Art of Living Provence
From Cézanne’s lavender-infused fields to the vibrant city of Aix-en-Provence and its wealth of decadent gastronomy and warm hospitality, come discover the irresistible attraction of Provence. Live like a local during this unique Art of Living program and embrace opportunities to explore on your own and connect with the region’s people and places. Enjoy a walking tour of Aix, stroll through villages in the Luberon Valley and discover Avignon’s impressive Palace of the Popes. Taste robust local vintages, tour Marseille’s highlights and visit Roman ruins during excursions to Pont du Gard and Arles and Les Baux. Linger in local cafés during free time and gather with fellow travelers during weekly socials. Enjoy a guided hike through the picturesque countryside and boost your French cuisine talents during cooking classes. Enhance your experience further through optional French language classes and art classes. The program features first-class, apartment-style accommodations, fascinating educational talks and an extensive meal plan including wine with dinner.
River Cruising: Get Back 2 Full Days of Exploring and Sightseeing by Taking a River Cruise
Contact Steven Talbott with Vacation Side Travel for more information and to find out which river cruise may be right for you. You can reach him by calling 855-822-8747, texting 615-579-7026 or emailing steven@vacationside.com.
River cruising is a fantastic way to visit multiple cities without having to change hotels, pack and then repack all of your belongings and allows you much more time to experience each destination. Did you know that each change of hotel or city takes, on average, half a day to complete? Add that up, over 4 cities, for example and a river cruise can give you back 2 full days to explore!
River cruises get you to inland Bucket List places including such cities as Vienna and Budapest. Cruises on the Danube and Rhine continue to be the epicenter of the industry, but that's just the beginning of where you can go. Popular destinations include Russia's Volga, China's Yangtze, the Mekong and the Mississippi. All the rage is cruising in Myanmar — with companies including Grand Circle and Orient Express. France is getting new attention, especially Bordeaux where several lines have expanded offerings.
Experience is leisurely
River cruises are not about rushing here and there. You visit key sights but there is also time to relax. You can sit under a canopy on the open deck — or on some ships soak in a hot tub or pool — while catching river views that include (depending on where you cruise) castles, farms, kids swimming, fishermen and maybe a water buffalo or two.
Ships are intimate
The size of river ships is limited by the need for the vessels to go through locks and under low bridges. Most carry fewer than 200 passengers, some fewer than 100 and some fewer than 50. The small-ship experience brings opportunity to get to know your fellow passengers — including at open-seating meals. There's no dealing with crowds.
Time to explore
Your ship ties up right in town and you can walk to a sidewalk café or shops or markets (including Northern Europe's popular Christmas markets) and mingle with locals or head off on the ship's organized tours to museums, monuments and other must-see attractions. There is time to bike or hike and visit the places you came to see, and to absorb the local culture.
Better cabins
There was a time when cabins on river ships meant a choice between tight and cozy. Today's choices include cabins with step-out balconies, French balconies, walls of glass that open and even suites. Beds are hotel-like, bathrooms comfortably-sized and amenities include flat-screen TVs.
Nicer ships
The newest ships offer surprisingly hip, contemporary environments. While space is limited, the lines have gotten clever with public rooms including adding alternative al fresco dining venues. Lounges are comfortably, and sometimes even opulently furnished. Libraries offer a quiet spot to sit with a book. Open decks afford space to hang out in the sun or shade and such extras as golf-putting greens.
Local tastes, culture
There is opportunity shipboard to snack on knackwurst and drink local beer as you cruise past Germany's castles, drink the wine in Bordeaux and try other local flavors depending on your itinerary. Culture comes onboard, too, in the form of local folk groups and other performers.
Not a lot of extra charges
Shore excursions, wine and beer with dinner (and sometimes also lunch), soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee drinks are all included in the cruise fare. Sometimes there's also an open bar. Bonus: internet is free.
Casual dress code
Don't pack the tux. River cruising is casual dress at all times. Plus you only have to unpack once.
It's for grownups
Most river ships market to an age 55-plus demographic, though travelers in their 40s would feel right at home — particularly on the newer, more contemporary river ships. Kids are a rarity.