Magnificent Europe with Paris

France’s stylish capital, Paris. Known for the romantic scenery, rich history, delicious cuisine and abundance of stylish shops and cafes. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome reception tonight.

Stay: Three Nights, Hotel du Collectionneur

Location
Paris , France

Today, embark on an enrichening discovery of Paris, accompanied by a local expert. Discover a number of highlights from the City of Light recognisable from countless films and narratives. Stroll through the bustling Avenue des Champs-Elysees lined with large storefronts. Crowning the western end of the avenue is the Arc de Triomphe, a structure commemorating those who fought and died in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Arguably the most iconic monument in Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands tall over the city. Discover the beauty of this iron structure, built for the world fair in the late 19th-century. Tonight, enjoy a fabulous cabaret extravaganza at the famous Moulin Rouge located in Pigalle. 

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Paris , France

It might be difficult to choose your preferred experience today, but you can never make a bad choice when it comes to Paris.

Freedom of Choice – Culinary Walk

It’s no secret that Paris is famous for its food, but there are still plenty of culinary hidden gems throughout the city that aren’t as well-known. Follow a trail of Paris’ fine food during a culinary walk.

Freedom of Choice – Citroen 2CV Drive

Embark on a journey in a special 2CV vintage car, a stylish vehicle rich in heritage. It is a national treasure, having been first manufactured in 1948. Drive around the sparkling cityscape and Paris’ backstreets, spotting the city’s star attractions and Parisian icons in this open-top vehicle.

Freedom of Choice – Visit Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Soak up the Parisian atmosphere as you explore the charming hilltop district of Montmartre (the Mount of Martyrs), historically frequented by famous artists and a hub for creatives to this day. Admire the beautiful Sacre-Coeur Basilica, a stunning Roman Catholic church. Admire the spectacular interior features including the grand pipe organ. Take in the panoramic views of the city from the church’s exterior.

• Breakfast

Location
Paris , France

Say au revoir to Paris and travel by coach through northern France and into Belgium. Arrive in Ghent and enjoy a light lunch while cruising along the city’s canals. Continue to Amsterdam and 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, APT Solara or APT Ostara

Accommodation
14 Nights, APT Solara or APT Ostara

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Paris , France

Spend today on your preferred activity. Rejoin the ship in Utrecht and cruise towards Germany in the afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a gala welcome dinner. 

Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise

A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous.

Freedom of Choice – Old Amsterdam Cheese Store Visit

Visit the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for a cheese tasting matched with wine.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride

Join a guided bike ride through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam before visiting the Street Art Museum.

Freedom of Choice – Keukenhof Gardens in spring

Guests travelling on select spring departures visit Keukenhof Gardens. Explore more than 70 acres of world-renowned gardens and admire the spectacular display of more than seven million flowering bulbs in bloom, including colourful tulips. 

Gala Welcome Dinner

Enjoy a multi-course meal with an enhanced menu. 

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Amsterdam , Netherlands

This morning will be spent cruising through Germany. Spend time on board. Perhaps indulge in a spa treatment, relax on the sun deck and read a book. Disembark in Andernach and enjoy a Signature Experience here.

Signature Experience – Namedy Castle  

Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a royal escape set near the Rhine River in Germany. After wandering through the castle and its manicured gardens, you’ll attend a cocktail party, where a pianist sets the mood.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Andernach , Germany

Today you’ll approach what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards. Dock in Rudesheim, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, you’ll set out on your chosen activity. 

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in the late 1880s.

Freedom of Choice – Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, an eccentric and unique museum which is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history.

Freedom of Choice – Visit a Historic Wine Cellar

Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany’s most well-known wine regions.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Rudesheim , Germany

This morning, enjoy a relaxing sail along the Main River. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town of Miltenberg is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war. Featuring remarkably preserved buildings and lively town squares, this is a beautiful example of Germany’s history. Set out on a guided exploration of the town before time at leisure to explore.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Miltenberg , Germany

Your day unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today.

Freedom of Choice – Visit the Wurzburg Residence

The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Wurzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Wurzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you’ll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo.

Freedom of Choice – Explore Rothenburg

Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestoned streets and admire the pretty coloured-fronted houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wolfhart’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest selection of Germany Christmas decorations in the world.

Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress

Enjoy a hike to Wurzburg’s most visible landmark, Marienberg Forstress, an imposing castle overlooking the city which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries. 

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Wurzburg , Germany

This morning your ship will arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. As you explore the Old Town with a guide, you will discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the River Regnitz. Following your tour, rejoin your ship to cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Bamberg , Germany

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. 

Freedom of Choice – Discover Nuremberg’s World War II Sites 

Journey through Nuremberg’s World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler’s now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.

Freedom of Choice – Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour 

Join a tour focused on Nuremberg’s medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the main market square and its 14th-century Gothic church.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Nuremberg , Germany

Discover Regensburg on your choice of activities today.

Freedom of Choice – Explore Regensburg’s World Heritage-listed City Centre

In Regensburg, set out on a guided tour to 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. Your tour will finish with a tasting at Regensburg’s historic sausage kitchen, thought to be one of the oldest working restaurants in the world.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride to the Walhalla Memorial

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.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Regensburg , Germany

Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience. 

Signature Experience – Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music’ Show

Be welcomed by a Jagdhornblaser – a hunting horn blower – into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music’.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Passau , Germany

Visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. Then, it’s up to you how you get to the next port of call. In Dürnstein, perhaps view the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192.

Freedom of Choice – Cruise Through the Wachau Valley

Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Durnstein, where you’ll roam its cobblestoned lanes at your leisure.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride from Melk to Durnstein

Take a guided bike ride along the Danube River from Melk to Durnstein and take in the beautiful scenery of Wachau Valley along the way.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Melk , Austria

Arrive in Vienna and set out on a city tour. Take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore. This evening is set aside for your magical Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna’s City Palace 

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.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Vienna , Austria

Head out on your choice of tours, then set sail for Hungary. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s farewell dinner.

Freedom of Choice – Schonbrunn Palace Visit 

Tour inside Schonbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds. 

Freedom of Choice – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia 

Tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city’s time under Communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev. 

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Vienna , Austria

Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today. The afternoon is yours at leisure to further explore. 

Freedom of Choice – City Tour

Enjoy a city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral before a visit to the Great Market Hall for some tastings of local produce.

Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride

Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.

Freedom of Choice – Thermal Baths Visit

You may wish to relax in the thermal water pools.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Budapest , Hungary

Your journey comes to an end today as you bid farewell to your fellow travellers and Budapest with a transfer to the airport.

• Breakfast

Location
Budapest , Hungary