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15 Day Moselle, Rhine and Rhone
APT River Cruise starting in Amsterdam and finishing in Arles
Countries Visited: France  Belgium  Holland  Germany  Switzerland 
APT Platinum SeriesTour Type: River Cruise
Tour Duration: 15 Days (14 Nights)
From: Amsterdam to Arles
Tour Code: EURC15
Operator: APT
from AU $6,365 pp
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River Cruise Description

New for 2012! Join APT and cruise over both the Rhine and Rhone rivers in one unique holiday starting in Amsterdam and finishing in Arles.

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.

Included Signature Experiences

  • Explore the Technik Museum Speyer
  • Enjoy a cheese tasting in Gruyères
  • Visit an olive farm in Les Baux

Freedom of Choice Touring

  • In Amsterdam, touring options include a canal cruise, a visit to the Van Gogh museum or a Wetlands Safari canoe tour
  • From Cologne, travel to Venlo and see the 2012 Floriade Horticultural Expo, or visit historic Maastricht
  • In Rüdesheim, visit a unique museum, enjoy a gondola ride or take part in a wine tasting at a Rhine Valley winery
  • At Breisach, take an excursion to Colmar in France, or to Germany’s Black Forest
  • In Lyon, enjoy a city tour or a French cooking demonstration
  • Enjoy a choice of gourmet-themed tours in Tournon, where you can sample wines or goat’s cheese
  • In Avignon, visit the Papal Palace and enjoy a city tour, or see the impressive Pont du Gard aqueduct

APT Guaranteed Inclusions

  • Join an expert local guide for a unique cultural experience in up to 20 towns, villages and cities
  • Tailor your European discovery with plenty of included experiences on offer
  • Transfers, port charges & tipping included

Cruising Highlights

  • Cruise past castles, quaint villages and fertile fields along the River Rhine
  • Cruise through the magnificent Rhine Gorge, a World Heritage-listed site
  • Absorb the beautiful scenery of the Rhône River and Moselle River valleys

Finest Dining

  • Enjoy 14 Breakfasts (B), 12 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
  • Take part in the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner on your second night of cruising

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Day
1
Arrive Amsterdam, Embark
Arrive at Amsterdam and board your river ship. Seven Nights: APT’s luxurious Aria Class ship - the MS Amacello (D)
Day
2
Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, visit the Van Gogh Museum or take a canal cruise and admire the city's wonderful architecture from a glass-top boat . Alternatively, tour the National Maritime Museum, offering a look at the Netherlands’ centuries-long tie to the sea. After your activity, travel via the windmill depicted in Rembrandt’s famous 1641 etching then rejoin your ship and set off cruising along the Rhine. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Wel come Dinner. (B/L/D)
Day
3
Cologne, Koblenz
This morning join a local guide for a tour of Cologne, Germany’s fourth-largest city. Among other attractions, see the city’s cathedral, once the world’s tallest building. Then re-board your ship for lunch and an afternoon of cruising along the Rhine to the 2,000 year-old city of Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle. After dinner, perhaps step out for a pleasant evening stroll around this charming city. (B/L/D)
Day
4
Cochem, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today you'll disembark in the German town of Cochem, possibly the prettiest town in the beautiful Moselle Valley. Explore the town on either walking tour or a guided bicycle ride. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to Reichsburg Cochem, a castle that's perched on a hill overlooking the town. Take in the beautiful sweeping views out over the river then return to your ship before it sets off cruising back up the Moselle River, a winding and picturesque waterway. Absorb the scenery of the spectacular Moselle Valley as you pass landscapes of lush vineyards and rolling hills. (B/L/D)
Day
5
Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today cruise through the Rhine Gorge on what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. On arrival in Rüdesheim, perhaps board the Winzerexpress mini-train and travel to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum for a tour. Alternatively, take a ride in a gondola for views over the Rhine Valley, or visit a local winery where you'll enjoy a tour and tasting. (B/L/D)
Day
6
Speyer
Disembark your ship this morning for a brief sightseeing tour of Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities. Afterwards, travel to Europe’s largest private technology museum, the Technik Museum Speyer, which is spread over more than 30,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor space and features more than 3,000 exhibits from all different areas of technological history. (B/L/D)
Day
7
Breisach, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today in Breisach, choose from two options. The first, an excursion to the Black Forest in Germany, will take you by coach through a lovely scenic forested area, past a number of lakes as well as several brilliant examples of rural German architecture. You'll also visit a quaint little cuckoo clock factory before returning to your ship. Your second option is a trip to the medieval city of Colmar, located on the Alsatian Wine Route. During a tour here, see half-timbered framed houses; the German-influenced old quarter; the Launch River and more. You'll also enjoy a wine cellar visit and wine tasting. With both groups back on board, your ship departs for Switzerland. (B/L/D)
Day
8
Basel, Disembark Ship, Lyon, Embark Ship
Disembark the MS AmACello for the last time in Basel, set at the crossroads of Germany, Switzerland and France. Long an important university, banking and trade centre, Basel’s past is still evident in its medieval town hall and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. After a tour, travel to the medieval cheese-making town of Gruyères. On arrival, visit a cheese factory for a tour and a tasting of the delicious, richly-flavoured cheese that makes the town so famous. After, continue to Lake Geneva, where you'll stop to absorb some truly breathtaking views. Later, arrive in Lyon and board APT’s MS AmaDagio . Seven Nights: APT’s luxurious Aria Class ship - the MS AmaDagio (B/D)
Day
9
Lyon, Freedom of Choice Touring, Trévoux
Today presents you with the unique opportunity to experience Lyon, considered to be the gastronomic centre of France. Perhaps take a city tour or enjoy a cooking demonstration, showcasing the fine art of preparing French cuisine. After lunch, your ship will cruise along the pretty Saône River and you'll enjoy an onboard demonstration of silk-making. On arrival in the historic town of Trévoux, a tour includes a private walk through the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall). (B/L/D)
Day
10
Trévoux, Beaujolais Region,Vienne
This morning’s tour will take you through the Beaujolais wine region, the Pays d’Or or 'land of the golden stones' – named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. After visiting the medieval hilltop village of Oingt, head to Pascal Gayot’s Domaine de la Logère, a family-owned and run winery. Here, a member of the family will take you on a tour, explain the history of the winery, introduce you to the age-old traditions they employ and host a wine tasting. Afterwards, return to your ship, which will cruise onto the Rhône River, heading for Vienne. (B/L/D)
Day
11
Vienne, Freedom of Choice Touring, Tournon
Set between the famed regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne's strong Roman history is highlighted by its well-preserved ruins. After breakfast, take a mini-train tour, during which you’ll see the Roman Temple of Augustus and the medieval churches of St Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St Pierre. Alternatively, travel to Chateau de Rousillion, an imposing castle, for a tour of the interior courtyard and its rooms. After, enjoy a pottery demonstration then return to your ship for lunch. With both groups back on board, cruise to Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage, towns that face each other across the Rhône. (B/L/D)
Day
12
Tournon, Freedom of Choice Touring, Viviers
This morning, visit a local vineyard on Hermitage hill for a walk among the vines as a specialist explains the wines of the region. After a wine tasting, return to your ship. Alternatively, travel by coach into the Ardèche Mountains and on to Boucieu-le-Roi. Here, enjoy a tour of a family-run goat farm, followed by the chance to sample goat’s cheese. Then, after re-boarding your ship for lunch, you'll set out for Viviers. After dinner enjoy a ‘ghost walk’ through the largely abandoned medieval town or stay on board for a nougat-making demonstration. (B/L/D)
Day
13
Viviers, Grignan, Avignon, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today begins with a trip to Grignan, perched upon a hill and surrounded by lavender fields. Here, visit a truffle farm for an insight into this unique industry. Head out with the dogs in search of truffles then enjoy a tasting of these delicacies. After, cruise to Avignon, where you may like to take a tour through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Palace of the Popes. Alternatively, visit the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct, before time at leisure in Uzès. (B/L/D)
Day
14
Avignon, Arles, Freedom of Choice Touring
From Arles, perhaps head to Les Baux de Provence for a tour of the castle and free time. Then visit Moulin du Calanquet, an olive mill and farm in Saint-Rémy de Provence. Discover the Provençal tradition of olive growing during a tour and tasting. Or tour the olive farm first then visit Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Van Gogh, spent many of his latter years. After your activity, see a number of Arles' Roman relics that are collectively listed as World Heritage sites. Back on board, tonight take part in the Captain's Farewell Dinner. (B/L/D)
Day
15
Arles, Disembark Ship
Your tour ends today and you are transferred to the airport after breakfast. (B)
APT Brochure 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 $1,440 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.

20122013

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:

Yep, all the boring small print! Click here to read APT's Terms & Conditons. Please also read Global Journeys Terms & Conditions if you haven't already.

 

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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RüdesheimSiegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument MuseumLyonReichsburg Castle
 
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