GCT

The things we liked make a long list. Start with our outstanding program director, Nicholas. He was knowledgeable, available, accessible, friendly and able to resolve problems that invariably arise. Second, do not miss the trip in Bruges to the Atlantic Wall but be aware that there are many steps and small spaces. Third, is the Delta Works, a real engineering marvel - again, many steps are involved. Fourth is the wonderful Zuiderzee Outdoor Museum in Enkuizen - give it at least two hours. Fifth, while we hoped to see tulips, the display in Kuikenhoff Gardens exceeded all expectations and the stop at the flower farm capped a great day. Finally, the whole staff of the River Aria was first-rate! Recommendations: take warm clothing, enjoy the small towns, like Veere, and be sure to get a sweet waffle in Bruges - with cream. Yes, take the Bruges pre-trip if you have not been there.

There were many wonderful sights to see, like Chartres Cathedral, Mont St. Michel, Normandy Beaches, Giverny and of course the Parisian icons. We met many friendly and helpful French people and with our Program Directors had some controversial discussions. We arrived in Paris while the beautiful Notre Dame was burning. Our Captain on the ms Bizet was able to take us on a cruise on the Seine which went around the Ile de la Cite for a view of the great cathedral. That and the Yellow Jacket demonstrations which followed on Saturday, did impede our sightseeing somewhat. Our hotel room overlooked the demonstration and provided us with a close up view. Our PD kept us all safe. However, we will return to France and especially the City of Lights.

Viewing the countrywide of France as we cruised along on the Rhone River ..walking tours in the charming French towns.. And bus ride thru Paris.

I was looking forward to seeing the Gaudi architecture, the Alhambra and Gibraltar. I was able to see them and was very pleased at the time we spent at each.

* I liked the friendliness of everyone, including staff, crew, visitors, and passengers. I was glad that our guides recommended that we make it a point of mixing and mingling. I learned as much from others passengers as I did from our extremely knowledgeable and prepared guide, Dragos. * The food was not only excellent and plentiful, but picture-perfect to look at. * All of the local speakers were knowledgeable, easy to listen to, and friendly. All had interesting stories to tell. * The nightly entertainment was superb. We really got to see the personal side of our guides and the crew. * I loved the discovery walks, even when it rained. The local residents were friendly, and on two different occasions went out of their way to help me find what I was looking for. The lunch in the home of a local Croatian family was special. * My recommendations for improving the experience of this tour would be to have small bottles of water available on the buses, and perhaps scheduling Sundays as days of travel instead of visiting locations where everything is closed. * My only complaint is that there was a $2,000 difference in the price of my ticket and that of my friend. Perhaps because she is an Inner Circle member?