Group bus excursions will be offered on four afternoons during the Feast. We have not planned an excursion on Sunday to allow for everyone to join in the welcome activities that are being organized. Further details on the welcome activities will be shared as the Feast approaches. There will also be no excursion on Wednesday, so please feel free to plan your own activities or explore the local village.

Payment for excursions must be made online via Shopify by Wednesday, July 15th. Excursion buses must be reserved ahead of time, so unfortunately, your reservation is not refundable in case of cancellation. However, once at the Feast, you may be able to find someone willing to exchange or purchase your excursion tickets.

Please note:

• Costs listed are per person and cover the cost of the tour buses and guides
• Infants under two years old are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus
• Payment deadline: Wednesday, July 15th
  
  
  1. MONACO

Date: Monday, October 5th
Time: Buses will depart at 12:15pm; return for dinner at 7:30pm
Cost: 34 Euros
Infants under two years old are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.

Not actually a part of France, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, with only the Vatican City sizing smaller. As such, Monaco is also the world's smallest monarchy (a principality, to be exact). Monaco is not part of the EU, but because of its close ties with France, it participates in the EU customs territory. However, there are no border formalities crossing between France and Monaco. French is the official language of Monaco.

Monaco-Ville, also known locally as "le rocher" or "the rock," is an old fortified town and is situated on a rocky promontory, which extends into the Mediterranean Sea. You can take a guided tour through the Prince's Palace or the world-famous Oceanographic Museum, which was established in 1910 by Prince Albert I, and was once under the direction of Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Next-door to the Prince’s Palace is the Cathédrale de Monaco, a Romanesque-Byzantine church where Grace Kelly, Princess Grace of Monaco, is buried. There are many other interesting sites to visit including the world famous Japanese gardens, Casino and Opera House. Despite being located in the world's most densely populated country, Monaco-Ville is still a medieval village at heart, made up almost entirely of quiet pedestrian streets. Though innumerable people visit Monaco-Ville and the palace square, only local vehicles are allowed up to the rock. In addition to walking through the downtown shops, gardens and museums, you can also visit the Palace with an English-language audio-guide.

An English-speaking tour guide will accompany us on the tour bus to and from Monaco, providing us with information about our visit and commentary on points of interest along the way. They will also be a resource for us in the city to answer questions and to provide a 1-hour guided tour.

There is certainly more to see in Monaco than one afternoon affords, so we recommend you consider your interests and plan your afternoon there. There are many websites available that provide information on the sites and activities that Monaco has to offer. This website offers a nice overview of things to visit in Monaco: http://www.visitmonaco.com/en/Places-to-visit/

2. ANTIBES

Date: Tuesday, October 6th
Time: Buses will depart at 1:15pm; return before dinner at 7pm
Cost: 25 Euros
Infants under two years old are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.

Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Antibes sits about halfway between Nice and Cannes. This resort town is home to flashy yachts, art galleries and boutiques as well as great sandy beaches. U.S. News ranks Antibes among the top 10 best places to visit in France and number 3 for its beaches. Visit the Old Town or the Picasso Museum. Take a beautiful walk (about 90 minutes) through “Le Sentier du Littoral” at the “Cap d’Antibes” – an easy level trail that gives you views of the “Bay of Billionaires”. Or visit the Garoupe Lighthouse and Notre Dame des Amoureux. The Marché Provencal is also a great place to purchase the best of French provincial products. Or, if you prefer, you can choose to just relax on the beach (or near the beach) at Port Vauban and enjoy watching the Yachts come and go.

We will provide an English language guide for the bus ride to Antibes and the guide will be available during the visit for questions. For more information on Antibes, you can visit the following website: https://www.avignon-et-provence.com/en/tourism-provence/antibes.

3. ILE SAINTE-MARGUERITE

Date: Thursday, October 8th
Time: Buses will depart at 12:45pm; return before dinner at 7pm
Cost: (Note that this price includes the bus and the boat ride. However, it does not include the cost of admission to the fort and museum on the island. For 3 Euros, you can purchase those on site as you walk in through the entrance of the Fort.)

Adults ages 11 and up..........35 Euros
Children ages 5-10...............30 Euros
Children ages 2-5................ 22 Euros
Infants under two years old are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Cannes, Sainte-Marguerite Island is a haven of calm and natural beauty. After enjoying the boat ride over, a long sandy beach, rocky coves, old-growth eucalyptus, azure waters, ocean views and beautiful pines envelop and invite you in as you enjoy the walking paths on this island without traffic. Stop and enjoy many picturesque spots to picnic or just enjoy good conversation. Stepped in history, the island was first inhabited by the Romans, but later became famous for its prison, Fort Royal, which operated for more than 300 years, and held the “Man in the Iron Mask.” You can visit the restored prison cell of this mysterious figure who was held here for 11 years from 1687 before being transferred to the Bastille where he died five years later. The Fort Royal has now been renamed the Museum of the Sea and features archeological finds recovered from ancient Roman and Saracen shipwrecks as well as restored prison cells and Roman artifacts. Close to Fort Royal is a small cemetery for French and North African soldiers who fought alongside allied forces during World War II. This visit will be led by an English-speaking guide.

4. SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE

Date: Friday, October 9th
Time: Buses will depart at 1pm; return before dinner at 7pm
Cost: 30 Euros
Infants under two years old are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a charming fortified hilltop village in Provence, filled with art galleries, boutiques and sidewalk cafes. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stonewalls and statues tucked into nooks in the walls. You can find a variety of Provencal fabrics on sale, as well as local gourmet delicacies such as olive oil, wine and fruit liquors. The custom jewelry on sale at many of the shops is quite affordable and unique. Even the ground offers an attractive sight, as you’ll discover cobblestone pathways laid in the shapes of flowers. The fortified village itself is a site, with its medieval fortress walls surrounding the city. The entrance was erected in the 1400s and features a cannon muzzle, which was a trophy from the 1544 Battle of Cerisoles in Italy. You will have the opportunity to visit a chapel, and the Old St Paul Wax Museum. In Saint Paul, you can see the snow-covered Alps to one side, and the glistening Mediterranean Sea to the other. The following website will give you a nice idea of the different sights to be seen in Saint-Paul-de-Vence: http://www.saint-pauldevence.com/en

An English-speaking tour guide will accompany us on the tour bus to and from Saint-Paul-de-Vence, providing us with information about our visit and commentary on points of interest along the way. They will also be a resource for us in the village to answer questions and to provide a 1-hour guided tour.