Luxury travel operator APT has announced it will continue with its successful Wine Series European River Cruise journeys in 2017, having once again secured the support of some of the leading figures from the Australian wine industry.
Four Wine Ambassadors will play host to APT guests on its Wine Series cruises in 2017, all of whom represent wineries from Australia’s First Family of Wines, a collective of 12 of the country’s leading multi-generational winemakers that are the heart and soul of Australian wine.
APT Wine Ambassadors for 2017 are: Scott McWilliam of McWilliam’s Family Winemakers; Peter Barry from Jim Barry Wines; Cherry StowmanTaylors Wines; and Bruce Tyrrell of Tyrell’s Wines.
APT’s special hosts will bring with them a personal selection of their own wines to provide tasting sessions on board the cruise. They will also host special dinners paired with their own wines, lead excursions to wineries to meet local vintners, explain the nuances of traditional wine-making techniques and educate guests on European wine heritage and traditions.
Each ambassador will travel with guests for the duration of their cruise.
Scott McWilliam and Jim Barry will travel aboard APT’s 15-day Magnificent Europe Wine Series cruise on the 23 July and 11 November 2017 departures.
This cruise is priced from $6,495* per person, twin share and features three of APT’s exclusive Royal Signature Experiences; the chance to explore Namedy Castle before enjoying a lavish banquet; a rail journey between Linz and Passau aboard the luxurious Majestic Imperator; and the chance to visit Vienna’s City Palace for a cocktail and concert featuring members of the Mozart Boys’ Choir.
Cherry Stowman plays host to guests travelling on the 18-day Wonders of Bordeaux and Rhône, priced from $12,995* per person, twin share and departing 19 September 2017. An unforgettable way to discover more about French wine, this journey features three nights in Paris, seven nights river cruising in the Bordeaux region and seven nights cruising the Rhône River through Provence and the wine regions of South West France.
Amongst the many sightseeing highlights on this cruise is APT’s new Royal Signature Experience on the Bordeaux cruise, a special visit to Château de Cazeneuve, once home of the Kings of Navarre and later King Henri IV of France and his wife Queen Margot. After being welcomed by the current owners, guests enjoy a private tour before sitting down to dinner in the impeccable Grand Salon, while enjoying the traditional music from a Baroque band.
Combining the Seine and Rhône rivers is the 15-day Romantic Rhône & Seine is priced from $9,695 per person, twin share and departs 17 August 2017. This cruise is being hosted by Bruce Tyrrell. Highlights for this cruise include four APT Signature Experiences, including a gourmet feast at Lyon’s L’Abbaye de Collonges, owned by Michelin-starred chef, Paul Bocuse.
Also featured on this itinerary is APT’s new Signature Experience – an exclusive visit to Château de Bizy, the private home of descendants of Prince Jerome Napoleon. Situated in Vernon on the Seine River, here guests will enjoy time to explore the house and gardens before enjoying a glass of sparkling wine in this historic setting.
All four departures are part of APT’s Special Interest European River Cruise Collection.
Commenting, APT’s Executive General Manager, Global Sales and Marketing, Debra Fox said, “Our Wine Series river cruises have been incredibly popular amongst our guests. That’s because they recognise that by having our special ambassadors onboard, they will be able to unlock the deeper cultural significance that wine making has to the riverside communities of the European destinations that our cruises visit.
“Tasting and being guided by some of Australia’s most knowledgeable wine experts is a special addition to the APT Collection. As a proud Australian family-owned and operated business that next year celebrates a heritage of 90 years, we are particularly pleased to partner with Australia’s First Families of Wine, of which all of our Ambassadors are members,” she said.
APT’s luxury European river cruises are all inclusive and include all meals; complimentary beverages throughout; room service, butler service and complementary laundry in select suites, all sightseeing and entertainment; and transfers, port charges and tipping. There is even a fleet of bicycles on board for guests to use at their leisure.
For further information about APT’s Wine Cruises call 1300 196 420, visit www.aptouring.com.au/WineSeries or see your local travel agent.
SOURCE: APT