Exclusive gourmet experiences, wine tasting in world-famous vineyards and luxury river cruises that journey through some of France’s most unforgettable regions are just a few of the highlights of APT’s new France River Cruising brochure.
APT guests can choose from picture perfect Provence, the landscapes of Normandy or the Loire Valley, or the wine regions of the Alsace, Burgundy, Beaujolais and Bordeaux. Every single itinerary has been crafted to reflect the true essence of France and in addition, APT is introducing a range of exciting new destinations and themes.
Bordeaux river cruising: In 2016 APT will introduce Bordeaux river cruising, with a choice of five itineraries available. For example the new all inclusive 11-day Grand Bordeaux River Cruise is priced from $7,645* per person twin share and focuses on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.
The cruise commences with a three night luxury city stay in Paris, with sightseeing at all the iconic landmarks and a special dinner and evening at the Moulin Rouge. Sailing aboard APT’s boutique 74-suite luxury rivership, the MS AmaDolce, guests visit Bordeaux, Pauillac, Blaye, Cognac, Libourne, Saint Émilion and Cadillac.
Featuring a range of exceptional gourmet experiences designed to showcase the regional food and wine, cruise highlights include APT’s exclusive Signature Invitations such as a private dinner at Bordeaux’s Château Pape Clément, enjoyed with perfectly paired wines; and a visit to a family-owned cooperage before a wine tasting in Ludon. Freedom of Choice™ sightseeing options are on offer in four different locations, including in Libourne the choice of a visit to a caviar farm for a tasting or a walking tour of the nearby Bergerac.
Unforgettable combinations: APT is offering a range of exciting combinations for its latest river cruise route. Guests can combine a Bordeaux river cruise with a seven night Rhône river cruise on the 18-day Wonders of Bordeaux and Rhône; a seven night Seine river cruise on the 15-day Majestic Seine & Bordeaux River Cruise; a Spanish land journey on the 17-day Bordeaux, Basque Country & Madrid; or an ultimate France, Spain and Portugal discovery on the 21-day Douro, Basque Country & Bordeaux.
Southern Charm: Also new for 2016 is the 21-day Charms of Southern France which takes guests from Paris to Monte Carlo, offering a more in-depth cruise of the Rhône and Saône, taking in the Burgundy and Beaujolais regions as well as Provence.
Highlights of this journey include exclusive Signature Invitations such as a gourmet feast at L’Abbaye de Collonges, owned by a Michelin-starred chef, Paul Bocuse; a tour of Grignan Castle followed by a private cocktail reception; and a special lunch in the artist village of Saint-Paul de Vence. Guests will also enjoy a wine tasting at a Côtes-du-Rhône vineyard, have the chance to spot Flamingoes in the Camargue National Park, take an in depth tour of Marseille and wander through the gardens and rooms of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on the French Riviera.
This all inclusive holiday is priced from $13,845* per person, twin share and includes three nights each at leading five star hotels in Paris and Monte Carlo, 14 nights aboard an APT luxury river cruise, 49 meals, sightseeing, transfers, port charges and tipping.
Special events and seven night cruises: Special events cruises are also being introduced for 2016, with APT offering ‘In Celebration of Wine’ cruises and an exclusive culinary adventure in collaboration with Australian Gourmet Traveller Magazine.
For guests wanting to book shorter itineraries, APT is also offering a variety of seven night French river cruises including Bordeaux, Rhine, Rhône and Seine.
Fly to France for Free: Book early and you’ll enjoy additional savings and deals. For example APT is offering the chance to fly to France for free on selected itineraries. There is also a special business class deal of $4,595 if you travel in an Owner’s Suite on a cruise of 15 days or more.
In addition, with APT’s new Early Payment Discount guests will save up to $800 per couple when they book and pay 10 months prior to departure.
Guests who travel in a group of six or more on the same date will save an additional $400 per person on tours of 15 days or more.
APT’s new France River Cruising 2016 brochure is available now. For further information call APT on 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your travel agent.
SOURCE APT