Day 1 - Amsterdam On arrival into Amsterdam, transfer to your river ship.
Stay: Seven nights APT's luxurious Aria Class ship - the MS AmaCello D
Day 2 - Amsterdam Today select your activity from our included 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, you may like to visit the Van Gogh Museum, or take a guided Wetland Safari canoe tour through extraordinary landscapes. Tonight, enjoy the Captain's Gala Welcome Dinner. B, L, D
Day 3 - Cologne, Koblenz From Cologne, travel to Venlo and see the displays at the 2012 Floriade Horticultural World Expo, or take a trip to the ancient city of Maastricht. Then, rejoin your ship in the historic city of Koblenz. Perhaps alight this evening for a stroll. B, L, D
Day 4 - Cochem On arrival in the town of Cochem, visit Reichburg 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. B, L, D
Day 5 - Rudesheim Today cruise through the famous Rhine Gorge and arrive in Rudesheim, where you have a choice of activities. Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, take a ride in a gondola for spectacular views, or enjoy a visit to a Rhine Valley winery for a tasting. B, L, D
Day 6 - Speyer In Speyer today, disembark for a brief sightseeing tour. Then visit the fascinating Technik Museum Speyer, Europe's largest private technology museum, with over 3,000 exhibits. B, L, D
Day 7 - 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. B, L, D
Day 8 - Disembark Ship, Basel Disembark in Basel and transfer to the airport. B
* 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
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.