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MS AmaCello%lt;br%gt;17 Night Switzerland%lt;br%gt;The Enchanting Rhine%lt;br%gt;Geneva to Amsterdam

MS AmaCello
17 Night Switzerland
The Enchanting Rhine
Geneva to Amsterdam

Ship: ms Amacello
Cruise Line: APT (Australian Pacific Touring)
Departures: 
Duration: 17 Nights
Ports: Geneva, Lucerne, Basel, Breisach, Colmar, Speyer, Rudesheim, Cochem, Koblenz, Cologne, Amsterdam
Airport gateway (Arrival) : Zurich
Airport gateway (Departure) : Amsterdam

 

Itinerary

Day 1. Geneva

Arrive in Geneva today, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The largest in French-speaking Switzerland, Geneva is a fascinating city with a long history as a centre of diplomacy. Later tonight, get to know your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

Stay: Geneva, Swissotel Metropole

 

Day 2. Lake Geneva, Montreux

This morning enjoy a cruise on beautiful Lake Geneva, the largest natural freshwater lake in western Europe. Cruise to Chillon, a castle with over 1,000 years of history. Located between the shores of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, this architectural jewel has inspired artists and writers for centuries. After stopping here, cruise to Yvoire, a medieval town on the French side of Lake Geneva. Disembark the cruise in Yvoire, then travel to Montreux and take an orientation tour before a special Welcome Dinner.

Stay: Two Nights: Montreux, Fairmont Le Montreux

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 3. Montreux

After breakfast, board the Chocolate Train from Montreux. Enjoy coffee and croissants on board as you travel to the medieval cheese-making town of Gruyères. On arrival here, travel by bus into the town and visit a cheese factory as well as the Castle of Gruyères, before re-boarding the train and continuing to Broc, home of the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory. Here, observe the fascinating production process of chocolate, and enjoy some delicious samples.

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast

Day 4. Täsch, Zermatt

This morning, travel to Täsch, located in the Mattertal Valley. Board a cog-wheel train for the short journey to Zermatt. Situated at the northern base of the famous mountain, the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a truly pristine place. Electric cars and horse-drawn sleighs and carriages are the only transport permitted, ensuring that the alpine air is exceptionally clean. On arrival, check in to your hotel before dinner tonight.

Stay: Two Nights: Zermatt, Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 5. Zermatt, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today ride a cable car to the summit of the Matterhorn for breathtaking panoramic views. This afternoon, enjoy a choice of touring activities. The adventurous might like to opt for an Alpine guided hike or a kickbike scooter tour. Both options offer you the chance to take in the attractions of the region from a truly extraordinary perspective. Immerse yourself in Alpine scenery during the hike, or enjoy a fun mode of transport in the kickbike. Alternatively, discover the exhibitions at The Matterhorn Museum. This unique centre explores the history of the Matterhorn through a replica mountain village, including a church, huts and even a granary. Here, you’ll also uncover the story of the first ascent of the Matterhorn.

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast

Day 6. Como, Dine Around Dinner

Continue on to the stunning Italian Lake District and arrive at Como, on the shores of the beautiful glacial Lake Como. Once famous for the production of silk, the town today is a fascinating place to visit, offering a wealth of historic buildings, including churches, grand Neoclassical houses, gardens and museums. The town also enjoys a beautiful setting, close to the Alps and the famed lake. Tonight, choose your dining experience. Relax and enjoy dinner at your lakeside hotel or enjoy classic Italian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Stay: Como, Albergo Terminus Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 7. Lake Como, St Moritz

This morning in Como, take a cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Como. Thanks to its mountainous backdrop as well as the charming villas and towns sitting on its banks, Lake Como is one of Italy’s most romantic attractions. Then, board a coach for the journey to the historically rich town of Bellinzona. Here, ride a lift from Piazza Del Sole to Castelgrande, before visiting the Castello De Montebello. Having visited two of Bellinzona’s World Heritage-listed castles, it’s time to depart for one of the most famous winter resorts in the world. St Moritz enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year thanks to its location.

Stay: St Moritz, Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 8. St Moritz, Andermatt, Lucerne, Dine Around Dinner

Depart Moritz today, boarding the Glacier Express for a rail journey known to be one of Europe’s most scenic. Travelling at a deliberately relaxed pace, this three-hour journey allows ample time to absorb the scenery outside your panoramic windows. Cross bridges and viaducts, travel through tunnels and marvel at the alpine landscapes, snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys and pretty villages. During the journey, enjoy lunch on board. Arrive in Andermatt in the Urseren Valley and travel by coach to the picturesque resort city of Lucerne. Check in to your hotel, and enjoy a Dine Around Dinner tonight. Relax and dine in the elegant surrounds of your hotel, or enjoy a unique dining experience at Stadtkeller Musik Restaurant, where cow bells, costumes and yodelling will bring your evening to life alongside delicious traditional food.

Stay: Three Nights: Lucerne, Palace Hotel Luzern

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 9. Lucerne, Freedom of Choice Touring

Explore Lucerne, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and within sight of spectacular Mt Pilatus and Mt Rigi, with a choice of touring activities. Cruise the beautiful lake, or discover the city with a walking tour. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may enjoy a husky dogsled experience, a unique way to explore this beautiful mountain region. This afternoon, tour nearby Zürich, including such sights as the famous commercial centre, the Old Town, Fraumünster Church with its famous Chagall windows, historical Limmatquai and the University District.

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast

Day 10. Lucerne, Engelberg, Mt Titlis

Mt Titlis. After breakfast this morning, board your coach and travel from Lucerne to the neighbouring mountain resort town of Engelberg, in the canton of Obwalden. Here, enjoy a brief tour taking in Engelberg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels, amongst other attractions. Then enjoy the truly breathtaking opportunity to ride the cable car from the town, over the expansive scenic mountain landscape and up to Mt Titlis.

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast

Day 11. Lucerne, Basel

This morning, board your coach to 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 houses. On arrival, board your luxury river ship.

Stay: Seven Nights APT’s luxurious Aria Class ship - the MS AmaCello

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 12. Breisach, Freedom of Choice Touring, 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.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 13. Speyer

On arrival in the city of Speyer today, you’ll disembark for a tour, including a visit to the Technik Museum Speyer, Europe’s largest private technology museum. 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.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 14. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring

Arrive in Rüdesheim, 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 most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments in Germany. Alternatively, take a ride in a gondola for spectacular views. Perhaps visit a Rhine Valley winery for a tasting of delicious Riesling. Then continue cruising through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge along what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 15. Cochem

This morning your ship will leave the Rhine and turn onto the Moselle River, a winding and picturesque waterway. Enjoy a morning of stunning views as the scenery of the spectacular Moselle Valley drifts by. Pass breath-taking landscapes of lush vineyards and rolling hills as you cruise towards Cochem. Here, alight your ship and visit historic Reichsburg Castle. Tour the medieval site and absorb stunning views over the river below.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 16. Koblenz, Freedom of Choice Touring, Cologne

Cruise to 2,000 year-old Koblenz 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, in The Netherlands, where you can explore the grand ancient architecture and boutique shops. Rejoin your ship in Cologne, one of the oldest cities in Germany. This evening, you may like to take a stroll around the ancient attractions of the city. Perhaps wander over to the spectacular Gothic Cathedral, which is one of the largest churches in the world. Construction of this incredible edifice began in 1248, but it was not to be completed until 1880. The World Heritage-listed site is said to contain the relics of the Three Magi. You may also like to explore some of the city’s beautiful Romanesque churches, featuring outstanding examples of medieval sacral architecture. Many of these churches were badly damaged during World War II, and have been painstakingly reconstructed.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 17. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring

This morning, disembark your ship in Utrecht and enjoy a photo opportunity at Rembrandt’s Windmill before arriving in Amsterdam. Here, 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. 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. Enjoy a special Farewell Dinner on board this evening with your Tour Director and fellow guests. Then, perhaps head into the city to experience the vibrant nightlife of Amsterdam.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 18. Depart Amsterdam

This morning after breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast

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

 

Cabin Pricing

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Ports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Map

ms Amacello 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 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.

  • 24-hour room service Available
     

Entertainment and On Board Facilities

  • Whirlpool atop the Sun Deck
  • Lido Bar
  • Work out in the Fitness Room
  • The Hair and Massage Salon.

Ship facts

Ship Details
Gross Tonnage  
Star Rating  
Size/Style of Ship River
Entered Service 2008
Registry Switzerland
Former Name  
Length 110 metres
Beam 12 metres
Draft 1 metre
Propulsion/Propellers  
Maximum Cruising Speed (knots)  
Passenger Capacity (twin) 148
Crew 43
Nationality of Officers European
Nationality of Crew European
Total Cabins 75
Total Inside cabins 0
Total Outside cabins 75
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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