2017 - APT Europe River Cruising Preview

42 Day 13. Passau, A Royal Invitation, Salzburg, Linz. Today, an exquisite private rail journey aboard the Majestic Imperator reveals the legacy of the once powerful Habsburg Empire as you travel from Passau to Linz. On board your privately chartered train, relax amid luxurious surrounds and savour refreshments while you wind your way through graceful alpine countryside. Disembark in Salzburg where a city tour includes some of the sights from the classic film, The Sound of Music. Re-board the Majestic Imperator and mingle with your fellow passengers as you're entertained by live music en route to Linz. BD Day 14. Melk, Freedom of Choice, Dürnstein. Cruise through the Wachau Valley wine region today. Disembark in Melk for a guided tour of Melk Abbey, one of the world's most famous monastic sites. Or join a local guide for a tour of the town. You may then choose to ride a bicycle along the banks of the Danube River from Melk to Dürnstein, or rejoin your ship and cruise to Dürnstein instead. On arrival, roam Dürnstein's cobblestone lanes at your leisure and perhaps view the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. BLD Day 15. Vienna, A Royal Invitation. Arrive in Vienna, Austria's capital, home to striking architecture, a rich classical musical culture and vibrant cafes. Take in many of the city's most important landmarks during a tour along the Ringstrasse, Vienna's famous ring boulevard officially opened by Emperor Franz Joseph I on May 1, 1865. You'll also enjoy a guided walk to St Stephen's Cathedral. Tonight, your third Royal Invitation awaits at the princely family of Liechtenstein's City Palace in the heart of the city. Attend an exclusive Cocktail Reception and a private concert featuring members of the Mozart Boys' Choir, a full orchestra performing classical masterpieces by Strauss and an operatic recital. BLD Day 16. Vienna, Freedom of Choice. You have a choice of exciting activities to choose from on your second day in Vienna. Perhaps tour Schönbrunn Palace, the former Rococo summer residence of the imperial family. Wander through its lush, manicured gardens and marvel at sculptures representing deities and virtues. Alternatively, join an excursion to Bratislava, the diverse capital of nearby Slovakia. Its mixture of 18th-century Rococo design and communist-era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. Another option is to visit the Spanish Riding School to witness the Lipizzan horses during a morning practice session. BLD Day 17. Budapest. Arrive in Budapest, where a city tour offers a thrilling discovery. See Buda Castle, the Royal Palace, Fisherman's Bastion and more. After a special Farewell Dinner on board this evening, set off on a twilight cruise through the city and be enchanted by the lights of the remarkable Hungarian capital sparkling around you. BLD THE GOLDEN CITY OF PRAGUE Day 18. Budapest, Disembark Ship, Velké Bílovice, Prague. 18 Day (EUMCPB18) guests depart the tour in Budapest with a transfer to the airport. Remaining guests travel to the town of Velké Bílovice for a light lunch in a Czech wine cellar. Arrive later in Prague. Three Night Grand City Stay: Prague, Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel. BL Day 19. Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic lures travellers with its millennia-long history and rich Bohemian culture. Take a trip to Prague Castle, the largest coherent castle complex in the world, and visit Saint Vitus Cathedral. Then stroll over Charles Bridge on the way to the Old Town Square where you'll see one of the city's greatest treasures, the 600-year-old Astronomical Clock. Tonight, a Farewell Dinner awaits at the award-winning La Rotonde restaurant. Set in Art Deco style, you'll be transported back to the 1930s with a dinner accompanied by live contemporary classical music. BD Day 20. Prague. Descendants of the Czech Republic's oldest aristocratic family, the Counts of Sternberg, welcome you to their 18th-century Baroque home, Chateau Jemniste. Explore the fairytale estate on a private guided tour, enjoy a special lunch then watch on in awe as birds of prey free-fly during a falconry display. BL Day 21. Depart Prague. After breakfast, your holiday concludes with a transfer to the airport. B Discover the architectural highlights of Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities www.aptouring.co.nz

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