Exploring the rich Roman heritage and medieval charms of Provence in a single half-day tour sounds like an enticing proposition. Visitors can discover the well-preserved ruins of Nîmes, including the iconic Maison Carrée temple and massive Roman amphitheater. Then, they’ll explore the picturesque town of Uzès, with its Renaissance-style architecture and bustling Saturday market, before concluding at the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard – an impressive 1st-century AD Roman aqueduct. What makes this tour particularly compelling is the air-conditioned minivan transport and expert local guide who provide insightful commentary throughout the journey. With so much to see and learn, the tour promises to be a captivating experience for history enthusiasts and casual sightseers alike.
Key Points
- This half-day tour explores the historic Roman sites in Nimes, the charming medieval town of Uzes, and the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct in Provence.
- In Nimes, visitors can marvel at the well-preserved 1st-century BC Maison Carrée temple and the massive Roman amphitheater still used for events.
- The tour includes a stroll through the picturesque town center of Uzes, with its Renaissance-style buildings, the impressive Uzes Cathedral, and the medieval ducal palace.
- The highlight of the tour is the Pont du Gard, a 1st-century AD Roman aqueduct spanning the Gardon River, offering opportunities to explore the structure and learn about its engineering.
- The tour is conducted in an air-conditioned minivan with a knowledgeable guide providing insights and commentary throughout the journey.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Overview of the Tour
This small-group half-day tour from Avignon takes visitors on an exploration of the historic sites in Nimes, Uzes, and the Pont du Gard aqueduct in Provence.
The tour delves into the impressive Roman ruins in Nimes, the charming medieval town of Uzes, and the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard.
Travelers will be picked up from their hotel and transported by air-conditioned minivan throughout the tour.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide will provide insights and commentary to enhance the experience.
With the tour’s inclusions of bottled water and round-trip transport, visitors can focus on discovering the rich history and stunning architecture of these Provencal destinations.
Highlights of Nimes
During the tour, visitors explore Nimes’ impressive Roman heritage, including the remarkably well-preserved Maison Carrée temple and the Nîmes Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters.
Highlights of Nimes include:
-
The Maison Carrée, a remarkably well-preserved Roman temple dating back to the 1st century BC, which is considered one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world.
-
The Nîmes Arena, a massive Roman amphitheater that could seat up to 24,000 people and is still used for bullfights and other events today.
-
The Tour Magne, a 32-meter-tall Roman tower that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
The tour provides an in-depth look at Nimes’ rich Roman past and the opportunity to marvel at its remarkably well-preserved ancient monuments.
Exploring Uzes
After exploring the Roman ruins in Nimes, the tour then ventures to the medieval town of Uzes, a charming destination known for its well-preserved historical architecture and lively market.
Visitors will stroll through the picturesque town center, admiring the distinctive Renaissance-style buildings and the impressive Uzes Cathedral.
The tour will also explore the town’s medieval ducal palace, which now houses a museum showcasing the region’s rich history and culture.
Guests can wander through the bustling Saturday market, browsing the stalls of local producers and artisans offering a variety of regional specialties.
With its blend of historical significance and vibrant atmosphere, Uzes provides a delightful contrast to the ancient Roman sites visited earlier in the tour.
The Pont Du Gard Aqueduct
The tour then moves on to the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard, an impressive Roman aqueduct that spans the Gardon River. Towering over 50 meters high, this three-level marvel of engineering was constructed in the 1st century AD to transport water across a valley. Visitors can marvel at the sheer size and technical prowess required to build such an ambitious structure, which has stood the test of time for nearly 2,000 years.
At the Pont du Gard, travelers can:
- Explore the various levels of the aqueduct and learn about its engineering feats.
- Hike along the scenic trails and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Visit the on-site museum to learn more about the history and construction of this iconic landmark.
Transportation and Pickup
The tour commences with pickup from the designated meeting point in central Avignon, where participants are transported by an air-conditioned minivan. The driver-guide ensures a comfortable and efficient journey to the first destination, providing insightful commentary along the way.
Transportation | Details |
---|---|
Vehicle | Air-conditioned minivan |
Pickup Point | 41 Cours Jean Jaurès, 84000 Avignon, France |
Pickup Time | As per tour schedule |
Dropoff Point | Same as pickup point |
Infant Seats | Available upon request |
Wheelchair Access | Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible |
The tour is accessible by public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps during the journey.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This small-group tour from Avignon includes:
- Bottled water
- The services of a professional driver-guide
- Transportation in an air-conditioned minivan
However, the tour excludes:
- Gratuities
- Pont du Gard entrance ticket
Booking and Confirmation
You can confirm the tour within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Infant seats are available, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. It’s near public transportation, and infants must sit on laps. A minimum of 2 travelers is required.
If you need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid won’t be refunded. Any changes less than 24 hours before the start aren’t accepted. This policy ensures the tour runs smoothly for all participants.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your tour, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, canceling less than 24 hours before the start time means the amount paid won’t be refunded.
Plus, any changes made less than 24 hours before the start aren’t accepted.
The cancellation policy for this tour is:
- You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t eligible for a refund.
- Changes made less than 24 hours before the start aren’t accepted.
This straightforward policy ensures flexibility for travelers while also maintaining the logistics of the tour.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary isn’t customizable. It’s a pre-set small-group tour that covers specific sites. Customers can’t modify the stops or activities. However, they can choose to explore the sights independently if they prefer a more flexible experience.
Can We Stop for a Meal During the Tour?
Yes, the tour includes a stop for a meal. Guests can purchase lunch at their own expense during the tour, either at a restaurant or a local market in one of the towns visited.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. Prices are the same for all participants. However, the tour may be eligible for discounts through third-party travel providers or student/senior discount programs.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water, but bringing additional refreshments is allowed. However, there may be opportunities to purchase food and beverages during the tour as well.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
There’s no option to extend the duration of the tour. The tour is a half-day excursion and any changes less than 24 hours before the start aren’t accepted. The tour follows a fixed schedule and itinerary.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Avignon: Private Guided Walking Tour
- Marseilles and Aix-en-Provence Guided Tour
- Truffle Hunting in Provence
- Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf Du Pape From Avignon
- Avignon Private Guided Tour and Wine Tastings From Marseille
- Avignon: Wine Tasting Tour
- Avignon: Emblematic Squares Tour
- Saint Remy, Les Baux and Pont Du Gard Small Group Day Trip
- In the Footsteps of Van Gogh in Provence From Avignon
- Wines From Châteauneuf-Du-Pape and Surrounding Areas in Half a Day
- Lavender in Luberon Small Group Half-Day Trip
- Half Day Great Vineyard Tour From Avignon
- Roman Sites and Historical Places Small-Group Day Trip From Avignon
- Avignon Walking Tour Including Popes Palace
- The Discovery Trail at Maison Brotte
Recap
This tour provides an immersive experience of Provence’s rich Roman heritage and medieval charm.
Visitors will explore the well-preserved ruins of Nîmes, the picturesque town of Uzès, and the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct.
Travelers are transported by air-conditioned minivan and guided by an expert who offers insightful commentary throughout the journey, making it an efficient and informative way to discover the region’s history and landmarks.