Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion: Marseille And Cassis Tour

Exploring the picturesque Mediterranean region of Marseille and Cassis can be a captivating experience for any traveler. This small group shore excursion promises a comprehensive tour that showcases the area’s natural beauty and historic landmarks. From panoramic views atop Cape Canaille to the charming fishing village of Cassis, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscapes. The itinerary also includes sightseeing in Marseille, where visitors can discover the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Abbey of St Victor. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking vistas or a glimpse into the region’s rich history, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

A 7-hour shore excursion from the port of Marseille that showcases the highlights of Marseille and the seaside town of Cassis.
Includes transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, a driver/guide, and an optional 1-hour sightseeing cruise in Cassis.
Provides panoramic views from Cape Canaille and explores the ancient fishing village of Cassis.
Covers sightseeing in Marseille, including the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Abbey of St Victor.
Offers a scenic drive along the Route des Crêates with stunning vistas of the Mediterranean coastline.

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Tour Overview

This 7-hour shore excursion from the Marseille port takes travelers through the highlights of Marseille and the charming seaside town of Cassis.

You’ll see panoramic views from Cape Canaille and explore the ancient fishing village of Cassis, famous for its cliffs and inlets. There’s an optional 1-hour sightseeing cruise to view the ‘fjords of the French Riviera’.

In Marseille, you’ll visit top attractions like the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde and Abbey of St Victor. Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned minivan, with port pickup and drop-off included.

However, the cruise, lunch, and other food/drinks are extra.

Included and Excluded

The tour comes with a few inclusions, such as transportation in an air-conditioned minivan and a driver/guide.

However, the optional 1-hour sightseeing cruise in Cassis costs an additional 16 euros, and lunch, food, and drinks aren’t provided.

The tour does come with a shore excursion guarantee, ensuring you’ll be back at the port on time.

Keep in mind that the Calanques cruise and access to Cap Canaille are subject to weather conditions and potential closures.

Pickup and Start Time

The tour pickup point is at Port de Marseille Fos – Porte 4, with a start time of 9:00 am. This ensures that guests can easily locate the meeting spot and begin the excursion in a timely manner.

The shore tour is designed as a 7-hour experience, allowing ample time to explore the highlights of Marseille and Cassis. Guests won’t have to worry about navigating on their own, as the driver/guide will handle all the transportation and logistics throughout the day.

With the shore excursion guarantee, travelers can rest assured that the tour will depart as scheduled, barring any unforeseen circumstances beyond the operator’s control.

Itinerary

After pickup at the designated meeting point, the tour begins with a drive along the Route des Créates, offering panoramic vistas of the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline.

The first stop is Cape Canaille, where participants can take in sweeping views of the sea, the Gardiole mountain range, and the Gulf of Cassis.

Next, the group will explore the charming Provençal fishing town of Cassis, wandering the picturesque harbor and browsing the artisan shops.

The tour then returns to Marseille for a historic sightseeing excursion, highlighting the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Abbey of St Victor, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Panoramic Views of the Mediterranean

As the tour departs Marseille, it winds along the scenic Route des Crêtes, rewarding travelers with breathtaking panoramas of the vast Mediterranean expanse.

The road hugs the coastline, offering sweeping vistas of the sparkling turquoise waters and the rugged, ochre-hued cliffs that plunge into the sea.

One of the highlights is the iconic Cape Canaille, a towering promontory that affords spectacular 360-degree views. From this lofty vantage point, guests can gaze out over the Gulf of Cassis, the Gardiole mountain range, and the picturesque fishing village nestled below.

These panoramic moments provide the perfect introduction to the natural beauty that the French Riviera is renowned for.

Exploring Cassis

Exploring the ancient seaside village of Cassis, famous for its dramatic cliffs and sheltered inlets, is a highlight of the tour. Visitors wander the charming harbor area, browsing the artisan shops and cafés that line the quaint streets.

They can opt to take a 1-hour sightseeing cruise to view the ‘fjords of the French Riviera’ – the dramatic calanques, or inlets, that have been carved into the limestone cliffs over centuries.

The visit to Cassis offers several benefits for travelers:

Experiencing the picturesque Provençal fishing village atmosphere
Marveling at the stunning natural scenery of the coastline
Discovering local artisan products and cuisine in the harbor area
Enjoying a relaxing cruise to appreciate the rugged cliffs from the water

Sightseeing in Marseille

The tour then returns to Marseille, where travelers can marvel at the city’s top attractions, including the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the historic Abbey of St Victor.

The Basilique, perched atop the city’s highest point, offers stunning panoramic views of Marseille and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can explore the abbey’s Romanesque architecture and learn about its rich history as one of the oldest Christian sanctuaries in France.

Throughout the tour, the guide shares fascinating insights into Marseille’s past, from its ancient origins as a Greek colony to its vibrant present-day culture. With its blend of history, architecture, and scenic beauty, the Marseille portion of the tour provides a well-rounded experience for travelers.

Additional Information

Travelers can expect confirmation of their booking at the time of purchase. The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide, and access to certain sites like the Calanques cruise and Cap Canaille are subject to weather conditions and closures.

A minimum of 4 travelers is required, and children under 4 years old aren’t allowed. Lastly, there’s a 24-hour cancellation policy that allows for a full refund.

This tour offers several key benefits for visitors:

Flexibility – The tour can accommodate multi-lingual groups.
Reliability – Access to sites is guaranteed, weather permitting.
Convenience – A minimum group size ensures the tour runs.
Hassle-free – Easy cancellation with a full refund if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the tour is not explicitly stated, but it notes a "minimum 4 travelers required", indicating the tour can accommodate more than 4 people. The group size is likely small to medium-sized.

Are There Any Alternate Pickup Locations Available?

The tour only offers pickup at the specified location, Port de Marseille Fos – Porte 4. There are no alternate pickup locations available for this excursion. Travelers must meet the guide at the designated port entrance to join the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Specific Attractions?

The tour can’t be customized to include specific attractions as it’s a fixed itinerary. However, travelers can opt for the optional 1-hour sightseeing cruise in Cassis if they want to see additional sights along the coast.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour company doesn’t offer any senior or student discounts. However, they do provide a shore excursion guarantee, air-conditioned minivan, and port pickup/drop-off, which could provide value for travelers on a budget.

What Is the Refund Policy if the Tour Is Cancelled Due to Weather?

If the tour is cancelled due to weather, there’s a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund. The cruise along the Calanques and visit to Cap Canaille are also subject to weather conditions and closures.

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