Shore
Excursion
Aix en Provence
Duration: Approximately 4 hours - AM departure
A one-hour drive through the bucolic scenery
of Provence takes you to the charming old town of Aix-en-Provence. Two
of its most famous sons are Impressionist Paul Cezanne and novelist
Emile Zola. Your guide will take you on a walking tour through narrow
lanes paved with cobblestones in Vieux Aix, the oldest part of town. You
will see Cours Mirabeau, a lovely street flanked by intertwining plane
trees.
Aix is often referred to as the city of a thousand fountains, as you
will begin to see as you walk down the Cours Mirabeau. During your
stroll you may see the 17th century Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins
(Fountain of the Four Dolphins) in the Quartier Mazarin, as well as
other fountains of note in the Place d'Albertas and the Place des
Trois-Ormeaux. Some date back to the Romans.The Cours divides Vieux Aix into two parts: The older, medieval
streets are to the north and the sophisticated 18th-century mansions to
the south of it. The cathedral St. Sauveur has a remarkable 15th-century
triptych by Nicolas Froment. Its Romanesque cloisters feature carved
pillars and slender colonnades. There will be time to sightsee, stop at
a café or shop in one of the lovely boutiques before returning to the
ship.
Note: Tour is on foot over uneven walkways. Comfortable walking shoes are
recommended.
Shore Excursion
to Arles & Les Baux de Provence
Duration: Approximately 8 1/2 hours - AM departure
Arles was a Roman capital in the Middle Ages
and still preserves vestiges of those glory days, with Roman ruins at
nearly every corner. You will visit the excellently preserved arena, a
Roman theatre still used for concerts today, and the lovely St.Trophimus
church with its incomparable Romanesque cloister. You will see Town
Hall, rebuilt in the 17th century, which features a fine clock tower and
wonderful vaulting. An ancient obelisk stands in the square in front of
the Town Hall. Forum Square may look familiar to fans of Vincent van
Gogh, who frequented the cafes here and also painted them. You will stop
for lunch in Les Baux de Provence, an amazing medieval fortress/village
built on the top of a rocky spur in the Alpilles mountains. We'll visit
St. Vincent's Church, where a Nativity ceremony is held each year, and
have some free time to discover the little village. You can shop,
explore or climb to the top of the citadel.
Note: Tour participation is limited. Comfortable walking shoes are
recommended.
Shore Excursion
to Avignon & Les Baux
Duration: Approximately 8 1/2 hours - AM departure
City of art and culture, Avignon spreads
along the banks of the Rhone. It is surrounded by ramparts and dominated
by Doms Rock, with its remarkable Gothic-style Palace of the Popes. On a
guided walking tour of Avignon, you will have time to visit the Palace,
which housed seven French Popes in the 14th century. Drive to Les Baux,
a "court of love" that attracted poets and troubadours in the Middle
Ages. At the height of its power, Les Baux contained a fortress hewn
from the top of a towering rock, plus several grand homes. Ater visiting
the 12th-century St. Vincent's Church,
you will have time to explore this intriguing village on your own.
Note: Tour participation is limited and is not suitable for persons with
walking difficulties or in wheelchairs. There are approximately 200
steps in the Palace.
Shore Excursion
to Avignon Pope's Palace & Wine Tasting
Duration: Approximately 8 1/2 hours - AM departure
Sitting majestically atop Doms Rock, the
Palace of the Popes looks like a citadel built straight out the rock.
You will visit the Palace, consisting of two buildings joined together
and built in the 14th century to house French Popes. Enjoy a delicious
lunch in the heart of Avignon before driving to Chateauneuf du Pape,
home of many of the finest Rhone wines. The original vineyard was
planted in the 14th century on land belonging to the Avignon Popes, who
summered here. After a visit to the vineyard, you will sample some of
the wines.
Note: This tour is not suitable for persons
with walking difficulties. There are approximately 200 steps in the
Palace.
Shore Excursion
Marseille City Tour
Duration : 3 1/2 hours - AM departure
See all the highlights of this cosmopolitan
port city, beginning with a visit to the old harbor, guarded by the
fortresses of St. Jean and St. Nicholas. It was the heart of Marseille's
booming maritime life from 600 BC until the 19th century. At the nearby
Pharo Park, you will have a short walk on the promontory near the harbor
entrance to admire the scenic view. Continue with a drive along the
three-mile-long corniche J.F. Kennedy, which follows the coastline and
offers vistas of expansive beaches and offshore islands. The
19th-century basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, built at the apex of a
rocky hill, dominates the sykline of Marseille. Motor vehicles are
forbidden from driving all the way to the top, but guests can climb
along a wide road to reach the church. Those who do will be rewarded by
an outstanding panoramic view of the city, the surrounding lands and the
sea. The belfry of the church is topped with a 30-foot gilded statue of
the Madonna. The interior is decorated with mosaics and colored marble.
In the crypt is an impressive marble sculpture of the Madonna. You will
drive through the main shopping areas in the city's center, then stop at
the handsome Palais Longchamps for photos. The palace has a splendid
fountain, colonnade and gardens and also houses the Museum of Beaux
Arts. You will have some free time to shop and sightsee in Marseille
before returning to the ship.
