Great chance to see many different aspects of France. Although this was a wine cruise and we got to experience many different wineries and vineyards we also had the chance to tour the countryside on excursions and see many historical features as well. Towns were interesting and offered a variety of sites. The boat always offered an informative walking tour of each town. One review read prior to booking voiced displeasure in the fact that passengers who wished to do certain excursions were then bused to the boat further down river, rather than riding on the boat. Actually we found this to be a positive since it enabled us to see much more of the countryside than just riverbanks. Several informative wine pairings offered on the boat were also a plus. We found the staff and crew to be warm and friendly, willing to accommodate any wish we had. Dinners were well prepared and provided a nice variety. Lunches and breakfasts were average and seemed very repetitious. Suggestions would be to offer sandwiches in the dining room for lunch as well as upstairs in the lounge. Many times people in a group may want to experience both. Food on the buffets could have been warmer many times. We especially enjoyed the entertainment each night by Gino at the piano. The cruise would be great for anyone wishing a quiet time or for those who wished to enjoy a little of the entertainment at night.
Nicely appointed and plenty of room
Good variety of sights
Roman Aqueducts were interesting, but seemed like a long bus ride to see this - walking tour of the Papal Palace in Avignon was interesting. Would have liked to have had more time in the city.
Walking in VanGogh's footsteps took us to the hospital where he spent a year. I felt a better use of time would have been to spend more time in Arles - where VanGogh lived. There were posters of his life and painting there as well. The hospital trip had little value and simply seemed an excuse to get people in the gift shop. A short stop was made on the way back in a small town - which also seemed like a useless add-on.