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Western Front Explorer
From £5,395 pp
Explore the Netherlands from the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam to the windmills at Kinderdijk.
Delve into World War I history as you explore the battlefields, shrines and memorials found along the Western Front. Lose yourself within Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges, and explore The Netherlands, where cuisine, culture and art take centre stage.
What’s Included:
- Return scheduled flights/rail from the UK (fight supplements may apply)
- Home to airport/station transfers by private car* (mileage limited to 75 miles)
- Unique cultural experiences in up to 12 towns, villages and cities
- Enriching Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice Sightseeing
- Complimentary beverages served at your discretion on board*
- Butler service, room service, complimentary laundry service and champagne on arrival in select suites
- 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 14 Dinners
- APT River Cruise Director and expert local guides
Welcome to Amsterdam! We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your ship – your luxurious floating hotel for the next 15 days – where you’ll have time to unpack and get ready for everything that’s about to come.
Day 2 - Amsterdam
Choose your sightseeing. We have left the afternoon free so you can get out and explore more on your own.
Tonight, enjoy a gala welcome dinner.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
Perhaps admire Amsterdam’s canals from a glass-top boat as you glide past 17th-century homes, churches and merchant houses.
Otherwise, gourmet lovers will enjoy a culinary journey through Jordaan and visit a fishmonger, bakery and cheese store.
Day 3 - Arnhem
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
In Arnhem, history buffs will love the Airborne Museum, viewing a depiction of the Battle of Arnhem in which the Allied Forces attempted to form a bridgehead on the northern banks of the Rhine river in September 1944.
Or discover Arnhem on a guided tour and see the Sabelspoort (medieval city gate), the Mandela bridge and the Eusebius Church. You may like to take part in the Eusebius Experience and view Arnhem from 60 metres in the air on a glass balcony.
Once again, select the activity that appeals to you today.
Day 4 - Nijmegen
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
Visit the Kroller-Muller Museum and see its sculptural art collection, including pieces by Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. Or maybe visit the residence of the last German Emperor Wilheim II, Huis Doorn. After the German defeat in World War I, Wilheim II fled to the neutral Netherlands, where he lived on this estate in the Utrecht province from 1920 to 1941.
Choose your experience today.
Day 5 - Maastricht
Signature Experience
Savour a lunch at Chateau Neercanne, which commands impressive vistas across the Jeker Valley from its terraces.
Tour Maastricht, renowned for its maze of tunnel caves, Roman history and historic architecture. Afterwards, enjoy free time
Day 6 - Antwerp
Today you’ll arrive in Antwerp. You might like to spend today visiting the Battlefields of Fromelles, including the Flanders Field Museum, Pheasant Wood Cemetery and the VC Corner Australian Cemetery. Alternatively, enjoy a day at leisure to relax and explore Antwerp.
Day 7 - Antwerp
Join a culinary walk to sample Belgium’s renowned waffles and chocolate, and taste for yourself why they’re considered the world’s finest.
Day 8 - Ypres
Signature Experience
Visit the Passchendaele Memorial Gardens, where each country that participated in the war has planted a small commemorative garden. Here, locals will share stories, music and poetry about World War I.
Today, visit the Memorial Museum Passchendaele, Tyne Cot Cemetery – the largest Commonwealth War Graves site in the world – and the Polygon Wood battlefield. Later, you may like to experience the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate.
Day 9 - Ghent
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
Explore the Somme Battlefields, including the 1st and 2nd Australian Division Memorials and the John Monash Centre at Villers-Bretonneux. Alternatively, enjoy a guided discovery of Ghent, including a canal cruise.
Today presents two very different sightseeing choices. Afterwards, return to your ship for dinner.
Day 10 - Ghent, Bruges
Enjoy a full day to soak up the historic wonders of Bruges, including the Markt plaza and medieval bell tower.
Day 11 - Veere, Delta Works
Cruise into the Zeeland region, home to one of the world’s most complex modern engineering projects, the Delta Works, an incredible series of flood protection systems that took more than 30 years to complete.
Day 12 - Willemstad, Kinderdijk
Take a tour of Willemstad. After a midday sail, visit the World Heritage-listed Kinderdijk, known for having the country’s greatest concentration of 18th-century windmills.
Day 13 - Rotterdam
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
Enjoy a guided exploration of The Hague and see the Dutch Parliament building and the Peace Palace. Alternatively, tour Gouda.
After your morning activity, maybe head off and explore Rotterdam on your own. Later, enjoy dinner on board your luxurious river ship.
Day 14 - Amsterdam, Keukenhoff
Wake early this morning for a special Anzac Day commemorative service on your ship’s sun deck.
Later, visit the Keukenhof Gardens, encompassing more than 70 acres of renowned gardens and parklands. Relish the chance to admire the spectacular display of bulb flowers in bloom, including colourful tulips. Tonight, sit down to the Captain’s farewell dinner.
Day 15 - Disembark Amsterdam
Sadly today, your journey draws to a conclusion. Say your farewells, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport.
Launching in 2025 APT Solara and APT Ostara offer luxurious river cruising with contemporary and timeless styling at the forefront of sustainable design.
UNPRECEDENTED DINING CHOICE
With seven distinct dining options, you’ll always have the luxury of choice. More formal dining venues include the main restaurant, the wine cellar and our exclusive aft restaurant. Savour a meal in a more casual setting such as the lounge or the Sun Deck. Wherever you chose the onboard chefs craft exceptional menus featuring locally-inspired cuisine and fresh seasonal ingredients.
PERSONALISED SERVICE
A maximum capacity of 154 guests supported by a dedicated team of 60 crew members guarantees a guest-to-staff ratio of one crew member for every 2.5 guests, ensuring your every need is catered for. With a smaller number of passengers than many other vessels on Europe’s waterways, there is even more space to relax in our onboard public spaces.
A NEW STANDARD IN SUSTAINABILITY
Boasting advanced eco-tech engines reducing fuel consumption by up to 20%. With a catalytic converter system curbing exhaust emission, modern appliances to reduce power usage, backed by battery storage, the design includes insulated glass and an air treatment recovery system. Eco-friendly practices include no single-use plastics, onboard water stations and waste management upgrades, just to name a few.
Onboard Features & Facilities
Setting a new standard in river cruising gastronomy, the APT Solara and APT Ostara boast six unique dining venues offering the best fresh, locally sourced seasonal produce throughout your cruise. Join in a celebration of the cuisine for which Europe is renowned, certain to be a highlight of your journey.
SIX UNIQUE DINING VENUES
Our brand-new ships usher in a new era in onboard dining, bringing together all of the ingredients to ensure every meal becomes another treasured memory. They feature six unique dining venues and an array of culinary options to choose from on your journey through Europe. Inspired by Europe’s classic neighbourhood bistros, the elegant main restaurant offers the ideal atmosphere for a relaxed European dining experience at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy the intimate sophistication of the wine cellar. Live the high life, dining on local seasonal produce in our exclusive aft restaurant, or watch the world go by dining alfresco on the Sun Deck. Relax and unwind in the conservatory or dine on casual fare in the lounge.
CARE FOR A DRINK?
You’ll never go thirsty cruising with APT, with a broad range of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available on board our luxury ships. Refreshing seasonal cocktails, aperitifs, beer, spirits, juices, soft drinks and superb regional wines hand-selected by our sommelier are included at any time, while a variety of teas and coffee are also available throughout your unforgettable journey. Sit back and relax in the fresh air with a cocktail in hand as Europe’s most spectacular landscapes pass by.
Accommodation & Amenities
With colour palettes inspired by the seasons, reminiscent of hues from the surrounding riverscape, our luxuriously appointed suites offer spectacular riverside scenery, an abundance of in-suite services, and ample storage space cultivating an air of serenity and charm, your own private oasis in which to relax after a day of adventure.
SUITES FLOURISHING WITH FEATURES
We have applied our extensive experience to carefully design suites featuring all of the must-haves, including plush linen, ample storage, tea and coffee amenities, a luxurious en-suite equipped with decadent toiletries, a fully stocked minibar and an abundance of in-suite entertainment including wi-fi and a flat-screen TV with on-demand movies.
IN-SUITE DINING
As you’re on holiday, our in-suite room service is the perfect garnish to accompany a morning’s lie in or a quiet night in the comfort of your own spacious room. This option is available in all suite categories – Owner’s Suites, Balcony Suites and Twin Window Suites.
Owner’s Suite
269 ft² / 25 m² – Deck 1 (Cat OS)
- Panoramic windows with outside balcony
- En-suite bathrooms with shower, basin & loo
- Sitting area, with sofa, chairs
- Wardrobe
- Minibar and tea & coffee making facilities
- Independent control air conditioning
- Butler service
Balcony Suite
183 ft² / 17m² – Deck 1 (Cat P) & Deck 2 (Cat A)
- Electric floor to ceiling drop-down windows opening to a French balcony
- En-suite bathrooms with shower, basin & loo
- Table and two chairs chairs
- Wardrobe
- Minibar and tea & coffee making facilities
- Independent control air conditioning
- Butler service
Twin Window Suite
161 ft² / 15m² – Deck 3 (Cat E & ET-Sole Occupancy)
- High level twin windows – cannot be opened
- Table and two chairs chairs
- Wardrobe
- Minibar and tea & coffee making facilities
- Independent control air conditioning
- Butler service
APT Solara – Deck Plan
| Depart | Ship | Embark | From |
|---|
| Mar 13 | Solara | Amsterdam | £5395 | FREE BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADE ON BALCONY CABINS* | Cabin Upgrades |
| Cat E | Lower Deck | 161 ft², Fixed Windows | £5395 | Was £6395 | |
| Cat ET | Lower Deck Single | 161 ft², Fixed Windows | £ | ||
| Cat A | Middle Deck | 183 ft², French Balcony | £6995 | Was £7995 | |
| Cat P | Middle Deck | 183 ft², French Balcony | £7395 | Was £8395 | |
| Cat OS | Upper Deck | 269 ft², Outside Balcony | £9195 | Was £10195 |
Why Choose This Cruise?
As river cruise specialists, we’re always on the lookout for experiences that truly stand out – and that’s exactly why we’re excited about APT’s brand-new ships, Ostara and Solara. APT has long been a trusted name in luxury cruising, and these two stunning additions raise the bar even further.
Designed specifically for European rivers, Ostara and Solara combine contemporary elegance with smart design. Think stylish all-balcony suites, more space on board, and a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere – perfect for unwinding as you glide through Europe’s most scenic waterways. They also come equipped with the latest eco-friendly technology, so you can travel in comfort with sustainability in mind.
What we love most about APT is that they take care of everything. From guided excursions and drinks with meals to tips and transfers – it’s all included. Their Signature Experiences are a real highlight too, offering exclusive access and local insights you won’t find elsewhere.
If your idea of a perfect holiday involves stress-free luxury, unforgettable destinations, and a touch of something special, we’d happily recommend APT—and especially their new stars, Ostara and Solara. They’re not just new ships; they’re a whole new way to cruise.
