Cruise Description
14 Night Cruise sailing from Arles to Amsterdam aboard AmaDagio and AmaCello.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1. Arles
Arrive in Arles to board your luxury ship. Enjoy the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner.

Stay: Seven Nights: one of APT’s luxurious Aria River Ships

Day 2. Arles, Freedom of Choice, Avignon
This morning, select your freedom of choice sightseeing activity. From Arles, perhaps head to Les Baux de Provence for a tour of the castle and free time. Then visit Moulin du Calanquet, an olive mill and farm in Saint-Rémy de Provence. Discover the Provençal tradition of olive growing during a tour and tasting. Alternatively, tour the olive farm first then visit Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Van Gogh spent many of his later years. Later, embark on a tour taking you to the ancient sites of Arles.

Day 3. Avignon, Freedom of Choice
Arrive in Avignon today, once an important centre of the Catholic Church. Take a sightseeing tour upon arrival, then enjoy free time to explore this medieval city at your own pace. Later this afternoon, you may like to join a tour of the Palace of the Popes. Alternatively, visit the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct, before time at leisure in Uzčs.

Day 4. Viviers, Grignan, Tournon
Disembark in Viviers today and take a trip to Grignan, perched upon a hill and surrounded by lavender fields. Here, visit a truffle farm for an insight into this unique industry. Head out with the dogs in search of truffles. Later, enjoy a tasting of these rare delicacies. Later, cruise to Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage.

Day 5. Tournon, Freedom of Choice, Vienne
This morning, select your freedom of choice activity. Perhaps visit Eden Parc Garden. Nestled in the heart of Tournon, this idyllic garden boasts superb views, with the river stretched out below. Alternatively, you may like to travel by coach to the stunning Ardčche Mountains and on to Boucieu-le-Roi, where you’ll visit its quaint local market of handmade crafts and enjoy local entertainment. Later, cruise to Vienne.

Day 6. Belleville, Beaujolais Region, Lyon
Disembark in Belleville, where this morning’s tour will take you through the Beaujolais wine region, the Pays d’Or or ‘land of the golden stones’ – named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. After visiting the medieval hilltop village of Oingt, head to a family-owned and run winery. Here, a member of the family will take you on a tour, explaining the history of the winery. They will introduce you to their age-old traditions, then host a wine tasting. Continue to Lyon.

Day 7. Lyon, Freedom of Choice
Today presents you with the opportunity to experience World Heritage-listed Lyon, considered to be the gastronomic centre of France. Perhaps take a city tour and visit Lyon’s major sights, including the impressive Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvičre. Alternatively, embark on a guided bicycle tour along the banks of the Rhône River to the pretty botanical gardens, Parc de la Tête d’Or. Another option is a guided culinary walk, exploring Lyon’s exceptional fresh food markets.

Day 8. Lyon, Disembark, Basel, Embark Ship
Disembark in Lyon and journey via Lake Geneva to Basel to board your luxury river ship.

Stay: Seven Nights: one of APT’s luxurious Aria River Ships

Day 9. Breisach, Freedom of Choice
Today in Breisach, choose from two options. The first, an excursion to the Black Forest region in Germany, will take you by coach through a lovely scenic forested area, past a number of lakes as well as several brilliant examples of rural German architecture. Your second option is a trip to the medieval city of Colmar, located on the Alsatian Wine Route. During a tour here, see half-timbered framed houses, the German-influenced old quarter, the Launch River and more. Visit a local vineyard for a tasting of the local Alsace wine.

Day 10. Speyer
Disembark and travel to the Technik Museum Speyer, which features more than 3,000 exhibits from all different areas of technological history. Afterwards, explore this quaint medieval town on a guided walking tour. Then visit a local family for a hosted afternoon tea of coffee and cake.

Day 11. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice, Koblenz
Arrive in Rüdesheim, and ride the Winzerexpress mini-train to your selected sightseeing activity. Perhaps tour Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to one of Germany’s most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments. Alternatively, take a ride in a gondola to the Niederwalddenkmal monument for views over the Rhine Valley.

Day 12. Cochem, Freedom of Choice
Today you’ll disembark in the German town of Cochem, possibly the prettiest town in the Moselle Valley. You may wish to explore the town on a walking tour then visit the Cochem Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the river. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bicycle ride. Later, cruise along the Moselle and Rhine Rivers.

Day 13. Cologne, Freedom of Choice
Arrive in Cologne today and select from two intriguing walking tours. You may choose to wander around the city and absorb its spectacular historic architecture, or perhaps embark on a chocolate-themed walking tour and savour Cologne’s confectionary.

Day 14. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice
Today, perhaps take a canal cruise and admire the city from a glass-top boat as you glide past 17th-century homes, churches and 16th-century merchant houses. Then wander through Amsterdam’s famed flower market along the banks of the canal. Alternatively, visit the Van Gogh Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. Another option is an excursion to the picturesque village of Zaanse Schans, famous for its traditional Dutch buildings and windmills. Return to your ship and set off along the Rhine River. This evening is your Farewell Dinner.

Day 15. Amsterdam, Disembark Ship
Disembark in Amsterdam.