I chose this cruise for both the pre and post trips to Nice and Paris, and the route along the Rhone River in France, visiting medieval towns and areas Van Gogh painted. Visiting Roman ruins, Provence and truffle hunting were all bonuses. You learn so much on a Viking trip, history, architecture, local areas and customs. I chose daily shore excursions, some 1/2 day, some full day, and all were excellent. I especially liked going to a town in France called Perouges, with it's beautiful architecture. A photographer's dream. The organic lunch with the truffle farmer and then going truffle hunting was another highlight. The pre and post trips to Nice, which included an evening in Monaco, and then a post extension in Paris was indeed a dream come true. Going to the top of the Eiffel tower, a cruise on the Seine, nighttime city tour of Paris with all the city lights, and an afternoon trip to Versaille were all highlights! Thank you Viking for your excellence and a huge kudos to all the staff and guides for a memorable experience!