Grand European by Rail

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Lucerne. Afterwards, ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train to Mt Pilatus, then descend by a scenic gondola.

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Board your scenic glass-dome first-class journey aboard the GoldenPass to Montreux, where you will enjoy an orientation tour.

Stay: Two Nights, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace

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SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Journey to the famous Lavaux wine region for a tasting, while enjoying views over the stunning lake.

The day is set aside for an experience most memorable.

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Board a train to Geneva for a stop, then cross the border into France and arrive in Lyon, where you will enjoy dinner tonight.

Stay: Sofitel Lyon Bellecour Hotel

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Enjoy a guided city tour of Lyon, then board your train to Paris.

Stay: Three Nights, Paris, Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe

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SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Indulge in a sumptuous lunch at Ore Restaurant in Versailles, owned by renowned chef, Alain Ducasse.

After a guided tour of Paris, discover the splendour behind Louis XIV’s transformation of the Palace of Versailles.

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FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing

Perhaps join a culinary walking tour, enjoy a guided tour by vintage 2CV car or soak up the Parisian atmosphere as you explore the Montmartre district.

Choose your activity before a meal and a memorable show at the Moulin Rouge.

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Travel by rail through northern France and into Belgium. Arrive in Amsterdam and board your river ship. After dinner on board, you may like to explore at your own pace.

Stay: 14 Nights, one of APT’s luxurious Concerto River Ships

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FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing

Perhaps slow things down and cruise the canals on a glass-top boat. Maybe visit Zaanse Schans – the quintessential Dutch village known for its windmills and specialty produce. Or even sleep in and take the day as it comes. If you’re lucky enough to be on one of our spring departures, the tulips of Keukenhof Gardens are ready to greet you at every colourful turn.

Spend today on your selected activity. Tonight, celebrate with a gala welcome dinner.

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FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing

In Rüdesheim, tour Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Alternatively, board a scenic gondola for exceptional views over the Rhine Valley, or perhaps sample wines from the region during an onboard tasting.

Approach the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River today, where crumbling ruins cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides are marked with perfectly planted vineyards. Your ship later docks at the town of Rüdesheim.

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FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ -Sightseeing

Perhaps enjoy a visit to a local winery, where you will enjoy learning about Rhine Valley wines, as well as sampling the region's delicious produce during a wine and cheese tasting. Alternatively, acquaint yourself with the German language during an interactive lesson on board your ship. Otherwise, hike through a picturesque forested area with views of the Franconian vineyards.

Witness the skilful art of glass-blowing on board as you cruise towards the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg this morning. After the day’s activity, return to your ship for a delicious dinner.

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FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing

The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on show today as you walk to the Würzburg Residence, an 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. Inside, marvel at intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo. If you prefer, take a journey along the Romantic Road to the marvellous medieval town of Rothenburg where you’ll stop for a tour. Otherwise, visit a family-owned farm, where you'll tour the property before sitting down to morning tea as you learn about local farming life.

Seize the day with your preferred sightseeing activity.

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This morning your ship will arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. Here, you will explore the Old Town with a guide to discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the River Regnitz. Following your tour, rejoin your ship to cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas and is recognised as a feat of modern engineering.

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FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ -Sightseeing

A historic tour takes you to a selection of World War II sites, such as the Reich Party Rally Grounds. Alternatively, walk in the footsteps of Swedish King Gustavus-Adolphus, with a hike through the Schwarzach Valley.

Choose your sightseeing in Nuremberg. Back on board, sample some delicious freshly baked gingerbread while cruising the Main-Danube Canal.

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FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ -Sightseeing

On a guided walking tour, see such sites as the iconic Old Town Hall and the World Heritage-listed city centre. Alternatively, learn the schuhplattler during a fun Bavarian dance lesson at a local beer haus. Another option is a gourmet walking tour. Gain an insight into the art of haute cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant Storstad, where you will enjoy a presentation and the chance to sample a variety of delights. Or perhaps hear an informative talk on board from a student of the University of Regensburg.

Tailor your holiday with a selection of sightseeing choices today.

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FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing

Disembark in Passau and travel to Salzburg, where a city tour takes you to several sights from Rogers and Hammerstein’s classic film, The Sound of Music. Alternatively, embark on a full-day journey to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, renowned for its stunning 13th-century castle above the Vltava River, its old town square and quaint lanes teeming with ancient architecture. Both touring options will then conclude in Linz, where you will re-board your river ship. Otherwise, enjoy a walking tour of Passau, then cruise to Linz.

Select from a diverse range of sightseeing options today.

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FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- SIghtseeing

Join a guided tour of Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. Or join a local guide for a tour of the town. During autumn departures, perhaps participate in some vineyard work at a local winery as part of the wine harvest season. Another option is a guided bike ride along the banks of the Danube River from Melk to Dürnstein.

Cruise through the Wachau Valley wine region today. Disembark in Melk and select from a number of activities. Later, take the opportunity to roam Dürnstein's cobblestone lanes at your leisure.

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ROYAL SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

This afternoon, follow in the footsteps of the Habsburg Empire as you board the Grand Empress steam train. You’ll be treated like royalty, with a game lunch served. You will see inside some ornately adorned carriages from the early 1900s. Gödöllő Palace, Elisabeth of Bavaria’s favourite residence, is your destination. You will be shown through this monument of Hungarian aristocracy and architecture. Later, enjoy a cocktail reception at Budapest’s Royal Waiting Room, before returning to your ship. Operates on all departures between May and September.

Enjoy a relaxing morning sailing to Budapest. Later, return to your ship.

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Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, followed by the afternoon at leisure to further explore. Finish the day in style with an illuminations cruise through the twinkling lights of Budapest.

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Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

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