We had enjoyed France's Finest, back to back cruises on the Seine and the Rhone, from Normandy (a coach trip) to Rouen, Paris, Lyon, Arles, Avignon, finishing with an extension in Nice, all in 2015. We wanted more of France, so chose the winery tour centering in Bordeaux and visiting a number of small charming towns and villages with their central markets and vineyards - Cadillac, St.Emillion and many others. We began with an extension in Tours, toured Chenenceau and Chambord, two fabulous chateaus. We ended with an extension in Paris and explored places on our own which we had not seen two years earlier.

The ship was luxurious and very comfortable. But the highlight that keeps us coming back to Viking is the personnel. Tour guides are knowledgeable and personable and go far beyond the job description. On our walking tour to acquaint us with our Paris neighborhood, we got "street smart" advice and helpful information about local restaurants, church services when we asked, news that a restaurant we wanted to visit elsewhere in the city had closed - alas yes!

In the train station in Bordeaux, awaiting our train back to Paris, we were met by another Viking guide who shepherded us through the hectic station, boarded the train with us, helping each of us to find our assigned seats, and disembarked only after we were all settled. Read more