From Marseille: Roman Towns of Provence Shore Excursion

This guided shore excursion from the port of Marseille offers visitors a chance to explore the rich Roman heritage of Provence. Delving into the well-preserved ancient monuments of Arles, Nîmes, and Uzès, the tour provides an immersive experience that showcases the enduring legacy of Roman civilization in the region. From the iconic Roman arenas to the impressive Pont du Gard aqueduct, the excursion promises an engaging and educational journey through the captivating history of this captivating corner of southern France. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Provence, this tour presents a compelling opportunity to discover the region’s remarkable Roman roots.

Just The Basics

• This 7.5-hour guided tour explores the Roman and Romanesque monuments in historic Provence towns, starting from the Marseille cruise port.
• The tour visits Arles, Nîmes, and Uzès, showcasing well-preserved Roman amphitheaters, temples, and architectural wonders that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.
• Highlights include the Roman arena in Arles, the Maison Carrée and Nîmes arena in Nîmes, and the Roman-inspired Romanesque cathedral and tower in Uzès.
• The tour is inclusive of transportation, entrance fees, and a driver/guide, with flexible booking and a hassle-free cancellation policy.
• The tour offers an immersive experience for visitors to step back in time and appreciate the enduring legacy of Roman civilization in Provence.

Tour Overview

This 7.5-hour guided excursion from the Marseille cruise port allows visitors to explore the remarkable Roman and Romanesque monuments scattered throughout the historic towns of Provence.

You’ll start in Arles, where you’ll take a guided walk along the Cours de la République and see the well-preserved Roman arena and Romanesque architecture.

Next, you’ll travel to Nîmes to explore the Roman settlement, including the impressive Maison Carrée and the Nîmes arena.

The tour also includes a stop at Uzès to see examples of Roman architecture.

Throughout the day, you’ll be transported in an air-conditioned minivan, with all entrance fees and a driver/guide included.

Discovering Arles

Arles, a city steeped in history, serves as the first stop on this captivating tour. Visitors embark on a guided walk along the Cours de la République, where they can marvel at the well-preserved Roman arena and the breathtaking Romanesque architecture that defines the city’s architectural landscape.

Attraction	Description	Significance
Roman Arena	One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters	Hosted gladiatorial contests and public events
Romanesque Architecture	Distinctive style featuring rounded arches and thick walls	Reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage
Church of St. Trophime	Impressive Romanesque cathedral	Known for its ornate portal and cloister
Obelisk	Ancient Egyptian obelisk	Stands as a testament to Arles’ diverse history

Guests are immersed in the city’s captivating blend of ancient and medieval influences, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of Roman Provence.

Exploring Nîmes

Next, the tour ventures to the Roman settlement of Nîmes, where visitors explore the city’s remarkable Roman landmarks.

The iconic Maison Carrée, a remarkably well-preserved Roman temple, stands as a testament to the region’s architectural heritage. Nearby, the grand Nîmes arena, another remarkably intact Roman amphitheater, captivates guests with its impressive scale and historical significance.

Guests wander through the ruins, imagining the vibrant culture and daily life of the ancient Romans who once occupied these spaces. The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of Roman civilization in Provence.

Le Pont Du Gard

After exploring the Roman landmarks in Arles and Nîmes, the tour culminates at the impressive Le Pont du Gard, a remarkably well-preserved Roman aqueduct that stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Romans.

This UNESCO World Heritage site, constructed in the 1st century AD, stands at an impressive height of over 50 meters and was an integral part of the aqueduct system that supplied water to the nearby city of Nîmes. Visitors can marvel at the structure’s grandeur and learn about its history, which includes its use as a toll bridge in the Middle Ages.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to experience this remarkable feat of Roman engineering first-hand. Some key features of Le Pont du Gard include:

1. Three-tiered architecture with 50-meter arches
2. Precise construction using massive stone blocks
3. Intricate engineering to transport water over uneven terrain
4. Impressive scale and preservation after nearly 2,000 years.

Uzès and Roman Architecture

Along With the renowned Roman sites of Arles and Nîmes, the tour also includes a visit to the charming town of Uzès, which boasts a wealth of well-preserved Roman architectural wonders. Uzès is known for its impressive examples of Roman architecture, including the remarkable Pont du Gard, a stunning Roman aqueduct that stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Romans. The tour guides visitors through the town, showcasing the following Roman highlights:

Site	Significance
The Duchy of Uzès	A medieval castle and palace, featuring Roman architectural elements
The Cathedral of St. Théodorit	A Romanesque cathedral with Roman-inspired design
The Fenestrelle Tower	A remarkable Roman tower, one of the best-preserved in the region

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned minivan as well as all entrance fees, with a driver/guide to accompany visitors throughout the excursion.

The pricing for this 7.5-hour guided tour from the Marseille cruise port starts from €85,220 per group up to 8 people.

This tour offers several key benefits:

• Convenient transportation and entry to the attractions
• Knowledgeable guide to provide insights into the Roman and Romanesque monuments
• Flexible booking with the option to reserve now and pay later
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for added flexibility

Visitors can explore the highlights of Arles, Nîmes, and Uzès, discovering the region’s rich Roman heritage at their own pace with this comprehensive shore excursion.

Cancellation Policy

This tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing visitors to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance free of charge.

This gives travelers the peace of mind to book their excursion without worrying about unexpected changes in their plans.

Whether it’s a change in the cruise schedule or personal commitments, the cancellation policy ensures that customers can receive a full refund if they need to cancel their tour.

This level of flexibility is especially valuable for shore excursions, where visitors may be relying on the tour to make the most of their limited time in port.

The hassle-free cancellation policy is just one of the many benefits of this immersive Roman towns of Provence tour.

Booking and Logistics

Customers can reserve this Roman towns of Provence shore excursion from the Marseille cruise port with a few simple steps. The tour is priced from €85,220 for groups of up to 8 people, with the option to pay later. Travelers will be transported by air-conditioned minivan and provided with all necessary entrance fees as part of the package.

To book this excursion, customers can:

1. Check availability and make a reservation online or by phone.
2. Provide the requested information, including desired tour date and group size.
3. Confirm the booking and choose to pay now or later.
4. Receive a confirmation with all the necessary details to enjoy a hassle-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can be customized, though the extent of customization may depend on the tour provider’s policies. Travelers should inquire about the flexibility in adjusting the tour’s activities and destinations to accommodate their preferences.

What Should I Bring on the Excursion?

Travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a small bag or backpack to carry personal items. A camera is also recommended to capture the stunning Roman monuments and architecture along the tour.

Are There Any Safety Precautions to Consider?

Travelers should exercise caution when exploring historic sites. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, stay hydrated, and be aware of your surroundings. Adhere to any safety signage or instructions from the guide. Bring necessary personal items like sunscreen and medications.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour can accommodate individuals with disabilities, with air-conditioned transportation and accessible sites. However, some areas may have limited accessibility due to the historical nature of the locations. Visitors should inquire about specific accessibility needs when booking the tour.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended or additional stops can be added, though this would likely incur an additional fee. Guests should inquire with the tour operator about customizing the itinerary to better suit their needs and interests.

Final Words

This guided tour from Marseille provides an immersive exploration of the Roman and Romanesque heritage in Provence.

Visitors can admire the well-preserved ancient monuments, including the iconic arenas in Arles and Nîmes, the Maison Carrée, and the impressive Pont du Gard aqueduct.

The tour offers a comprehensive look at the enduring legacy of Roman civilization in the region, allowing travelers to appreciate the wealth of historical treasures in Provence.