Avalon River Cruise on the Scenery, France: Burgundy & Provence, Paris & Chalon to Cote d'Azur, Port Charles & Monte Carlo, March 25-April 5, 2012.

We highly and contentedly recommend a River Cruise as a way to enjoy continental travel. Voyage by ship gives a duck-eye view from the river. Docking then affords the opportunity to waddle around the old town, which is usually just steps away onshore. If not, say in a bigger city, the trip includes the bus transport for the local tour. We always enjoyed the walking tour that highlights key sights and then affords free time to explore on your own. The tour guides included are always expert and personable and provide fascinating history and charm. The guides' cordless audio device is most convenient for a group.

A comment on the favourable quality of the passengers. I don't know where the cruise line gets these people, but everyone is worldly, smart, polite, educated, in a word, genteel. Of course, here, I include myself and my attractive partner. They must employ that dreaded technique called profiling. And this leads to a series of very pleasant and interesting conversations (in various accents) at meal conclaves and social functions. Another highlight of the journey is the people met. Read more