Tour Type:River Cruise Tour Duration:36 Days (35 Nights) From:Barcelona toPrague Tour Code:EURCRG36 Operator:APT
from AU $17,855 pp
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River Cruise Description
Enjoy five-star onboard experience that perfectly complements the extraordinary sights you'll discover on the Grand European experience. Start in Barcelona and finish in Prague, 36 days, three cruise ships and countless highlights of the Rhone, Moselle, Rhine, Main and Danube rivers offers a trip like no other.
Included Signature Experiences
See Barcelona from Montjuïc Hill
Tour an olive farm in Les Baux
Discover Gruyères cheese with a tasting
Visit the Speyer Technik Museum
Tour Wertheim Castle and enjoy a sparkling glass of Sekt
Enjoy a unique wine tasting in one of Germany’s oldest wine cellars
Enjoy a drink at a Bamberg Beer Haus
Visit the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest for a private tour, a glass of champagne and a private music recital
Enjoy a private tour of Prague’s Art Nouveau Municipal House
APT Guaranteed Inclusions
Airport transfers and tipping included - saving you up to A$1,680 per couple
Enjoy excursions and entertainment to the value of A$4,590 per couple
Enjoy the services of an APT Tour Director for all land touring
From Koblenz, travel to Venlo and see the 2012 Floriade Horticultural Expo
Freedom of Choice Touring
Visit the Papal Palace in Avignon, or see the famous Pont du Gard
Enjoy a wine tasting or visit a goat farm for a cheese tasting in Tournon
Discover Lyon with a city tour or enjoy a cooking demonstration
Visit Colmar or Germany’s Black Forest
Enjoy a choice of touring in Rüdesheim
In Amsterdam, visit the Van Gogh Museum or take a Wetlands Safari tour
In Wertheim, choose from three options
Choose from two tours in Würzburg
In Nuremberg, choose from a medieval tour or a World War II tour, or see the sights by Segway
Choose from three options in Regensburg
In Passau, take a city tour then cruise to Linz, visit Salzburg or Ceský Krumlov
Take a walking or cycle tour in Melk
In Vienna, visit Schönbrunn Palace, see the Hofburg Crown Jewels, tour the Fine Arts Museum or visit Bratislava
Cruising Highlights
Absorbing the riverside scenery along the majestic Danube River
Traverse the Main-Danube Canal and cross Europe’s Continental Divide
Cruise past castles, quaint villages and fertile fields along the River Rhine
Outstanding Accommodation
In Barcelona, stay three nights at Le Méridien, in the heart of the city
Enjoy 28 nights on luxurious Aria and Concerto Class river ships
Stay three nights at Art Deco Imperial Hotel, Prague
Arrive Barcelona
Be met on arrival in Barcelona and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure, before tonight’s Welcome Reception. Three Night Stay: Barcelona, Le Méridien
Day 2
Barcelona Sightseeing
Today take an incredible tour, including Placa Catalonia, Las Ramblas, and Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, designed by artist and architect Antonio Gaudí, which is still incomplete. Take a funicular ride up Montjuïc Hill and enjoy a private tour of Castello Montjuïc, an ancient fort. Tonight, experience delicious Spanish cuisine with a Welcome Dinner of tapas. (B/D)
Day 3
Barcelona at Leisure
Enjoy a full day to explore Barcelona at leisure. Later, you may like to join an optional dinner show featuring flamenco dancers (own expense). (B)
Day 4
Barcelona, Arles, Embark
Depart Barcelona this morning and head to Arles, calling at Perpignan on the way. On arrival, your cruise of the beautiful Rhône begins. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner and Drinks. Seven Nights: APT’s luxurious Aria Class ship - the MS Amadagio (B/D)
Day 5
Arles, Freedom of Choice Touring, Avignon
In Arles, enjoy a walking tour of the World Heritage-listed Roman sights of the city, and see some of the squares and vistas that inspired the artist Vincent Van Gogh. After lunch on board, take an excursion to the beautiful hilltop village of Les Baux and discover the history of a Provençal tradition with a tour and tasting at a working olive mill and farm. (B/L/D)
Day 6
Avignon, Freedom of Choice Touring, Grignan, Viviers
Today in Avignon, choose from our Freedom of Choice Touring options. Perhaps take a tour to the Papal Palace, which served as a fortress, a church and a residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world. Alternatively, see the incredible Pont du Gard, an impressive aqueduct. After dinner on board, enjoy a ‘ghost walk’ in the largely abandoned town of Viviers. (B/L/D)
Day 7
Tournon, Freedom of Choice Touring
Enjoy a choice of gourmet activities in Tournon today. Visit a goat farm for a tour, and savour goat’s cheese during a tasting, or sample wines at Rhône Valley winery. (B/L/D)
Day 8
Vienne, Freedom of Choice Touring
Cruise to the pretty town of Vienne this morning. Disembark and take a mini train-ride to see the first century Roman Temple of Augustus, and the medieval churches of St Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St Pierre. (B/L/D)
Day 9
Trévoux, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, a morning tour takes you through the beautiful Beaujolais region. Visit a vineyard in this famous wine-producing province and sample the world-renowned Beaujolais wine. (B/L/D)
Day 10
Trévoux, Lyon, Freedom of Choice Touring
Enjoy a walking tour of Trévoux before cruising to Lyon and choosing between a cooking class and a city tour. (B/L/D)
Day 11
Lyon, Basel, Embark
Depart for Basel today. On the way, stop at the beautiful Lake Geneva region, and travel via Gruyères for a tour and tasting of the famous Swiss cheese. Seven Nights: APT’s luxurious Aria Class ship - the MS Amacello (B/D)
Day 12
Breisach, Freedom of Choice Touring Colmar/Black Forest
Today, choose between a city tour of Colmar in France or a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the Black Forest tour, enjoy your drive through a scenic forested area as well as a stop at a cuckoo clock factory and a visit to stunning Lake Titisee. Alternatively, travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route. (B/L/D)
Day 13
Speyer
On arrival in the city of Speyer today, you'll disembark for a brief tour, including a visit to the Technik Museum Speyer, Europe’s largest private technology museum. (B/L/D)
Day 14
Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
In Rüdesheim, enjoy a choice of two exciting touring activities before cruising through the beautiful Rhine Gorge. (B/L/D)
Day 15
Cochem
This morning your ship will leave the Rhine and turn onto the Moselle River, a winding and picturesque waterway. Enjoy a morning of stunning views as the scenery of the spectacular Moselle Valley drifts by. In the town of Cochem, visit Reichsburg Castle and absorb stunning views over the river below. (B/L/D)
Day 16
Koblenz, Cologne, Freedom of Choice Touring
Disembark at Koblenz and take excursion to historic Maastricht, a beautiful historic city with many attractions, in The Netherlands. Rejoin your ship in the ancient city of Cologne. (B/L/D)
Day 17
Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring Today, immerse yourself in the attractions of Amsterdam. Enjoy a photo stop at Rembrandt’s Windmill before exploring the ancient sights and beautiful architecture during a canal cruise along the famous winding waterways of the city. (B/L/D)
Day 18
Amsterdam
Disembark your ship in Amsterdam today and discover Dutch history at the Netherlands Maritime Museum. Stay: Amsterdam, The Sofitel Grand (B/D)
Day 19
Amsterdam
After a morning at leisure, transfer to your ship this afternoon.14 Night Stay: one of APT’s luxurious Concerto River Ships.
Day 20
Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today select your activity from our options in the incredible capital city of The Netherlands. Perhaps take a canal cruise and admire the city’s architecture as you cruise in a glass-top boat past 17th century homes, charming churches and 16th century merchant houses. Alternatively, visit the Van Gogh Museum, which contains the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. Or, take a guided Wetland Safari canoe tour through extraordinary landscapes. After your chosen activity, stop at Rembrandt’s Windmill for a photo opportunity. Rejoin your ship in Utrecht and cruise along the Rhine River. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner on board. (B/L/D)
Day 21
Düsseldorf, Freedom of Choice Touring, Cologne
This morning, return to Düsseldorf and travel to Venlo, where you’ll explore the beautiful displays at the 2012 Floriade World Horticultural Expo. (B/L/D)
Day 22
Rüdesheim
Today cruise through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. In Rüdesheim, tour Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. (B/L/D)
Day 23
Freudenberg, Wertheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
Cruise to Freudenberg and enjoy a fascinating demonstration of glass-blowing on board. In Wertheim, perhaps take a bicycle tour, a walking tour or go for a paddling tour in a canoe or kayak along the Tauber River. Later, enjoy a tour of medieval Wertheim Castle and a glass of Sekt, a sparkling wine. (B/L/D)
Day 24
Würzburg, Freedom of Choice Touring, Kitzingen
In Würzburg this morning, you may like to embark on a tour taking in the Residential Palace and churches. Alternatively, visit medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town on the Romantic Road. This evening, enjoy an exclusive wine tasting event at Germany’s oldest wine cellar in Kitzingen, and a medieval themed dinner back on board your ship. (B/L/D)
Day 25
Bamberg
After breakfast, 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. Later, return to your ship and cruise into the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal is truly a feat of modern engineering. It links the North and Black seas, enabling ships to cross the entire continent. (B/L/D)
Day 26
Nuremberg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Nuremberg played a pivotal role for the Nazi Party and was thus systematically bombed by the British and US air forces during World War II. It went on to act as the host of the Nuremberg Trials. Today, select from three touring options. Perhaps take a World War II tour and visit a range of significant sites from the war, including the famous Courtroom 600. Or take a medieval tour and see the 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the Kaiserburg Fortress and more. The more adventurous may like to see the sights by Segway. At lunch, reboard your ship and continue along the Main-Danube Canal. Today, thanks to the series of stair-step locks, you’ll arrive at the highest point of the cruise, 435 metres above sea level, and cross Europe’s Continental Divide. (B/L/D)
Day 27
Regensburg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Arrive in Regensburg today, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Your touring options include a guided sightseeing tour of the city, a visit to the nearby Audi Museum and Factory, or a guided bicycle tour to the hillside temple of Walhalla. Tonight, enjoy a music performance on board. (B/L/D)
Day 28
Passau, Freedom of Choice Touring, Linz
This morning arrive in Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Here, you’ll disembark and select from our touring options. Perhaps travel by coach to Salzburg and take a tour of the city’s famous ‘Sound of Music’ sights, including the Wedding Church, Mirabell Gardens and Great Salzburg Festival Hall. Then travel by coach to Linz and rejoin your ship. 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 tour of Passau, including a visit to St Stephen’s Cathedral, before enjoying a cruise into Austria and to Linz. During your cruise, witness the culinary art involved in making traditional apple strudels during an onboard cooking demonstration. After dinner tonight, perhaps enjoy an evening stroll through Linz. (B/L/D)
Day 29
Melk, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dürnstein
Cruise through the Strudengau region to the pretty Wachau Valley this morning and take a guided tour of Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. Then perhaps take a guided bicycle ride on a path along the banks of the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein. Alternatively, rejoin your ship and continue to Dürnstein for a walking tour. Afterwards, both groups enjoy an evening of wine tasting. Sample delicious regional Wachau Valley wines. (B/L/D)
Day 30
Vienna, Dine Around Dinner
Disembark in Vienna this morning and enjoy a walking tour of the historic city followed by coffee and a traditional ‘sachertorte’ chocolate cake. This evening, choose from three tantalising dining options. Opt for dinner on board, followed by a Mozart and Strauss concert and a tour of the famous Ringstrasse; enjoy a schnitzel in an Austrian beer garden, or enjoy a dining experience in a traditional Heuriger wine inn. (B/L/D)
Day 31
Vienna, Freedom of Choice Touring
Start your second day in elegant Vienna by selecting from our Freedom of Choice Touring options. Visit Schönbrunn Palace for a tour, explore the impressive collection of artwork at the city’s Fine Arts Museum or the Hofburg Crown Jewels at the Imperial Treasury. Alternatively, you may like to take an excursion to nearby Bratislava in Slovakia, for a tour taking in the landmarks of the former Communist regime. (B/L/D)
Day 32
Budapest
Still on the Danube River, arrive in Budapest, the romantic Hungarian capital. Disembark for a tour that includes the city’s most impressive sights. In the afternoon, exclusive to APT, visit the Hungarian State Opera House. Absorb the grandeur of the building from outside, then venture inside for an exclusive tour, a glass of champagne and a private opera recital of two or three ariettas. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board, before your ship sets off on a twilight cruise, allowing you to take in the glittering lights of Budapest. You’ll also enjoy an onboard performance by Gypsy violinists. (B/L/D)
Day 33
Disembark Ship, Budapest, Prague
After breakfast this morning, you’ll disembark your ship and travel to the historic town of Velké Bílovice, in the Czech Republic, for lunch in a traditional Czech winery cellar. Three Night Stay: Prague, Art Deco Imperial Hotel (B/L)
Day 34
Prague Sightseeing
This morning following breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Prague’s Old Town. Visit the 1,000 year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard and St Vitus and stroll across Charles Bridge, which links Prague’s Old Town with the city’s castle, on the way to the Old Market Square. Later today, you’ll enjoy a private tour of Municipal House, a jewel of the city’s Old Town. Opened in 1911, the building played a significant role in the architectural and political history of the Czech Republic. Today, it’s Prague’s premier Art Nouveau building. After your visit, indulge in a traditional Czech afternoon tea of coffee and cake, before the remainder of the day is yours at leisure. (B)
Day 35
Prague at Leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure today to further explore the enchanting city of Prague as you please. Perhaps join an optional tour to Terezín Concentration Camp Memorial for an insight into what was an horrific but fascinating era (own expense). Tonight, indulge in a delicious Farewell Dinner at the Art Nouveau Café and Restaurant Imperial, famous for its original ceramic wall tiling, mosaic ceiling, unsurpassed cuisine and cosmopolitan ambience. (B/D)
Day 36
Depart Prague
After breakfast this morning, your tour concludes and you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
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 $1,890 per couple. 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.
All Superdeals Expire 31 March or until sold out.
Cabin Upgrades:
Upgrade your cabin from Category E (Piano Deck)
Aria Class Deck Plans:
Piano Deck (Category D)
AU $395
Cello/Violin Deck (Category C)
AU $1,595
Cello/Violin Deck (Category B)
AU $1,895
Violin Deck (Category A)
AU $1,995
Violin Deck (Category Owners Suite)
AU $3,245
Concerto Class Deck Plans:
Piano Deck (Category D)
AU $395
Cello Deck (Category C)
AU $1,595
Violin Deck (Category B)
AU $1,895
Cello Deck (Category T)
AU $2,195
Violin Deck (Category T+)
AU $2,395
Cello Deck (Category P)
AU $2,645
Violin Deck (Category P+)
AU $2,845
Violin Deck (Category Owners Suite)
AU $3,245
Violin Deck (Category Owners + Suite)
AU $4,995
General Information
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.