Viking Cruises has merged two of their most popular itineraries – the Paris and the heart of Normandy and the Portraits of Southern France to create a new 15-day river cruise that offers the ultimate journey through France. From strolling the Parisian boulevards to uncovering the rich catholic history of Avignon, the City of Popes, Viking River Cruises 15-day Frances Finest itinerary will give you an authentic French experience. Drink in the colours, cuisine and wines of France’s glorious southern regions of Burgundy and Provence as you visit Avignon, Arles and Lyonin and explore the legendary French capital, Paris, whilst travelling along the Seine through the Norman countryside to the historic beaches of Normandy.
This itinerary features many highlights including Monet’s home at Giverny with its famed gardens brimming with water lilies, wisteria and azaleas, an inspiration to many of his masterpieces; Vernon with the 11th-century Church of Notre Dame; Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, surrounded by some of the world’s most famous wine villages.
Also featured are a guided tour of the Hôtel Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443, a wine tasting at one of Beaune’s famous cellars; a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights, and impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arènes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trôphime, completed in the 15th century. On board a Viking Longship, you will be greeted with an abundance of space with room to relax, and all the comforts of a fine hotel – one that is designed to blend seamlessly with the spectacular panorama of ever-changing views.
The ‘Frances Finest’ itinerary is priced from $7,155pp for a Standard Stateroom, with various departures from March – November 2015. This price includes accommodation, all onboard meals, complimentary onboard Silver Spirits Beverage package, 12 guided tours with audio headset, all port charges, free Wifi, visits to 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a culture curriculum – Learn about & sample a variety of French cheeses; try some Burgundian wines; see how silk printing is done today; attend lectures on Jeanne d’Arc & French Impressionists; learn to say a few words en Français; enjoy a concert of popular French tunes; visit a local market.
This new inclusive tour of France will have you embracing French culture and proclaiming “Vive la France”.
For further information contact Viking Cruises on1800 131 744 (AU) or visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.au.
SOURCE Viking Cruises