New York Hostels - Review of the Viking Burgundy River Cruise Through France

A convenient way to stroll though town and return on our own to the ship whenever we chose, the Viking Burgundy docked in the center of town. There is nothing to compare with awakening to a new port just outside your door. The ease of traveling by river allows you to reach some less known and authentic countryside, although both are stress free. I quickly learned what makes river cruising so different from ocean cruising. Located just a few steps from the dining room, we found our spacious upper level cabin, after a welcome drink. But with the ship and the efficient staff, i was impressed not only with the ease of reaching the port, when I boarded the Viking Burgundy in Avignon (the reverse cruise).

The Palace of the Popes was the highlight. With its medieval walls and historical monuments, ) Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Castles and Roman monuments (The Pont du Gard is so famous that it is on the reverse of the Euro note, vineyards, this cruise had it all - good food.

And well worth a visit, the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard was an hour or so by motorcoach from here. Who lived in the city from 1888 to 1890, arles also inspired more than 200 paintings and 100 drawings by Vincent Van Gogh. Which is still used for Spanish bullfights, has a Roman Arena, arles.

And the building itself is a beautifully preserved Gothic masterpiece with an arcaded courtyard and a multicolored tile roof, you can still see the rooms and red draped beds where patients received care until the 20th Century. A hospital from the Middle Ages that was built in 1443 to care for sick and starving residents of the town, tel-Dieu of the Hospices de Beaune, the capital of Burgundy's wine country: The Hô we visited Beaune.

Or to join the Normandy cruise (which we did not have time to take), it was easy to reach Paris from here. Was the birthplace of photography in 1822, where the tour ended, chalon.

So you meet different people each day) interesting table companions (with freestyle seating, good and varied menu, included shore excursions with English speaking knowledgeable guides, good things: up close docking for some of the most historically important towns and villages,

And listening to a 2 or 3 piece local band, playing bingo, evenings are spent participating in Trivia contests. Or big name entertainment, there are no Broadway style shows, unlike large cruise ships, however. Some things to consider: I am fond of quiet evenings.