2014 - APT Europe River Cruising

Indulge in a Michelin-starred dinner at the picturesque Château Neercanne (image courtesy of Etienne van Sloun) Day 13. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice. Today cruise through the Rhine Gorge on what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. On arrival in Rüdesheim, ride the Winzerexpress mini-train to your selected sightseeing activity. Perhaps tour Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to a beautiful collection of automated musical instruments. Alternatively, ride a gondola for views over the Rhine Valley. Or tour the Rhine Valley wine region and enjoy a wine tasting. BLD Day 14. Frankfurt. Today, arrive in Frankfurt, Goethe's hometown and the undisputed financial powerhouse of Germany. Enjoy a guided tour past its soaring skyscrapers and half-timbered medieval houses. BLD Day 15. Speyer, Freedom of Choice. Disembark your ship this morning in Speyer, and explore this quaint medieval town on a guided walking tour. Afterwards, gain an insider's view and visit a local family for a special morning tea of coffee and cake. Later, perhaps tour the medieval university city of Heidelberg, explore the expansive Technik Museum Speyer, or visit the impressive Schwetzingen Castle.BLD DISCOVER THE CROSSROADS OF EUROPE Day 16. Strasbourg, Freedom of Choice. Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, is situated 104 on the Rhine at the German border. Upon arrival here this morning, choose from three sightseeing options. The first is a panoramic city tour that will take you past the Orangery, the town's oldest park; the European Parliament; and the lovely 'La Petite France' neighbourhood. The second is an excursion to the medieval city of Colmar, located on the Alsatian Wine Route. During a tour here, see half-timbered framed houses, the German-influenced old quarter, the Launch River and more. You'll also enjoy a wine cellar visit and a wine tasting. The third option is a visit to the historic spa town of Baden-Baden. Wander about the town's tree-lined avenues, groomed parks and chic boutiques, and perhaps take a dip in its famed thermal pools. BLD Day 17. Breisach, Black Forest. Disembark in Breisach today and explore the famous Black Forest region. Travel by coach past sky-bound pine and birch trees blanketing the mountainsides, a number of magnificent lakes and several brilliant examples of rural German architecture. The birthplace of the cuckoo clock, you'll also visit a quaint little clock factory before returning to your ship. BLD Day 18. Basel, Lucerne. Disembark your river ship this morning in Basel, where 18 Day (EUCDPB18) & 15 Day (EUCD15) guests depart the tour with a transfer to the airport. Remaining guests travel to the Swiss capital, Berne. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this World Heritage-listed city, then continue your journey to Lucerne. Lucerne is the very essence of Switzerland: a picture-perfect town settled on the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by towering alpine mountains. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of this medieval town. Steeped in history, it is full of charming squares and frescoed buildings, including a magnificent 17th-century Renaissance Town Hall, which has been attracting visitors to this region for centuries. Two Night Grand City Stay: Lucerne, Palace Luzern. B Day 19. Lucerne. Today, cruise over the crystal waters of Lake Lucerne. Admire the Swiss countryside at its best, and delight in the surrounding idyllic bays, dramatic fjords, and near-vertical cliffs. Afterwards, ride the steepest cog-wheel train in the world to Mt Pilatus, past meadows carpeted with Alpine flowers, sparkling mountain streams and fascinating rock faces. Atop Mt Pilatus, enjoy lunch with sweeping alpine views. Tonight, perhaps enjoy dinner at Stadtkeller Musik Restaurant, where cow bells, costumes and yodelling will bring your evening to life alongside traditional Swiss fare (own expense).BL Day 20. Lucerne, Depart Zurich. Transfer to Zurich airport for your onward flight (for flights departing after 11.30 am). B

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