2014 - APT Europe River Cruising

Loch Ness 1 Aviemore Loch Lomond 2 Glasgow Blair Castle 2 Edinburgh Coach Cruise Air (included) No. of nights stay Freedom of ChoiceTM Inclusions / Included Sightseeing Durham IRELAND Athlone 1 Dingle Peninsula 2 Killarney Lake District 1 Dublin 2 Limerick 1 Waterford St David 2 York Chester 1 UNITED StratfordKINGDOM 1 upon-Avon Bristol 2 Bath Day 8. Loch Ness, Loch Lomond. Take a scenic drive along the shores of Loch Ness today, and stop to visit Urquhart castle. Later, explore the stunning Glen Coe, known also as the 'Glen of Weeping'. Continue to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park – Scotland's first national park. Settle in to the luxurious Cameron House, a stunning five-star Scottish baronial mansion on the banks of Loch Lomond. This Highlands bastion of luxury is legendary for its Scottish hospitality. Two Night Stay: Loch Lomond, Cameron House. BD Day 9. Loch Lomond, Freedom of Choice. This morning, perhaps enjoy a private cruise along the calm waters of Loch Lomond, the biggest lake in Great Britain. During your cruise, see the stunning Ben Lomond and marvel at the scenic panorama. Alternatively, you may wish to participate in the ancient art of archery, where you'll find hitting the target is a quickly acquired skill. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day to relax or explore at your leisure. BD 1 London 1 NETHERLANDS GERMANY Amsterdam 14 Concerto River Ship Rhine Cologne River Andernach Würzburg Main River Rüdesheim . Bamberg CZECH REP Miltenberg Ceský Krumlov Rothenburg Dürnstein Nuremberg Passau Vienna SLOVAKIA Regensburg Budapest Vilshofen Linz Melk Bratislava Salzburg Danube River AUSTRIA HUNGARY Day 11. Lake District, Chester. Board a cruise this morning on Lake Windermere and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Continue to Chester, the historic town on the River Dee. Once the largest Roman fortress in Britain, Chester's charm throughout the ages makes it one of the country's most interesting medieval cities. Upon arrival, join a walking tour and see its Roman ruins, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the medieval two-tiered shopping arcades called the 'Rows'. Stay: Chester, The Chester Grosvenor. BD Day 12. Bodnant Garden, Dublin. Travel into Wales today, and enjoy a relaxing time exploring the acclaimed Bodnant Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK. Spanning some 80 acres above the River Conwy, stroll along its terraced gardens and informal lawns. Later, take the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin. Two Night Stay: Dublin, Conrad Dublin. B Ireland – THE EMERALD ISLE Day 13. Dublin, Freedom of Choice. Few cities wear its history on its sleeve like Dublin, and on a city tour this morning, your guide will show you the best of the Irish capital. As you explore Dublin's Georgian architecture, you'll see Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, St Stephen's Green and Temple Bar. Later this afternoon, perhaps enjoy a tour of Trinity College, and see the eighth-century Book of Kells in the Old Library. Or you may wish to visit the Guinness Storehouse, home of the distinctive dark stout, and learn how to 'pull the perfect pint'.BD Day 14. Irish National Stud, Athlone. This morning, travel to the Irish National Stud, home to some of the most magnificent horses and inspiring gardens. Tour the estate, then continue to the town of Athlone. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of Athlone Castle, a Norman stronghold built in the 13th century. Stay: Athlone, Sheraton Athlone Hotel. B Day 15. Bunratty Castle, Limerick, Killarney. Visit Bunratty Castle this morning, an exceptionally complete medieval castle and fortress. The ancient stronghold has been restored with period-appropriate furniture, stained glass, luxurious tapestries, and other art. Then continue to Limerick, overlooking the River Shannon. Enjoy a city tour, then visit King John's Castle, a stern riverside fortress that's the centrepiece of Limerick's historic area. Later this evening, return to Bunratty Castle for a night of revelry, fine food and wine. After a mead (honey wine) reception, delight in a candle-lit medieval banquet in the castle's Great Hall, accompanied by Irish folk music and world-class entertainment. Two Night Stay: Killarney, Muckross Park. BD Day 16. Dingle Peninsula. Set out today and follow the south shore of the Dingle Peninsula, once cited as 'the most beautiful place on earth' by National Geographic magazine. Visit the town of Dingle, a long-established fishing community, then drive to Slea Head, the westernmost tip of mainland Ireland. Enjoy excellent views as you learn about the culture and heritage of this Gaelic-speaking region. B www.aptouring.co.nz BRITISH ISLES Day 10. Glasgow, Lake District. Head to Glasgow and enjoy a tour of Scotland's largest city. Declared the European City of Culture, you'll see George Square, the Western Necropolis and the architecture of acclaimed artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Later, visit New Lanark, a restored 18th-century cotton mill village, then continue to the picturesque Lake District, whose natural beauty inspired the poetry of Wordsworth. Stay: Lake District, B Macdonald Leeming House. For pricing see overleaf Castle Howard 145

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