A Visit to Southern France

July 15th to 22nd, 2012

• Three days in Provence
• A weeklong cruise on the Rhone
• Three days in Paris

Exploring Provincial Markets, tasting the wines of the Cotes du Rhone region, and dining al fresco at the 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard are just a few of the treats in store for you when we travel to Provence in Southeast France.

This is a three-part itinerary. The focal point is a seven day cruise on the Rhone and Saone rivers from Avignon to Chalon-sur-Saone. You can extend on either or both ends with a pre-cruise stay in Provence, followed by a post-cruise tour in Paris.

The Cruise aboard Viking Europe (Rhone River Cruise)

The cruise, beginning in Avignon and ending in Chalon-sur-Saone, includes three meals daily aboard ship with dinner wine. Also included is sightseeing as indicated in the daily description. Port taxes and fuel surcharges are also included.

Your cruise is aboard the Viking Europe, part of the outstanding fleet of river cruise boats operated by Viking River Cruises. Many of my clients have experienced river cruising firsthand. If you have not yet had a chance to cruise a European river, this will be a treat for you. These boats tie up in the heart of the city or small village we may be visiting that day, enabling you to do some shopping in the morning, drop your bags off and enjoy lunch aboard, then head off again for sightseeing or exploring in the afternoon.

All meals and entertainment are included aboard the Viking Europe. Complimentary wine is served with dinner. Most of the sightseeing tours are included as well, though there are some tours listed as optional.

The boat is comprised of three decks with a large viewing deck on top, public areas including a lounge, foyer, and dining area.

The boat spends most of the daylight hours in villages and towns along the route, cruising mostly by night. In places where nightlife is worth seeking out, departure is delayed to provide guests with an opportunity to experience local cuisine, music, or performing arts.

The Viking Europe is a comfortable way to tour. Small enough so that you are not overwhelmed by the volume of passengers, yet large enough to find a quiet corner to write or read.

I am looking forward to a wonderful time in France and hope you are interested in joining us.

Brad Cilley
Northwest Travel Service
425 313 1691

Updated: Tuesday, February 7, 2012