This was my first experience on a river cruise, and everything about it exceeded my expectations: the quality of service, the exceptional cuisine, and the variety of available activities. The ship offered the perfect balance of guided excursions, free time, and on-board entertainment, so whether you wanted to wander around town or just sit on deck and read, you never felt like you were missing out.

Guests could join the included walking tours of each city or explore on their own. There were four Discover More excursions, and several active excursions (such as bike rides, hikes, etc.) as well, appealing to a wide range of interests. The Baux de Provence and Pont du Gard excursions were by far my favorites.

In addition, the trip definitely left you with a heightened awareness of French culture and history, from the unique sightseeing opportunities to on-board experiences like a regional wine tasting, a regional cheese tasting, and a special meal prepared by a local celebrity chef (Top Chef finalist Fabien Morreale). Read more