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Too young for river cruising? I don’t think so

Enjoy less stress and more fun while cruising European rivers.

Enjoy less stress and more fun while cruising European rivers. Photo: APT

It’s been almost 30 years since I first explored Europe, but when I recently told my friends I was returning, this time on an APT River Cruising, some of them were surprised.

“You’re too young. It will be too organised. You won’t have any freedom,” they said. But they couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, my upcoming “organised holiday” is more like booking into a luxurious boutique resort for two weeks, a resort where everything is included and everything is done for me. However, this resort has an added advantage. It floats. Every day I can wake up and there is a different town, village or landscape to enjoy and explore.

Against an ever-changing backdrop of scenery, APT’s Magnificent Europe Cruises ply the waterways between Amsterdam and Budapest, docking close to the heart of each destination, including Cologne, Nuremberg and Vienna.

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Your suite might have a balcony and even a butler. It will definitely have jaw-dropping scenery. Photo: APT

Free of traffic, crowds and multiple hotel check-ins – my travel hassles melt away as I unpack just once, relax and let the ship sweep me along to each new port as we travel along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

Some days, I may prefer to take a stroll on my own through town and enjoy an afternoon of shopping, perhaps take one of the ship’s bikes for a ride around cobblestoned streets, or simply take the time to relax and revive on the sun deck. It’s totally up to me.

The APT experience

If I want to, APT, Australia’s most-awarded luxury cruise and tour operator, will help personalise my European journey with its Freedom of Choice sightseeing and dining experiences so I can select the experience that best suits my interests.

APT’s experienced guides and tour directors are always on hand to entertain and inform. I may choose to go on a cultural outing to a cathedral or museum, or perhaps enjoy a cocktail reception and private concert at Vienna’s City Palace.

The Concerto River Ship offers a wide range of spacious suites, including custom-designed Twin Balcony Suites. Some suites even come with a butler, room service and complimentary laundry. There is a selection of restaurants, lounges and bars, a library, heated swimming pool, fitness centre, walking track, spa and salon.

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Take in the sights, including Budapest, at the many stops. Photo: APT

Did I mention everything was included? From Chef’s Table to authentic Italian fare and casual snacks, APT’s award-winning European river ships present a wide range of onboard dining experiences. All beverages, including beer, wine and soft drink are also included.

Given the expertise, insight and experience APT has gained over more than 20 years on Europe’s waterways, there’s no better company to take travellers on a dream European cruise than APT.

Actually, now that I’ve explained to my friends the reasons for my booking an APT Magnificent Europe River Cruise, they’ve changed their tune, and I think many of us free spirits will be deciding that the time is now right for a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Louise Mitchell is a staff writer for the APT Travel Group

This content was brought to you by APT Travel Group. 

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