Liam's Lifetime Memories on an APT River Cruise

An APT river cruise is the most relaxing and stylish way to discover the delights of Europe's great waterways. Enjoy ever-changing views, exceptional dining, fine wines and stylish surroundings aboard your beautiful river ship.

DAY 1 - Amsterdam

Departing from Bristol Airport I took a KLM Business class flight to Amsterdam Airport where I was greeted by an APT Representative. I then travelled to Amsterdam Central to Embark the AMA Venita, a stunning and luxurious river ship. My luggage was portered to my cabin and I was able to unpack in seconds.

The rest of the day was free to discover Amsterdam at my leisure. I joined a group and took a taxi, firstly to the Heineken Experience where I learnt the history and culture of this famous lager. After immersing myself into this wonderful experience we took a boat down some of Amsterdam's famous canals with breath-taking scenery and chilled atmosphere the city is renowned for.

We completed our free day at the Adam Toren, an iconic tower, which hosts Europe's highest swing over the side of the building. Not for the faint-hearted, only daredevils need apply!

We boarded a canal boat from Amsterdam Buiksloterweg back to the spectacular AMA Venita. On board, my first evening meal in the main Restaurant was superb - the five-star service and variety of cuisine was phenomenal. I finished the evening in the lounge listening to live music and enjoying the fantastic ambience.

Day 2 – Amsterdam

Waking up in a French balcony cabin hosting a massive 235 Square foot room was an extraordinary experience. The cabin was luxurious and made me feel stress-free and at-home. I returned to the restaurant, this time for a delicious breakfast. The variety of food on offer was immense and set me up for the day ahead.

After breakfast I had a freedom of choice, sightseeing to personalise my holiday or lifelong memories on board. This was a hard decision as all the excursions were 'what dreams are made of'.

I chose a stroopwafel demonstration. A local baker come on board and taught us how to make these sweet, delicious caramel waffles.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing on board this marvellous ship. The sun was out, the sky was blue, so what better way than to spend it chilling on the sundeck and watching the world go by?

Dinner time came around quickly and yet again there was spectacular food on offer. I had an invitation to the chef’s table and experienced a five-course meal designed by Venita's on board Croatian chef. The variety of ingredients and tastes set my palate running wild...

Day 3 - Cologne, Bonn and Andernach (Namedy Castle)

I had a busy time today, starting from Cologne. Again, I had freedom of choice, so sightseeing was the order of the day. First, I took a trip to see Cologne Cathedral, which dates back to 1248 A.D. The stunning sculptures and art deco work is a must-see for everyone.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, though I also had a headset to listen to all the key facts and figures. After a walk around this stunning cathedral our group had built up a bit of a thirst. The tour guide recommended the Kolsch Bar where they brew a local beer, pale and yellow, soft and refreshing.

We got on a coach and headed to Bonn where the ship would meet us. We explored Bonn for an hour, including Beethoven House, the birthplace and museum to the great romantic composer.

The ship took us down the Rhine for one of the finest evening’s dining off the ship. I had a royal invite to Namedy Castle to see the very gracious princess Heide von Hohenzollern. Dining with royalty was overwhelming and the highlight of the trip for me.

After a tour of the grounds and the rooms of castle we headed back to the AMA Venita, where we were treated to live music and supper, as if there was any room left for more food!

Day 4 – Rudersheim

We approached what is recognised as the most beautiful stretch of the river Rhine, passing crumbling ruins that seem to cling to rocky cliffs, and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards.

We arrived at beautiful little Rudersheim in the Rhine Gorge, renowned for its winemaking. Again we had an option again, with freedom of choice or sightseeing. This was our last day of this taster of the APT River Cruise. We had a wander around the cobbled streets and visited their famous Christmas shop Kaethe Wohlfart. Returning to the ship, our luggage was awaiting and all the crew, knowing our names now, wished us all bon voyage and safe journey.

I arrived at Frankfurt Airport to go via Amsterdam to Bristol. This was a fantastic service, as we got to go shopping and explore Amsterdam Airport, rather than the hustle and bustle of transport from London to the Southwest of England.

I arrived back at Bristol dreaming of where the ship might be going next!

Summary

APT is a Luxury River cruise. If you’re looking for signature experiences, expert local knowledge, freedom of choice, sightseeing, delicious cuisine and much more, I would highly recommend APT. They give you memories you’ll treasure forever.