Day 1 - Amsterdam, Embark Ship Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your luxury river ship, moored close to the city centre. Tonight, enjoy the chance to meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.
Day 2 - Arnhem Stop at the historic city of Arnhem and visit the Airborne Museum Hartenstein. One of the major tragedies of World War II was the Battle of Arnhem, where Allied forces failed to catpure Arnhem's Rhine Bridge, featured in the museum. Alternatively, visit the Palace of Het Loo, Piet Oudolf's famous garden plus Kasteel Rosendael. Your third option is to embark on a botanical discovery to Mien Ruys Tuinen's garden plus Botanische Vijvertuinen Ada Hofaman's garden.
Day 3 - Floriade 2012 This morning we take you to enjoy a full day exploring the Floriade World Horticultural Expo, which is held once every ten years in the Netherlands. This sixth expo is being held in Venlo and will showcase the world's most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees, fruits and vegetables.
Day 4 - Cologne, Koblenz Today take a tour through the old town of Cologne, then continue along the Rhine via Koblenz and along some of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhine River.
Day 5 - Worms, Heidelburg During a tour of Worms, visit the monument to Martin Luther and other leaders of the Reformation along the Luther Trail. You could choose to visit the Techick Museum in Speyer with its amazing collection of aircraft, classic cars, locomotives, fire engines and even a space shuttle. Enjoy a trip to Heidelberg to visit Heidelburg Castle or Scholofgarten Schwotzingen.
Day 6 - Strasbourg This morning, take a tour through the charming medieval town of Strasbourg. Then enjoy a relaxing canal cruise and glide past pretty black and white timber framed buildings, covered bridges, spectacular medieval watchtowers and the Parc de L'Orangerie. After, choose Freedom of Choice Touring options, one of which is a trip to Schlofsgarden Ludwigsburg.
Day 7 - Breisach Arrive today in Breisach and perhaps take a city tour of Colmar in France including the old quarter and a wine tasting or visit Freiburg's Botanic Gardens. Alternatively take a tour of the Black Forest with its beautiful trees, lakes and cukoo clocks or a visit to Insel Mainau floral paradise on the shores of Lake Constance.
Day 8 - Swiss Alps, Yvoire, Annecy, Lyon After breakfast disembark the ship and say farewell to the Rhine River. Travel along the shores of scenic Lake Geneva to the beautiful village of Yvoire set on a promontory overlooking the lake. Here is the poetic and award winning garden of Le Labyrinthe considered one of the finest gardens of its type in France. Next the medieval stone village of Annecy, picture postcard views of the alps and geranium filled window boxes at every turn. Continue to Lyon and board your second identical luxurious river ship, which will be home for the next seven nights as we embark on the next chapter in this magnificent river cruise experience on the beautiful Rhone River travelling through the French countryside of the Rhone Valley and Provence.
Day 9 - Lyon, Trevoux Enjoy a morning at your leisure to explore Lyon, considered the gastronomic capital of France. Then choose from our Freedom of Choice Touring options, including a visit to the Parc de la Tete d'Or, one of the largest and most enjoyable public parks in all of Europe. Lyon was once the world centre of rose breeding and there are 30,000 roses covering four hectares in this park. Tonight your new ship crew will treat you to a Welcome Dinner, this evening we begin sailing south.
Day 10 - Vienne The Rhone region is renowned for its wonderful fresh produce and this morning you have the opportunity to learn more about this as you visit some of the local producers including a wine maker. After returning to the ship enjoy the changing landscapes as you cruise the Rhone River towards the town of Vienne.
Day 11 - Vienne, Tournon Located between the famed wine-producing regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne has a strong Roman history, highlighted by its marvellously preserved ruins, which you will see this morning should you opt to take a mini train tour. Alternatively, you may like to visit the Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval, with its amazing garden building considered the most extraordinary folly ever made.
Day 12 - Boucieu-le-Roi, Viviers Travel to the Adreche Mountains for a tour of the valley's beautiful landscape. Continue to Boucieu-le-Roi and stop at its local market of crafts where you will enjoy musical entertainment and wine tasting. After dinner back on board this evening enjoy a 'ghost walk' through the town of Viviers.
Day 13 - Provence, Avignon Today cruise through the beautiful Provence countryside dotted with fields of lavendar and olive groves, to Avignon, the 'City of Popes'. Take a guided tour of the narrow streets and elegant, squares to the Papal Palace. Alternatively visit the gardens of Saint Andre Abbey.
Day 14 - Avignon, Arles, Les Baux Arrive in Arles this morning. Its most famous resident was the painter Van Gogh. Enjoy a free morning to explore. This afternoon, you may like to take an excursion to the hilltop village of Les Baux. Or perhaps visit a working olive farm. Alternatively visit the Camarque region, with its protected wetlands that are home to over 400 species of land and water birds. Visit the seaside resort of Les Stes-Maries de la Mer and the tiny walled town of Aigues Mortes. Alternatively for a unique botanical experience, visit, the biggest Bamboo garden in Europe. Enjoy a special Farewell Dinner this evening.
Day 15 - Arles, Disembark Ship This morning disembark the ship and be transferred to Marseilles airport where your Botanical river cruise concludes. Alternatively you can visit a perfumery at Grasse to learn about perfume production and perhaps make some perfume purchases plus visit the famous Mediterranean Villa Noailles garden and then be transferred to Marseille.
Day 12 -
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Amsterdam
Take a boat ride along Amsterdam’s charming canals past sturdy old houses and under quaint bridges. Visit one of the city’s superb museums housing many of the Dutch Masters’ most outstanding works or learn about Anne Frank and the city’s Jewish heritage. Or, journey into the countryside and see historic windmills and the fascinating porcelain works in Delft.
Country - Netherlands Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 15kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Dam Square, Anne Frank's House, Volendam & Marken
Cologne
The city's very name bears witness to its Roman past as the town of Colonia. As well as the legacy from Roman times and the Middle Ages, particularly the world-famous cathedral, Cologne has an extremely lively arts and culture scene. And besides being a centre of carnival activity and the "capital of Rhenish joie de vivre", Cologne is also an extremely attractive trade fair centre. Open, friendly and uncomplicated: that's Cologne!
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 16kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Cologne Cathedral, Philharmonic Hall, Zoo
Koblenz
Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle and surrounded by four low mountain ranges is the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz. Its abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings, its cosy lanes and narrow alleyways, the relaxed and happy atmosphere of its squares and river promenades make Koblenz a friendly town where guests feel right at home.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 116kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest German Corner, Empress Augusta Gardens, Theatre and Obelisk, Beethoven Memorial, Museum of Military Technology, The Wine Village
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is known for its famous castle, which overlooks the city's Old Town. A trip up to the castle affords a good view of the city and its photogenic bridge over the Neckar, whose form, with its multi-arch support structure, is reminiscent of a Roman aqueduct, and whose tower-flanked entrance was said to have inspired Walt Disney in his design of the Magic Kingdom. The Philosophenweg (Philosophers' Walk), across the river from the Old Town section, is another way to view the city and some of the older castles upriver.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 45kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Heidelberg Castle, Old Town, Museum of the Palatinate, Sculpture Park, Funicular Railway, Zoo, Philosopher's Walk
Strasbourg
The cosmopolitan, north-eastern city of Strasbourg is the intellectual, cultural and economic capital of Alsace. Stylish and atmospheric, it is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Situated just west of the Rhine, Strasbourg lies at the heart of the vital transport arteries that have linked northern and Central Europe with the Mediterranean since Roman times.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 10kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest The Grande Ile, Cathedrale Notre Dame, European Parliament
Lyon
Two thousand years of history have left their mark on the cityscape. Lyon's rich heritage resources reflect the different eras and tell the story of the city. Lyon's listing by UNESCO as a World Heritage site gives recognition to two exceptional features: "continuity of urban development" -the listed site covers a territory of 500 hectares (1235 acres) where the entire history of the city can be seen, from the founding of the Roman city of Lugdunum. And as "an outstanding illustration of city planning over the centuries" in this continually populated and active territory.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 7kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Lyon National Opera House, Tete d'Or Park, Fourviere Hill, Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
Vienne
No other city in the Rhône Valley offers such a concentration of architectural history as Vienne. Located in a natural basin of land between the river and the hills, this site was recognised for both its strategic and aesthetic advantages by the Romans, who vastly expanded the existing village when they invaded the area in the 1st century BC.Vienne was known in Roman times as 'Vienne the Beautiful', possibly due to the fact that its riverside position on the East bank of the Rhône made it a major port for wine. The wine in this region is outstanding and Romans may have enjoyed a glass or two while watching the evening's entertainment at one of the town's two theatres.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 25kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Roman Theatre, Temple d'Auguste et Livie, Le Palais Ideal
Viviers
Viviers consists of a lower town, where tradesmen and artisans once lived, and an upper or religious town that was the seat of a bishop during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance The upper walled town is an attractive warren of narrow cobbled streets with stone houses, a cathedral, and a castle terrace that offers spectacular views of the rooftops and river below.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 85kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest The House of the Knights, Roman Bridge, The Tower of the Michaelmas
Avignon
Take your time wandering about the streets of Avignon, The ancient streets, the courtyards of the private mansions, the renovated facades will all charm you! One of the most elegant streets is the rue Joseph Vernet, adjacent to the Calvet museum and the Requien Museum. Don't miss the Antiquaire quarter, the Place de l'Horloge or the Chemin de Ronde which will take you to the Rocher des Doms. From the top of the ramparts you can understand why the site was chosen for a fort: Avignon stands high above the immense plains of the Rhône River and is the strategic point of the whole valley.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 8kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest
Palace of the Popes, Opera House, Museum of Painting and Sculpture, Pont d'Avignon
Arles
Enjoying more than 300 days of sunshine a year Arles is regarded as the land of light. Both Picasso and Cezanne tested their artistic flair in Arles but it was Vincent Van Gogh who completely fell in love with this region and created over 200 pieces in just one year. Despite Van Gogh creating so many of masterpieces in Arles none of his works have remained in the area.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 35kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Van Gogh Foundation, Bullfighting Arena, Roman Baths
ms Amacello Cabin Info
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Cruise line info
APT (Australian Pacific Touring)
A family - owned company since its auspicious conception in the 1920s, we began when Bill McGeary built a bus body on a tray truck after a tram strike crippled the city of Melbourne. Through Bill's son Geoff, we pioneered Australia's dynamic travel industry in the 1960's and 70's via a diverse range of modes. Such innovation continues to thrive within us today, now a multi-brand business with an extensive global portfolio of touring and cruising products still owned and controlled by the McGeary family. Now, with a third generation of the family contributing to our success, the benefits of the Company's family - style culture are increasingly apparent.
While vigorously pursuing a global vision, the unwavering focus is on delivering a life - enriching and memorable holiday experience for each and every individual that entrusts us with their valuable time and travel. Such longevity in a competitive environment coupled with a proven ability to meet the shifting expectations of the modern holidaymaker is testament to the pioneering spirit upon which the company was founded, and upon which it continues to operate and flourish today.
Ship info
ms Amacello
The MS Amadante and MS Amacello debuted in Spring of 2008, joining the MS Amalegro (2007) and the MS Amadagio (2006). Two more new ships, the MS Amadolce and MS Amalyra debut in 2009 and two more ships are scheduled for 2010. These vessels set new standards in European river cruising and offer a number of features, which no other European river cruise ship can match. Each APT vessel carries 148 passengers in unequaled luxury, comfort and style and is staffed by a highly-trained professional crew, with an ongoing emphasis on personal service.
Dining
Onboard culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of wonderful soups, fresh produce, high quality choice cut meats, and fresh fish and seafood. Your Maitre d' always welcomes you to the restaurant with a bright smile.
Start your day with a lavish gourmet champagne breakfast buffet. Choose from a rich assortment of breads, croissants and pastries, a variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and smoked salmon. Sample the delicious cheeses, cold cuts and local sausages, as well as our daily regional specials. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.
Return from your shore excursion to a delicious lunch. Start with mouth-watering hot or cold appetizers, homemade soups, then choose from a selection of great entrees, finish off with a delectable dessert and complimentary cappuccino.
In the evening, be our honored guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties. Enjoy delicious cuisine and complimentary free-flowing wines from the local vintners. Our kitchen crew knows how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience.
Amenities
BICYCLES: Each ship has plenty of bicycles onboard which can be used by passengers, free of charge, to explore the small towns. Most regions offer well-maintained bicycle paths along the river.
WELLNESS AREA: Located in the aft area of the Violin Deck, this generously designed space includes a glassed-in fitness room, massage and beauty salon; the aft lounge with modern wicker furniture and French doors to enjoy the fresh river air.
ELEVATOR: Each ship has an elevator, which very few river cruise ships feature. The elevator reaches four different levels: the Restaurant level (1), the Staterooms on the Cello Deck (2), the Lobby and Panorama Lounge (3) and the Staterooms on the Violin Deck (4).
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS: Every stateroom is equipped with monitor, keyboard with Internet access, English language TV stations, a large movie selection and numerous music programs. Our satellite telephone system allows you to call home for a nominal fee.
The MS Amacello offers well designed public areas for your enjoyment. Enter the contemporary lobby with its captivating artwork, then relax in the modern lounges and bars with comfortable furnishings. Enjoy pleasant, well - lit hallways and generous open stairways.
All staterooms feature private facilities, a cosy sitting area,
direct - dial phone, flat - screen TV, internet access, safe, air
conditioning and ample closet space.
All staterooms are outside, with over 80% featuring sliding glass doors and French balconies. Dining
On board dining within their intimate restaurant is simply sublime. Breakfast and lunch comprise a sumptuous array of hot and cold cuisine from the buffet.Dinners consist of four course à la carte dining with complimentary wine from local wineries.
