Marseille Private Shore Excursion to Avignon

Embark on a vibrant Private Shore Excursion from Marseille Port of Call to Visit the charming small town of Avignon

Meet your English speaking local guide

Today, we will come and pick you up directly at your ship in Marseille Cruise Port. Meet your English speaking driver/guide who will go over the itinerary and program of this private tour with you. Then board your premium A/C vehicle and begin to make your way to the town of Avignon.

Reach the town of Avignon

Leaving Marseille on this full day tour, drive along the Rhône river and enter Avignon, the majestic city of the Popes. Upon arrival, visit Avignon with your guide to discover all the famous landmarks that this town has to offer on a walking tour. Climbing up to the top of the fortified medieval city walls, discover Avignon stretching in all its beauty along the Rhône river. Discover the rich historical past of Avignon where the papacy established itself in the early 14th century.

Visit of the Pope's Palace

Begin your tour of Avignon with the visit of the Palace & Gardens of the Popes. The City of Avignon and Avignon Tourism board now invite visitors to experience a unique discovery of the largest Gothic Palace in the world.

Your entrance ticket includes the brand new Histopad that uses augmented reality and 3-D technology that will enhance your experience. Visit and discover 9 of the major rooms of the monument in their original splendor of the 14th century thanks to the Histopad. Original floors, ceilings, furnishings are all revealed as you take a leap back in time.

Of course all the detailed explanations can be done in your chosen language and the most important artistic features are commented with detailed explanations especially in the Chamber of the Stag and the Saint Martial and Saint John Chapels. The Histopad is also ideal if you are traveling with children as families are invited on a Treasure Hunt that takes place throughout the visit.

Saint-Bénezet Bridge

Visit Saint-Benezét bridge, famous for the children’s song “Sur le Pont d'Avignon''. Built during the 12th century over the Rhône River, it was destroyed by the River several times before being rebuilt and later abandoned in the 17th century.

The bridge was of importance especially during the middle ages as it linked the Avignon with its outskirts where most of the Cardinals had built their residences. The town of Avignon at the time had the reputation of being filthy and it was described by the Poet Petrarch as being one of the "stinkiest cities on earth" thus chasing the Cardinals out of town.

Free time for personal discovery and lunch

After the morning visits, enjoy some free time for personal discovery and lunch. The town is dotted with small squares that are lined with bars & restaurants that make for an ideal location to relax and taste the local delicacies.

Return to Cruise Ship in Marseille

After the visit of the Estate, it will be time to return to your Cruise Ship in Marseille. Upon arrival, we will drop you off at the Marseille Cruise Terminal and that will be the end of our services.