Pamela Fierro

April 2022

Visiting France was a dream come true. We started off in Paris. I don't think you can find a more universally charming city. We hit the ground running, despite having just arrived after an overnight flight. Our tour guide, Edouard with Memories-France met us at our hotel and we had a wonderful orientation tour of the city. This is my best advice when coping with jet lag -- get moving! Get outside, engage in an interesting tour activity, and put yourself into the routine of a day in your new environment. 

While we didn't spent a lot of time on the attractions that first morning, we were able to get our bearings in the city as we drove by landmarks like the Arch de Triomph, Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Champs d'Elysee. Then we took some time to do a walking tour of the Marais district, learning about the history and culture of this unique neighborhood.

After a little nap back at our hotel, Hôtel Sainte-Beuve, we felt refreshed and restored, and ready to navigate the city. The staff at this hotel was so helpful in directing us through the metro system so we could find our way to the most iconic structure for a tour: the Eiffel tower! We were able to ascend the tower just as the dusk settled on the city. The lights of the tower came on with sparkle and shine; it was simply magic. To see the city spread below us was a sight I will never forget.

After a good night's rest we were ready to explore more, with a food walking tour! Food tours are one of my favorite ways to -- pardon the pun -- get a "taste" for a destination, and this did not disappoint! How could it? France is known for delicious food, and Paris is full of treats, such as fresh croissants, chocolate and cheese. The tour was led by a culinary expert, a chef would gave us insight into the history and production of these delicacies.

From the food tour, we went straight to another private tour, this one a feast for our eyes! At the gorgeous Musee d'Orsay, our knowledgeable private guide led us through the highlights of the galleries, providing context to the concepts. It was amazing to see these famous Impressionist works with our own eyes, from artists such as Monet, Van Gogh and Rodin. 

I loved every minute in Paris, and can't wait to go back. Two days was not near enough time, but another adventure was calling! A high speed train was a comfortable, efficient way to travel to our next stop, where we met the AMAKristina, a river cruise boat that would be our home for the next seven days.

From our luxurious and comfortable base on the AMAKristina, we explored the countryside and cities along the Rhone River in Southern France. One of the things I loved about sailing with AMAWaterways were the included excursions. Each day we had a choice of curated tours and activities that were selected to help us experience the destination in a meaningful and fun way. From biking and hiking, to wine tasting and truffle hunting, we saw and did so many new things. One of my favorite tours was walking in the foosteps of Vincent Van Gogh in the town of Arles, where the scenery and subjects of the paintings we had recently viewed in the Musee d'Orsay came to life. 

And, riding a bicycle through Avignon on a sunny spring afternoon was one of the highlights of our trip. I sang the children's song "On the bridge at Avignon..." (Sur le pont d'Avignon) as we rode along the riverbank and over a bridge in the shadows of the spires of the Palais des Papes, the papal palace. Our expert guide spun enchanting stories about the history and architecture of this charming city.

The excellent food and wine we were served during the cruise reflected the local cuisine of the region, and it was a lovely way to try new dishes and vintages. Since returning home, we have sought out some of the Cote du Rhone wines we enjoyed on our river cruise, bringing a little bit of France hoe with us.