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Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines
Cruises to Provence (Marseilles), France
with Royal Caribbean

Sample Land & Shore Excursions

Marseille City Tour - MR01

    This excursion will take you on a journey through the historical and maritime past of Marseille, known as the melting pot of Europe. You will pass Marseille's large industrial harbor as you depart the pier and head towards the city center. En route to the Notre-Dame de la Garde Cathedral, you will see the historic, older section of the city. You'll stop at Vieux Port, the Old Harbor and heart of the city where you will have magnificent views of St. John and St. Nicholas Forts, which guard the entrance to the port, as well as the Town Hall and the main avenue of the city, La Canebiere.

    You'll visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde, a beautiful basilica set high atop the hills above the Old Harbor. From this area, you will have a panoramic view of the city, coast and surrounding mountains. The interior of the basilica was finished with multi-colored marble mosaics by the Dusseldorf School.

    The journey from the Cathedral to Longchamp Palace will take you along the beautiful Kennedy Corniche Road, which runs alongside the sea. You will stop to take photos and to view the beautiful islands guarding the entrance to Marseille. Your final stop will be at Longchamp Palace, a monumental castle adorned with magnificent fountains, waterfalls and gardens. Your return will be via "La Canebiere," the main avenue of the city. Time permitting; there is souvenir shopping in the Vieux Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde.

    Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 400 yards over even surfaces and slight inclines with approximately 200 steps at Notre-Dame de la Garde. An elevator is available at the Cathedral; however, steps must be climbed in order to reach the elevator.


Cassis - MR02

    Cassis, an old Provencal fishing port, is a popular summer resort that has drawn many famous painters to its sunny bay. Famous for its high white cliffs, Cassis lies at the foot of Europe's highest cliff, Cape Canaille.

    You'll pass through the city of Marseille and along the coastal road on your 1-hour drive to the beautiful seaside town of Cassis. The scenic coastline between Marseille and Cassis is craggy and indented with a landscape of sharp ridges, overhanging limestone cliffs, pine-surrounded creeks and pleasant fields of grapevines. Visiting the village of Cassis, you'll walk along the Promenade des Lombards, which borders the sea front. Enjoy the view of the surrounding sea and small beaches dominated by a 14th century castle, followed by free time for shopping in the boutiques or relaxing at one of the many waterfront cafés. You will stop on your return to Marseille for photographs at Cape Canaille, Europe's highest sea cliff, which looms just beyond the crescent bay at 1,352 feet (weather permitting).

    Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.75 mile over uneven surfaces with 10 - 15 steps and slight inclines. Time permitting; you will have approximately 1 hour at leisure in Cassis.


St. Remy & Flavors of Provence - MR18

    Board your coach and depart the pier for an approximate 90-minute scenic drive to Saint Remy de Provence. The charming city is a beautiful attraction in itself, however it is best known as the birthplace of Doctor and Astrologist, Nostradamus. Upon arrival, begin your walking exploration of the old town center of Saint Remy de Provence, regarded as one of the best places for shopping in Provence. The old town is a place where you can stroll in and around delightful little arts and crafts shops, charming cafes, arts galleries and artist studios. There are also numerous museums that regularly hold impressive exhibitions.

    See the Collegiale Saint-Martin, built in the heart of the old town. The impressive church is made up of elements from a variety of periods. Historians know that Saint Martin's was already in existence in 1122. It was enlarged and enhanced in 1331 after a decision made by Pope John XXII (one of the Avignon popes) to turn the priory into a collegiate church. The building collapsed during the night of August 29, 1818 and now all that remains is the bell tower dating from the early 14th century. Located at the foot of the bell tower is the chapel of the Renaud d'Alleins, built in flamboyant style. The church was rebuilt in 1821 in the neo-Greek style. Continue your walk and see the Hotel de Sade - home of the Archeological Museum, the mossy fountain and the bust of Nostradamus sculpted by Liotard who donated the work to the town in the 19th century.After the guided walking portion of your, there will be some free time for independent sightseeing, shopping or relaxing in a local cafe. Reboard your coach and as you depart St. Remy pass the ancient Glanum Roman monuments on your return drive to the ship.

    Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 2 miles (approximately 3 hours) over various surfaces, inclines and steps. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 45 minutes for shopping and browsing. Due to the nature of this tour, it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. Lunch is not included in this tour; however, there is time for lunch and shopping on your own. You should have currency exchanged before leaving the ship. The drive to/from the port is approximately 1.5 hours each way, dependent upon traffic conditions.


Les Baux de Provence - MR04

    Les Baux is a charming village perched high atop the Alpilles Mountain Range. The village is composed of tiny climbing streets, medieval ruins and ancient stone houses inhabited for the most part by local craftsmen.

    You'll pass beautiful landscapes on your 1.25-hour journey through the countryside to Saint Remy de Provence. You'll see the rice plantations, wheat fields with their dark cypress trees, olive groves and sunflowers framing the village of Les Baux. You will pass by Les Antiques, two Roman monuments built among the olive groves of the valley. A photo stop will be made before your arrival in Les Baux just below the Citadelle for a panoramic view of the area.

    You will visit the quaint village of Les Baux, where you'll proceed with a walking tour. Your guide will take you along the cobblestone streets lined with local craft stores to see the exterior of the Citadelle and Fortifications, followed by free time to explore the area. You can take in the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside or make your way back down through the city to browse in the many small shops offering soaps, fragrances, pottery, art and handicrafts.

    Note: Guests must be able approximately 0.75 mile over cobblestone streets with steep uphill grades and 5 - 10 steps. Les Baux is not wheelchair accessible due to the cobblestone streets and steep inclines.


Luberon Villages - MR17

    The region is full of charm with striking solitary woods, rocky countryside, and picturesque hilltop villages. Travel by coach for an approximate 1.5-hour scenic drive to the village of Ansouis. Discover the old village that is located at the base of the castle and has radiated out as it has grown over the centuries. Ansouis homes are arranged in a semicircle on the hillside of the mountain for protection from the fierce mistral winds. Visit the inside of the castle and take in the atmosphere of a Provencal village.

    Next, reboard the coach for the drive to Lourmarin, classified as one of the "most beautiful villages in France." Upon arrival there will be some free time for independent exploration, shopping or lunch on your own in one of the many restaurants or cafes. Continue next to Roussillon that is situated in the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world. The village is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. The red, yellow and brown shades of the earth form a striking contrast with the lush green pine trees. The vivid blue of the Provencal sky and the exceptional quality of light make this a magical site. It is like an artist's pallet, with the infinite combinations of colours varying from yellow to purple with all the shades of pink and red in-between. Enjoy a short-guided walking tour of the Roussillon before having some free time for shopping before the return trip to the pier.

    Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 2 miles (approximatley 3 hours) over various uneven and cobblestone surfaces, steep inclines and 50+ steps. Lunch is not included in this tour; however, there is time for lunch and shopping on your own. You should have currency exchanged before leaving the ship. Due to the nature of this tour, it is not recommended for guests with walkers or wheelchairs. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 45 minutes for shopping and browsing. The drive to/from the port is approximately 1.5 hours each way, dependent upon traffic conditions.


Avignon & Wine Tasting at Palace of the Popes - MR07

    This tour combines the amazing history of the Catholic Church with a view of the beautiful Provencal countryside en route to Avignon. You'll pass outside the city of Marseille, and through the Provencal countryside scattered with olive groves and local wineries en route to Avignon. This is home to some of the most famous wines in the world. You'll visit the Romanesque town of Avignon where the seat of the Popes was held from 1309 to 1376. Avignon served as the capital of Christianity when it was moved from the Vatican City during a time of religious war and rebellion. The Palace of Popes was the center of Avignon, and today, it is still a major focal point of the city. You'll stop at St. Benezet to see the famous bridge of Avignon, built in the early 13th century. Today, the St. Benezet Bridge is well known as a romantic rendezvous.

    Known as one of the grandest palaces of France, the Palace of the Popes is filled with grand audience halls that evoke the power of the medieval papacy, and are filled with frescoes and Romanesque architecture that have remained virtually unchanged since the 14th century. Originally built to defend and to protect the palace, today it stands as a reminder of the grandeur and power of the Catholic Church. The wine tasting of "Cotes du Rhone" (red, white and rose) will be served in a dedicated part of the Palace of the Popes.

    Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1.5 miles over cobblestone streets and steep inclines. In the Palace of the Popes, there are small, narrow staircases with approximately 250+ steps to navigate. The Palace is not wheelchair accessible. Video and still photography are not permitted in the Popes' Palace. The drive between Marseille and Avignon is approximately 1.5 hours each way, dependent upon traffic conditions


Arles & Les Baux - MR06

    This full-day excursion will take you to the heart of traditional Provence. The city of Arles lies between the two most scenic areas of France, the Camargue ranchlands and the scenic groves and fields of Provence. You'll pass through the beautiful Provencal countryside on your 1.5-hour drive to Arles. Once in Arles, you will embark on a walking tour to discover where Van Gogh lived and painted. You will see Café du Forum, Republic Square with its Roman obelisk, Arles Arenas, the 17th century Town Hall, the Church of St. Trophime and its cloister. You will stop for photographs before your arrival in Les Baux, just below the Citadelle for a panoramic view of the area. Lunch with wine is served in a local restaurant just outside of Les Baux.

    Once in Les Baux, you'll proceed with a walking tour. Your guide will take you along the cobblestone streets lined with local craft stores to see the exterior of the Citadelle and Fortifications, followed by free time to explore the area on your own. You can take in the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, or make your way back down through the city to browse in the many small stores offering soaps, fragrances, pottery, art and handicrafts.

    Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1.5 miles over uneven surfaces and cobblestone with some steep uphill grades and 10 - 15 steps. Both Arles and Les Baux are pedestrian only and touring will be conducted on foot. The drive between Arles and Marseille is approximately 1.5 hours each way, dependent upon traffic conditions.


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