Day 1 - Arrive Paris Be met on arrival in Paris and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure, before tonight's Welcome Reception with your APT Tour Director and fellow guests.
Day 2 - Paris After breakfast, discover the sights and attractions of the French capital with a choice of included touring activities. Take a sightseeing tour, including the famous Avenue des Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, where you will ascend to the second level of the tower to enjoy amazing views out over Paris. Alternatively, you could opt to discover French cuisine during a cooking class, or learn about photography during a tour designed to help you take the perfect picture of Paris. An excursion to Giverny, the picturesque village once home to the celebrated impressionist artist Claude Monet, is another option. Tonight, enjoy a lovely Welcome Dinner cruise along the Seine River for a unique look at the city. Afterwards, embark on a Paris Illuminations Tour and see why Paris is known as the City of Light. Learn about the city's intriguing history as you tour the boulevards with their animated cafes and brilliantly illuminated monuments and squares.
Day 3 - Paris at Leisure Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, relaxing or exploring Paris independently. Perhaps stroll along the boutique lined boulevards, sip cafe au lait in the Latin Quarter, explore the world famous boutiques or go for a wander along Rue Mouffetard, the city's most lively market street. This evening, you may like to visit the famous Moulin Rouge, the historic cabaret and birthplace of the can-can (own expense).
Day 4 - Paris, Amsterdam After breakfast, board the stylish Thalys high speed train for your luxury 3.5 hour journey to Amsterdam. On arrival, enjoy a tour of the Netherlands Maritime Museum before boarding your ship.
Day 5 - Amsterdam Today select your activity from our options. 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, enjoy a photo opportunity at Rembrandt's Windmill before rejoining your ship in Utrecht. Tonight, enjoy the Captain's Gala Welcome Dinner on board.
Day 6 - Cologne, Koblenz Arrive in Cologne today and choose your touring activity. Perhaps travel to Venlo and explore the spectacular displays on show at the 2012 Floriade Horticultural World Expo, with time to admire the impressive landscaped gardens and floral exhibitions. Alternatively, you may like to take a trip to the historic city of Maastricht, where you can explore the grand ancient architecture and boutique shops. Later, return to your ship in 2000 year old Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.
Day 7 - Cochem This morning your ship will leave the Rhine and turn onto the Moselle River, a winding and picturesque waterway. On arrival in the town of Cochem, visit Reichsburg Castle and absorb stunning views over the river below. Reboard your ship and enjoy an afternoon of stunning views as the scenery of the spectacular Moselle Valley drifts by. Pass breathtaking landscapes of lush vineyards and rolling hills as you cruise back towards the Rhine.
Day 8 - Rudesheim Today cruise through the Rhine Gorge on what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. Arrive in Rudesheim, where you have a choice of activities. The Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, a tour will highlight one of the largest collections of automated musical instruments in the world. Take a ride in a gondola for stunning views over the Rhine Valley or, alternatively, visit a Rhine Valley winery where you can enjoy a tour and tasting of the famous local wines.
Day 9 - Speyer On arrival in the city of Speyer today, you will disembark for a brief sightseeing tour. Then you will travel to the fascinating Technik Museum Speyer, Europe's largest private technology museum, which features more than 3,000 incredible exhibits from all areas of technical history. Spread over more than 30,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor space, exhibits include a genuine Concorde plane from Air France, more than 300 classic cars, the largest permanent Formula 1 exhibition in Europe, 60 aeroplanes and 20 locomotives as well as much more.
Day 10 - Breisach, 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 where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Your tour will include a visit to a charming cuckoo clock factory, as well as a stop for photos at magnificent Lake Titisee. As an alternative, choose to travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self proclaimed 'Capital of Alsatian Wine'. During your city tour, you will see remarkable half-timbered framed houses; the German influenced old quarter filled with streets of unexpected twists and turns; canals and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine cellar visit and wine tasting. Late tonight, your ship sails for Basel, Switzerland.
Day 11 - Basel, Disembark, Lyon, Embark Ship Disembark the MS AmaCello for the last time after breakfast for a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel, located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. Long an important university, banking and trade centre, Basel's glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall and exquisite 18th century patrician homes. Then enjoy a special journey to the medieval cheese making town of Gruyeres. On arrival here, visit a cheese factory for a tour and a special tasting of the delicious richly flavoured cheese that makes the town so famous. Continue to beautiful Lake Geneva to enjoy breathtaking views during a photo stop. Later, arrive in Lyon and board APT's award winning luxury river ship, the MS AmaDagio.
Day 12 - Lyon, Trevoux After breakfast today, choose your touring option in Lyon, the gastronomic centre of France. Take a guided tour of this wonderful city, or choose to enjoy an impressive demonstration of the fine art of French cuisine. Returning to your ship for lunch, relax on board as you cruise along the pretty Saone River to the small historic town of Trevoux, where you will enjoy a walking tour that takes you to a selection of the pretty town's most attractive landmarks.
Day 13 - Trevoux - Vienne Today, a morning tour takes you behind through beautiful Beaujolais. Visit a wine maker in this celebrated region of France and sample the world renowned Beaujolais wine. Then return to your ship and continue cruising south from the Saone to the Rhone River, towards Vienne.
Day 14 - Vienne - Tournon Located between the famed wine producing regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne has a strong Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvellously preserved ruins. This morning following breakfast, take a mini-train tour, during which you will see the Roman Temple of Augustus and the medieval churches of St Andre Le Bas and Abbey St Pierre. Then cruise to Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage, twin towns that face each other across the Rhone River, linked by a 19th century suspension bridge.
Day 15 - Tournon, Viviers After breakfast today, disembark your ship and select your activity. You may enjoy the opportunity to sample and learn a bit more about the wines of the region with a wine tasting; alternatively, travel to Boucieu-le-Roi and enjoy a visit to a goat farm., followed by the chance to sample locally-produced goat's cheese. Then return to your ship for lunch as you cruise to Viviers. After dinner this evening, enjoy a 'ghost walk' through the largely abandoned medieval town that once had more than 30,000 inhabitants.
Day 16 - Viviers, Grignan, Avignon This morning, enjoy an excursion to Grignan, where you will see a magnificent Renaissance Castle. Then, cruise to Avignon, the 'City of Popes'. Here, choose from our two Freedom of Choice Touring options. Perhaps take a guided tour through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Papal Palace, which served as a fortress, a church and a residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world. Alternatively, visit Pont du Gard, an incredible Roman aqueduct. Build around 19 BC, this feat of engineering carried millions of gallons of water to the fountains, baths and homes of Nimes. You will then visit the town of Uzes, which boasts a beautiful castle, medieval streets and a lovely town square. Explore the sights at your leisure. After your selected activity, reboard your ship for dinner on board this evening.
Day 17 - Avignon, Arles, Les Baux Arrive in the historic commune of Arles today, just below the Camargue Delta in the Bouches-du-Rhone region. In this region, steeped in history, you will enjoy a day of unique sightseeing. This morning, visit the village of Les Baux de Provence. Enjoy the rich floral colours and views from this hilltop village and fortress, destroyed by Louis XIII in 1633 during the French Wars of Religion. Tour the castle before visiting a working olive mill and farm to discover the age-old Provencal tradition of olive growing during a tour and tasting. Leaving Les Baux, return to Arles for an exciting afternoon of touring. Renowned for Roman ruins and an association with the artist, Vincent Van Gogh, Arles is a treasure trove of fascinating sights. Stroll through the squares and cafes that inspired the painter, and tour the ancient ruins of the city. See Roman relics such as the Baths of Constantine, the Romanesque Cathedral, Church of Saint Trophime and the Roman Amphitheatre, collectively listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Day 18 - Arles, Disembark Ship, Marseilles After breakfast, disembark your ship for the final time in Arles and transfer to the Airport in Marseilles.
Cruise ships operating this itinerary:
MS AmaDolce - Launched 2009
MS AmaLyra - Launched 2009
MS AmaDante - Launced 2008
MS AmaCello - Launched 2008
MS AmaLegro - Launched 2007
MS AmaDagio - Launched 2006
* 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
Cochem
Cochem is a town in western Germany and is the capital of the district Cochem-Zell. It is situated in the valley of the Mosel, at the foot of a hill surrounded by a feudal castle, the Reichsburg, dating from 1051. The town is surrounded by vineyards.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - <1km Distance from port to Airport - 100kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Reichsburg Castle, wine tasting, Senfmühle mustard mill, Pinnerkreuz Mountain, Mosel-Wein-Express train, Klotten Wildlife and Leisure Park, Schlagkamp-Desoye Win Museum, Senheim Sculpture Park
Rudesheim
Rudesheim sits at the entrance to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. If you come from the direction of Frankfurt or Mainz, it is one of the first major tourist towns you'll reach along the Rhine River. Rudesheim makes a good base for exploring the entire Rhine Valley, which is the home of famous wines, medieval villages and beautiful scenery.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 55kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Drosselgasse, Niederwald Monument, Rheingau Wine Museum, Asbach Brandy Distillery, Medieval Torture Museum, Bird of Prey Zoo, Jagdschloss, Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet
Speyer
The old imperial city of Speyer was a bishopric and boasts a Romanesque cathedral with six imposing towers and the finest and largest crypt in Germany. Four Holy Roman Emperors and four German Kings are buried in the impressive Royal Vault.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 98kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Great Romanesque Cathedral, City Centre
Colmar
Colmar is a historical town with much history stepping back to Middle Ages as reflected by the well-preserved buildings from that era and forms a major part of the Alsace region in history and tourism.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 1km Distance from port to Airport - 400kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Maison des Tetes, Dominican Church, St Martin Church
Basel
Basel is by far the art and architecture capital of Switzerland. Its 40 museums, covering an area of almost 37 km2, can be easily reached on foot, mostly by strolling through romantic lanes and alleys in the Old Town. The finest and oldest art collection is housed in the Kunstmuseum Basel, as is “Schaulager” - a space for modern art - which was opened in 2003. The Fondation Beyeler, which is well worth a visit, is famous far beyond the limits of Basel - not only for the highly acclaimed special exhibitions, but also for the impressive building designed by architect Renzo Piano.
Country - Switzerland Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 6.5kms Currency - Swiss Franc (CHF)
Places of Interest Market Square, Town Hall, Basel Zoo, Cathedral, Fondation Beyeler Art Museum, Old Town
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
Tournon
A pretty town with wide tree-lined avenues it is proud of its historical heritage and 11th-16th-century chateau which houses a museum of local history. To the north of the Grand Rue on Place St Julien lies Collegiale St Julien with its imposing bell tower. It serves as an example of the Italian influence on architecture in the area in the 14th-century.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport -92kms Currency - Euros (EUR)
Places of Interest Collegiale St Julien, Vallee du Doux
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
Marseille
Marseille, the largest port in the Meditterranean and the second largest city in France, serves as your gateway to the lush fertile region of Provence and all its cultural contributions to gastronomic excellence, Impressionistic art, and ancient architecture.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 25kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Provence, Avignon, Aix en Provence
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.
