Tour Type:River Cruise Tour Duration:21 Days (20 Nights) From:Barcelona toParis Tour Code:EURCRBP21 Operator:APT
from AU $10,050 pp
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River Cruise Description
Cruise over the Rhone, Rhine and Moselle rivers in one unique holiday experience. Discover Barcelona before joining your cruse in Arles to Lyon. Board your second ship and continue to Amsterdam.
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
Enjoy a dinner cruise and tour in Paris
Explore the Technik Museum Speyer
Enjoy a cheese tasting in Gruyeres
Visit an olive farm in Les Baux
Tour the impressive private collection of antique cars of the Prince of Monaco
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 a total of 43 included experiences on offer
Transfers, port charges & tipping included – saving you up to $1,770 per couple
Enjoy excursions and entertainment to the value of $2,150 per couple
Freedom of Choice Touring
Barcelona – enjoy a city tour; a photography tour; or a Flamenco class
Arles – visit Les Baux de Provence then explore a working olive mill and farm, or visit the olive farm then tour Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum
Avignon – tour the Palace of the Popes; or see the Pont du Gard and visit Uzès
Tournon – enjoy a wine tour and tasting on Hermitage hill or visit a family-run goat farm at Boucieu-le-Roi
Vienne – enjoy a tour by mini-train or visit Chateau de Rousillion for a tour and a pottery demonstration
Lyon – enjoy a city tour or a French cooking demonstration
Breisach – take an excursion to Colmar in France or the Black Forest in Germany
Rüdesheim – visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; enjoy a winery visit and tasting; or ride a gondola for views of the Rhine Valley
Cochem – explore the town on a guided bicycle ride or a walking tour
Amsterdam – take a guided canal boat cruise, visit the Van Gogh Museum; or tour the National Maritime Museum
Paris – enjoy a city tour; a cooking class; a photography tour; or visit Versailles
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
Outstanding Accommodation
Enjoy a three -night Grand City Stay at Le Méridien Barcelona
Arrive Barcelona
Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure, before a Welcome Reception. Three Night Stay: Barcelona, Le Méridien
Day 2
Barcelona, Freedom of Choice inclusions
After breakfast, perhaps embark on a city tour, taking in the World Heritage-listed Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, a large Roman Catholic church that was designed by the famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Alternatively, enhance your photography skills and learn where the best viewpoints of the city are during a guided photography tour. The more energetic, meanwhile, may like to participate in a fun flamenco class. On your return to the city centre this evening, indulge in a wonderful Paella Welcome Dinner. (B/D)
Day 3
Barcelona
Enjoy a full day to explore sunny Barcelona at leisure. Later, you may like to join an optional dinner show featuring flamenco dancers (own expense). (B)
Day 4
Barcelona, Arles, Embark
Today travel to southern France and on to the medieval town of Perpignan. After a stop here, continue on to Arles and board your luxury river ship. Tonight, enjoy the Captain's Gala Welcome Dinner. Seven Nights: APT’s luxurious Aria Class ship - the MS AmaDagio (B/D)
Day 5
Arles, Freedom of Choice Touring, Avignon
This morning, you may like to visit Les Baux de Provence, one of most beautiful villages in France. Here, enjoy a tour of the castle followed by free time to explore at leisure. Then visit Moulin du Calanquet, a working olive mill and farm in Saint-Rémy de Provence. Here, you'll discover the age-old Provençal tradition of olive growing and during a tour that's followed by a tasting. Or tour the olive farm first then visit Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Van Gogh, self-admitted, spent many of his latter years in the late 1890s. Both groups will then embark on a tour taking you to Arles' Roman relics, such as the Baths of Constantine, the Romanesque Cathedral and more – collectively listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. (B/L/D)
Day 6
Avignon, Freedom of Choice Touring, Viviers
In Avignon, perhaps take a tour through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Palace of the Popes, which served as a fortress, a church and a residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world. Alternatively, visit Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that was built to carry millions of gallons of water to the fountains, baths and homes of Nîmes. You’ll then enjoy time at leisure in Uzès. After your activity, enjoy lunch on board before cruising to Viviers. This evening, enjoy a ‘ghost walk’ through the largely abandoned medieval town that once had more than 30,000 inhabitants. Alternatively, stay on board and take in a nougat demonstration. (B/L/D)
Day 7
Viviers, Grignan, Tournon
This morning embark on an excursion to Grignan, perched upon a hill 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. Re-board your ship for lunch as it cruises to Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage, twin towns that face each other across the Rhône River. With your ship docked overnight, you may like to step out after dinner and go for a stroll at leisure. (B/L/D)
Day 8
T ournon, Freedom of Choice Touring, Vienne
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 the town of Vienne. On arrival here, you may opt to go for a post-dinner stroll. (B/L/D)
Day 9
Vienne, Freedom of Choice Touring, Trévoux
Set between the famed regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne's strong Roman history is highlighted by its well-preserved ruins. Here, after breakfast, perhaps 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 for a tour followed by a pottery demonstration. With both groups back on board for lunch, cruise along the Saône River to the small and historic town of Trévoux, where this evening you’ll enjoy a walking tour. (B/L/D)
Day 10
Beaujolais Region, Lyon, Freedom of Choice Touring
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 and shed light on the age-old traditions they employ to produce their wine. Afterwards, enjoy a wine tasting, then return to your ship and continue to Lyon, the gastronomic centre of France. On arrival, perhaps take a city tour or enjoy a demonstration on French cuisine. (B/L/D)
Day 11
lyon, Disembark, Basel, embark ship
After breakfast, disembark the MS AmADAgio for the last time in Lyon. Journey via beautiful Lake Geneva 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. Afterwards, continue to Basel in Switzerland. Seven Nights: APT’s luxurious Aria Class ship - the MS AmaCello (B/D)
Day 12
Breisach, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, on arrival in the Rhine Valley town of 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, situated along 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. After dinner tonight, perhaps set out for a stroll in Breisach(B/L/D)
Day 13
Speyer
Disembark your ship today for a guided tour of Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities. Afterwards, travel to Europe’s largest private technology museum, the Technik Museum Speyer, which features more than 3,000 exhibits from all areas of technical history. Spread over more than 30,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor space, exhibits include a space shuttle, Boeing 747, more than 300 classic cars, the largest permanent Formula-1 exhibition in Europe, 60 aeroplanes and more. Later, re-board your ship and enjoy another delicious dinner on board as your ship continues cruising along the Rhine River. (B/L/D)
Day 14
Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring, Koblenz
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 Rhine Valley winery where you'll enjoy a tour and tasting. Later cruise through the Rhine Gorge, on what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine, to Koblenz. After dinner tonight, perhaps disembark for a stroll. (B/L/D)
Day 15
Cochem, Freedom of Choice Touring
Arrive in Cochem today, possibly the prettiest town in the Moselle Valley. Explore the town on either a walking tour or a bicycle ride, then enjoy a visit to Reichsburg Cochem, a castle that's perched on a hill overlooking the town. After a tour of the castle, absorb views out over the river before returning to your ship, which will cruise back up the Moselle River, a truly picturesque waterway. Absorb the scenery of the Moselle Valley as you pass landscapes of lush vineyards and rolling hills. (B/L/D)
Day 16
Cologne
This morning disembark in Cologne, founded by the Romans in 38 BC and today Germany’s fourth largest city. Here, join a local guide for a sightseeing tour that includes the city’s imposing Gothic cathedral, once the tallest building in the world. Following the tour, rejoin your ship and continue cruising along the Rhine River, bound for the Netherlands. (B/L/D)
Day 17
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 18
Amsterdam, Disembark Ship - Paris
After breakfast today, disembark the ship and travel to Paris and check in to your hotel, before the remainder of the day is free. Three Night Stay: Hilton Arc de Triomphe (B)
Day 19
Paris Sightseeing, Freedom of Choice Touring
After breakfast, discover the sights and attractions of the French capital with a choice of activities. Perhaps take a sightseeing tour, including the famous Avenue des Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, where you’ll ascend to the second level to enjoy amazing views out over the Paris skyline . Alternatively, you could opt to discover French cuisine during a cooking class, or learn about photography during a tour designed to help you take the perfect photograph of Paris. An excursion to Giverny, the picturesque village that was once the home and inspiration of celebrated Impressionist artist Claude Monet, is another option. Tonight, enjoy a lovely Welcome Dinner cruise along the Seine River for a unique look at the city. Afterwards, embark on a Paris Illuminations Tour and see why Paris is known as the City of Light. Learn about the city’s fascinating history as you tour the boulevards with their animated cafés and brilliantly illuminated monuments and squares. (B)
Day 20
Paris at Leisure
Today is yours to relax or further explore Paris at your leisure. This evening, discover why Paris is known as the City of Light during a Farewell Dinner cruise along the beautiful Seine River, followed by a Paris Illuminations Tour. Learn about the city’s history as you tour the boulevards with their illuminated monuments and squares. (B/D)
Day 21
Depart Paris
After breakfast your tour concludes and you are 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 $2,080 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 Europe River Cruise SuperDeal Savings
EXCLUSIVE - Our Best Price Above PLUS APT's Superdeal Savings Below!
Guaranteed lowest prices in Australia! We will combine the applicable APT Superdeal below & OUR PRICE to your quote.
View APT Superdeals by clicking on the icon on the left. Terms & Conditions apply.
Fly Business Class Return From $1,995 Per Person
Fly Free To Europe (including air taxes)
Companion Fly Free To Europe
Superdeal Savings - Up to a further $1,000 per couple off.
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.
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.
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 
