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MS AmaBella%lt;br%gt;25 Night France &%lt;br%gt;Magnificent Europe%lt;br%gt;Paris to Budapest

MS AmaBella
25 Night France &
Magnificent Europe
Paris to Budapest

Ship: ms Amabella
Cruise Line: APT (Australian Pacific Touring)
Departures: 
Duration: 25 Nights
Ports: Paris, Rouen, St Malo, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Rudesheim, Freudenberg, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Durnstein, Vienna, Budapest
Airport gateway (Arrival) : Paris
Airport gateway (Departure) : Budapest

 

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive Paris, Transfer to Versailles

Be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel in Versailles. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, before a Welcome Reception this evening with your APT Tour Director and fellow guests.

Stay: Versailles, Pullman Versailles Chateau

 

Day 2. Versailles, Villers Bretonneux, Rouen, Deauville

Tour the resplendent Palace of Versailles this morning, the residence of French royalty for many centuries and a breathtaking château. Discover the dramatic history of the French monarchy and marvel at the ostentatious design of the world-famous palace complex. Then travel to the small town of Villers-Bretonneux, where a moving war memorial bears the names of 10,773 Australian soldiers who died in France in World War I. Re-board your coach and depart for Rouen, the historic riverside capital of Normandy, where a guided walking tour reveals the medieval sights, half-timbered buildings and more. Then, continue to Deauville and check in to your hotel for the night.

Stay: Two Nights: Deauville, Royal Barrier

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 3. Deauville

Delve into wartime history with a day of guided tours taking in significant World War II sites. Tour the beaches of Normandy and see where the events of D-Day unfolded, when thousands of Allied forces travelled through terrible weather to launch their unexpected attack. Visit the Mémorial de Caen Peace Museum and Gardens, dedicated to the history of conflict in the 20th century; see the clifftop Pointe du Hoc, used by the U.S Army Ranger Assault Group during D-Day; and visit the Normandy American Cemetery and War Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, honouring American soldiers who died in the Second World War. The burial site, on a bluff overlooking Omaha beach, is the first American cemetery on European soil. This evening is at leisure for you to relax or explore.

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast

Day 4. Bayeux, Mont St-Michel, Saint Malo, Dine Around Dinner

This morning, depart Deauville for the Roman city of Bayeux. Here you’ll see the famous Bayeux Tapestry, the oldest surviving complete tapestry in the world. Almost 70 metres long, the tapestry tells the story of the Norman conquest of England and is thought to date back as early as 1077. Re-board your coach and travel to the rocky island of Mont St-Michel for a tour of the famous abbey. Discover the crypts, chapels and magnificent arches of this World Heritage-listed site before travelling onward to the walled coastal city of Saint Malo. Tonight, sample your choice of French cuisine with our Dine Around Dinner. Enjoy the ambience of a traditional French bistro, dine in your waterfront hotel, or visit a créperie for a delicious French delicacy.

Stay: Two Nights: Saint Malo, Hotel Oceania

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 5. Saint Malo Sightseeing

This morning, discover the sights of Saint Malo on a guided walking tour. Explore the maritime history and cultural attractions of the city, including a cathedral and tower. This afternoon, discover why Saint Malo is so famous for seafood restaurants as you enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh local shellfish and fish.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch

Day 6. Rennes, Chinon, Tours

Discover Rennes today, and enjoy a guided walking tour of the medieval and Renaissance houses that stand in the city’s historic centre. Continue onward to Chinon, where you’ll discover two spectacular châteaux. The first, Château de Villandry, is a beautifully restored Renaissance palace with magnificent gardens to explore. The second, the magical Château d’Ussé, is thought to have inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty. Depart Chinon and travel to Tours, where you’ll check in to your hotel. Then, enjoy sampling delicious French cuisine during a special dinner of culinary masterpieces at your hotel restaurant. Dine overlooking the River Indre, in the peaceful setting of the Loire Valley.

Stay: Two Nights: Tours, Domain de la Tortiniere

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 7. Tours, Freedom of Choice Touring

Explore Tours today with your choice of touring activity. You may like to discover some of the famous wineries of France during a vineyard tour and wine tasting; alternatively, see spectacular horticultural displays during a tour revealing the Gardens of France.

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast

Day 8. Blois, Chartres, Paris

Depart Tours today and travel to Blois, a beautiful city on the banks of the Loire River. Enjoy a guided tour through the city’s winding streets, and see the famous Château de Chambord, a spectacular palace featuring distinctive Renaissance architecture. Then, travel to the town of Chartres to visit what is considered to be the finest Gothic cathedral in France. After exploring Chartres, depart for Paris, and check in to your hotel for the night.

Stay: Three Nights: Paris, Hilton Arc de Triomphe

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast

Day 9. Paris Sightseeing, Freedom of Choice Touring

After breakfast, discover the sights and attractions of the French capital with a choice of touring activities. Take a sightseeing tour, including the famous Avenue des Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, where you’ll 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 history as you tour the boulevards with their animated cafés and illuminated monuments.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 10. Paris at Leisure

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps stroll along the boutique-lined boulevards, sip coffee in the Latin Quarter or go for a wander along the famous Rue Mouffetard. This evening, you may like to visit the famous Moulin Rouge, the historic cabaret and birthplace of the can-can (own expense).

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast

Day 11. Paris, Amsterdam

After breakfast, board a stylish high-speed train for your luxury 3.5 hour journey to Amsterdam. On arrival, enjoy a tour of the Netherlands Maritime Museum before dinner at your hotel.

Stay: Amsterdam, Sofitel Grand

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 12. Amsterdam

After breakfast today, enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding your luxury river ship this afternoon.

Stay: 14 Nights: one of APT’s luxurious Concerto Class river ships

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 13. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today select your activity from our three options, including a canal tour through the city’s famous waterways, a tour of the exhibitions at the Van Gogh Museum or a Wetlands Safari tour. Later, stop for a photo at Rembrandt’s Windmill.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 14. Düsseldorf, Cologne, Freedom of Choice Touring

Choose your excursion in Düsseldorf. Perhaps travel to Venlo and explore the 2012 Floriade Horticultural World Expo. Alternatively, visit Maastricht. Then, enjoy a tour of Cologne.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 15. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today cruise through the Rhine Gorge and arrive in Rüdesheim, where you have a choice of activities.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 16. Freudenberg, Wertheim, Freedom of Choice Touring

In Wertheim, perhaps embark on a guided bicycle tour, take a walking tour, or go for a paddle on the Tauber River. Afterwards, enjoy a private tour of Wertheim Castle and a glass of Sekt.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 17. Würzburg, Rothenburg - Kitzingen, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today, you may like to embark on a tour taking in the Resi-dential Palace. Alternatively, visit medieval Rothenburg. This evening, enjoy a special wine tasting event in Kitzingen, and a medieval evening on board.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 18. Bamberg

Travel to the World Heritage-listed city of Bamberg for a guided tour. Visit a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus and enjoy a local brew compliments of APT. Cruise to Nuremberg.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 19. Nuremberg, Freedom of Choice Touring

In Nuremberg today, choose your activity. Take a World War II tour, a medieval tour, or explore by Segway.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 20. Regensburg Freedom of Choice Touring

Arrive in Regensburg today, and choose from three touring options.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 21. Passau, Freedom of Choice Touring, Linz

This morning arrive in Passau and choose your touring option.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 22. Melk, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dürnstein

Tour Melk Abbey, then perhaps take a guided bicycle ride to Dürnstein. Or, cruise to Dürnstein for a walking tour.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 23. Vienna, Dine Around Dinner

Enjoy a tour of Vienna. This evening, choose from three tantalising dining options.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 24. Vienna, Freedom of Choice Touring

Enjoy your second day in the Austrian capital with a choice of touring options.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 25. Budapest

Arrive in Budapest for a tour. Visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a private tour, a glass of champagne and a private recital. Tonight enjoy a Fare-well Dinner and twilight cruise.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 26. Disembark ship, depart Budapest

Disembark and transfer to the airport.

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast

* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected

 

Cabin Pricing

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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

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf lies beside the Rhine River and is one of Germany's busiest cities. Well-known for its nightlife, carnival, events, shopping as well as its regular fashion & trade fairs, Dusseldorf has many attractions to appeal to all visitors.

Country - Germany
Distance from port to City - 5kms
Distance from port to Airport - 12kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Große Düsseldorfer Kirmes, Rhine Promenade, Media Harbour, Altstadt, Königsallee

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

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

Freudenberg

Some 15km/9mi northwest of Siegen lies Freudenberg, a pretty little town that was originally a mining settlement and is famed for its half-timbered houses.
 
Country - Germany
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance to Airport - 51kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Municipal Museum in the Alter Flecken; open-air theater.

Wertheim

The former capital of the counts of Wertheim, situated at the point where the river Tauber flows into the river Main, with its medieval lanes, frame houses and awe-inspiring castle has an atmosphere of its own and – unlike other towns – has kept its character of a small Franconian town.

Country - Germany
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 95kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Kilian's Chapel, Glass making Foundry and Museum, Spessart Forest, Tauber Valley

Wurzburg

Surrounded by pleasant hillside vineyards Würzburg is both an old episcopal see and a vivacious modern university city. The great medieval fortress of Marienburg dominates the skyline, overlooking the beautiful Old Town with its architectural masterpieces from many different periods. Art, culture and the fine wines of Franconia are all important elements of the Würzburg lifestyle. This carefree city with its relaxed southern atmosphere is the perfect starting-place for a journey of discovery on the Romantic Route.

Country - Germany
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 90kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Fortress Marienberg, Town Hall

Bamberg



Country - Germany
Distance from port to City - 1km
Distance from port to Airport - 50kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest

Nuremberg

Visitors to Nuremberg, a lively city with a medieval feel, will find evidence of its 950-year history at every turn. These legacies of the past also reveal much about the past and present of the German people. Here in Nuremberg, monuments to the city's inventiveness and its cultural self-confidence over many centuries stand in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a modern, dynamic urban centre.

Country - Germany
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 6kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Castle, City Wall, Zoo, Toy Museum, Verkehrs Museum, Old Quarter

Regensburg

Regensburg bills itself as "Germany's best-preserved medieval city." It's hard to argue with that description, at least when you're wandering through the Altstadt (old city) with its 13th to 15th Century houses or crossing the Steinerne Bruke (Stone Bridge), which has carried traders and touists across the Danube since the 1100s. Preservation may be Regensburg's most important industry after the BMW and Siemens plants in the modern suburbs. The medieval streets in the city center have been protected by strict laws since the 1970s, and the Bavarian state's conservation experts keep a close eye on all maintenance or renovation



Country - Germany
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 78kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Medieval city centre, Historic Sausage Kitchen, Johannes Kepler Memorial House

Passau

Passau is not merely a transfer point but a destination unto itself. Life is easy-going and lived outdoors where street cafes and restaurants abound. Student life is vibrant and multifaceted. Guests can actively interface with young people from around the world over a Hacklbräu, Andorfer Weissbier or Passauer Löwenbräu brew in the beer gardens.

Country - Germany
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 100kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Bavarian Forest, Local Breweries, Danube River

Linz

Linz is a city of the third millennium. In and around the city, its Roman and medieval past slumbers. The opulence of the Baroque and the boldness of industrial architecture from the early 20th century are part of present-day life. Linz on the Danube is manageable, cosy, cherishes its traditions and, as the third biggest city in a small country, it is both metropolis and province, Central European crossroads and regional niche.

Country - Austria
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 11kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Old Town, Linz Castle, Arts Electronica Centre, Brucknerhaus Concert Hall

Melk

Empress Maria Theresa said of Melk, "If I had never come here, I would have regretted it." The center of Melk is the Abbey and the Stiftskirche (the abbey church), some of the best examples of Baroque architecture anywhere in the world. The abbey library contains allegorical paintings by Troger on the ceiling while the Stiftskirche, has works by Rottmayr and Troger and is almost completely decorated in gold. Stand on the terrace of the abbey and view the river much as Napoleon did during the campaign against Austria so many years ago.

Country - Austria
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance to Airport - 105kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Melk Abbey and Museum

Durnstein

One of the Wachau district’s most attractive villages is Durnstein, where the ruins of a castle - the Kuenringerburg - high up on a hill commands a superb view of the Danube as it winds through the valley. Stroll among the ruins and soak in the historic atmosphere of the castle where King Richard I of England was incarcerated in 1192. And after your journey into the past rejoin the 21st century and sample some of the splendid local wines in one of the local taverns.

Country - Austria
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance to Airport - 95kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Kuenringerburg, Wachsu Wine District

Vienna

Vienna is known worldwide as a city of music. Quality orchestras and ensembles are its seal of excellence. Along with well-established ensembles for contemporary music classical music continues to play a vital role, as made evident by the City of Vienna Concert Orchestra and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, amongst others. The Vienna Academy, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and the Women's Chamber Orchestra are dedicated to tradition and modern music alike. International artists are a great gain to cultural life in Vienna.Vienna's cultural life is multi-faceted. You have the choice of 50 theatres, four opera houses, two stages for musicals, 100 museums and numerous theatre, music and dance festivals. The museum quarter with its baroque facade is home to one of the biggest cultural districts in Europe.


Country  Austria
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 15kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, Spanish Riding School, Prater Park, Danube Tower, Vienna Zoo

Budapest

Budapest possesses a rich and fascinating history as well as a vibrant cultural heritage. Recognizing the unique value of its traditions it has managed to maintain its magic and charm, and is rightly known as the Queen of the Danube. It has also been called the City of Spas, as there are a dozen thermal baths complexes served by over a hundred natural thermal springs.

Country - Hungary
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 14kms
Currency - Forint (HUF)

Places of Interest
Ecseri Flea Market, Royal Palace, National Gallery, Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum, Fisherman's Bastion, Statue Park

 

Map

ms Amabella Cabin Info

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Cruise line info

APT (Australian Pacific Touring)

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 Amabella

148-passenger ms Amabella debuted in May 2010. She is the first of APT's new Concerto class of River Ships.
 
Here's what you can expect on an ms Amabella cruise:
 
The line offers nearly all-inclusive cruising. Beyond the cruise ship standards -- food, accommodation, entertainment -- there's wine and beer with dinner, unlimited Internet use and guided tours in each port. There are also about 20 bikes available for exploring onshore (no additional fee).
 
Standard cabins are 170 square feet, a decent size for a river cruise industry where cabins are typically in the 150-square-ft. range. All cabins have "Infotainment" setups, basically flat-screen TVs with Internet access, movie and music libraries, bow and navigational cams and more. 82 percent of cabins feature a French balcony, a sliding glass door with railing. Cabins on the lower Piano deck feature picture windows right at the water line instead of French balconies.
 
There are two lounges on ms Amabella -- a large main lounge at the bow and a more intimate lounge located aft -- that offer panoramic views of Europe, as well as a sun deck with whirlpool. Other onboard amenities include an elevator, small fitness area and a treatment room.

Facilities:

  • Bicycles
  • Complimentary free-flowing local wine with every dinner onboard
  • Dining Room
  • Fitness Area
  • Gift Shop
  • Library
  • Main Lounge & Bar
  • Massage & Beauty Salon
  • Observation Lounge
  • Rear Lounge
  • Sauna
  • Sun Deck
  • Swimming Pool
  • Two Fine Dining Restaurants
  • Whirlpool

 

Amenities:

  • Flat Screen Television
  • Hair Dryer
  • Individually Controlled Air Conditioning
  • Monitor, Keyboard & Internet Access
  • Safe
  • Satellite Telephone System

Dining:

Onboard cuisine will offer something for everyone! Breakfast choices range from Continental service in your cabin to a full American buffet in the restaurant, with cooked-to-order eggs. Three-course lunches will be followed by cake and coffee snacks each afternoon. And dinners, four-course dining experiences in themselves, will feature a choice of four entrées and complimentary wine.

Ship facts

Ship Details
Gross Tonnage  
Star Rating  
Size/Style of Ship River
Entered Service May 2010
Registry Basel
Former Name  
Length 135 metres
Beam 12 metres
Draft 1 metre
Propulsion/Propellers  
Maximum Cruising Speed (knots)  
Passenger Capacity (twin) 161
Crew 49
Nationality of Officers European
Nationality of Crew European
Total Cabins 81
Total Inside cabins 0
Total Outside cabins 19
Cabin/Suites with Balcony 62
Wheelchair Accessible Cabins  
Passenger Decks 4
Cabin Electricity 120v/240v
Elevators 1
Self-Service Laundry No
Onboard Currency (subject to change) EUR

 

 

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