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France by Rail with Magnificent Europe

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 Trip Length
25 Days
 Trip Starts
Lyon
 Trip Finishes
Budapest
25 Day France by Rail with Magnificent Europe Itinerary (APT)
Trip Operator
Trip Style
River Cruise
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
EUMCF25

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 25 Day France by Rail with Magnificent Europe. Discover the French countryside by rail. Travel between Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Carcassonne, Bordeaux and Cap Ferret before a luxury APT European river cruise.

Itinerary

The gastronomic capital of France is ready to embrace you with open arms. We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Attend a welcome reception this evening. Stay Two Nights: Lyon, Intercontinental Lyon Hotel Dieu

Enjoy a guided tour of Lyon this morning. Visit Vieux Lyon, the old town of Lyon, and see the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner. (B/D)

This morning, a first-class train journey takes you into the quintessential French town of Aix-en-Provence. Enjoy time at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel (B/D)

You have the choice between two experiences here in Aix-en-Provence today. Later, enjoy your Signature Experience. (B)

Freedom of Choice:
  • You might choose a culinary walking tour through a local market. Alternatively, art lovers may wish to explore Paul Cezanne's studio.
Signature Experiences:
  • Visit Chateau Virant, housing a prized vineyard and olive oil mill. Arranged especially for you, a member of the Cheylan family will guide you around the estate, including its cave and mill, before leading a wine and olive oil tasting.

During today's train journey, you'll pause in the busy port city of Marseille, situated on the Provencal coastline, for some time to explore and stretch your legs at leisure. Back on board, enjoy the scenery on the way to the medieval town of Carcassonne. Tonight, we've arranged something very special. Stay Two Nights: Carcassonne, Hotel De La Cite (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Dinner is served at La Barbacane, a fine Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of the city.

Enjoy a walking discovery of the fortified hilltop village, which is famed for its medieval fortress, the Cite de Carcassonne. Traces of humankind dating back to the sixth century BC were found on the promontory where the Cite lies today. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps explore more of Carcassonne's medieval wonders or take it easy and relax at your hotel. (B)

Travel to Toulouse and embark on a driving tour of the Airbus Factory, home of the acclaimed A380 aircraft. During your panoramic tour of the 700-hectare site you will see the SAS Headquarters, training centre where the pilots are trained and the assembly sites for the A320-A350 flight lines. Stay: Hotel Pullman Toulouse Centre (B/D)

Today, it's on to Bordeaux. Upon arrival, take in the city sights on a walking discovery that includes neoclassical neighbourhoods surrounding the Place des Quinconces. The 18th-century Grand-Theatre is a sight to behold, along with the reflecting pond in front of Place de la Bourse and the narrow lanes of the Saint Pierre district. This evening, taste for yourself why Bordeaux has earned its reputation as a gastronomic haven as you sit down to dinner at a local restaurant. Stay Two Nights: InterContinental Bordeaux, Le Grand Hotel (B/D)

Another train transports you with ease to the seaside town of Arcachon, renowned for its oysters. There's nothing better than freshly shucked oysters caught that day, so we've arranged a tasting just for you. Afterwards, lunch at Cap Ferret puts you in the prime setting on a headland overlooking the waters of the Cote d'Argent. Later, return to Bordeaux. (B/L)

Take the high-speed train to Paris then transfer to your hotel before time at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a fabulous cabaret extravaganza at the Moulin Rouge. You'll be entertained by the world-renowned cabaret troupe, featuring stunning acrobatics, dancing and the birthplace of the can-can. Stay: Paris, Hotel du Collectionneur (B/D)

A new day, another wonderful train journey. The high-speed Thalys train will whisk you to Amsterdam, where you'll board your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. You'll have time to unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship as the excitement builds for everything that's about to come. Stay 14 Nights: Concerto River Ship (B/D)

Spend today on your preferred activity. Tonight, enjoy a gala welcome dinner. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Perhaps cruise the canals on a glass-top boat or visit Zaanse Schans - known for its windmills and specialty produce.

This morning will be spent cruising through Germany. Disembark in Andernach and enjoy a Signature Experience here. In Koblenz this evening, perhaps join your cruise director for an evening stroll. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • On a visit to Namedy Castle, wander about the rooms and grounds, then enjoy a cocktail party in the ballroom.

Cruise through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim and set out on your chosen activity. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • You might like to take a gondola ride or visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.

Step ashore in Miltenberg and set out on a guided exploration before time at leisure. (B/L/D)

Your day unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Seize the day and walk to the 18th-century Wurzburg Residence. Alternatively, travel to Rothenburg. Or get to know the locals with a visit to a family-owned farm, where a home-cooked morning tea is on the menu.

Sail to Bamberg, where you'll join a guided exploration with a local expert. (B/L/D)

This morning gives you the chance to choose your sightseeing activity. This afternoon, continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Perhaps journey through Nuremberg's history with its Gothic churches and World War II sites. Or keep fit with a guided walk through the Schwarzach Valley.

Discover Regensburg on your choice of activities today. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • In Regensburg, explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Or, you might prefer to get active and take a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany's past.

How you spend today is up to you with a number of touring options on offer. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • From Passau, head to Salzburg to visit some of the sites featured in The Sound of Music. Or set off into the Czech Republic, where Cesky Krumlov awaits. Either way, re-board your ship in Austria's Linz. Alternatively, explore the town of Passau, followed by a relaxing day on board cruising to Linz.

Visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey. Then, it's up to you how you get to the next port of call. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Durnstein, where you'll roam its cobblestone lanes at your leisure. Or perhaps take a guided bike ride along the river from Melk to Durnstein.

Arrive in Vienna and set out on the activity of your choice. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Perhaps take in the city's many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St Stephen's Cathedral. Later, visit the 1,441-room Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens. Otherwise, tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia's Bratislava.
Signature Experiences:
  • After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein's City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital and a performance by some members of the Mozart Boys' Choir.

Soak up the views as you enjoy a relaxing morning sailing through Hungary. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • In Esztergom, set out on a guided tour to discover this picturesque town and its historic buildings. Then, follow in the footsteps of the Habsburg Empire as you board the Grand Empress steam train, bound for Budapest. See inside some of the ornately adorned carriages from the early 1900s and be treated like royalty as you savour lunch on board. On arrival at Budapest Railway Station, see the Royal Waiting Room – a rather fitting way to end this opulent journey. Later, return to your ship.

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Fisherman's Bastion and Heroes' Square. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore. (B/L/D)

The time has come to say goodbye. You'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

APT's Ostara & Solara
APT's Ostara & Solara

Travel in unparalleled luxury on board APT Ostara and APT Solara in 2025 – APT's brand-new river ships that redefine European river cruising. Read more

All-inclusive. All taken care of.
All-inclusive. All taken care of.

From the moment you depart to the moment you return, everything you need is included in the trip price you pay. Read more

Luxury Service
Luxury Service

An APT cruise or tour director is always present, while local experts join you along the way. Sit back and relax while APT take care of all the details. Read more

Freedom of Choice
Freedom of Choice

Personalise your journey to suit your interest and mix and match a wide selection of cultural, culinary, historical and active experiences. Read more

Signature Experiences
Signature Experiences

These are the stand-out moments. Carefully designed to help you experience Europe in far greater depth and normally unavailable to independent travellers. Read more

Live Fully
Live Fully

With every detail taken care of behind the scenes, you’re 100% free to be whoever you want to be. Every day is yours to design. Read more

Deck Plans

 
Category E
Twin Window
 
Category D
Twin Window
Piano Deck (Deck 1)
 
Category C
Panoramic Balcony
 
Category T
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
 
Category P
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
Cello Deck (Deck 2)
 
Category B+
Panoramic Balcony
 
Category T+
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
 
Category P+
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
 
Royal Suite
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
Violin Deck (Deck 3)
Sun Deck (Deck 4)

Cabins

Category E (Twin Window)

Enjoy your luxurious 160 sq. ft. (14.9 sqm) accommodation featuring twin windows, deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, complemented by spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads.

Each room includes a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with free TV, movies, and music, complimentary internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, all controlled by in-room temperature settings for your comfort.

Category D (Twin Window)

Enjoy your luxurious 160 sq. ft. (14.9 sqm) accommodation featuring twin windows, deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, complemented by spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads.

Each room includes a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with free TV, movies, and music, complimentary internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, all controlled by in-room temperature settings for your comfort.

Category C (Panoramic Balcony)

Relax in your 170 sq. ft (15.8 sqm) luxurious stateroom with panoramic views from your French Balcony, complete with in-room temperature control, deluxe hotel-style bedding featuring Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, and spacious bathrooms equipped with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom also offers a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with complimentary TV, movies, and music library, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair for added convenience and luxury.

Category T (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 210 sq. ft. (19.5 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Category P (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 235 sq. ft. (21.8 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The room is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Category B+ (Panoramic Balcony)

Relax in your 170 sq. ft (15,8 sqm) luxurious luxurious stateroom with panoramic views from your French Balcony, complete with in-room temperature control, deluxe hotel-style bedding featuring Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, and spacious bathrooms equipped with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom also offers a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with complimentary TV, movies, and music library, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair for added convenience and luxury.

Category T+ (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 210 sq. ft. (19.5 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Category P+ (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 235 sq. ft. (21.8 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Royal Suite (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Discover the Royal Suite on the Violin Deck, a 300 sq. ft (27.9 sqm) haven featuring a French balcony and an outside balcony, complemented by in-room temperature control for optimal comfort.

This luxurious suite includes deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads, a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system offering complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, providing an exquisite stay.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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