Help! Need Excursion Suggestions! Last Minute Booking!

[Bailey Swedishfish]

Hi!

 

My hubby and I just booked a last minute (too good to be true offer) Viking cruise--to Avignon-Lyon on the Rhone. We leave on November 8th for November 9th sailing.

 

We were looking through My Viking Journey and are trying to decide which additional excursions we want to take. Given that it's early November and weather can be unpredictable, any suggestions would be appreciated. We are in our early 50s and active.

 

We can't decide about the Arles excursions-both of these are all day...Choice #1: Van Gogh Arles and St. Remy and the other is Unspoiled Camargue.

 

We want to see the Abby of Cluny and will probably do the Pope's Castle Tour and Tasting (as opposed to the Taste of Provence) tour.

 

If anyone else has taken this cruise, where does the ship dock in each location? Are we within walking distance of things to see if we opt not to take an excursion?

 

We do have Rick Steve's Provence book on order, due to arrive tonight so we can get some ideas there...but I enjoy first-hand accounts.

 

If we have a preference, we like wine, old villages, ruins, and history over scenic and nature (we live in Minnesota--have lots of that right here at home.)

 

I look forward to your feedback!!!

[notamermaid]

I am sure experienced cruisers in that region will help you out soon with your questions. From a land trip point of view and seeing that you prefer history to just plain nature I would say go for Arles rather than Camargue. The Abbey of Cluny would be my choice over the Provence tasting as well.

 

Perhaps this website can give you some tips as well: http://www.france-voyage.com/travel-guide/arles-commune-1451.htm

 

I have put in Arles for you. Give the website some time, there is lots of info that needs loading. It is a little slow.

 

Just another tip, not sure if this works out for you: Nimes and Orange are fantastic places for Roman history. And the excursion to the Pont du Gard is a must IMO.

 

I hope you find the perfect excursion for you, or being active, you might decide on something different. Like a private guide, perhaps.

 

Have a great cruise.

 

notamermaid

Edited October 27, 2016 by notamermaid

[deec]

Where do you find last minute deals with Viking? I have not seen them on the website but maybe I am overlooking something obvious or do you have a TA (I know you cant specify one on here) that has access to them?

 

Have a great trip

[Bailey Swedishfish]

Where do you find last minute deals with Viking? I have not seen them on the website but maybe I am overlooking something obvious or do you have a TA (I know you cant specify one on here) that has access to them?

 

Have a great trip

 

We got a call from their booking agent. They were trying to fill cabins on upcoming trips and they offered a couple of departure dates and cruises and when we verbally agreed to one, that's when they offered the deal. We have free air, $50 per person on ship credit and an Explorer Suite for a fraction of the cost.

 

We got a call in August about a September deal combining the Paris-Normandy and Lyon-Provence trip with 3 additional days in Paris for a good deal, but we couldn't agree to a final price and at 18 days it was a little long for both of us to be away from work at once. So we passed on that.

 

Look at my signature--they've got our number!!!

[jrkstl]

Look at my signature--they've got our number!!!

 

LOL! Very envious!

 

I'm certain that you'll have a wonderful time! Enjoy the Explorer Suite as well!

 

Jeff

[deec]

thank you for the inofrmation

have a great trip

[rjscott]

We did this cruise two yrs ago, but the itinerary has changed somewhat.

 

In Avignon, we were docked close to the walled city. We went on the walking tour and then stayed behind to further explore on our own. It was nice to check out the market.

 

In Lyon, one unplanned excursion they offered was a trip to the city's Les Halles, the upscale market , with the ship's chef as our escort. He had arranged ahead of time to have various samples for us to try as we made our way thru the market. It was great fun.

 

In Vienne, we docked literally at the sidewalk, so you certainly could do your own thing here.

 

Have a great time!

 

Becki