Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Olive Farm and Medieval Village
By WAVEJourney
Viv & Jill cruised the Rhone & Saone Rivers aboard Uniworld’s luxury river cruise ship, River Royale, during a 2009 visit to France.
Optional Excursion:
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Olive Farm and Medieval Village
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises River Royale Olive Farm and Medieval Village
Where: Les Baux de Provence
Duration: 4 hours with moderate walking
Min. Participants: 25
Price: €57
Description: Enjoy a ride through the beautiful Provencal countryside on the way to an authentic privately owned Olive Oil Mill. You will be greeted by the Master Miller and his family. While walking through the grove and visiting the mill, you will learn about the tradition of growing, pruning, harvesting and pressing the sacred fruit of the Mediterranean. Your hosts will offer samples of the olives, oils and tapenade plus share some of their healthy recipes.
Then time to travel along the limestone formation to Les Baux de Provence, perched on a rock in Les Alpilles mountains. You’ll hear the history of the fortress erected by the templar’s knights and lords of Les Baux, descendants of Balthazar, one of the Three Wise Men. Follow your guide to the village top and visit the church or set out on your own to explore the art galleries, boutique arcades or cafe terraces.
Olive Farm and Medieval Village Excursion
WJ’s notes:
We have visited medieval French villages and toured many olive farms during our travels, but this excursion introduced us to a very special and charming village and we learned different aspects of the olive mill industry from the family-run mill. If you take this tour, make sure to purchase your olive gifts and souvenirs at the mill – prices are a fraction of what they can be found for elsewhere. The mill visit included a tour, wine tasting, tapenade tasting, complimentary tapenade souvenir jar. The drive from the ship in Arles is approximately 30-minutes in each direction.
Was it worth €57 per person for the 4-hour event? Well, although we did enjoy this excursion and were pleased that we went on it, we think it is rather pricey. Also, in addition, expect to tip the driver €1-2 and tour guide €3-5 per person.
WJ’s Review
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If You Go:
Contact Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Address:
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
17323 Ventura Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 91316
Toll Free Tel: 800-733-7820
Tel: 818-382-7820
Fax: 818-382-2709
Reservations:
Toll Free Tel: 800-555-8333
Email: [email protected]
Website: Click here.
