Imagine taking a vacation where you not only soak up the sun but also absorb history and culture through immersive experiences – all while enjoying picturesque scenery amid a true sense of camaraderie. Welcome to the world of river cruising with AAA Group Travel.

I had the opportunity to travel on the AAA 2022 President’s Choice Trip. While I began the journey with lofty anticipation, the culmination of the trip far exceeded my expectations. In fact, it left our group of 33 travelers with a sense of blissful contentment as we each dreamed of our next getaway.

The trip began in bustling Barcelona. There, while beachgoers park themselves by the sea, history buffs marvel at the Cathedral of Barcelona. Foodies experience the city one tapas meal at a time at street-side cafes, with paella as a highlight. We were treated to a trip to the Montserrat mountain range and the Santa Maria de Montserrat abbey, a stunning Benedictine retreat.

We left yearning for more, but the group was anxious to board the AmaKristina, a river cruise ship with AmaWaterways, for a weeklong cruise on the Rhône River to experience the colors of Provence.

We were welcomed by a friendly and attentive crew. There were upscale accommodations and a total of 120 guests on board – the highest number since the pandemic – though the ship can accommodate 150. International travel continues to rebound. By the end of summer, AAA Travel’s international bookings were up 104 percent compared to 2021.

Getting out of the United States and experiencing different cultures can be very exciting. “Pinch me!” exclaimed one eager traveler.

“If you want to see the great cities of Europe up close and personal, this is the way to do it,” said traveler Jan O’Rourke. “One of the adventures was the bike tour. We were riding along the river, and the tour guide explained everything from the vineyards to the castles.”

Sometimes the hardest decision is which all-inclusive excursion to take. Of course, relaxing on the well-appointed ship with local entertainment is always an option.

“This is my first river cruise,” explained Dick Kearney. “It’s quiet and serene – the scenery, the relaxation of the cruise, it’s amazing.”

The cruise began in Avignon, France, known as the City of Popes. Within medieval walls, you’ll find the Papal Palace, where multiple popes resided in the 1300s.You don’t need to be an art fanatic to stroll through Arles, France, and see what inspired Vincent van Gogh to create many of his masterpieces. It’s also where he cut off his ear, leading to his hospitalization. River cruise itineraries are designed to showcase the most interesting sites, such as UNESCO World Heritage locations that leave you marveling. These may include Roman masterpieces such as an AD 50 aqueduct, a first-century Roman temple, or a well-preserved Roman theater in Vienne.

Many excursions take you into quaint villages, and passengers always have free time to shop, visit markets, take photos, or relax at local cafés. Many opt to return to the ship, where delectable local cuisine awaits, all included in your cruise fare.

“It’s a spectacular trip – the food is phenomenal; the cities are great to visit; there’s a lot to do,” said Ben Zuffranieri.

The itinerary took us through southern France’s famed wine country, where we learned to pair chocolate and wine. Adventurous travelers hiked through the vineyards of the renowned winery M. Chapoutier. It was perfect timing, as the annual grape harvest was taking place, and tourists were able to see this in action before enjoying a wine tasting. Travelers also stopped at a family-owned winery in the Beaujolais region of France.

A truly unique experience came when we got to visit a local truffle farm and see dogs hunt for the prized delicacies. We also were able to have a taste of the truffles–not something you get to do every day!

Aside from exceptional excursions, cruising has its share of other benefits as well. Imagine sailing through the wine region past historic castles, lavender fields, and cathedrals as you relax and unwind, possibly in the ship’s pool. The ships also pass through multiple locks, where travelers are often tempted to take photo after photo, though none of them seem to fully convey the experience or do it justice.

“It’s just spectacular. You unpack, and you enjoy the rest,” said Art Russ. “I met a lot of wonderful people on this trip.”

It was extraordinary to travel to another part of the world accompanied by fellow travelers from Western and Central New York, all of us creating cherished memories for life.

Join AAA Group Tours for one of our unforgettable trips. Find your destination now!

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