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lucky cal

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  • Posts

    279
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About Me

  • Location
    USA
  • Interests
    Travel, photography, food.
  • Favorite Cruise Line(s)
    Whichever one I'm on! I like to try new lines and generally book based on itinerary.
  • Favorite Cruise Destination Or Port of Call
    Europe, Alaska

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  1. Thanks! Just what we were hoping to hear from someone who has done the trip.
  2. We're doing France's Finest on Viking in June 2023. It includes two cruises, Avignon to Lyon and Paris to Normandy, with a train transfer from Lyon to Paris between the two ships. Has anyone else done this and if so, can you tell me what the train transfer day is like? I'm wondering if it's an early train that will enable us to have lots of free time in Paris that day? Or do we leave Lyon later which might then only allow for evening activities in Paris? I know the train ride is only about 2 hours, with buses to the ships on both ends. My mother has her heart set on going up the Eiffel Tower and we want to purchase the tickets 2 months in advance. Based on our itinerary, I think this would be the best day for us to fit in a visit the Tower but I'm trying to decide if we can book afternoon tickets. Or should we just go with night tickets.
  3. We sailed on the Rhine and Moselle in early August 2019. No issues with water levels on those rivers during the summer 3 years ago. However, time marches on and so will the affects of climate change. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for 2023 with the Seine in June and the Douro in October.
  4. We did this trip in early August 2019 and really enjoyed it. We also added Viking's Geneva and Zermatt pre-cruise extension on the front end. That was a wonderful 4 days. Unfortunately, Viking doesn't always use the most centrally located hotels. On our trip, it was the Renaissance Tower Hotel in Zurich and Le Meridien Etoile in Paris, though they sometimes use other hotels as well. Both hotels were in more of a business/convention area rather than a central tourist location. The good news is that public transportation in both areas was easy to use. If not comfortable with that, taxis are always an option. There were several good restaurants within easy walking distance of both hotels. Though we would have liked a more central location, it really didn't impact us in a negative way. I don't see lunch and dinner on your own as a negative. It's a great opportunity to sample local cuisine, which people on cruises sometimes neglect to do. Though Paris and Zurich are expensive, there are restaurants and markets within a wide range of price options. Weather will be chilly at night and probably in the 50s and low 60s during the day. Generally, light jacket and sweater weather, especially if you're used to Chicago weather. To me, the big benefit of doing this intinerary in April is you may encounter fewer tourist crowds. As I recall, you are offered at least one included Viking tour in both Paris and Zurich so you need to factor that into the equation when assessing value. At the end of these tours, you don't need to take their coach back to the hotel but can stick around in the tourist areas then make your own way back to the hotel at your leisure. There will also be several paid tour options offered by Viking if you choose to partake. The Viking on-site host can also be helpful with transportation and restaurant recommendations. I wouldn't hesitate to go!
  5. Great thread, Loriva! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It will be helpful to both new and experienced river cruisers.
  6. My mother and I were on the Viking Hild in early August 2019 for the Paris to the Swiss Alps itinerary. The Aquavit Terrace was always available for dinner on our cruise so unless they've done away with that it should be an option for you. Since seating is limited on the terrace you would need to arrive very early to secure a table. Enjoy your travels!
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