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
Marseille City Tour
Duration : 4 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 sightseeing in Marseille
before returning to the ship.
