A Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment at Lake Eyre with APT

Over recent months, rainfall in the Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia has led to an influx of water into the usually dry and barren inland sea, transforming Lake Eyre into a desert oasis, flourishing with life. Due to its remote location and unpredictable nature, this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to experience.

To take in the beauty of this natural phenomenon APT has released a new seven-day Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges journey. Travel in complete comfort aboard a custom-built 4WD vehicle and stay in a range of hand-picked accommodation, including two nights in luxury safari-style tents at the Wilpena Pound Resort.

Covering thousands of hectares, Lake Eyre takes on a pink hue as it floods, thanks to the developing presence of algae, while freshwater fish and a vast array of bird life, including white pelicans, begin to thrive. See this natural masterpiece spring to life with Poached-egg Daisies and Sturt Desert Peas in full bloom.

APT's seven-day Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges trip includes all meals, the services of an expert Driver-Guide, and a range of APT Signature Experiences, including a scenic flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. Walk on the dazzling salt flats of Lake Eyre South, traverse the iconic Oodnadatta Track and become immersed in the incredible scenery of the Flinders Ranges.

Prices start at $3,995 per person twin share, including savings of up to $500 per person, with multiple departures running from the 29th of March until late May.

To find out more about joining APT on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, call 1300 196 420 or visit  https://www.aptouring.com.au/trips/australia/sa/gole7

apttravelgroup.com

AmaMagna a New Era in River Cruising

APT (in partnership with AmaWaterways), Australia's most trusted cruise and touring specialist, is proud to announce the delivery of its brand new European river ship, AmaMagna, debuting on the Danube in May 2019.

At nearly twice the width of traditional European river ships, the innovative and forward-thinking design, combines the grandeur of ocean liners expansive space and facilities, with the intimacy of river cruising.

At 22 metres wide, the AmaMagna was specifically designed to sail the Danube, Europe's second largest river that connects the shores of ten countries from Germany to Romania. Thanks to its larger than normal locks, the Danube allows the unique grand design of this industry-first vessel.

Another first for river cruising, the AmaMagna's ten engine system allows a more tailored approach to fuel consumption, using more power when going against the current or lowering cruising speed as they wish, reducing the environmental footprint considerably. LED Lighting; insulated windows reducing heating and cooling; power locks to plug into a port's power supply instead of running generators; a new freshwater storage system to reduce chemical usage; a solar heating system; and a water purification plant with more than 420 tons of water on board are all features of the  environmentally conscious new design.

Despite the extravagant size, guest capacity will only increase by 20% to a maximum of 196 guests, allowing for larger suites ranging from 205 sq. ft., to the 710 sq. ft. Owners Suite. With the majority of suites featuring step-out balconies and additional inclusions such as internet; entertainment on demand, including music and movies; marble bathrooms; luxury bath products and robes.

The luxury of space also allows for grand public spaces and amenities, including five bars; four unique dining venues (the Main Restaurant, Chef's Table, Jimmy's Wine Bar Restaurant and the Al Fresco Restaurant); two massage rooms in the Zen Wellness Studio; a pop-up elevator to the Sun Deck for accessibility to all levels; and the one and only Water Sports Platform on the river.

Active travellers will also enjoy the walking track and large heated pool on the expansive sun deck. While the rooftop pop-up bar, sun lounges and Al Fresco Restaurant provide the perfect place to sit back with a drink in hand and watch the world pass by.

Experience a new era in river cruising on the AmaMagna with APT, sailing from Munich to Bucharest, the Majestic Danube, 15-day cruise departs 14 June 2020.

Prices start from $11,995 per person, twin share. Book before 30 April 2019, to take advantage of the 'Fly for $495' Superdeal offer.

For further information please call 1300 196 420 or visit www.aptouring.com.au

Travelmarvel cruise on the Mighty Mekong

Dreams of ancient temple realms, steaming bowls of mouthwatering pho and sleepy floating villages come to life in Vietnam and Cambodia. With the release of their brand-new season of touring, Travelmarvel invites you to join them on a Mekong River cruise in 2019.



Follow the Mekong River and discover an authentic side to Vietnam and Cambodia. A river cruise is a perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. In the Kampong Tralach district, climb aboard what is playfully coined the 'Khmer limousine' ­– an ox-cart ride. Pass by rice fields and patchwork countryside, waving to locals as you go by. In Oudong, among the hilly landscape of stupas and temples, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing by a monk. Meet the brightly-dressed hill tribe locals in the mountain town of Sapa in Vietnam. As well as the lesser-known wonders, you'll also see the cities from a whole new perspective. In Hanoi, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the maze of bustling streets in the Old Quarter.

On Travelmarvel's 12-day Essential Vietnam & Cambodia tour, see the very best these countries have to offer. A seven-night Mekong River cruise carries you from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, where daily life along the riverbank is a captivating performance. Between exciting daily excursions to silk-weaving villages, royal palaces and floating villages, relax aboard your floating hotel, the stylish RV La Marguerite. Wake to a different captivating view along the Mekong every morning. The elegant suites, attentive onboard service, spacious Sun Deck and contemporary facilities ensure that you will cruise in ultimate comfort and style. This popular tour is the perfect introduction to Vietnam & Cambodia. Starting at $3,695 per person twin share, including an Earlybird Fly Free offer.

Vietnam and Cambodia's fascinating history stretches back thousands of years. In Angkor Archaeological Park, the jungle tries its best to smother what is left of the ancient Khmer Empire. Watch as the sun sinks over Angkor Wat, setting a glorious scene. See the grinning faces etched into the temple of Bayon. In Vietnam, explore the labyrinth of tunnels at the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City and wander the walled city of Hue, which still echoes with the grandeur of Imperial Vietnam.

With 10 years of cruising the mighty Mekong under their belt, your in good hands when choosing  Travelmarvel for your Vietnam and Cambodia journey.

For further information on this special itinerary call 1300 196 420, visit www.travelmarvel.com.au or speak to your local travel agent.

APT Named Best River Cruise Line at Telegraph Travel Awards 2014

Leading luxury cruise and tour operator, APT, has been named Best River Cruise Line at the UK’s prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards 2014.

Voted on by almost 90,000 people, the awards are recognised as being the most comprehensive, wide-ranging and reliable reader survey in the world.

APT was also named runner up in the Escorted Tour Operator category.

Held on the 8th December 2014 at Banking Hall in central London, the awards included product and destination categories.

Commenting on the award, APT CEO Chris Hall said, “We are delighted to have been voted Best River Cruise Line and also runner up as Best Escorted Tour Operator and would like to thank all our loyal guests for voting for us.

“Each and every member of our team is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations with every experience they have with us. Winning these awards is a direct reflection of their efforts. Assisting our team in the UK is our product, operations and onboard staff and crew, all of whom have played a huge part in this. I would therefore like to publically thank everyone at APT for their contribution and dedication in providing unforgettable travel experiences for our guests each and every day.”

To find out more about APT’s award winning cruise and touring programs call 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your local travel agent.

Menus worth travelling for according to APT luxury tour and cruise operator

Australian travellers love food and wine - so much so that according to luxury tour and cruise operator APT, gourmet food experiences have become a must-have item on almost every holiday itinerary.

Luke Nguyen

APT General Manager Sales and Marketing, Debra Fox, says, “Australians love good food, good wine and good company – it's a mantra that applies when travelling at home or abroad. Whether it's sampling the delights of a French patisserie, enjoying freshly caught Canadian salmon, or feasting on a Vietnamese banquet, our guests tell us that it's local cuisine that captures the heart of local culture.”

Offering a slice of their soul up for the tasting, here are four exemplary chefs who are creating sensational menus that have Aussies jet-setting across the globe to taste their wares; and with fresh regional produce showcased in each, it's easy to see why:

1. Travel to Vietnam to try Luke Nguyen's Signature Banquet – Celebrity chef Luke Nguyen has personally designed a special Signature Banquet for guests travelling aboard APT's Mekong river cruise ship, the RV AmaLotus, in Vietnam. The menu has been carefully designed to take guests on a culinary journey through Luke's homeland, sampling flavours from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta and beyond, with every dish tried and tested by Luke in his award-winning restaurant, Red Lantern, in Sydney.

Standout dish: Roast duck & Enoki mushroom rice paper rolls.

2. Travel to Canada to try Jean Pierre Guerin and Frédéric Couton's Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Breakfast and Lunch – The fine cuisine of the GoldLeaf Menus aboard the iconic Canadian Rocky Mountaineer is created by the culinary wonder-team of Jean Pierre Guerin and Frédéric Couton. Calling on years of experience in Michelin restaurants catering for the likes of Princess Diana, the pair showcase the many flavours of Canada in their delicious menus that are perfectly complemented by the unrelenting beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Standout dish: Sir Sandford Fleming Eggs Benedict – A poached egg served over Montréal Smoked Meat on a fluffy crumpet, accented with tarragon Hollandaise sauce.

3. Travel to New Zealand to try Andrew Hayward-Swain's Te Waonui Forest Retreat Degustation Dinner – Just a short drive from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier, Te Waonui Forest Retreat sits in an enviable location that offers a wealth of fresh regional produce from both land and sea. Focused on creating a healthy, environmentally safe habitat to maximise guests' wellbeing, this standout resort featured in TripAdvisor's 2014 Travellers' Choice Awards. As the passionate Head Chef of Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Andrew Hayward-Swain goes to great lengths to ensure that the delightful flavours of this stunning country are showcased in each mouthful. From Kawakawa seared Tewaipunamu scallops, to Aged New Zealand Black Angus beef fillet and authentic pavlova, every dish in his menu takes you on a journey through the rich diversity of New Zealand's South Island.

Standout dish: Canterbury grain fed lamb rack, green tea and cocoa bean sous vide lamb neck, fondant potato, purple cauliflower puree, courgette spaghetti and minted
de-glaze.

4. Travel to Europe to try Primus Perchtold's Erlebnis Restaurant – Thoughtfully designed to reflect the contrasting regions through which you travel, the degustation menu of this intimate Chef's Table restaurant is created before your eyes by your very own chef aboard a luxury APT Europe river cruise. Created by Primus Perchtold, the multi-award-winner and Executive Chef of the APT rivership fleet, the menu represents Europe's very best cuisine, with each region represented on the plate, and echoed in the meticulously selected matching local wines. With three gold medals at the European Championship of Culinary Art to his name, Perchtold and his team of exemplary chefs have ensured that all of APT's luxurious river ships have been inducted into La Chaine des Rôtisseurs – one of the world's most prestigious culinary organisations.

Standout dish: Grilled beef tenderloin au jus, zucchini, broccoli and corn-maccaire potatoes.

To book an APT holiday with a gourmet twist call APT on 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your local travel agent.

Notes:
All menus could be subject to seasonal produce changes.

Five New Ways to Explore the USA

America may be one of the top five favourite travel destinations for Australians, but gone are the days when a trip to the USA meant a dose of Disney, a drive down Route 66 or a trip to the Wild, Wild West.

According to leading luxury tour and cruise operator APT, an increasing number of Australians are taking a step off the traditional tourist trail to explore some of America's best kept secrets; from cruising aboard an authentic paddlewheeler through dramatic landscapes, to sailing aboard a luxury small ship through picturesque Islands, driving through deserts and navigating through breathtaking national parks.

Here's a round of five exciting new ways to discover the USA:

1. Take a River Cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers – Meandering from Portland along the Oregon-Washington border, the dramatic landscapes of the Columbia and Snake Rivers are fast becoming one of the USA's most popular holiday destinations. Vast and unendingly beautiful, these waterways are best experienced from aboard the authentic paddlewheeler, the Queen of the West. Winding its way from Portland to Clarkston, this rivership epitomises the best of the West, with even the cuisine echoing the adventurous spirit of the region. Freshly caught salmon, locally grown produce gathered at farmers' markets, wines from vineyards on the banks of the Columbia River, and unique ice creams featuring mint, huckleberries, and cherries all feature on the menu.

Trip highlights: See the stratovolcano at Mount St Helens; visit the world-class art collection at Maryhill Museum of Art; visit the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute to learn about the past and future of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes; and sample local wines at the Kiona Vineyards.

2. Cruise the New England Islands Aboard a Luxury Small Ship – Plunging you into the rich maritime history of the New England Islands, a nautical journey aboard the boutique-sized American Star offers a unique insight into this enchanting coastal region. Fascinating museums, quaint ports and picturesque seascapes fill the days, delicious fresh seafood nourishes the soul and nights are spent enjoying onboard entertainment or up on deck gazing at a galaxy of glittering stars rippling across the waves. Departing from Providence in Rhode Island, explore the quaint appeal of Nantucket, Newport, Martha's Vineyard, and numerous other idyllic villages that are home to warm, friendly locals and an enchanting atmosphere of peaceful contentment that is contagious.

Trip highlights: Explore Martha's Vineyard; hop on Block Island's only bus – the old school bus – for an unconventional tour with an enthusiastic native guide; explore the Herreshoff Marine Museum, home to the America's Cup Hall of Fame; and visit the town of Bristol – known as the most patriotic city in America.

3. Sing the Praises of the Deep South in Style Aboard a Mississippi Paddlewheeler – Elegant, sophisticated and taken from a decadent moment in the South's rich history, there is no more luxurious or tranquil way to travel the musical cities of this mesmerising region than aboard the boutique-sized Queen of the Mississippi paddlewheeler. As you gaze ashore from one of several outdoor decks, it's easy to picture wealthy Southern belles in fine gowns standing on the grand porches of cotton plantations, fisherman donned in straw hats lazing on the banks with sapling lines, and Huckleberry Finn and Joe pushing off to freedom aboard a raft.

Trip highlights: Dance through the streets of New Orleans, led by a traditional Dixieland Jazz marching band; enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Grand Ole Opry; learn to line dance during a special Country and Western dinner; visit the Oak Alley, Rosedown and Frogmore plantations to learn about the history of the cotton trade.

4. Frontier Land – Geological towers sit upon sandy plains in a landscape where the hardiest desert cacti struggle to survive yet some of the world's most captivating landscapes and outrageous cities await. From the spectacle of Las Vegas, to the unrelenting beauty of the Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, there is nowhere else on earth as diverse or as surprising as the Frontier Lands of America's West. In Santa Fe, heart of New Mexico, the Spanish influence on culture is apparent and the inspirational art that the city has created is captivating. Meanwhile, in the midst of the Mojave Desert, the magic of the native Navajo people can also be experienced. Driving through the midst of these mystifying, imposing and awe-inspiring landscapes is the only way to appreciate their grandeur, revealing why they are known as the Frontier Lands.

Trip highlights: Take a Monument Valley Jeep Tour; Visit a Navajo Hogan (home) to find out about ancient crafts and enjoy a traditional lunch; take vintage steam train ride from Durango to Silverton in a private first class carriage and learn about the remarkable local history; meet local artists and gallery owners during a tour of Santa Fe's famous art districts; and travel by limousine in Las Vegas, arriving in style at Cirque du Soleil's LOVE show.

5. West Coast Uncovered – Renowned for its warm weather and unparalleled beaches, the surf coast of California boasts some of the world's most spectacular seascapes. Leave the star-studded streets of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills behind as palm tree-lined streets change into the sublime scenery of 17-Mile Drive. From the idyllic coastal city of Monterey, a quick detour inland reveals the unrelenting beauty of Yosemite National Park, where geothermal wonders and tumbling falls await, whilst from the iconic city of San Francisco, the sensational wine region of the Napa Valley beckons. As Oregon nears, glittering seas give way to towering redwoods before heading back towards the coast, showcasing the best of this unforgettable region.

Trip highlights: Immerse yourself in nature with a stay at Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite National Park;Hop aboard the vintage 1915-17 Pullman Dining Car on the Napa Valley Wine Train for lunch and a wine tasting; enjoy a refined seafood beach BBQ at Oregon's Gleneden Beach; Visit the quaint French Prairie Gardens in Portland for a 'farm to fork' lunch.

For further information on exploring the USA in a different way, call APT on 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your local travel agent.

APT and AmaWaterways Celebrate AmaSonata Christening

Award-winning river cruise lines APT and AmaWaterways have this week officially christened their newest European rivership, the luxury 164-passenger vessel the MS AmaSonata, in Vilshofen, Germany.

The christening, attended by AmaWaterways Co-Founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, along with the line’s first-ever Canadian Godmother – Brenda Kyllo of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), included a traditional Bavarian lunch, live Bavarian music and waltzes.  A traditional Bavarian shoot by professional riflemen off the ship’s sundeck delighted the ship’s guests, Vilshofen locals and government officials.

Commenting on the occasion, APT’s General Manager Marketing and Sales, Debra Fox, said, “In March we welcomed theAmaReina, and now we are thrilled to officially welcome her sister ship, the AmaSonata, to our expanding fleet of European riverships. Both ships offer the most innovative and luxurious facilities, including twin balcony suites, chef’s table fine dining and their very own fleet of bicycles, to name but a few.”

AmaSonata joins the APT and AmaWaterways fleet alongside sister ships AmaPrima and AmaCerto, as well as AmaReina.AmaSonata features spacious staterooms and suites, multiple dining venues, onboard massage and salon services, a heated swimming pool with swim-up bar, fitness room, complimentary bicycles and many other upscale amenities and innovative design elements.

The christening of a ship is a time-honored tradition that dates back more than 4,000 years. The Godmother is entrusted with blessing the ship and ceremonies often 

To find out more about APT’s European River Cruise program for 2014 call 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your local business development manager.