Day 1 - Arrive Paris Be met on arrival in Paris and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure, before tonight's Welcome Reception.
Three night stay: Paris, Hilton Arc de Triomphe
Day 2 - Paris Sightseeing Today, discover the sights of the French capital with an exciting selection of touring options. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner cruise along the Seine River. Then, embark on a Paris Illuminations Tour. B, D
Day 3 - Paris at Leisure Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps stroll along the boutique lined boulevards, beautifully lit with festive lighting. Go Christmas shopping in some of the city's famous boutiques, or explore the stalls at a Parisian Christmas market. B
Day 4 - Paris, Amsterdam Travel to Amsterdam and board your river ship.
Seven night stay: APT's luxurious Aria Class ship, the MS AmaCello B, D
Day 5 - Amsterdam Today select your activity in vibrant Amsterdam from our extended touring options. Tonight, enjoy the Captain's Gala Welcome Dinner on board. B, L, D
Day 6 - Cologne, Maastricht, Koblenz From Cologne, take an excursion to Maastricht, before arriving in festive Koblenz. B, L, D
Day 7 - Cochem On arrival in the town of Cochem, visit Reichsburg Castle and absorb views over the river below. Reboard your ship and enjoy an afternoon of stunning vistas as the winter scenery of the Moselle drifts by. B, L, D
Day 8 - Rudesheim Cruise the beautiful Rhine Gorge, gliding by stunning winter landscapes. Arrive in Rudesheim, where you will choose your tour, and explore the Christmas markets. B, L, D
Day 9 - Speyer In Speyer today, enjoy a brief sightseeing tour before a visit to the fascinating Technik Museum Speyer. B, L, D
Day 10 - Breisach Today, choose between a city tour of Colmar in France or a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. B, L, D
Day 11 - Basel, Disembark, Lyon Embark After a city tour of Basel, travel to the medieval town of Gruyeres. Enjoy a tour and tasting of the famous Swiss cheese, before continuing to Lyon.
Seven night stay: APT's Aria Class ship the MS AmaDagio B, D
Day 12 - Lyon, Trevoux Enjoy a tour exploring the wonderful French city of Lyon, including the city's Christmas markets, or enjoy a cooking demonstration. Then cruise to Trevoux. B, L, D
Day 13 - Trevoux, Vienne Today, visit a wine maker in the famed Beaujolais region of France and try sampling the world renowned Beaujolais wine. Then return to your ship and continue cruising south from the Saone to the Rhone River, towards Vienne. Enjoy an evening stroll through this pretty town. B, L, D
Day 14 - Vienne, Tournon Today, take a mini train tour and see the Roman Temple of Augustus, as well as the medieval churches of St Andre-Les.Bas and Abbey St Pierre. B, L, D
Day 15 - Tournon, Boucieu-le-Roi, Viviers Select your activity today. You may enjoy 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. After dinner this evening, enjoy a 'ghost walk' through the abandoned town of Viviers. B, L, D
Day 16 - Viviers, Grignon, Avignon Today enjoy an excursion to Grignan, before cruising to Avignon to choose your tour. Walk through narrow streets and open squares to the Papal Palace for a tour, or see the Pont du Gard. B, L, D
Day 17 - Avignon, Les Baux, Arles Visit the beautiful village of Les Baux this morning, and tour a working olive mill and farm for a fascinating insight into a Provencal tradition. Then tour Arles, famous for Roman ruins and as an inspiration of the artist Vincent Van Gogh. B, L, D
Day 18 - Arles, Disembark Ship, Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo Disembark in Arles and travel to the bustling cities of Cannes and Nice for guided tours, before arriving in the glamorous destination of Monte Carlo.
Three night stay: The Fairmont Monte Carlo B
Day 19 - Monte Carlo Sightseeing Today, a guided tour of Monte Carlo includes the spectacular Prince's Palace of Monaco, the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. Later, marvel at the Prince's impressive private collection of antique cars during a special tour. The rest of the day is at leisure. B
Day 20 - Monte Carlo Enjoy a day at leisure before a Farewell Dinner tonight. B, D
Day 21 - Monte Carlo Your tour ends today and you are transferred to the airport. B
Aria Class ship operating this itinerary:
MS AmaDolce - Launched 2009
MS AmaLyra - Launched 2009
MS AmaDante - Launched 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
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
Cannes
Thanks to its international film festival, Cannes is known throughout the world. Indeed to many people it is the festival that makes Cannes synonymous with glitz and glamour.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 6kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Cannes International Film Festival, La Croisette, Monte Carlo
Nice
Nice France is a sparkling jewel on the French Riviera. Charming markets, narrow lanes, and all the enchantments of France, including art, food, and gorgeous architecture are present in Nice. Located along the Mediterranean Sea, Nice France features long promenades, pebbly beaches, and good weather. In town you’ll find picturesque buildings, art museums, and good hotels. Nice vacations were favored by aristocrats during the Victorian period. Today, Nice is a popular destination for a multitude of travelers, and offers a variety of things to do and see.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 10kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Old Town, Beaches, French Riviera
Monte Carlo
The fairy-tale kingdom of Monte Carlo glitters with opulence and jet-set glamour, and the action centers around its famed casinos. Inside, under gilt-edged ceilings and ornate frescoes, fortunes are made or lost. Elsewhere in Monaco are the Prince’s Palace, from which the Grimaldi dynasty has ruled since 1297; the Cathedral where Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier; and the Rock of Monaco, where gardens cascade to the sea.
Country - Monaco Distance from port to City - Distance to Airport - Currency - Euro Dollar (EUR)
Places of Interest
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.
