We've always wanted to visit Normandy, and this was a great way to do it. From Paris to Normandy, the guides on every excursion brought the people and places alive! They were walking encyclopedias. They used no notes but listening to them sounded like they actually lived in those historical places and those times.

We received first class service from Viking. From a personal representative when we got off the plane, all through the cruise, to a personal representative at our departure airport who took us to a check-in counter dedicated to us. When one of the locks on the river were jammed, Viking even took us by bus to our next excursion since the boat could not leave the dock until the lock was repaired. On rainy days, Viking even supplied umbrellas for us. The food was excellent at every meal. I'd love to have the chef's recipe for his chicken marsala!

We have cruised with other carriers, but our first Viking cruise was the best ever!