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36 Day Grand European Explorer - Barcelona to Prague
APT River Cruise starting in Barcelona and finishing in Prague
Countries Visited: Spain  France  Switzerland  Germany  Holland  Luxembourg  Austria  Slovakia  Hungary  Czech Republic 
APT Platinum SeriesTour Type: River Cruise
Tour Duration: 36 Days (35 Nights)
From: Barcelona to Prague
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

Finest Dining

  • Enjoy 35 Breakfasts (B), 26 Lunches (L) and 31 Dinners (D)
  • All meals, as well as soft drink, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, are included on board

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Day
1
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)
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 $1,890 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:

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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