight, perhaps disembark in Koblenz for a stroll. BLD Day 15. Cochem, Freedom of Choice, Andernach, A Royal Invitation. Arrive in Cochem today, possibly the prettiest 100 town in the Moselle Valley. You may wish to explore the town on a walking tour, then visit the Reichsburg Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the town. Enjoy the fabulous views it offers over the river. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bicycle ride. Afterwards, return to your ship and set off cruising along the Moselle River, a winding and picturesque waterway. Absorb the scenery of the Moselle Valley as you pass landscapes of lush vineyards and rolling hills, then cruise onto the Rhine River. Disembark in the 2,000 year-old town of Andernach and head to the 14th-century Burg Namedy castle for a decadent evening of royal delights. Today, Princess Heide von Hohenzollern has opened the doors of her castle exclusively for APT guests. Enjoy free time to wander about the castle's opulent rooms, hidden nooks and manicured gardens. Later, savour a lavish banquet, prepared especially for APT guests.BLD Day 16. Cologne, Freedom of Choice. Arrive in Cologne today and enjoy a choice of included sightseeing options. Perhaps select from a variety of walking tours, ranging from a historic architecture tour or a chocolate tour. Alternatively, take a picturesque bicycle tour from Bonn to Cologne. BLD Day 17. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice. In Amsterdam today, perhaps take a canal cruise and admire the passing 17th-century homes, churches and merchant houses. Then wander through Amsterdam's famed flower market along the banks of the canal. Or you may like to visit the Van Gogh Museum, home to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. Another option is an excursion to the picturesque village of Zaanse Schans, famous for its traditional Dutch buildings and windmills. Or you may like to take a guided bicycle tour. After a Farewell Dinner tonight, perhaps step out to experience the city's famous nightlife at your leisure. BLD DISEMBARK CRUISE, TRAVEL TO PARIS Day 18. Amsterdam, Disembark Ship, Paris. Disembark your river ship this morning in Amsterdam, where 18 Day (EURCRBA18) & 15 Day (EUCR15) guests depart the tour with a transfer to the airport. Remaining guests will travel by coach through Belgium and across France to Paris. Three Night Grand City Stay: Paris, Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe.B THE ENCHANTING FRENCH CAPITAL Day 19. Paris. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Paris this morning, and see the Avenue des Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Then take a trip to the second level of the Eiffel Tower, where sweeping views over the city skyline await. This evening, enjoy a memorable meal and a spectacular show at the Moulin Rouge, the iconic Parisian cabaret made famous by the paintings of Toulouse-Lautrec. BD Day 20. Paris, Freedom of Choice. Today, explore a different side of Paris during your selected touring activity. Perhaps take a culinary walking tour, visit the historic neighbourhood of Montmartre and see Sacré-Cœur Basilica, or join in on a game of Pétanque. Later, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to discover Paris at your own pace. B Day 21. Depart Paris. You holiday concludes after breakfast this morning, with a transfer to Paris airport for your onward flight. B

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