2014 - APT Europe River Cruising

Begin your resplendent journey across France with a Grand City Stay in the glamorous Monte Carlo Abbey Circuit). Visit the grandiose ruins of Jumièges and discover the beautiful abbey of Saint-Wandrille. During the journey, your guide will detail the spiritual, intellectual, artistic, political and economic roles that these abbeys have played since the fifth century. After your chosen activity, rejoin your ship. BLD Day 16. Les Andelys. Cruising back towards Paris, today's port of call is the charming Les Andelys. Situated right on the Seine River, this village is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful places in all of France. Here, a riverside stroll offers lovely views of the Seine Valley, centuries-old half-timbered houses and the ruins of Château Gaillard, perched high on a cliff above the town. The more active may like to tour the ruins of Château Gaillard, a historic castle that was built between 1196 and 1198 by Richard the Lionheart, then the Duke of Normandy as well as the King of England, who established the fortress to protect his Duchy. Afterwards, you'll re-board your ship and settle in for an afternoon of particularly picturesque cruising. BLD Day 17. Conflans, Auvers-sur-Oise OR Rueil-Malmaison. Today, perhaps enjoy an 120 excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise, a commune in the north-western suburbs of Paris that was home to several Impressionist painters including Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro and Vincent Van Gogh. Here, visit several sites associated with their work including the house of Dr Gachet, a famous subject of Van Gogh, as well as the Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh spent the final days of his life. Alternatively, head to the city of Rueil-Malmaison and tour Château de Malmaison, a vast manor house that was once home to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Explore both the interior of the house and the gardens, then return to your ship. With both groups then back on board, take in the lights along the river as you cruise along the Seine and back in to Paris. BLD DISEMBARK CRUISE IN PARIS Day 18. Disembark, Paris. After breakfast this morning, disembark your ship in Paris. 15 Day (EUSP15) guests depart the tour with a transfer to the airport. Remaining guests transfer to their hotel in central Paris, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. 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 the French capital today. See the Avenue des Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe, and take a trip to the second level of the Eiffel Tower, where sweeping views over the city skyline await. Tonight, enjoy a memorable meal and a spectacular show at the resplendent Moulin Rouge. Delight in a once-in-a-lifetime evening at the iconic Parisian cabaret, captured by the famous paintings of the celebrated artist, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. D B Day 20. Paris, Freedom of Choice. Today, explore a different side of Paris during your selected touring activity. Perhaps explore the secrets of French cuisine on a culinary walking tour, or visit the historic neighbourhood of Montmartre and see Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Alternatively, join in on a game of Pétanque, a favourite with the locals. Then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps go for a stroll along the boutique-lined boulevards, sip coffee in the Latin Quarter, or wander along the famous Rue Mouffetard. B Day 21. Depart Paris. After breakfast, your tour concludes with a transfer to the airport. B

• Cover