{"excursion":{"id":"MRS-308","name":"Late Riser - Aix en Provence & Marseille","category":"CULTURE & HISTORY","passportRequired":"No","medicalRestrict":"Yes","medicalNote":"Not suitable for guests with mobility problems and/or wheelchair users","specialNote":"Relevant amount of walking over even & cobblestone streets. Use of an audio headsets (included) will enhance your experience.

At the Cathedral of La Major, the Guide's explanation will be provided outside, then guests will have the chance to visit the inside indipendently. Guided commentary inside is not allowed.
The Cathedral of La Major may be closed in case of religious services or celebrations. Flash photography & video camera are not permitted in the Cathedral. Suitable attire is required inside.","description":"Perfectly suited for those who wish to linger over breakfast, this late-riser tour begins with a short drive from the port of Marseille to the charming city of Aix-en-Provence. Pronounced just like the letter \"X,\" this university and spa town is the cultural and political center of Provence. Get acquainted with its charms when you embark on a guided walk through its romantic streets lined with stately 17th- and 18th-century mansions on this 6.5-hour tour.

With its sophisticated atmosphere and plethora of historic sights and sparkling fountains, your guided pedestrian tour starts in the heart of town at Cours Mirabeau, a wide avenue that runs from the Place Charles de Gaulle to the stately statue of King René. Shaded by 200-year-old trees and built on the site of the city's medieval ramparts, this area was the social hub for the French elite in the 1650s. Stroll along this beautiful colonnade admiring the elegant façades of the private mansions, the finely carved doorways and the balconies laden with flowers and enjoy the cooling spray from its romantic, moss-covered fountains.

Continue to the Mazarin Quarter, designed by the Archbishop Michel Mazarin, brother of the famous cardinal. Laid out in 1646, its rectangular design is characteristic of 17th-century town planning. Be sure to have your camera at the ready for the renowned Place des Quatre-Dauphins (Four Dolphins Square) with its refreshing fountain adorned with four playful dolphins. You'll also see Holy Savior Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint Sauveur) with its mixed architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic and baroque. It has been the subject of countless additions and renovations performed between the 5th and 18th centuries. Look for the remnants of a Roman-era wall and the 15th-century Gothic portal.

Continue on to explore on your own, taking time to soak up the local color and shop the boutiques, perfumeries, and souvenir shops in addition to the colorful open-air markets in the large squares. When hunger strikes, pop into one of the many sidewalk cafés and feast on the local cuisine that favors seafood, fresh produce, herbs and fragrant olive oil served with a glass of fruity red or rosé wine. Be sure to try the traditional French candy called calisson, made with melons, ground almonds and royal icing.

Later in the afternoon, reboard the motorcoach and take a scenic drive along La Corniche, which meanders for nearly three miles along the Marseille coastline. A segment of the roadway is dedicated to the honor of President Kennedy and offers panoramic views of the city, the Château d'If, and spectacular 19th-century villas.
Enjoy a comprehensive tour through the city and discover Marseille's iconic Cathedrale de la Major, a stunning blend of Romanesque and Byzantine styles with intricate mosaics and breathtaking Mediterranean views.

A photo stop at the old port completes the day as you return to the ship.","shortDescription":"Enjoy a leisurely start to your day before embarking on a 6.5-hour tour that makes the most of the historic sights of both Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. Board your motorcoach for a 30-minute drive to Aix-en-Provence, the cultural and political center of Provence, best explored on a guided walking tour. Stroll down the Cours Mirabeau, a wide avenue shaded by 200-year-old trees, lined with elegant mansions and studded with romantic fountains. Continue to the Mazarin Quarter, designed in 1646 and famed for its dolphin fountain and picturesque Cathédrale Saint Sauveur. Take time to explore independently and enjoy lunch on your own. Continue with a scenic drive along the La Corniche to Marseille and visit to Marseille's iconic Cathedrale de la Major, a stunning blend of Romanesque and Byzantine styles with intricate mosaics and breathtaking Mediterranean views.Conclude with a photo stop at the old port, then return to the ship.","segments":[{"order":"1","name":"Drive to Aix","transferTime":"00:45","transportType":"Air Conditioned Motorcoach","capacity":"49","airConditioned":"Yes","accessibility":"No","restRooms":"No","shopping":"No"},{"order":"2","name":"Guided walking tour in Aix","transportType":"Walking","timeSpent":"01:15","insideVisit":"No","accessibility":"No","restRooms":"Yes","shopping":"Yes","photoOpp":"Yes"},{"order":"3","name":"Free time for shopping and lunch","timeSpent":"01:30","accessibility":"No","shopping":"Yes"},{"order":"4","name":"Drive back to Marseilles","transferTime":"00:45","transportType":"Air Conditioned Motorcoach","capacity":"49","airConditioned":"Yes","accessibility":"No","restRooms":"No","shopping":"No"},{"order":"5","name":"Drive to the Basilica via corniche road Kennedy","transferTime":"00:45","transportType":"Air Conditioned Motorcoach","capacity":"49","airConditioned":"Yes","accessibility":"No","restRooms":"No","shopping":"No"},{"order":"6","name":"Visit Cathedrale de la Major & Panorama","timeSpent":"00:45","insideVisit":"No","noStepsUpDown":50,"accessibility":"No","restRooms":"Yes","shopping":"Yes","cameraRestrict":"Yes","cameraVideoNote":"Flash photography & video camera are not permitted in the Cathedral."},{"order":"7","name":"Photo stop at the Old Port","timeSpent":"00:15","photoOpp":"Yes"},{"order":"8","name":"Drive back to ship","transferTime":"00:30","transportType":"Air Conditioned Motorcoach","capacity":"49","airConditioned":"Yes","accessibility":"No","restRooms":"No","shopping":"No"}]}}

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