From Aix-en-Provence: Avignon City Highlights Guided Tour

This guided tour from Aix-en-Provence promises an immersive exploration of Avignon’s historic highlights. Visitors can skip the ticket lines and explore the city’s captivating past, from the iconic Pont du Gard aqueduct to the grand Palais des Papes. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour offers a comprehensive experience, including hotel transfers and entrance fees. While comfort and convenience are prioritized, participants should note the tour vehicle’s restrictions on food and drinks. With so much to discover in Avignon, this excursion seems the ideal way to uncover the city’s timeless charm.

Just The Basics

• This guided tour from Aix-en-Provence takes visitors to the key landmarks of Avignon, including the Pont du Gard, Palais des Papes, and Pont d’Avignon.
• The tour lasts 8 hours, provides hotel pickup and drop-off, and is led by a live guide available in English, Spanish, and French.
• Guests can skip ticket lines and explore the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct bridge, admiring its impressive 2,000-year-old engineering.
• The tour immerses visitors in Avignon’s old-world charm, showcasing the Palais des Papes and the picturesque historic streets.
• The tour includes the entrance fee for the Pont du Gard but excludes the Palais des Papes, and guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Tour Details

The guided tour of Avignon City highlights lasts 8 hours and allows guests to skip the ticket line.

It’s led by a live tour guide and offered in English, Spanish, and French for private groups.

The tour includes visits to the Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct bridge, Avignon’s old town, the Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), the Le Rocher des Doms viewpoint, and the 12th-century Pont d’Avignon bridge.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the Pont du Gard entrance fee, are included. However, the Palais des Papes entrance fee is not.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes and refrain from bringing food or drinks on the vehicle.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour takes visitors to some of Avignon’s most iconic landmarks, beginning with the Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct bridge. This impressive engineering feat dates back to the 1st century AD and serves as an enduring symbol of the city’s rich history.

Next, the tour explores the charming old town of Avignon, including the majestic Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the seat of the Catholic Church.

The tour also includes a stop at the Le Rocher des Doms viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the city and the Rhône River.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as the entrance fee for the Pont du Gard.

However, the entrance fee for the Palais des Papes is excluded.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, as there will be considerable walking involved.

No food or drinks are allowed in the tour vehicle.

The inclusions and exclusions of this tour are as follows:

1. Included: Hotel pick-up and drop-off
2. Included: Pont du Gard entrance fee
3. Excluded: Palais des Papes entrance fee
4. Required: Comfortable walking shoes

This information ensures travelers are aware of what’s and isn’t covered, allowing them to plan accordingly and have an enjoyable and seamless experience during the Avignon City Highlights Guided Tour.

Comfortable Clothing and Restrictions

Comfortable shoes are a must for this tour, as guests will be doing considerable walking around Avignon’s historic sites.

No food or drinks are allowed inside the tour vehicle, to maintain cleanliness and avoid potential spills.

It’s also important to dress appropriately for the weather and time of year. Layering is recommended, as the climate can be variable.

Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are advisable, particularly during the warmer months.

Guests are encouraged to pack any necessary medications, as the tour may not have provisions for these.

Exploring the Roman Pont Du Gard

One of the first highlights on the Avignon City Guided Tour is the magnificent Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct bridge, a remarkable engineering feat that has stood the test of time.

This 2,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true marvel, standing 160 feet tall and spanning 902 feet across the Gardon River.

As the tour group explores the site, they’ll learn about the bridge’s impressive three-tiered design, with each level serving a different purpose.

The incredible precision and craftsmanship used in the construction, with each stone meticulously cut and fitted.

The aqueduct’s role in delivering water to the ancient city of Nîmes, a testament to Roman engineering prowess.

The breathtaking views from the bridge’s walkway, offering a unique perspective on this timeless structure.

Taking in Avignon’s Old Town

After exploring the majestic Pont du Gard, the tour continues into the captivating old town of Avignon, where visitors are immersed in the city’s rich history and picturesque charm.

The walking tour leads through the winding streets, showcasing the Palais des Papes, an impressive medieval papal palace that served as the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Guests can admire the intricate Gothic architecture and learn about the city’s role as a papal residence.

The tour then proceeds to the iconic Pont d’Avignon, a 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône River. Visitors can soak in the stunning views of the river and the surrounding historic buildings, truly capturing the essence of Avignon’s old-world allure.

Discovering the Palais Des Papes

Standing tall amid the charming old town, the Palais des Papes commands attention as one of Avignon’s most iconic landmarks. Constructed in the 14th century, this former papal residence showcases a remarkable blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, captivating visitors with its grand scale and intricate details.

As part of the guided tour, guests will have the opportunity to:

1. Explore the immense Great Chapel, where popes once held court.
2. Admire the beautifully frescoed walls and ceilings of the Papal Apartments.
3. Discover the impressive kitchens and other behind-the-scenes areas of the palace.
4. Take in panoramic views of Avignon from the rooftop terraces.

This remarkable historical site offers a fascinating glimpse into the power and grandeur of the Avignon papacy.

Crossing the Iconic Pont D’avignon

Spanning the Rhone River, the Pont d’Avignon, also known as the Saint-Bénézet Bridge, is an iconic landmark that has captivated visitors for centuries.

Its construction in the 12th century was a remarkable engineering feat, and today, it remains a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its builders.

During the guided tour, visitors will have the opportunity to walk across this historic bridge, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding city and the majestic Rhone.

As they cross the bridge, they’ll learn about its rich history, including the legend of its construction by a young shepherd named Bénézet.

This iconic structure is a must-see for anyone exploring the wonders of Avignon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for the Private Tour?

The private tour has a private group size, which means the tour is exclusively for the members of the group and does not have any other participants. The size of the private group is not specified.

Can We Make Any Stops Along the Way for Personal Needs?

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, so participants can make personal stops along the way if needed. However, food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle during the tour.

Is There Any Photography Restriction at the Historical Sites?

There may be some photography restrictions at the historical sites, such as the Palais des Papes and the Pont du Gard. Visitors should check with the tour guide or site staff for the latest rules on photography.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Water on the Tour?

Passengers can’t bring their own food or drinks on the tour vehicle, but they can bring snacks and water to enjoy during the stops at historical sites. The tour includes the entrance fee to Pont du Gard.

Is There a Discount for Senior Citizens or Students?

The tour operator does not offer discounts for senior citizens or students on this excursion. The price is the same for all participants, as indicated in the tour details provided.

Sum Up

This guided tour from Aix-en-Provence offers an immersive experience in the historic highlights of Avignon.

Guests will skip ticket lines, explore the Pont du Gard aqueduct, Avignon’s old town, the Palais des Papes, and the iconic Pont d’Avignon.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, and the entrance fee for the Pont du Gard included, this tour provides a convenient and comprehensive way to discover the rich cultural heritage of the region.