Luxury travel operator APT has today announced it will bring the magic of live symphony to Europe’s waterways in 2016, inviting an ensemble of musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) to perform a series of exclusive live performances aboard six departures of its 15-day Magnificent Europe river cruise.
The six special departures are the first in a series of new Special Events cruises to be unveiled by APT.
Available to book from today, the cruises will feature a quartet of SSO musicians − Lerida Delbridge, Claire Herrick, Justin Williams and Timothy Nankervis − who will deliver one-off performances designed to take guests on a musical journey around Europe.
As well as timeless classics, the ensemble will deliver thrilling masterpieces by the great composers, as well as works by fresh new voices on the classical music scene.
APT is a major sponsor of the SSO’s flagship Master Series at the Sydney Opera House which each year showcases some of the world’s biggest musical stars performing music from the heart and soul of the SSO repertoire.
According to APT Chief Marketing Officer, Debra Fox, inviting musicians to perform live onboard APT river cruises seemed a natural extension of this partnership: “We are thrilled to be working with the SSO to make these special performances a reality for our guests in 2016. Where better to experience Europe’s musical heritage than sailing through the very regions that served as the inspiration for the compositions aboard one of our magnificent river cruise ships. These special departures promise to deliver an experience that is simply unforgettable.”
Sydney Symphony Orchestra Managing Director Rory Jeffes said a shared passion for excellence has helped APT and the SSO create what promises to be a memorable experience: “The chance to hear our world-class musicians aboard a luxury APT river cruise exploring Europe’s rich musical history is an event not to be missed. This trip should be on the bucket-list for anyone who loves or appreciates classical music and luxury travel.”
Guests travelling on the special SSO 15-day Magnificent Europe departures will sail through five countries (Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary) aboard the MS AmaStella, MS AmaVenita, MS AmaVerde between Amsterdam and Budapest.
Priced from $8,495 per person, twin share, guests will also enjoy additional musical highlights such as a visit to the Hungarian Opera House for a private opera recital; a journey aboard the luxurious Majestic Imperator train, authentic replica of the Imperial Royal train of the Habsburgs, a visit to Mozart’s birthplace Salzburg; and a private musical soiree at Vienna’s newly refurbished City Palace, featuring members of the Mozart Boys’ Choir.
APT’s luxury European river cruises are all inclusive and include all meals; complimentary beverages throughout; room service and butler service 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.
Departure dates for the special SSO cruises are: 10, 11, 12, 24, 25 and 26 March 2016.
APT is offering free return flights to Europe, including air taxes of up to $1,100 per person on all category E and D cabins across all six of the special SSO cruise departure. This offer is valid on all bookings made by 31 July 2015 and full terms and conditions apply.
For further information call APT on 1300 196 420, visit www.aptouring.com.au/sso or see your local travel agent.
SOURCE APT