Avignon & Le Pont du Gard
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Port
Marseille (Provence), France
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$129.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
First up, head to the city into the countryside to uncover the ingenuity and the handiwork of the Romans.
The world-famous ancient Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct that crosses the shallow Gard River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This incredible feat of engineering used to carry around 44 million gallons of water a day from Uzes along a 30-mile route to the fountains, baths, and homes of the citizens of Nîmes. Built around AD 40, it features three impressive levels of recessed arcades.
You will then drive to nearby Avignon for a walk through this historic town with its cobblestone streets and narrow stairways. The town itself is still delightfully contained within its 14th-century walls and features beautifully preserved ramparts and pretty bell towers. It is dominated by the Rocher des Doms, on which stand the cathedral and the Palace of the Popes -- home to nine Popes during the Great Schism that lasted from 1309 to 1378.
Pick your own location for lunch (at your own expense) -- there are many restaurants and cafés here.
Most of Avignon’s medieval city streets are closed to vehicle traffic and are lined with boutiques and art galleries, along with craft, jewelry, and souvenir shops. You will have time to browse among these for gifts and mementos. The Place de l’Horloge is the town’s main square, situated a few yards from the Palace of the Popes.
After exploring this ancient city, return to Marseille via the highway, traveling past vineyards, orchards, and cypress trees.
Notes:
Tour requires walking over medium-to-long distances. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, and many steps. Not advisable for those with mobility limitations. Travel time from Marseille to the Pont du Gard is approximately 1.75 hours; the drive from Le Pont du Gard to Avignon is about 45 minutes, and travel time from Avignon to Marseille is about 1.5 hours. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.