Marseille to Pont du Gard

Soak up the bounty, beauty and history of Provence on a full-day trip from Marseille. In Avignon, the ‘City of Popes,’ you’ll discover ancient and medieval art and architecture on a guided, small-group tour. Pop into the Popes’ Palace (own expense) before continuing to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to sample fine Provençal wines in an elegant château. Finish with a visit to the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence.

We begin the tour with a short drive from Avignon (also available from Aix-en-Provence or Marseille) to the famous Roman aqueduct - Le Pont du Gard, spanning the Gardon river, an impressive 160ft high bridge from the 1st century regarded as one of France's most important structures from the Roman period. Next the medieval village of Villeneuve Les Avignon for a walking tour to explore the interesting and unique village and on to visit La Chartreuse de Villeneuve Les Avignon that dates from the first half of the 14th century. Commissioned by Pope Innocent VI it is a magnificent building that connects with and helps to tell the story of the Pope's of Avignon. Time for a short lunch break before we head to the famous wine growing region of Châteauneuf du Pape and visit the middle-age castle and village and wine tasting at one of the most highly regarded wineries of the region. Time permitting one last surprise stop at one of the best chocolate makers in the region before the drive back.

Meet your professional guide at the Marseille cruise terminal and climb aboard a comfortable minivan for a private excursion to discover Avignon and the Pont du Gard. As soon as you arrive in Avignon your guide will open the doors of the Palais de Papes to you and tell you all the secrets of the Popes during their stay in Avignon in the 14th century. After the visit of the Palais des Papes you can visit the cathedral and the gardens of the Popes and you will enjoy the visit in the city center classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site before joining your minivan on the way to the Pont du Gard. Your guide opens the doors of the Pont du Gard and the architectural secrets of this aqueduct built 2000 years ago.