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15 Day Floriade, Rhine and Rhone Botanical Cruise
APT River Cruise starting in Arles and finishing in Amsterdam
Countries Visited: Holland  Germany  Austria  Czech Republic  Slovakia  Hungary 
APT Platinum SeriesTour Type: River Cruise
Tour Duration: 15 Days (14 Nights)
From: Arles to Amsterdam
Tour Code: BTFRRN15
Operator: APT
from AU $8,145 pp
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River Cruise Description

On this 15 Day, exclusive botanically themed river cruise, take in the spectacular blooms at the sixth Floriade Horticultural Expo in the Netherlands, which only takes place every ten years. You'll see some of Europe's finest gardens and most beautiful sights, all while cruising the beautiful Rhone and Rhine Rivers of Europe aboard a luxury cruise ship.

Highlights of the Rhine

Flowing from the magnificent Swiss Alps and out to sea beyond the Netherlands, the Rhine sweeps through some of the most fascinating towns and beautiful rural
regions in Europe. Wandering the streets of an historic city such as Cologne or Worms, both contenders for the title of Germany’s oldest city, you’ll lose yourself amid vibrant urban landscapes encompassing both the ancient and the new.

Cuisine & Culture along the Rhône

The treasures of the Rhône region are innumerable, so cruising along the river itself is the perfect way to absorb the sights at a relaxed pace. Explore Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, and delve into its past with a city tour. In Avignon, marvel at the grand 14th century edifices standing as testament to the city’s historical significance. Your cruise either begins or culminates at Arles, a Mediterranean city at the mouth of the Rhône delta which features Roman monuments amongst its historical attractions.

River Cruise Highlights

  • Tipping included on cruise and shore excursions
  • Enjoy the services of both local and Botanical guides
  • Attend the sixth Floriade Horticultural Expo in the Netherlands for a full day
  • Enjoy a fascinating guest lecturer program
  • Visit private and iconic gardens
  • Choose your touring in Arles, Avignon, Vienne, Lyon, Breisach, Strasbourg, Worms, Cologne and Arnhem - at no extra cost
  • Explore Arles, home of Vincent Van Gogh
  • See the beautiful Ardèche Mountains and the Black Forest
  • Travel through the Swiss and French Alps
  • Visit the historic town of Arnhem

Finest Dining

  • Enjoy 14 Breakfasts (B), 9 Lunches (L) and 14 Dinners (D)
  • All meals, and wine and beer with lunch and dinner, are included when on board
  • Enjoy a choice of different dining experiences on your river ship

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Day
1
Arrive Arles, Embark
Arrive in Arles today where your botanically themed cruise of the beautiful Rhône and Rhine Rivers begins. Tonight gather with your fellow travellers and friendly crew for a Welcome Dinner and Drinks. Enjoy a lecture on the gardens included on this cruise by the author of ‘Great Gardens of Europe’, Charles Quest-Ritson. (D)
Day
2
Arles, Freedom of Choice Touring, Avignon
This morning, perhaps wander around Arles, exploring independently. Alternatively, take an excursion to the hilltop village of Les Baux to enjoy the rich floral colours and views, plus visit a working olive farm. You may choose to visit Bambouseraie, the biggest and best Bamboo garden in Europe. (B/L/D)
Day
3
Avignon, Freedom of Choice Touring, Provence
Explore Avignon, the ‘City of Popes’ on a guided tour through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Papal Palace. Alternatively enjoy a visit to the gardens of Saint André Abbey or the Jardin de la Louve before continuing north to Viviers. (B/L/D)
Day
4
Viviers
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Grignan, a charming hilltop village, before sailing for Tournon. (B/L/D)
Day
5
Tournon, Boucieu-le-Roi, Vienne
Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Ardèche Mountains, and visit the markets of Boucieu-le-Roi before sailing for Vienne, which has a significant Roman history which is very much in evidence today. (B/L/D)
Day
6
Vienne - Trévoux, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today you have the opportunity to explore Vienne or to visit the Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval. Here, the amazing garden building is considered the most extraordinary folly ever made. Cruise through Lyon to the rural town of Trévoux on the Saône River. (B/L/D)
Day
7
Trévoux, Lyon, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning, tour the Beaujolais wine region and visit a local wine maker before sailing to Lyon. This afternoon you can choose to explore Lyon on your own, visit Parc de la Tête d’Or or enjoy a gastronomic walking tour of Lyon. This evening our special guest lecturer is author Jane Webster who will share her experience of renovating a French chateau in Normandy. (B/L/D)
Day
8
Swiss Alps, Yvoire, Basel
Enjoy a scenic journey from Lyon to Basel today. You can choose to travel directly through the picturesque Swiss Alps, or stop at the beautiful village of Yvoire and visit the award-winning gardens of Le Labyrinthe. Travel the shores of Lake Geneva before arriving in Basel and boarding your luxury river ship for a seven night cruise on the Rhine River. Seven Nights: APT’s luxurious Aria Class ship - the MS Amacello (B/D)
Day
9
Breisach, Freedom of Choice Touring, Colmar
Choose today between a city tour of Colmar or a tour through the famous Black Forest region. Alternatively, enjoy a visit to Insel Mainau, a floral paradise on the shores of Lake Constance. (B/L/D)
Day
10
Strasbourg, Speyer, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning take a tour through the charming medieval town of Strasbourg, and enjoy a canal cruise before sailing for Speyer. Alternatively you can choose a full day tour by coach to the 19th century Schlossgarten Ludwigsburg before rejoining the ship in Speyer. (B/L/D)
Day
11
Speyer, Freedom of Choice Touring, Heidelberg, Worms
Today you have the option to visit the Speyer Technik Museum, which features an amazing collection of aircraft, classic cars, locomotives, fire engines and even a space shuttle. Perhaps visit Heidelberg’s red-walled castle, or else take a trip to Scholofgarten Schwotzingen, an originally designed garden of exceptional size and loveliness representing the Baroque and landscape movements. Tonight we dock in Worms, famous for the white wine, Liebfraumilch. (B/L/D)
Day
12
Koblenz - Cologne, Freedom of Choice Touring
Cruise some of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhine River this morning via Koblenz, before arriving in Cologne. Choose between a tour of the old town of Cologne or a visit to a beautiful private garden. (B/L/D)
Day
13
Floriade 2012
Enjoy a full day exploring the Floriade World Horticultural Expo, which is held once every ten years in the Netherlands. This expo showcases the world’s most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees, fruits and vegetables. We then return to the ship and cruise overnight to Arnhem. (B/D)
Day
14
Arnhem, Freedom of Choice Touring
Disembark in Arnhem today and choose an activity. Visit the Airbourne Museum Hartenstein or the Palace of Het Loo, Piet Oudolf’s famous garden plus Kasteel Rosendael. Alternatively embark on a botanical discovery to Mien Ruys Tuinen’s garden plus Botanische Vijvertuinen Ada Hofaman’s garden. Return to the ship for a Farewell Dinner. (B/D)
Day
15
Depart Amsterdam
We arrive in Amsterdam early this morning where you disembark after breakfast. Transfers to the Amsterdam airport are included. (B)
APT Brochure Itinerary is based on 2012 departures. Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online.

River Cruise Prices

Cruise prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012 APT River Cruise Sale! Save up to $860 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month to apply! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: APT

APT TouringAPT holidays are designed for the premium end of the market and offer quality, first-class experiences. Each holiday presents a mix of cultural activities, luxurious accommodation, world-class dining and more. Many of APT's holidays, include their innovative Freedom Concept™ which allows travellers to choose from a range of touring and dining options. Further, all holidays are operated by a dedicated team of professionals, who ensure each holiday is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.





Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the deck plans, cabin types and more ship information?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on APT including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their cruises. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).

Why should we choose to cruise with APT?

As market leaders, our resources, experience, passion, expertise and proven track record ensure that we're the most reliable cruise operator on Europe's waterways. With a 98% satisfaction rating, and having launched all of our ships on schedule, there's no company more reliable or trustworthy than APT. We promise we'll continue to set the amazing standards for which we are known, making your choice easy. Put simply, APT are Australia and New Zealand's true European river cruising experts.

When will I receive my documents?

Travel documents, including your travel kit (with luggage labels, ticket wallet, personalised itinerary, touring information and travel bag), are sent approximately two to three weeks prior to departure from your home country, provided full payment has been received.

What will our river cruise ship be like?

APT River CruisesEach of our state-of-the-art ships was designed with our valued travellers in mind. Our operation allows us total control in delivering the standards for which we are famous. And with eight ships cruising in 2012 we are able to offer more cruising routes, ships and departures than most other companies. Custom-designed and built in Holland by the world's foremost ship building experts, APT's European river ships signify the evolution of modern river cruising. From the intricate elegance of the interior appointments and the opulence of the suites to the wealth of recreational choice provided in the vessel's public areas, these river ships are truly the finest on Europe's waters. You can find more information on individual ships here. (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).

What is an APT Platinum Sailing?

APT River CruisesOn an APT Platinum Sailing, you'll enjoy special features and inclusions that will enhance what is already an amazing holiday experience. You'll feel as though several elements of the cruise have been designed specifically to meet your own individual interests and expectations, and you'll travel with like-minded APT guests. Throughout our itinerary pages, our special APT Platinum Sailings departures are indicated by this logo. Read more> (Note: This link will NOT take you away from this tour itinerary page).

Are meals included onboard?

All meals are prepared by European chefs and consist of European-style food that has been adjusted for our passengers. On board, enjoy a full buffet breakfast in the restaurant. Lunch offers salads, soups, a choice of mains and dessert. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a selection of mains. Coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day and during meals. Water on board the ships is drinkable. Wine, soft drinks or beer are included with dinner on board. All meals on board are included. Meals are served in the dining room in a single sitting. Open seating allows you to sit at different tables if you wish to meet other fellow passengers.

What are your handicapped facilities like?

Handicapped facilities on board are limited. River cruise vessels are not equipped with wheelchair ramps and hallways and doors may not be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Ships are equipped with an elevator but it does not access all decks (apart from the Sound of Music with no elevator onboard). Additionally, motorcoaches and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions may not be equipped with wheelchair ramps. Any condition requiring special attention must be reported to APT at the time of booking. Facilities and services for passengers with disabilities differ among destinations and, in some cases, may be limited or non-existent. Participants requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a person responsible for and physically able to provide such assistance. Transfers and shore excursions follow a predetermined timetable and thus participants should have no physical impairment(s) that would affect the time schedules or interfere with the rights of other passengers on their holiday. Without limitation, APT and its affiliates are not responsible for any denial of services by airline carriers, cruise vessels, hotels, lodges, coaches, local guides, operators or other independent suppliers.

Are gratuities included??

Gratuities to your Cruise Director and ship crew are included in the tour price.

How do I pay for purchases and services onboard?

For your convenience, all purchases and paid services on board are billed with a guest check and added to your shipboard account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a total, which can be paid with cash or credit card. The ships do not accept payments made by Diners Club cards. The onboard currency is the Euro.

Do you have a share program for singles?

Solo travellers pay only a 50% single supplement on all suite categories from E to P+ on European River Crusies. On Exclusive Sailings we will match up those who are willing to share a suite with another single traveller of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single supplement. If no match is found then single supplements apply.

 

Arrival & Departure Information

Prebooked Transfers

All APT clients travelling on an Exclusive Sailing or Exclusive land tours receive a transfer on the first and last day of the tour. This will be from the airport to/from either the ship or tour hotel. A transfer is not included, though may be purchased, should you be arriving or departing on days other than the first and last day of touring. These additional transfers are only applicable when your pre and/or post tour arrangements are booked with Global Journeys & APT.

On Your Own Transfers

If you have not arranged an arrival transfer with Global Journeys, make your own way to the ship or hotel with the help of the information provided in your itinerary. If you have independent travel arrangements prior to your APT tour and do not have an APT transfer, the Tourist Information office at your arrival city will be able to offer assistance with directions to the ship or hotel. If you transfer to the ship on your own, we recommend you call the ship prior to confirm the ships docking location. The APT Europe Office is available in case of an emergency.


Terms & Conditions:

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Georgie Walpole

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Georgie Walpole
Tour Consultant
Email: georgie@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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