SHORE EXCURSIONS

Begin your tour with a motorcoach ride through the area known as the 'Le Vieux Port' or Old Port where the Greeks landed in 600 B.C. Here the cafes, the boats and the restaurants are classically French. Continue the drive along the Corniche J.F Kennedy, which follows the natural coast and offers lovely views of offshore islands dominated by the Marseilleveyre Massif. During the photo stops from your coach, you’ll see Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, the most magnificent building of its kind in southern France, with the statue of the Virgin on the top of the bell tower. The basilica was built in the mid 1800s in Romano-Byzantine style and boasts beautiful ex-votos on the walls and a stunning marble statue in the crypt. Driving through the shopping district, you’ll stop outside the Longchamp Palace where you are rewarded with the chance to take some excellent photos. During your drive, you’ll feel the South of France and the 'Marseillais' the natives with this very singing dialect. A real pleasure!

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.

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.

Begin your tour with a motorcoach ride through the area known as the Le Vieux Port or Old Port where the Greeks landed in 600 BC. Here the cafes, boats and restaurants are classically French. Drive along the Corniche J.F. Kennedy which follows the natural coast and offers lovely views of offshore islands dominated by the Marseilleveyre Massif (Summit). The Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde is the most magnificent building of its kind in southern France and at this impressive landmark you’ll find that it is well worth climbing the 170 steps. The basilica was built in the mid-1800s in Romano-Byzantine style and boasts beautiful objects on the walls and a stunning marble statue in the crypt. It stands on a limestone spire and offers a glorious 360 degree view of the city below. For those who do not wish to climb to the top, the view from the lower level is also quite splendid. You’ll have approximately an hour to explore at leisure before returning to your ship at the old harbor.

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

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.

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.

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.

Drive to the amazing eagle nest village of Les Baux de Provence built on a rocky hill in the Alpilles mountain range, offering great views of the countryside, vineyards and olive groves. In the village of Les Baux you’ll see Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the 12th century Church of St. Vincent and the 17th century Chapel of the White Penitents. You’ll have free time to explore the picturesque village or browse the shops. The more adventurous might wish to climb up to the castle and explore the ruins of the medieval citadel known as the Dead City. Whatever you decide to do with your free time in Les Baux, it will be a great compliment to your day. Meet your guide at a given time for the return to Marseille and your ship.

Marseille, one of the oldest ports in the Mediterranean, is a vibrant mix of old and new, ideal for exploring on foot. Here in Marseille, France’s second largest commercial port, is where the ancient Phoenicians and Greeks used to trade. The Greeks used to bring grapes to Marseille, making it the start of the French wine industry. Take a short coach ride along the commercial port with a hostess onboard. Meet your guide at the Old Port to begin your walking tour through the oldest neighborhood in Marseille. As you stroll, hear about the rich history of the city while taking in the great views of the Panier Area, the forts at the entrance of the harbor, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, and the Abbey of St. Victor, along with many other interesting sites. At the Town Hall on the Old Port you’ll have free time before heading back to your ship, either with your group or at leisure, if you prefer to stay in town a bit longer.