Aix-en Provence & Notre-Dame de la Garde

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

This full day is action-packed with lots of walking, sight-seeing and shopping, but perfect for intrepid passengers who want to fully explore this wonderful region.

Your guide and driver will whisk you away from the ship at Marseille pier, for a drive along the highway straight to your first stop of the day, the unique town of Aix-en-Provence.

This charming city is the former medieval capital of Provence, and boasts elegant 18th and 19th century architecture, wide boulevards, charming sidewalk cafes, and wonderful shopping opportunities.

Your guide will show you around the Old Town, which is home to a stunning 12th-century cathedral Saint-Sauveur d'Aix, and also more than 200 statues, all of which are protected monuments. Then you will be left to freely browse the markets, galleries, antique emporiums and cafes, before enjoying lunch at the café or restaurant of your choice.

Returning to Marseille for a narrated drive about the city, you will pass by the forts of St.Nicholas and St. John, and continue along the Canebiere, Marseille's main street. Notable sights include the impressive Notre-Dame de la Garde, the beautiful Basilica that sits on a hill overlooking the city with a superb view of the Vieux Port. This 19th-century cathedral is decorated in a Neo-Byzantine style, and the interior boasts impressive multicolored marble, mosaics and murals. You will also view the Cathedral de la Major, another striking Byzantine beauty, that was rebuilt in the late 19th century.

Drive through the Vallon des Auffes, a quaint harbor, that is packed with traditional fishing boats, and La Corniche, which runs for nearly three miles almost along the Marseille coastline, offering sweeping views of the city, the Chateau d'If, and millionaire villas.

You will end the day with a walk around Le Vieux Port, the city's most bustling and vibrant district. Packed with fashionable bars and theaters, you will notice how the small fishing trawlers jostle for space among the many luxury yachts. Enjoy exploring this colorful district, browsing the shops for Provencal crafts and souvenirs, before boarding the bus for the short drive back to Marseille pier.

Special Notes:

Please note that on Sundays during the winter months, shops and stores are closed in Aix-en-Provence. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.

Flash photography & video camera are not permitted in the Cathedral in Marseille. Suitable attire is required inside the Basilica.
This tour involves stairclimbing; there are three flights of stairs (exactly 167 steps) to be negotiated at the entrance of the Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille. .