Tour Type:River Cruise Tour Duration:15 Days (14 Nights) From:Budapest toAmsterdam Tour Code:EUMCR15 Operator:APT
from AU $5,865 pp
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River Cruise Description
On the most inimitable 15 Day Magnificent Europe tour, relax in the sunshine as lush fields, towering mountains and medieval ruins drift gently by. Leave your cares behind as you bask in the subtly decadent surroundings of our custom-designed river ship. Weave your way from Budapest through five countries to Amsterdam, sailing down the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, stopping to take in the iconic attractions and charming secrets of Europe's heartland.
Included Signature Experiences
Visit the Hungarian State Opera Housein Budapest for an exclusive tour
Visit Albertina palace in Vienna for a Cocktail Reception and a private concert of classical music
Enjoy a unique wine event in Kitzingen
Tour Wertheim Castle and enjoy a glass of Sekt overlooking the Main River
APT Guaranteed Inclusions
Join an expert local guide for a unique cultural experience in up to 15 towns, villages and cities
Tailor your European discovery with a total of 33 included experiences on offer
Transfers, port charges & tipping included – saving you up to $1,710 per couple
Enjoy excursions and entertainment to the value of $2,020 per couple
Freedom of Choice Touring
Vienna – explore Schönbrunn Palace; visit the Fine Arts Museum and the Imperial Treasury; visit the Spanish Riding School and the Imperial Crypt; or tour Bratislava
Dürnstein – enjoy a tour and wine tasting or take a guided ride along the Danube
Passau – take a tour then cruise to Linz; enjoy a trip to Salzburg; or visit Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic
Regensburg – take a guided city tour; or cycle to the temple of W alhalla
Nuremberg – take a medieval tour or see a range of significant World War II sites
Würzburg – tour the Residential Palace or visit the medieval city of Rothenburg
Wertheim – walking tour or bicycle tour
Rüdesheim – visit a mu sical instrument museum; enjoy a winery tour and wine tasting; or take a ride in a gondola
Amsterdam – take a guided canal boat cruise, visit the Van Gogh Museum; or tour the National Maritime Museum
Outstanding Accommodation
Enjoy 14 nights on a luxurious Aria or Concerto class river ship
Arrive Budapest
Be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your river ship. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, before a Welcome Reception this evening. 14 Night Stay: One of APT’s luxurious Aria or Concerto river ships (D)
Day 2
Budapest
On a tour of Budapest, take in such sights as Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle. Then visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a tour, a glass of champagne and a private opera recital. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner. Afterwards, take in the sparkling lights along the river as your ship departs Budapest and cruises through the city. (B/L/D)
Day 3
Vienna
Disembark in the lovely Austrian capital of Vienna today. Enjoy a tour of this historic city followed by coffee and cake at Café Hofburg, set in the inner courtyard of the Imperial Palace. After dinner on board, visit Albertina, a Viennese palace built in 1744 in the Neoclassical architectural style. After a Cocktail Reception, discover why Vienna is famous for its classical music during a private concert. (B/L/D)
Day 4
Vienna, Freedom of Choice Touring
On your second day in Vienna, perhaps visit Schönbrunn Palace for a tour that includes the Carriage Museum within the palace grounds. You may instead choose to explore the Fine Arts Museum then head to the Imperial Treasury, which houses a collection of priceless treasures including the Hofburg Crown Jewels. Alternatively visit Vienna’s famous Spanish Riding School and enjoy a guided tour, then explore the Imperial Crypt, where more than 140 royals from the Habsburg dynasty are buried. Or perhaps take an excursion to Bratislava, the capital of nearby Slovakia, and see some of the key landmarks of the city’s time under Communist rule. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Dürnstein, Freedom of Choice Touring, Melk
This morning stop in Dürnstein, a small Austrian town set right on the banks of the Danube. Here, above town, lie the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Disembark your ship and perhaps set off on a guided bicycle ride along the pretty banks of the Danube from Dürnstein to Melk. Alternatively, embark on a walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets that reveal 16th-century townhouses and wine taverns. Then enjoy a wine tasting before re-boarding your ship and cruising to Melk. On arrival, both groups will then tour Melk Abbey, located high above the town of Melk overlooking the Danube. (B/L/D)
Day 6
Linz, Freedom of Choice Touring, Passau
This morning your ship will arrive in Linz. Here, disembark and perhaps travel by coach to the city of Salzburg for a tour of the city’s ‘Sound of Music’ sights, including the Wedding Church, Mirabell Gardens and Great Salzburg Festival Hall. Or you may like to take a day tour to the World Heritage-listed city of Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Alternatively, take a guided tour of Linz, before re-boarding your ship for a lovely cruise into Germany and on to Passau. During your cruise, perhaps take in an insightful apple strudel cooking demonstration. (B/L/D)
Day 7
Regensburg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Arrive in Regensburg today, located at the confluence of the Regen and Danube rivers. Here perhaps take a tour of the city’s highlights – including the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage-listed city centre and the Porta Pretoria. Or take a bicycle tour to the 18th-century hillside temple of Walhalla, which honours distinguished Germans. (B/L/D)
Day 8
Nuremberg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today your ship enters the Main-Danube Canal and arrives at the highest point of the cruise, 435 metres above sea level. Cross Europe’s Continental Divide then arrive in Nuremberg, which played a pivotal role for the Nazi Party and was thus systematically bombed during World War II. Here, perhaps visit a range of sites from the war. Or take a medieval tour and see the 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and more. Tonight, enjoy a Continental Divide Cocktail Celebration before dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 9
Bamberg
Today disembark and travel to World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed by bombs during World War II. Here, tour the city’s streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. Then, visit a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus and enjoy a local brew compliments of APT, before you continue your cruise, now on the waters of the Main River. (B/L/D)
Day 10
Kitzingen, Freedom of Choice Touring, Würzburg
On arrival in Kitzingen, enjoy a special wine tasting event, hosted by a ‘Wine Queen’ and members of the Aulic Council at Germany’s oldest wine cellar, an historic setting in which to sample Franconian wines. Later, cruise to Würzburg where you may like to tour the Residential Palace o r perhaps travel to Rothenburg on the Romantic Road. This evening venture back in time as a guest at a special Medieval Banquet on board, followed by a medieval music performance in the Showroom. (B/L/D)
Day 11
Wertheim, Freedom of Choice Touring, Freudenberg - Miltenberg
Arrive in Wertheim and enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration by local craftsmen. Then, explore the sights by bicycle, on foot or by water, in a paddling tour of the Tauber River. Afterwards, visit medieval Wertheim Castle for a private tour and a glass of Sekt. (B/L/D)
Day 12
Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
Enjoy a morning of cruising before arriving in Rüdesheim, a great example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Here, disembark the ship and board the Winzerexpress mini-train, which will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum for a tour. Afterwards, re-board the ship and prepare yourself for the cruise along perhaps the most beautiful stretch of the river, through the Rhine Gorge. Head up to the Sun Deck to take in views of the steep slopes covered in vineyards and dotted with ancient castles and castle ruins. Cruise past the pretty villages of Boppard and St Goarshausen, among others, as well as legendary Lorelei Rock. The ship arrives in Andernach late tonight, where it remains moored overnight. (B/L/D)
Day 13
Cologne
This morning, continue cruising towards Cologne, Germany’s fourth largest city. Here, you’ll join a local guide for a tour that includes the city’s imposing Gothic cathedral, once the tallest building in the world. Afterwards, rejoin your ship and continue along the Rhine River, bound for the Netherlands. (B/L/D)
Day 14
Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring
After morning cruising you’ll arrive in Amsterdam and choose from two different activities. You might like to admire the city on a canal boat tour. Or perhaps visit the famous Van Gogh Museum. Following your Freedom of Choice Touring relax or explore further with some free time. Tonight join your fellow travellers for a special Farewell Dinner on board. Afterwards, perhaps head in to town to absorb the nightlife. (B/L/D)
Day 15
Amsterdam, Disembark Ship
After breakfast this morning, you’ll disembark the ship and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Itinerary is based on 2013 departures. Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. 2012 itinerary may differ from above.
River Cruise Prices
Cruise prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012/13 APT River Cruise Sale! Save up to $1,340 per couple PLUS add APT's own Superdeal Savings! Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month to apply!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
Note:
All departures above are guaranteed to depart. Single prices available, please request.
We will check the availability of your departure in your quote along with all applicable cruise specials.
2012 Fly FREE Oct, Nov & Dec Departures Only
Fly FREE to Magnificent Europe Including Taxes
Guaranteed lowest prices in Australia! We will combine the Fly FREE APT deal below & OUR PRICE to your quote. Terms & Conditions apply.
Note:
All departures above are guaranteed to depart. Single prices available, please request.
We will check the availability of your departure in your quote along with all applicable cruise specials.
Guaranteed lowest prices in Australia! We will combine the applicable APT 2013 Superdeal below & OUR PRICE to your quote.
View APT Superdeals by clicking on the icon on the left. Terms & Conditions apply.
Fly Free To Europe (including air taxes) Cat E & D
Fly Free To Europe (excluding air taxes) Cat C, B & A
Air Credits From $850 - $1,000pp (Cat T. T+, P, P+ & Owners Suites)
2013 Earlybird Offers Expire 30 September or until sold out
The information below relates to this itinerary only.
Tour Operator: APT
APT 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.
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).
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.
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.
Each 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).
On 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.