Busy

Day 4 - Avignon

Friday, June 10th, 2016

Today as been a busy day with many of us doing two different tours followed by a cocktail party for guests who have sailed with Viking in the past.

Dinner last night was exceptional. I enjoyed the chef’s recommendation; scallops as an appetizer, Chateaubriand and a sumptuous chocolate dessert. It is a good thing we walk lots because the food is fabulous.

This morning a few people chose to sleep in (they traded being busy for a more restful start to the day) while many of us went out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. We strolled, through the historic centre, then made our way to the Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture that served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. 

Then we walked through St Peter’s church and on to the city market where we could taste a variety of olives and pickled garlic as well as numerous other things.  I decided to treat myself to a chocolate eclair which was heavenly.  This afternoon there were two optional tours.  Many of us went to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine, while a few others went to see the Pont du Gard Aqueduct, one of ancient Rome’s great architectural wonders built 2000 years ago.  The system was designed to carry 44 million gallons of water each day over a tiny gradient of 25 inches per mile for 31 miles.

The lovely thing about a Viking cruise is you can choose just how busy you want to be – for those with boundless energy there is something to do all day and for those who prefer a less busy schedule there are lovely places on board the ship to sit and read or just watch the world go by.

We have just finished another great dinner and shortly there will be a demonstration of lovely French cheese.  Later tonight we will arrive in the quaint town of Viviers which we will explore tomorrow.

I will tell you all about that tomorrow.