A Visit to Southern France, the Options

These are optional events that I am working on for our group. Information will be shared as plans solidify.

Winery visits and tasting

The cruise has a number of walking tours and motor coach excursions that are part of your cruise costs. I will be coordinating some extra-curricular (optional) wine visits from the boat. You will know in advance what these visits will be so that you can make a determination whether you want to miss what Viking is offering in lieu of wine tasting. I will let you know more about this soon.

Le Tour de France

The premier cycling tour in the world, le Tour de France, takes place the same time frame as our visit. The course generally begins in the north of France (or nearby country), heads south to the southern coast, then winds back toward the north, finishing on the Champs Elysee. The race ends on a Sunday in the latter part of July, but usually not as early as the 22nd. The race alternates direction every year. 2010 riders went clockwise around France, and counterclockwise in 2011. Generally, the tour route is announced in November. It’s likely the tour will be rolling close to where we will be cruising the Rhone and Saone Rivers.

If the stars align, and the bicycle tour comes within range of our itinerary, I will make arrangements to get us to a start or finish line for the event. Guests will have the option of signing on to experience this unique event.

Updated: Tuesday, February 7, 2012