Family Fun at Sea

Creating a family vacation that your whole gang will love can sometimes be nothing short of a challenge – but that doesn’t mean it has to put a drain on you or your wallet.

By cruising, family fun can be found almost anywhere. The possibilities for you to get away from it all, relax and kick back while having a great time are endless. Cruise ships venture to nearly every corner of the globe, from the sun-drenched islands of the South Pacific to the snowy alpine scenery of Alaska and pretty much everywhere in between.

Offering everything from the comfort of cozy cabins and the excitement of bustling deck areas, to all-day buffets, nightly sweets, talent shows, and special programs for the kids, cruise vacations are voyages filled with a boatload of fun and a world of possibilities. From sunrise to sunset and beyond, you will find unique activities tailored to suit just about any cruiser.

Gone are the days of shuffleboard. Now you have your pick of swimming pools, spiraling waterslides, sports decks, scavenger hunts and much more. Oh, and the ports of call you can visit are pretty cool too!

Family Time Well Spent

Just like your family, cruising is always changing and evolving, introducing new out-of-this-world ships, along with new innovative amenities catering to familes of all sizes and ages. If you’re planning a family cruise for the very first time, or if you are a returning cruiser, you couldn’t have chosen a better time to set sail as there are oodles of new ships with great itineraries and amenities to experience.

No matter how old your kids are, the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line are prime for families – and the line’s newest ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, is certainly no exception. The latest expression of NCL’s ever-popular and relaxed “freestyle cruising” atmosphere, the Norwegian Breakaway’s design will offer the best of the line’s current fleet while infusing a variety of new innovations to create the best vacation ever.

On board you’ll find NCL’s largest kids club to date for ages 3-12; and teens will look forward to getting out of bed and heading to Entourage where they can hang with their peers. Even the under two crowd can enjoy special playtime with their parents in a dedicated area.

To keep the kids active, the on board Sports Complex will challenge cruisers to a game of mini golf or to climb the largest ropes course at sea. There’s even a basketball court and an enclosed climbing cage here too. Of course no family-friendly ship is complete without a pool, or two! The Aqua Park offers five multi-story waterslides (no other ship offers that). Add two swimming pools, four hot tubs and water features and you’ve got more ways to have fun than ever. For the younger crowd, the Kids Aqua Park features squirting  Nickelodeon figures and a perfectly sized pool.

Start your planning now as the stunning Norwegian Breakaway will set sail in the Summer of 2013 from New York to the pink-sand beaches of Bermuda, and in the winter to the warm tropics of the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Florida.

Adventures with Carol – Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches

Have you ever dreamed of exploring culturally rich city of Paris? Seeing the romantic French countryside? Visiting the historic sights along the beaches of Normandy? You can do all of this and more when you go with Carol on her next adventure.

Who is Carol and why you should go on her adventure?

Carol is a regional manager with Boscov’s Travel and is based in our Neshaminy office. She has been in the travel business for 35 years and has escorted groups of 20 travelers-389 travelers to Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, the Caribbean. Many travelers in these groups have returned to go on more adventures with Carol. Her goal is always to make everyone feel excited about their journey and is always accessible  through out the trip. If you are looking for fun and excitement, an adventure with Carol is the way to go!

 Where is Carol’s next adventure heading?

Carol is off to France! More specifically, she is going on a Paris and Normandy river cruise. She chose this adventure for very special reasons. This cruise will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landing and also, the 100th anniversary of WWI. Not a history buff? That’s alright, this cruise is also a culinary cruise offering wine tastings and special cooking presentations. Carol likes adventures that offer something for everybody.

This trip includes an overnight stay and half day guided excursion to the magnificent Palace of Versailles  in Paris before boarding your ship: the Avalon Creativity for your 7-night cruise. The Creativity offers unmatched service; first-class amenities such as Wi-Fi access, fitness center, hair salon and a whirlpool on the Sky Deck; and staterooms that are 15% larger than the industry standard. Each stateroom has floor-to-ceiling windows to give you a panoramic view of the French countryside as you cruise along.

Viking River Cruises – Viennesse Hot Chocolate

This recipe, courtesy of Viking River Cruises, comes to us from Reiner Marks, who prepared this drink aboard Viking River Cruises ships in Europe many times. Reiner has fond memories of how much our guests enjoyed the drink, which he says “tastes delicious.” Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Seven ounces premium dark chocolate, grated
Three cups of low-fat milk
One tablespoon granulated sugar
One cup heavy cream, chilled
One-half teaspoon vanilla paste (or vanilla extract, organic if possible)
One tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish

Directions:
Gently heat one cup milk with the grated chocolate. Simmer in a saucepan over low heat until all chocolate has dissolved. Combine the remaining milk and the granulated sugar in another saucepan and whisk until all sugar has dissolved. Gently heat while stirring. Add the chocolate mix to the sugared milk and continue simmering over low heat. Whisk heavy cream and vanilla together on high speed and slowly add the confectioners’ sugar until peaks form. Remove hot chocolate from heat and divide into cups. Place a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of each. Garnish with a pinch of cocoa powder or sprinkle with chocolate shavings and serve.

Makes 4-6 servings, depending on mug size.

For more information on Viking River Cruises, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, call 800-755-8020 or email travelrequest@boscovs.com.

Cruise Show Spectacular 2013!

For the past four years, we have had the pleasure of hosting the biggest cruise show of the year in select Pennsylvania cities and, this year, we are back and bigger than ever with Cruise Show Spectacular!

Attending Cruise Show Spectacular is a great way to find out what’s new in the cruise industry, save big with great special offers and register to win fun door prizes. Our Cruise Line Representatives and Boscov’s Travel Specialists will be available to answer questions, so this is the perfect opportunity to start planning your dream cruise.

Check out our participating cruise lines:

• Avalon Waterways
• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean International
• Viking River Cruises

Find your nearest Cruise Show Spectacular below! For a sneak preview, click here.

Sunday, January 27, 2013
The Crowne Plaza Hotel
Reading, PA
12:00pm-3:30pm
Registration begins at 11:30am

The Crowne Plaza is located just a few blocks from the Berkshire Mall at 1741 Papermill Road in Reading. Please contact Boscov’s Travel at the Reading Mall to reserve your seats. Call 610-779-8640 or email us
bostraveast@boscovs.com.

Sunday, February 17, 2013
The Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey
Harrisburg, PA
1:00pm-4:00pm
Registration begins at 12:30pm

The Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey is located at 4650 Lindle Road in Harrisburg. Please contact Boscov’s Travel at the Colonial Park Mall to reserve your seats. Call 717-540-4222 or email us bostravcolonialprk@boscovs.com.

Sunday, February 24, 2013
The Sheraton Bucks County
Langhorne, PA
12:00pm-3:30pm
Registration begins at 11:30am

The Sheraton Bucks County is located at 400 Oxford Valley Road in Langhorne. Please contact Boscov’s Travel at the Neshaminy Mall to reserve your seats. Call 215-355-3737 or email us bostravneshaminy@boscovs.com.

Sunday, March 3, 2013
The Ramada Inn
Wilkes-Barre, PA
12:00pm-3:30pm
Registration begins at 11:30am

The Ramada Inn is located at 20 public Square in Wilkes-Barre. Please contact Boscov’s Travel at 15 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre to reserve your seats. Call 570-823-4141 or email us bostravwilkesbarre@boscovs.com.

Sunday, March 17, 2013
The Estonia adjacent to the Holiday Inn Express
Easton, PA
12:00pm-3:30pm
Registration begins at 11:30am

The Holiday Inn Express is located at 90 Kunkle Drive in Easton. Please contact Boscov’s Travel at Palmer Park Mall to reserve your seats. Call 610-250-2772 or email us bostraveaston@boscovs.com.

The World’s Top 5 Places to Propose

Listen up gentlemen! If marriage is on your mind and you’re looking for someplace memorable to pop the big question, we’ve got you covered with some of the world’s most romantic destinations where you can relax knowing she’ll say “yes”—without hesitation. Based on our travel agents’ own experience and those of their clients, here are the World’s Top 5 Places to Propose…

5. Ring of Kerry, Ireland

When it comes to finding the perfect backdrop to propose, few settings are as beautiful and magical as those which line the Ring of Kerry on the southwest coast of Ireland. Covering just over 100 miles along the Iveragh Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry is a circular route which boasts magnificent mountain and ocean vistas, along with colorful villages, towns, museums and fun stopping points. The round-trip adventure can be completed in four hours by car, but you’ll want to be able to take at least a full day or longer to explore and soak in the rugged scenery and sites along the way. Even though the route is popular with tour buses, you really should rent a car and travel the route at your own pace. This will give you plenty of time to find just the right setting and allow you to settle your nerves before popping the question.

4. Phuket, Thailand

If you and your soon to be fiancé prefer warmer climates that include dazzling beaches and a fabulous mix of nightlife, then the colorful island of Phuket is for you. Exotic, lush and oh-so seductive, Phuket (pronounced poo-get), Thailand’s largest and most popular island has long been popular with jet-setters, honeymooners, and those “in the know.” Blessed with many of the world’s best beaches and sporting a balmy temperature between 77°F and 93°F year-round, lovebirds flock to this upbeat area of the world for its mile upon sandy mile of coastline which boasts tons of water sports, delectable restaurants and decadent resorts. Phuket is at its best during the dry season which begins in December and usually lasts until March. Our suggestion for the ultimate Phuket proposal: Charter a private yacht for a sunset cruise and dinner in Phang Nga Bay—she’ll be left speechless.

3. Montreal, Quebec

If it’s a romantic city backdrop you’re after in your proposal (one particularly close to home), look no further than the sophisticated, yet vibrant metropolis of Montreal—a city so infused with romance, it will sweep you both off of your feet. Head to Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal), where you can take an evening stroll arm in arm among the historic buildings that basks in an enchanting incandescence—or you could surprise her with a caléche ride (horse drawn carriage) around the city’s hushed streets, both are lovely settings. If you’re a traditionalist and prefer to pop the question while sharing a tender tête-á-tête over the city’s legendary French cuisine, Montreal has your back with many superb restaurants that will set the stage beautifully.

2. Napa Valley, California

If you subscribe to the belief that food and wine go together like love and marriage, then you won’t be disappointed by whisking your love away to California’s Napa Valley. Home to a large collection of quaint towns and charming villages and you likely already know Napa Valley has a renowned wine and restaurant scene—but it’s the Valley’s splendid natural setting that makes it prime for proposing. If it’s your first time to the Valley, take it slow and head down state route 29 where some of the country’s most well-known vintners are located, including Robert Mondavi, Beringer and Cakebread. First-time visitors should also consider a romantic trip for dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train or hot air balloon ride over the valley’s world-famous vineyards and estates—both make excellent backdrops for sealing the deal.

1. Paris, France

Ah, Paris, the City of Lights and love—no surprise it takes our top spot for most romantic proposal destination. While proposing beneath the Eiffel Tower inevitably comes to mind to many love-struck couples around the world, Paris is packed with oodles of other romantic locales for kneeling on one knee. If you’re aiming for an intimate setting, Canal Saint-Martin’s enchanting tree-lined waterway is almost overlooked by tourists in the off-peak months. And the Pont de Arts, a wooden pedestrian bridge leading to the Louvre Museum, offers a postcard-worthy view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. If you can reserve a table near the windows of the exquisite Maison Blanche restaurant located on the top floor of an old theater near the Champs-Élysées, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. As well, Paris is filled with beautiful gardens, and all will make an unbelievably romantic setting. Luxembourg Gardens, in particular, is a great spot for couples, and is adjacent to the breathtaking Luxembourg Palace.

For more information on these romantic locations and other great vacation ideas, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020. 

Viking River Cruises – Easy Apple Strudel

Making strudel dough from scratch is notoriously difficult and time-consuming. Here, Viking River Cruises has simplified this recipe using widely available frozen puff pastry dough so you can create a similar treat easily in your own kitchen. Strudels are a well-known central and eastern European treat; enjoy them on our Rhine and Danube cruises.

Ingredients:

One sheet (half box) frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
One-half cup sugar
One-quarter cup finely chopped walnuts
Five tablespoons raisins
One-half teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel
One teaspoon cinnamon
Two or three Pippin or Granny Smith apples (approximately three cups chopped)
One tablespoon toasted plain dry bread crumbs
Two tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. On a very lightly floured, plain-weave kitchen towel, lay out puff pastry dough. Lightly flour top and gently roll out to a thin rectangle about 14″ x 17″, sealing any tears in the dough. Dough will be quite thin; do not over-handle. Set aside, keeping dough on towel.

Peel, core and chop apples into small chunks. Toss with sugar, walnuts, raisins, lemon peel and cinnamon.

Lightly brush dough with one-quarter of the melted butter. Sprinkle with dry bread crumbs. Add apple mixture in the center of dough, leaving a 1″ margin around the filling. Fold in 1″ along three sides of the dough, leaving one long side unfolded. Moisten all folded edges and remaining flat dough edge lightly with water. Using the towel to assist you, roll the dough toward the unfolded edge, enclosing the filling. Press gently but firmly on bottom seam and sides to seal.

Using the towel as a sling, transfer strudel seam-side down to a cookie sheet; gently remove towel. Brush lightly with the remaining melted butter, and prick sparingly along the top with a fork. Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cut crosswise into 12 pieces and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a vanilla custard sauce.

Makes 12 servings.

For more information on Viking River Cruises, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, call 800-755-8020 or email travelrequest@boscovs.com.

Bucket List Travel Ideas

Bucket lists seem to be all the rage these days. Everybody is asking, “What’s on your bucket list?”, or saying, “There is another item checked off my bucket list!”

If you don’t have a bucket list, maybe it’s time to create one! Here are some travel ideas to help get you started or add to your current wish list of travel fun.

United States

• Take a helicopter tour over the Big Island in Hawaii. (Get an overhead look into an active volcano!)
  
  
• Experience the magic and pixie dust of Walt Disney World. (It is the land of dreams, after all!)
  
  
•  Visit Denali National Park in Alaska. (Have your camera at the ready, the sights are spectacular!)
  
  
• Watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. (See a national landmark at its most beautiful.)
  
  
• See the Bellagio fountain light show in Las Vegas! (You’ll feel luckier just by watching!)
  

Europe

• Climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris. (See the City of Lights from above the lights.)
  
  
• Take a Gondola ride in Venice. (Enjoy the romance of the city the way it was meant to be seen.)
  
  
• Sail down the Danube River in Europe. (See the elegance of Europe from the inside.)
  
  
• Stroll the Champs Elysées in Paris. (You’ll feel fancy just being there.)
  
  
• Make a wish in the Trevi Fountain in Rome. (Close your eyes, toss your change, change your life!)
  
  
• Kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland. (Bend over backwards and gain the gift of eloquence.)
  
  

At Sea and Beyond

• Zip line above Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas. (What a thrill! And what a view!)
  
  
• Swim with the dolphins in the Caribbean Sea. (Can you really name a better swimming partner?)
  
  
• See the pyramids of Egypt. (Take a trip into the desert and see the wonders of the world.)
  
  
• Find the “big five” on a safari in Africa. (Elephants, rhinoceros, buffalos, lions, and leopards, Oh My!)
  
  Live the dream! For help checking items off of your bucket list and other great vacation ideas, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020. 

Divine Getaways

Whether it’s an elegant hotel in the city or decadent sundrenched resort, enjoying your next vacation has a lot to do with where you stay—after all, it is where each day begins and ends. While the standard for excellence remains high, there is a new group of luxury properties raising the bar even further with their cutting-edge designs, lavish accoutrements, and unparalleled amenities. These luxe properties have something for everyone and are out to exceed all expectations with their impeccable service and sophistication. Here are some suggestions for your next stay…

Montelucia Resort & Spa – Scottsdale, Arizona

Nestled at the foot of picturesque Camelback Mountain and just minutes from world-class shopping, golf, nightlife and art galleries, Montelucia brings the essence of Europe to the heart of Scottsdale. Enjoy Andalusian-inspired architecture featuring arching entryways, splashing fountains, cobblestone open-air plazas and floral walkways. Dine at award-winning Prado restaurant and enjoy authentic Italian dishes or sit poolside at ROQ, an outdoor Southwestern bistro featuring homemade sangria. The 31,000-square-foot Moroccan-inspired Joya Spa, and luxurious accommodations with private patios and breathtaking views make Montelucia the ideal destination for your next getaway.

Gran Meliá Resort & Luxury Villas – Daios Cove, Crete, Greece

Boasting its own private white-sand beach and seamlessly integrating architecture and design with the surrounding landscape, the brand-new Gran Meliá Resort & Luxury Villas Daios Cove Crete evokes the charms of traditional villages throughout the Greek Isles. Overlooking the northeastern coast of Crete, the resort delivers a bold new standard for hospitality and magnificent accommodations—the largest on the island. 300 rooms and suites all boast king-sized beds, views of Daios Cove, and most feature private, heated pools. Discerning guests can indulge in a one-, two-, or three-bedroom villa, or spa villa. The resort has mastered the art of fun, relaxation and fine dining with an array of activities, water sports, spa experiences and restaurants. Tennis facilities, a complete scuba center, infinity pool and adults-only pool round out the resort’s diverse offerings.

The Crane – St. Philip, Barbados

Situated on the powder-soft pink sand of Barbados’ southeast coast, The Crane was built in 1887 as the Caribbean’s first resort hotel. Today, the fully-restored luxury enclave combines old-world charm, seclusion and natural beauty. A collection of 18 historic apartments and 209 modern residences present regal touches with high ceilings, hardwood floors and antique furnishings. Accommodations feature en-suite kitchens and full-sized infinity pools at the ground floor, some with private gardens. For upgraded opulence, penthouse villas offer sophisticated bedrooms, refreshing plunge pools, and roof decks with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Crane maintains its long-held reputation for exceptional dining with mouth-watering cuisine in its four restaurants. Within the 55,000-square-foot Crane Village, guests will find a spa, a fitness center and retail stores without ever leaving the serenity of the resort.

Hotel Du Louvre – Paris, France

Built under the rule of Napoleon III, the Hotel du Louvre is an emblem of timeless Parisian grandeur. Today the iconic establishment combines historic elements, upscale appointments and world-class amenities to deliver incomparable luxury to its 177 guest rooms and suites. Warm rich tones and decadent marbles add lavishness and the hotel’s top floor boasts rooms dressed in contemporary décor with romantic views of the Louvre Museum, Opéra Garnier and Comedie Francaise. Convenient en-suite amenities include complimentary Internet access, soundproofing, satellite television and gourmet mini-bars. At the hotel’s contemporary Brasserie du Louvre, celebrated chef Guy Martin has created a savvy menu of innovative French delights. Idyllically situated in the heart of Paris, facing the world-famous Louvre Museum, the Hotel du Louvre places guests close to many of the city’s other renowned highlights, including the Palais Royal and Opéra Garnier.

Gramercy Park Hotel – New York City, New York

A modern bohemia reinvented for the 21^st century, The Gramercy Park Hotel is a refreshed boutique enclave that fuses style with great pieces of furniture, striking artwork and the extraordinary use of color. Privileged guests can experience the hotel’s rare collection of museum-quality work that features epic masterpieces from Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Julian Schnabel. 185 guest rooms and luxury suites incorporate the hotel’s individualistic spirit and are generously scaled and beautifully appointed with the latest modern conveniences and views of Gramercy Park. World-class amenities include a 24-hour fitness center and the exclusive Gramercy Terrace, perched 18 stories above Manhattan, featuring an impressive retractable roof. The hotel’s gourmand outposts are equally stunning. Gramercy Park Hotel’s new roman-style Maialino serves lovingly prepared traditional trattoria cuisine elegant environs.

For more information on these luxury stays and other great vacation ideas, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020. 

Croatia… The Way the Mediterranean Once Was

With a vibrant history dating back over 2,000 years, Croatia has been seducing travelers for decades with its unique mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Situated on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea (across from Italy) and bordering Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, Croatia is home to a number of urban centers, traditional villages and pristine landscapes, including over 1,100 islands and over 600 miles of coastline.

With extensive collections of meticulously preserved architectural and historical treasures scattered throughout the country, it appears as though much hasn’t changed in here since the country’s founding on the ruins of the Roman Empire. But don’t be mistaken—Croatia’s youthful zeal keeps pace with the latest trends in fashion, music, film and art, making it a magnet for celebrities.

Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled family vacation or a romantic, couples only getaway, Croatia’s rich tapestry of history, art and modern thrills has something for everyone. And since the country has a non-euro economy, exploring Croatia is much easier on the wallet than many European countries.

Dubrovnik

Described by Lord Byron as “The Pearl of the Adriatic” and believed to have been founded in the 7^th century, the ancient city of Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most loved and visited spots. Located on the country’s southernmost coast, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its fairytale fortress (within the Old City) is packed with medieval stone buildings and romantic winding passageways. Dubrovnik is mainly a cultural destination, which aside from monuments of interest, also offers a series of cultural events and festivals. If you plan to visit the city anytime between July 10^th and August 25^th be sure to check out Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Held since 1949, this annual summer festival features a diverse program of classical music, theater, opera and dance in a variety of settings and venues.

Hvar Island

Sun worshippers and romantics, this is your place! Considered one of the most inspiring of all Croatian islands, Hvar is a magical blend of natural surroundings and Mediterranean luxury. The island’s largest city, also named Hvar, is rich in culture as it was an important center for early Croatian literature, painting, sculpture, music and architecture. Towering medieval walls (dating from 13^th century) and fields of lavender surround the city making for one of the world’s most romantic scenes. Take a walk through the city’s ancient stone streets and spend some time in the city’s main square, the Pjaca. Surrounding the square is where you’ll find many of Hvar’s architectural gems such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Bishop’s Palace, the Arsenal, and the Governor’s Palace, all dating from the 15^th to 17^th century. The Hvar Summer Festival takes place late June to late September and includes classical music concerts performed by national and international artists, and performances by amateur groups from Hvar.

12 Highlights Along the Rhone & Seine Rivers

1. Paris
   The City of Light shines bright in the reflection of the Seine. Views of Paris from the river include Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Travelers can enjoy a candlelit dinner at a Parisian café or take in a world-class cabaret show.
2. Conflans
   Float gently down the River Seine, passing through suburban Paris to discover the town of Conflans.
3. Auvers-Sur-Oise
   Nearby, quaint Auvers-Sur-Oise is the inspirational town that Vincent Van Gogh called home. Those with an affinity for French history may want to visit nearby Château de Malmaison, the elaborately decorated estate of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte.
4. Vernon
   Further downstream, the riverside town of Vernon features the magnificent Bizy Castle and the immaculate gardens at Claude Monet’s country house.
   
5. Rouen
   Rouen, the jewel of medieval France, is next. On the right bank, half-timbered, glazed-tiled houses and ancient architecture line the streets, prompting many to refer to Rouen as ville-musee, or museum town. Make time to admire the city’s Astronomical Clock and the Rouen Cathedral. The Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world and inspired an impressive series of Claude Monet’s paintings.
6. Normandy Beaches
   A short jaunt from the river, the historic Normandy Beaches pay reverent homage to the soldiers who fought so valiantly on these shores during World War II. The surrounding countryside is ripe with fragrant fruit and flowers. Travelers can delight in the region’s delectable French cuisine and meal-capping apple brandy.
7. Les Andelys
   Continuing down the Seine, Les Andelys presents the dramatic visage of Château Gaillard. Built by England’s King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, the château is truly a masterpiece of medieval military architecture.
8. Lyon
   Flowing away from its Alpine origins, the Rhône rolls through Lyon, France. Located in the heart of the country, Lyon is central to the history of French cuisine, cinema and industry. With a history spanning more than 2,000 years, the city features magnificent Roman ruins, winding medieval alleyways, and exquisite examples of Renaissance architecture. Beaujolais is the wine of choice in the region, the grapes for which must be picked by hand.
9. Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage
   Sail by fields of lavender downstream from Lyon to visit the twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage, nestled between the river and the vineyard-covered slopes of The Hermitage. Tournon, one of France’s oldest medieval cities, impresses visitors with its imposing 16th-century castle.
10. Vienne and Viviers
    Vienne and Viviers, quaint villages that line the shores of the Rhône, are surrounded by breathtaking beauty and bathed in history.
    
11. Avignon
    Further south, the white-stoned city of Avignon is located in the scenic Provençe. Known as the “City of Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century and its immense papal palace overlooks the river. Nearby, visit the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a taste of more than six centuries of wine-making tradition.
12. Arles
    As the Rhône rolls toward the Mediterranean, Arles is a sparkling city full of inspiration. In fact, Vincent Van Gogh spent one very prolific year along these banks, painting more than a dozen masterpieces. The city also boasts a pristinely-preserved coliseum from Roman times, the church of St. Trophime, and an ancient Gallo-Roman burial road–earning it the nickname “Little Rome of Gaul.”

For more information on exploring these rivers in person with  Avalon Waterways click here.

For more information on a Rhone-Seine River Cruise or other great Avalon Waterways vacations, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.