Rhône, Switzerland to Danube

27-Day Rhône, Switzerland to Danube

Unique to APT, this comprehensive 27 Day tour begins with a seven night cruise through the gorgeous valleys of France’s River Rhône. You’ll continue by land for eight days through the majestic scenery of Switzerland before boarding a cruise as equally as appealing as the first – the legendary Danube, taking you from Nuremberg to Budapest in unparalleled style.

Accommodation  Accommodation at its Best   
Tour Duration     27 
Style River Cruises of Europe, Russia and Egypt 
Finest Dining      Includes 58 Meals
Tour Highlight    27 Days Luxury Cruising and Touring

* Notes:
   Part charges (EUPSSL27)—add $305 per person.
   Part charges (EUPSSL20)—add $155 per person.
   Part charges (EUPSSL17)—add $150 per person.
  
   Arrival transfer(EUPSSL 27)—add $75 per person.
   Arrival transfer(EUPSSL 20)—add $75 per person.
   Arrival transfer(EUPSSL 17) is included on first day.

   Depart.transfer(EUPSSL27)—add $75 per person.
   Depart.transfer(EUPSSL20) is included on last day.
   Depart.transfer(EUPSSL17) —add $75 per person.
   
   Gratuities included for land touring, not included for cruise staff.
*

Day 1. Arrive Barcelona.
Today you’ll be met at the airport in Barcelona and transferred to your hotel, before tonight’s Welcome Reception.
Three Night Stay: Meliá Barcelona Hotel.

Day 2. Barcelona Sightseeing.
Today begins with a drive to the top of Montjuic Hill, for views of the city below. Tour the Placa Catalonia and Las Ramblas, the promenade and centre of Barcelona life, then visit the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, designed by Antonio Gaudí. Later, take a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, King’s Square and Tinell, the Royal Palace.

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Day 3. Barcelona.
Enjoy free time or perhaps join us for an optional tour of Parc Güell then tonight, an optional dinner show with flamenco dancers is available (both own expense).

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Day 4. Barcelona – Carcassonne – Arles – Embark Ship.
Today head for Arles, the gateway to Provence. Along the way, pass through the Pyrenees and stop in Carcassonne, a World Heritage-listed site. Enjoy free time, then travel via Camargue to Arles, situated at the mouth of the Rhône delta. Board the ms Swiss Pearl and gather for a Welcome Dinner.

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Day 5. Arles – Avignon.
This morning take a coach to the village of St Remy, birthplace of Nostradamus, for a guided tour. Then return to Arles and take a walking tour. Pass Constantine’s Baths, the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheatre, which is still in use today. This evening, cruise to nearby Avignon.

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Day 6. Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
A tour of Avignon today includes the Papal Palace, which served as fortress, church and residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world. Cruise to Châteauneuf-du-Pape over lunch. Here, see the remains of the 14th century palace that was built as a summer residence for Popes during their exile to Avignon, as well as the squares and beautiful fountains that this medieval village has to offer. Enjoy a wine tasting before returning to the ship.

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Day 7. Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Tournon.
Today cruise the Rhône river upstream to Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage. These twin towns face each other across the Rhône River and are linked by a 19th century suspension bridge. The fertile soil and ideal climate of the region has made Tain L’Hermitage the premier producer of the Côte du Rhône wines. Upon arrival here, enjoy some time at leisure. Perhaps visit the 16th century castle which is now a town hall, or visit the chocolate shop for a taste of the confections once produced in Tournon’s famous factory. After dinner on board tonight, enjoy a wine tasting.

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Day 8. Tournon – Vienne.
This morning travel via steam train from the vineyards of the valley to the woods of Ardêche along the Doux River. Enjoy lunch back on board the ship as you cruise to Vienne this afternoon. Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvellously preserved ruins and remains.

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Day 9. Vienne – Trévoux.
During this morning’s walking tour you will see the 1st century Roman Temple of Augustus and the medieval churches of St Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St Pierre. Then re-board the ship and continue cruising to Trévoux this afternoon, passing Lyon and entering the Saône River on the way. This evening, take a stroll past the sidewalk cafés of this rural walking town.

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Day 10. Trévoux – Lyon.
This morning’s tour will take you behind the village walls of Trévoux and through Beaujolais, the Pay D’Or, or ‘land of the golden stones’ so named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. Enjoy a visit to a local wine maker, where you’ll taste the world-renowned Beaujolais Nouveau wine before returning to the ship. Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, but is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. Enjoy free time this evening to explore the town on your own, before tonight’s Farewell Dinner aboard the ms Swiss Pearl as you prepare for your onward journey.

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Day 11. Lyon, Disembark Ship.
This morning disembark the ship for the final time and tour Lyon. Absorb the stunning panoramic views of the city from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere and explore the Renaissance charm of Old Lyon. This afternoon check in to your hotel in Lyon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Stay: Lyon.
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Day 12. Lyon – Annecy – Montreux.
Following breakfast at the hotel, travel by coach from Lyon to Annecy in the Alps-Rhône region. Take a guided sightseeing tour then continue across the border into Switzerland and on to the pretty town of Montreux.
Two Night Stay: Montreux.
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Day 13. Montreux.
Today presents you with the opportunity to take a cruise on Lake Geneva the second largest freshwater lake in Europe, to Lausanne in Switzerland. Absorb the tranquillity of this cerulean blue lake, set against a mountainous backdrop with villages, castles and cathedrals dotting the rolling pastureland along its shores. Back in Montreux, the rest of the day is free for your leisure.

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Day 14. Montreux – Zermatt.
The journey continues by coach to Täsch, where you’ll disembark and transfer to the station for a rail journey to the traffic-free alpine resort of Zermatt, at the northern base of the famous Matterhorn.
Two Night Stay: Zermatt.
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Day 15. Zermatt.
After breakfast at your hotel this morning, ride on Europe’s highest cable car to the snow-capped roof of the world for a magnificent panorama of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy and France. Upon your return, take a brief tour around the town, before the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure in the beautiful town of Zermatt, where the alpine air is cleaner than one could imagine and the streets are visitor-friendly thanks to the absence of petrol driven cars. Perhaps visit the intriguing Matterhorn Museum, ride a horse-drawn carriage around town or go for a nature walk.

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Day 16. Zermatt – Interlaken.
Today travel via Sion to Gstaad, one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world. It’s here that a number of famous figures and multi-millionaires reside in both summer and winter. Absorb the sheer decadence associated with such a place, then continue to the resort town of Interlaken. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner of typical Swiss cuisine.
Two Night Stay: Interlaken.
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Day 17. Interlaken – Jungfraujoch.
Today take an unforgettable rail journey to Europe’s highest-altitude railway station. Stop at Kleine Scheidegg, at the foot of the notorious Eiger North Wall, then continue to the station at Eigergletscher, known for its mountain restaurant and polar dog kennels. Pass through the Eiger tunnel to the stations at Eigerwand and Eismeer, enjoying amazing views through large observation windows. Then arrive on the Jungfraujoch, in the heart of a glorious glacier world on the very roof of Europe. Superb views extend as far as the Vosges Mountains in France and the Black Forest in Germany. After time to immerse yourself in the scenery, the train descends and the rest of the day is free.

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Day 18. Interlaken – Berne – Zürich.
Today continue via World Heritage-listed Berne, where you’ll enjoy free time to have lunch, to the city of Zürich. Here, take an orientation tour.
Stay: Zürich.
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Day 19. Zürich – Munich.
Your first stop this morning is at a vantage point overlooking the thunderous Rhine Falls. Then leave Switzerland and cross into Germany. Follow the shores of Lake Constance to the fortified island town of Lindau and after stopping here, continue to the city of Munich and transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Stay: Munich.
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Day 20. Munich – Nuremberg, Embark Ship.
Today following breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Munich. Pass the Olympic Stadium, Frauenkirche, Victory Arch and visit Marienplatz where crowds gather at the Town Hall to watch the iconic Glockenspiel, before time at leisure. Then rejoin the coach for its final leg, travelling to Nuremberg. Transfer to your river ship and enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board to mark the start of your second European river cruise.

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Day 21. Nuremberg – Continental Divide.
Enjoy a tour of Nuremberg and the 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace. Continue on the Main-Danube Canal and cross the Continental Divide, the highest point of your cruise before descending through stair-step locks to the charming Bavarian town of Dietfurt.

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Day 22. Regensburg.
Arrive in Regensburg and tour the city, including its the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria – gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Then enjoy free time or take an optional excursion to Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge (own expense).

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Day 23. Passau – Linz.
Arrive in Passau for a walking tour of this fairytale city. Or take an optional full day tour to Salzburg (own expense). The ship then cruises for Linz where, after dinner, you’ll enjoy an evening stroll through town.

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Day 24. Melk – Vienna.
Reach the Wachau Valley and join a tour to Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, perched above the river. Continue to Vienna, the City of Music. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital or take in an optional Mozart and Strauss concert (own expense).

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Day 25. Vienna.
Tour sights including Hofburg Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Opera House, then enjoy free time to shop or sample renowned Viennese pastries. Continue cruising along the Danube towards Budapest.

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Day 26. Budapest.
Take an afternoon sightseeing tour then enjoy free time before a Gala Farewell Dinner with Gypsy violinists.

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Day 27. Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest.
Your tour ends after breakfast and you disembark the ship.

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