Staff Adventure: Viking River Cruises – Portraits of Southern France – Escape – Official Travel Blog Of AffordableTours.com

Viking River Cruises – Portraits of Southern France
Lorelai Hayden
Travel Consultant
AffordableTours.Com
Direct: (281) 269 – 6619
E-mail: [email protected]

1- What operator did you travel with? Viking River Cruises
2- What type of travel was your trip? Was it an escorted tour, independent tour, ocean cruise, or river cruise? River Cruise
3- About how many people were in your group (if not independent)? It was a full ship – about 190 passengers
4- What major cities did you visit? – Avignon, Arles, Lyon, Viviers, Beaune
5- What was your favorite moment on tour? (A moment can be something that happened, a feeling, emotion, or just any specific thought while on tour):
One of my favorite memories of this tour will be the people that I had the pleasure of meeting. I made friends with some very interesting and funny people. We all shared in the experience together and it was nice to have smiling faces and a friendly wave when you entered the dining room for your meals. I also enjoyed sipping coffee on the deck, wrapped up in a cozy blanket (brought to me by the waiter) while I relaxed and watched the countryside as we floated by. I just relaxed and focused on listening to the water rippling below the ship, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying a steaming cup of french roast coffee…it was heaven.
6- What was your favorite experience on tour? (An experience is something that you actually did while on tour): I truly loved the night-time walking tour of the little french village of Viviers. It felt like being taken back in time…the town was quiet and dark and we walked through the winding streets admiring the architecture and timless beauty of this little town.
7- Did you learn something new on this tour? If so, what? I came home with a new appreciation for wine. I have always enjoyed a glass of wine on occasion. But now, I know how to savor the different layers and flavors of the wine.
8- What is the best piece of advice you have for others interested in this tour? River cruising is a sensational value. It is the perfect mixture of relaxation and sightseeing. You also have the flexibility to either participate in ever single activity off of the ship, or you can relax and stay behind for the day. The time is yours to do with as you wish. It is lovely to board the ship and have your every need catered to. My biggest piece of advice would be to book the transfers to and from the ship. It is so convenient to have the “peace of mind” – knowing that the shuttles to and from the airport are taken care of for you. Transfers are well worth the money!
9- Give one sentence that best defines your trip: My Viking river cruise to the South of France was an wonderful, unforgettable and relaxing experience which fully immersed me into the people, culture and cuisine of the region.
10- How could your vacation have been improved? My experience with Viking was superb. The only way that this trip would have been improved, would have been to extend my stay to include the Viking Paris extension. I regretted not doing that when we were so close to Paris!

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Transfers – Easy, Affordable and Worry Free!

Viking was awaiting us right outside of the baggage claim area…we didn’t even have to look for them! They were holding up red Viking signs and escorted us right to our coach for the transfer. The coach was clean and comfortable and we enjoyed a nice relaxing ride to the ship!

Beautiful Ship & Comfortable Accomodations

● Two American (110 volt) and two European (220 volt) outlets
● Ipod connection port (Bose surround sound)
● 40 inch TV with pre-programmed movies, music, ship information…etc
● Complimentary WIFI (not strong in the cabin)
● Ample lighting – dimmers and bedside controls
● Hairdryer
● Mini fridge and Safe
● Ample drawer and closet space
● L’Occitane Bath Products
● Comfortable beds and bedding
● Thermostat control