We loved the Bordeaux area cruise aboard Viking Forseti. The optional 2 day pre-cruise tour of the Loire valley and chateaus was terrific. Outstanding guide. Meridien hotel in Paris had nice rooms. We walked 100 yards/meters to a family run restaurant ORESTO for an excellent meal with a carafe of wine reasonably priced. Great service by the young owner. Highly recommended.

The Clarion Hotel Chateau Belmont in Tours had nice clean & modern rooms across from the older chateau/dining area; the food was just OK. A frenzied waiter spilled 2 dinners, one on a woman's dress next to me. Next night, several couples walked down the street to a fun modest dinner at the nearby restaurant Bistro de la Tranchee recommended by our guide.

Folks need to know that because the Bordeaux area is subject to ocean tides, the exact sequence of tours posted is likely subject to change. Each week the Captain gives the Tour Director the ship sailing schedule and the TD re-plans accordingly. For example, because of tides we could not sail to Cadillac and were bussed instead, no big deal. Of course your Viking Daily and the briefings cover this. Read more