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 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 historic 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 with a guided walking tour. Explore the maritime history and cultural attractions, including the 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 with 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 châteaus. The first, Château de Villandry, is a beautifully restored Renaissance palace with magnificent gardens. 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 beautiful 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 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 brilliantly illuminated monuments and squares.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner
Day 10. Paris at Leisure
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps stroll along the boutique-lined boulevards, 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 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.
Stay: Seven Nights: APT’s luxurious Aria Class ship - the ms Amacello
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner
Day 12. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today select your activity from our options. Perhaps take a canal cruise and admire the city’s architecture. 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. Later, enjoy a photo opportunity at Rembrandt’s Windmill. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Wel-come Dinner on board.
Day 13. Cologne, Freedom of Choice Touring, Koblenz
Choose an excursion from Cologne today. Travel to Venlo and explore the spectacular displays on show at the Floriade Horticultural World Expo†, or visit the historic city of Maastricht. Rejoin your ship in Koblenz, and perhaps take an evening stroll.
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.
Today cruise through the Rhine Gorge on what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. Arrive in Rüdesheim and choose your activity. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; perhaps take a ride in a gondola with views of the Rhine, or visit a Rhine Valley winery for a tour and tasting.
On arrival in the city of Speyer today, disembark for a sightseeing tour. Then you’ll travel to the fascinating Technik Museum Speyer, Europe’s largest private technology museum.
Day 17. Breisach, Freedom of Choice Touring, Colmar/Black Forest
Today, choose between a tour of Colmar in France or through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the Black Forest tour, drive through a scenic forested area and stop at a cuckoo clock factory. Alternatively, visit medieval Colmar for a city tour.
After a city tour of Basel, enjoy a special journey to the medieval cheese-making town of Gruyères. On arrival, visit a cheese factory for a tour and a special tasting of the delicious cheese. Continue via beautiful Lake Geneva to Lyon, and board your ship.
Stay: Seven Nights: APT’s luxurious Aria Class ship - the ms AmaDagio
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner
Day 19. Lyon, Freedom of Choice Touring, Trévoux
Choose your touring option in Lyon. Take a guided tour of the city, or enjoy a demonstration of the fine art of French cuisine. Returning to your ship for lunch, relax on board as you cruise to Trévoux.
This morning following breakfast, take a mini-train tour, during which you’ll see the Roman Temple of Augustus and the medieval churches of St Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St Pierre.
Day 22. Tournon, Freedom of Choice Touring, Viviers
Choose your activity in Tournon. Sample and learn 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 a tasting of 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.
This morning, visit the village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Tour the castle before visiting a working olive mill and farm to discover the age-old Provençal tradition of olive growing. Leaving Les Baux, return to Arles for an exciting afternoon of touring. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board tonight.
Day 25. Arles, Disembark Ship, Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo
After breakfast, disembark your ship and travel to the famous coastal city of Cannes for a walking tour, then continue to Nice, where you’ll stop for a guided tour. Later this afternoon, continue to the glamorous city of Monte Carlo in Monaco and check in to your hotel.
Stay: Three Nights: Fairmont Monte Carlo
Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast
Day 26. Monte Carlo Sightseeing
A guided tour of Monte Carlo today includes the spectacular Prince’s Palace of Monaco, You’ll also visit the Private Collection of Antique Cars of Prince Rainier III.
Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast
Day 27. Monte Carlo at Leisure
Enjoy an entire day at leisure in Monte Carlo. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director and fellow guests.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner
Day 28. Depart Nice
Your tour ends today with a transfer to Nice Airport.
Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast
ARIA Class Ships sailing on 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
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
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
Map
ms Amadolce 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 Amadolce
MS Amadolce like her sister ships Amadagio and Amalegro she will offer you the luxury of more space than on any other cruise ship in Europe. 2 lounges located on the upper deck will enable you to enjoy panoramic river views, the Panorama Lounge which accommodates up to 150 passengers, and the smaller Adagio Lounge which is perfect for groups and located in a glassed-in wellness area featuring a Fitness Center and a Massage and Beauty Salon. The ship has an elevator as well as bicycles on board for you to enjoy, while exploring on shore.
Inside your tastefully decorated cabin, you'll find all the amenities of a fine hotel, white-on-white plush bedding with down pillows and down duvet, a cozy sitting area, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with local and satellite channels, internet access, safe, individually controlled airconditioning and ample closet space. All 75 staterooms are outside; 62 (82%) feature French balconies.
Suites aboard the MS Amadolce are extra spacious - 255 square feet. They feature a sitting area with a sofa and two chairs, floor-to-ceiling windows with French balcony and a luxurious, extra spacious bathroom with bathtub and shower.
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.
