EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW

Venture into the Provençal countryside with a truffle hunter and a truffle-hunting dog for a demonstration of how to find these coveted fungi, after which you will sample them with several local wines. Your adventure will take place near Rognes, a village known its wine, quarried stone and the cultivation of black truffles. These delectable fungi delicacies, sometimes called Provençal black diamonds, grow underground near the roots of specific host trees. Their locations are closely guarded, as the truffles are highly prized for their pleasant aroma and earthy flavor. Accompanied by a truffle hunter and a specially trained truffle-hunting dog, you will head into the vines in search of black truffles. Once the dog sniffs out a truffle, the hunter will show you how to extract it from the soil without damage. It is a slow, methodical process that reflects the value of these black fungi. After truffle-hunting, you will enjoy a tasting of truffles paired with local wines.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hunt for black truffles in the Provençal countryside with a guide and truffle-hunting dog.
• See how to methodically extract the truffles from beneath the soil without damaging them.
• Enjoy a sampling of black truffles thoughtfully paired with local wines.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

On your visit to Marseille, you’ll see the entrance of the old port guarded by the two fortresses: Saint John and Saint Nicolas. Drive to the Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde for a very interesting visit where you’ll discover the city of Marseille. In Avignon, city of art and culture, the metropolis of the Vaucluse region which spreads along the banks of the Rhone River, see the famous Pont d’Avignon with only four of its arches remaining. Avignon was a small but prosperous town when its destiny changed in the early 14th century with the exile of the Popes to France, leading to a century of brilliance. It is surrounded by ramparts and dominated by the Doms Rock which is crowned by the magnificent Cathedral and Palace of the Popes. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping on your own.

Avignon, a city rich in culture and art, spreading along the banks of the Rhone River was a small but prosperous town when its destiny changed in the early 14th century with the exile of the Popes to France, leading to a century of brilliance. It is surrounded by ramparts and dominated by the Doms Rock, on which stand majestically the Cathedral and the Palace of the Popes. The Palace of the Popes was one of the largest buildings of its time. It was fortress and palace, covering over 2 1/2 acres in a luxurious, sumptuously decorated maze of galleries, chambers, chapels and passages. Most of its original furnishings were lost or burned over centuries, but the rooms are still impressive. Visit the Palace of the Popes, followed by free time for lunch, shopping or further exploration on your own. Drive to the amazing eagle’s nest village of Les Baux de Provence built on a rocky spur in the Alpilles range and offering great views of the countryside and vineyards. In the village of Les Baux, you’ll see a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the 12th century Church of St. Vincent and the 17th century Chapel of the White Penitents. You’ll also have some free time to walk along the narrow and winding streets lined with local artisans who display and sell their works.

OVERVIEW

Gain an insider’s understanding of the challenges in building two avant-garde landmarks by touring them with a guide. Perched along the waterfront, La Cosquer Mediterranée was designed to embody Marseille’s deep bond with the sea. Instantly recognized for its prominent cantilevered overhang, this three-level public space also features a conference center with portholes beneath the sea. As you will discover, that lower floor presented all sorts of unusual circumstances that pushed the boundaries of architecture. The building faces MUCEM, a national museum devoted to Mediterranean civilizations. Its audacious design includes elements such as tree-like columns, a lacy façade that resembles a fishnet and a slender footbridge that connects it to the towering ramparts of Fort St. Jean. The square-within-a-square shape of MUCEM is classical in one sense but radically different because of the building materials. The concrete filigree that shields much of the structure is particularly stunning.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour two futuristic landmarks with your guide that will describe the designs.
• Discover how the challenges of building an underwater conference center were overcome.
• Recognize how a national museum used revolutionary materials to achieve its design.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Savor a selection of Provence wines paired with locally produced cheeses in Aix-en-Provence, a medieval town that begs to be explored. You will begin with a walk along the leafy Cours Mirabeau, a wide boulevard framed by cafés, bookshops and elegant mansions with wrought-iron balconies. The beloved plane trees that shade the boulevard are about 200 years old. You will likely see landmarks such as the Mousse Fountain, which is fed by a natural thermal spring where the Romans bathed. In time, you will stop at La Fromagerie du Passage, a shop that sells extraordinary cheeses and wines. During the tasting that follows, you will sample a selection of wines paired with a charcuterie of local meats and cheeses produced through traditional methods. Chances are, one of the wines will be a rosé, which is by far the dominant wine produced in Provence.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a wine tasting and charcuterie at a cheese shop in Aix-en-Provence.
• Learn about the wines produced in Provence, especially the most prevalent rosés.
• Meander along Cours Mirabeau, a leafy boulevard that runs through the heart of Aix-en-Provence.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Marseille, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Marseille, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Cathedral La Major
• Le Panier old quarter
• Notre-Dame de la Garde
• Viewpoint

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Marseille.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Visit the Le Panier old quarter in Marseille, the oldest city in France, and admire the city's sights from a viewpoint.
• Behold hilltop Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica and its belfry, the city’s dominant icon.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a wine tasting at Domaine La Dona Tigana, an esteemed winery in Cassis that former soccer star Jean Tigana has owned for the past few decades. As an introduction to the Bordeaux region, you will first explore Cassis on an enlightening walk. The town couldn’t be more enchanting, especially around the port, an area that has inspired countless artists over the years, including painters Raoul Dufy, Paul Signac and Georges Braque. The winery is equally alluring as you will discover while touring the cellar and vineyards, where certified organic white grapes are most prominent. You can expect to learn about the history of Domaine La Dona Tigana, the Cassis terroir and the particulars of the winemaking process. During the tasting, you may be offered a crisp Blanc de Blancs blend, a white varietal made entirely from Marsanne grapes and a charcuterie as an accompaniment.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the extraordinary Cassis winery that former soccer star Jean Tigana owns.
• Sample a selection of the estate’s premier wines served with a charcuterie of local products.
• Enjoy a walking tour through Cassis that focuses on the picturesque port area.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Browse Marseille’s delightful old quarter of Le Panier, observing daily life and indulging in regional tapas and wine. Upon arriving, you will first pause for photos of the emblematic Cathedral la Major, a monumental church of Byzantine design that can hold up to 3,000 worshippers. It was constructed in the 19th century and became the last cathedral built in France. While walking along the often steep narrow streets of Le Panier – the spot where the Greeks founded Marseille in 600 B.C. You will discover charming squares, colorful facades, and local artisan shops brimming with handcrafted treasures. At a popular restaurant in the quarter, you will savor a selection of tapas that will likely be served with locally sourced goat cheese, green and black tapenades and anchoïade, an anchovy-based sauce that originated in Provence. To enhance this culinary experience, you will enjoy a glass of wine. You will also have some free time to wander through the neighborhood's unique shops, perhaps finding the perfect souvenir to remember your time in Marseille. Soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant community, known for its rich artistic heritage and welcoming locals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Le Panier, the wonderfully atmospheric old quarter of Marseille.
• Indulge in a selection of tapas made with locally sourced ingredients and a regional wine.
• Snap photos of Cathedral la Major, an incredibly ornate 19th-century landmark.
• Feel Marseille come alive through its artistry and uncovering handcrafted treasures.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore some of the most photogenic destinations in the Luberon, an area in the heart of Provence known for its forested valleys, craggy limestone hills and medieval villages. While meandering along the narrow cobbled streets of Lourmarin you will surely be inspired, much like Winston Churchill, who painted there in his later years. Roussillon is even more colorful as much of the village is tinted with red, orange and yellow ochre pigments quarried nearby. Following the guided tour, during which you may see Roussillon’s historical yellow-hued St-Michel Church, you will enjoy free time to wander about and dine on your own. Lavender takes center stage in Coustellet. In early summer, the purplish flower blankets the surrounding hills and is so synonymous with the village that there is a Lavender Museum. While browsing the exhibits, you will learn how lavender is harvested and distilled to create essential oil for soaps and perfumes.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Visit three absolutely gorgeous medieval villages in the Luberon area of Provence.
• Wander about the cobbled streets of Lourmarin and the ochre-tinted village of Roussillon.
• Browse the Lavender Museum in Coustellet, where the flower is distilled for essential oil.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Leaving the harbor of Marseille, your drive will take to Gordes stopping for photostops along the way. The houses of Gordes rise in picturesque tiers above the Imergue valley on the edge of the Vaucluse plateau. The stone buildings built in tight against the base of the cliffs and those perched on the rocks above, including the 12th century castle, are made of a beige stone that glows orange in the morning sun. Enjoy the atmosphere of this charming village and stroll through the small paved, sometimes stepped alleyways lined with gutters defined by two rows of stone with vaulted passageways, arcades of old tall houses and rampart ruins. Continue your exploration of Provence with a short drive to Roussillon, a village that stands on the highest hill between the Coulon valley and the Vaucluse plateau. These striking hills, composed of ochre rock of 16 or 17 different shades featured in the local houses, enhance the beauty of the village and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy lunch on your own and free time at leisure before returning to your awaiting ship in Marseille.

Fall in love with the fortified city of Avignon, famous for its theater festival and remarkable history. Passing through any of the seven gates of the superbly preserved walls, discover the city of the Popes. You’ll have plenty of free time to do whatever you wish. Stroll through the enchanting pedestrian shopping area, enjoy lunch at one of its many great restaurants or perhaps visit the impressive Palace of the Popes, built in the 14th century. Aix en Provence was the capital of the Provence region and its attractions are many. Embark on a walking tour of the Cours Mirabeau. This wide avenue is shaded by trees and was built in the 1600s on the site of the city’s medieval ramparts. Its verdant tunnel of foliage protects pedestrians from the heat of the Provencal sun. Aristocratic facades of the old hotels line the Cours and their wrought iron balconies and finely carved doorways invite the visitor to explore. Enjoy the scenery of Provence on your drive back to Marseille

Begin this excursion with a scenic drive to Le Castellet, a typical Provencal hilltop village perched on wooded hills dotted with vineyards. This remarkable stronghold, formerly owned by the Lords of Les Baux, has well-preserved ramparts, a carefully restored 12th century church and a castle dating back to the 11th century. Entering through one of the two fortified gates Le Portail and Le Portalet, you’ll start with a guided walking tour around the narrow streets up to the Castle which is now home to the town hall. Enjoy some time at leisure, to explore the arts and craft workshops before rejoining your motorcoach for a drive to the seaside resort of Sanary sur Mer, a lovely 16th century port town in the heart of Provence. Sanary, village of light and contrasts will welcome you with its colorful façades, shaded walkways, vineyards and hundred year old olive trees. The "Roman" tower, dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, was used for the defense of the region, while the 16th century church bell of Notre Dame de Pitie, was rung by the resident hermit to warn of enemy ships on the horizon. Enjoy some free time to relax, take a refreshing drink in one of the inviting waterfront cafes or stroll along the fashionable boutiques before returning to Marseille.