Enjoy Europe Your Way: APT launches Europe cruising and touring for 2018

An all-encompassing Europe brochure offering travellers more opportunities to tailor their trip heralds the launch of APT's Europe 2018 cruising and touring season.

The new Europe 2018 brochure includes a bolstered line up of more than 200 Freedom of Choice experiences in 80 locations, many of which are on its flagship Magnificent Europe Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise itinerary.

The new brochure is also the first to categorise APT journeys by touring style, a new initiative that will make it easier for agents and guests to select the mode of cruising and touring that best suits them.

New eight day river cruise itineraries will focus on the Balkans and the Netherlands, and new seasonal activities are offered on itineraries that pass through select locations at certain times of the year, such as a visit to Keukenhof Gardens in The Netherlands to see the tulips in spring.

APT Executive General Manager Steve Reynolds said the 2018 program showcased the many ways in which APT guests can select and tailor itineraries to suit their individual tastes and style.

"For those who like to cruise, APT's Luxury River, Luxury Small Ship and Expedition styles are all available in Europe. For those who prefer to stay on land, we have Classic Land Journeys and Small Group Discovery.

"On top of this, our expanded Freedom of Choice inclusions add another layer of personalisation to every journey booked.

"In many places those who enjoy active pursuits such as golfing, cycling and hiking can select different experiences to companions who prefer cultural, culinary or educational activities, and compare notes over dinner each night."

APT's Freedom of Choice activities are now grouped into four themes, Cultural Insight, Gourmet Delight, Active Exploration and Relax & Revive, helping travellers to identify which activity they are likely to enjoy most at locations where options are available.

For example in the French city of Avignon, travellers could opt for a Cultural Insight tour and visit to the Roman arches of the Pont du Gard aqueduct, or an Active Exploration activity and play golf on a course designed by architect Georges Roumeas and French champion Jean Garaialde. Or they could take the Relax and Revive option and enjoy an interactive French lesson on board their ship.

APT's Popular Wine Series tours are also back for 2018. On these departures Freedom of Choice options include notable European vineyards such as the historic Schloss Schonborn in the Rhinegau region and the family owned Chateau Busquet in Bordeaux, where guests can take a harvest tour.

APT's flagship itinerary remains the 15 day Magnificent Europe river cruise, a journey on the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers, which is priced from $7,695 per person twin share.

This classic Amsterdam-Budapest itinerary is the perfect introduction to mainland Europe and includes three of APT's four exclusive Royal Signature Experiences.

There's a visit to Namedy Castle, the home of Princess Heide von Hohenzollern, a cocktail reception and private concert at Vienna's City Palace, and a ride on the Majestic Imperator, a privately chartered train which transports guests to Salzburg in Imperial style.

All Magnificent Europe cruises are hosted on APT's own Concerto River Ships, the only fleet in Europe to boast APT's custom designed Twin Balcony Suites, which allow guests to enjoy the passing views from both inside and out.

For the first time in 2018, Magnificent Europe river cruises can be combined with a three night city stay in London or Amsterdam, in addition to a three night stay in Prague, on a 21 day itinerary priced from $12,145 per person twin share.

For the ultimate APT Europe experience, the 35 day Britain & Ireland in Depth with Magnificent Europe, is priced from priced from $21,490 per person twin share, and combines two APT touring styles – Classic Journey and Luxury River Cruise. This includes a generous 14 days touring the UK on a comprehensive itinerary, including a welcome reception at the Tower of London, and a further six days in Ireland before guests transfer to Amsterdam to embark on a 15 day river cruise.

Accompanying the Europe 2018 brochure is a range of Europe SuperDeals, including free international return flights from Australia on all APT operated itineraries featuring 14 night river cruises, and a companion fly free offer on itineraries including river cruises of seven nights, for bookings made before 31 August 2017. For those travelling by land, air credits of up to $1,000 per couple area available.

As a special launch offer, agents can also offer guests the option to fly Emirates Business Class from $2,995 when booking a 15 day Magnificent Europe cruise for travel in March, April or October 2018, before June 30 2017.   

All SuperDeals and launch offers are subject to availability, terms and conditions.

APT's Europe 2018 brochure is available now. For further information, please contact APT on 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your local business development manager.

Source: Enjoy Europe Your Way: APT launches Europe cruising and touring for 2018