SunFunCruiser Posted July 27, 2015 #1 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Are they good excursions? The day in Paris most concerns me because i want to see things. Their tours don't seem like they are very thorough. Has anyone experienced them recently? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Molson99 Posted July 27, 2015 #2 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Cheryl, I have the same question. The Normandy beaches 10 hour tour for CA and British spots is very detailed, and the US one has little detail or description. Anyone who has done this tour thru Avalon, we would love to hear your input and impression! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyK13 Posted July 27, 2015 #3 Share Posted July 27, 2015 We were planning to take the optional Avalon afternoon excursion to Versailles, but read recently that crowds are horrible unless you get there first thing in the morning. Has anyone been on the excursion lately? If so, how were the crowds? We might go there on our own in the morning before we embark the boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pully8 Posted July 28, 2015 #4 Share Posted July 28, 2015 agree about the crowds and herding. if time permits it maybe better in the morning. we have done the afternoon optional with Avalon and it was crowded many buses all trying to get in thru security and packed inside the buildings. the gardens were beautiful and could have spent a day looking around. depends what you like some do not mind the crowds. we prefer to see things at our pace and not herded. but I understand it is difficult to avoid sometimes. some much to see in Paris impossible to do it justice in a few hours/days. we have been many times and still there is much to see/experience. the tours 2-3 hours really only offer a taste. still nice. we would love to see more of Normandy too it was delightful countryside but again it would require more time. so many places so little time. enjoy your cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb222 Posted July 28, 2015 #5 Share Posted July 28, 2015 You will have to make another trip to Paris and if you stay 7 to 10 days, you will still not see and do and eat all there is. cb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pully8 Posted July 28, 2015 #6 Share Posted July 28, 2015 agree but of course for some they only have 1 chance. I envy those who live relatively close to Europe, we enjoy the history and culture but its 24-30hrs by plane. when we visit we like to make the most of it in terms of time. combining a cruise with land to maximise our experience. plus its nice just to relax sit in a café and watch the world go by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madda Posted July 28, 2015 #7 Share Posted July 28, 2015 I have been to Versailles twice, once at opening time and the next time about 2:30. The afternoon visit was a nightmare: people everywhere, tour buses having trouble finding places to park and being pushed through rooms without having time to look at all the beautiful items on display. If possible, go first thing when it opens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pully8 Posted July 28, 2015 #8 Share Posted July 28, 2015 good to know early is better. as an alternative another chateau to visit easily reached by train from Paris is Fontainebleau charming little town as well as the chateau and its gardens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madda Posted July 28, 2015 #9 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Another beautiful place to visit is Monet's Garden - absolutely beautiful. We were there in early in August - it rained in the morning but by the time we arrived, the rain had stopped and the scenery, gardens etc were breathtaking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWRob Posted July 28, 2015 #10 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Don't forget the Bayeux tapestry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyK13 Posted July 28, 2015 #11 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Thanks everyone for your comments. Versailles is high on my list of places to visit, but I would be miserable being herded along with thousands of others and I think the time allotted by a tour wouldn't be enough to see the house and grounds in depth. Since we are only in Paris for a limited time, I guess we'll pass on Versailles. Will have to make another trip sometime! Thanks for the tip on the Chateau de Fontainbleau, may visit that as an alternative. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Got2Cruise Posted July 28, 2015 #12 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Thanks everyone for your comments. Versailles is high on my list of places to visit, but I would be miserable being herded along with thousands of others and I think the time allotted by a tour wouldn't be enough to see the house and grounds in depth. Since we are only in Paris for a limited time, I guess we'll pass on Versailles. Will have to make another trip sometime! Thanks for the tip on the Chateau de Fontainbleau, may visit that as an alternative. An alternative can be to walk the incredible gardens and fountains. You don't need the tour, you can take the train. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Got2Cruise Posted July 28, 2015 #13 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Another beautiful place to visit is Monet's Garden - absolutely beautiful. We were there in early in August - it rained in the morning but by the time we arrived, the rain had stopped and the scenery, gardens etc were breathtaking. Giverny, Monets gardens is a port on the Avalon cruise. No need to go independently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Got2Cruise Posted July 28, 2015 #14 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Cheryl, I have the same question. The Normandy beaches 10 hour tour for CA and British spots is very detailed, and the US one has little detail or description. Anyone who has done this tour thru Avalon, we would love to hear your input and impression! The day will bring you to the important sights to give you an overview of the pieces of the puzzle that made "the longest day" considering you are only in the region for several hours, not days. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and with the information they share along with remnants left on the beaches you are able to get an idea what the men went through. The last stop is the cemetery where you participate in a moving ceremony. We had West Point graduates on our tour and they were pleased with the tour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunFunCruiser Posted July 29, 2015 Author #15 Share Posted July 29, 2015 You will have to make another trip to Paris and if you stay 7 to 10 days, you will still not see and do and eat all there is.cb That is a given and not my first trip. I think you can say that for just about any destination. B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Molson99 Posted August 8, 2015 #16 Share Posted August 8, 2015 Got2cruuse, thanks for your input! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenster Posted August 21, 2015 #17 Share Posted August 21, 2015 To answer the OP's question regarding "included" excursions.... We did the Avalon Rhine/Moselle last year and found the daily tours at the various ports of call very interesting and thorough. And, for the ones which you just walk into town from the ship, it's easy just to slip away and do your own thing if you want to. We loved all the included excursions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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