Marseille’s Old Port and City Highlights Boat Tour offers a captivating way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. Guided by local experts, passengers glide past architectural gems like the Mucem and Abbey of St Victor, learning about Marseille’s rich history and vibrant culture. With onboard amenities, including music and refreshments, the one-hour cruise provides a delightful opportunity to soak in the stunning Mediterranean views. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this tour promises to unveil the charm and beauty of this dynamic French port city.
Key Points
- One-hour leisurely cruise passing by Mucem, Fort St Nicolas, and Abbey of St Victor, providing a comprehensive introduction to Marseille’s rich heritage.
- Knowledgeable guide shares insights into the city’s ancient Greek origins, the significance of Fort Saint-Jean and Notre-Dame de la Garde, and Marseille’s role as a major Mediterranean port.
- Departs from a central location with three daily options, catering to various visitor schedules and ensuring a punctual and flexible experience.
- Onboard amenities include music and sun awning for a pleasant experience, with food and drinks available for purchase.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing a worry-free reservation process and smooth, hassle-free experience.
Exploring Marseille’s Iconic Landmarks
As guests embark on the Marseille Old Port and City Highlights Boat Tour, they’ll have the opportunity to discover the city’s iconic landmarks from the water.
The tour showcases Fort Saint-Jean, Hotel de Ville, Theatre de la Criée, and the towering Notre-Dame de la Garde. An experienced guide provides insights into Marseille’s rich history and culture as the boat cruises past the Mucem, Fort St Nicolas, and the Abbey of St Victor.
Guests can enjoy views of the city skyline while learning about these significant historical sites.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Marseille.
Discovering Marseille’s Rich History and Culture
The knowledgeable guide on the Marseille Old Port and City Highlights Boat Tour provides guests with a wealth of insights into the city’s rich history and culture.
As the boat glides along the picturesque harbor, the guide shares captivating stories about Marseille’s past, from its ancient Greek origins to its role as a major Mediterranean port.
Passengers learn about the significance of landmarks like the Fort Saint-Jean, a 12th-century fortress, and the Notre-Dame de la Garde, a stunning basilica overlooking the city.
The tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Marseille’s vibrant heritage and leaves visitors with a deeper appreciation for this dynamic coastal metropolis.
Marveling at the City Skyline and Historical Sites
Gliding across the picturesque Vieux Port, the Marseille Old Port and City Highlights Boat Tour offers passengers a captivating vantage point to marvel at the city’s stunning skyline and historical sites.
Gazing up at the towering Notre-Dame de la Garde, passengers gain a newfound appreciation for Marseille’s remarkable architectural heritage.
The tour showcases iconic landmarks like the Fort Saint-Jean, Hotel de Ville, and Theatre de la Criée, providing insights into the city’s rich history from an experienced guide.
As the boat approaches the Mucem, Fort St Nicolas, and the Abbey of St Victor, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of Marseille’s diverse waterfront landscape.
Choosing Your Departure Time and Meeting Point
Passengers have the option to choose from three daily departure times for the Marseille Old Port and City Highlights Boat Tour.
The meeting point is at the J4 square behind the Mucem, near the orange teddy bear. Travelers should arrive 10 minutes early to the designated meeting spot.
The tour departs from this convenient central location, allowing easy access to the boat. Those planning to join the excursion are advised to arrive promptly, as the tour will depart on schedule.
With three options to choose from, guests can select the departure time that best fits their schedule during their visit to Marseille.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat’s Included and Amenities on the Tour
The Marseille Old Port and City Highlights Boat Tour includes a leisurely cruise along the Vieux Port, where passengers can enjoy expert insights from the guide on the city’s iconic landmarks.
The tour also provides music and a sun awning on board for a comfortable experience. While food and drinks are available for purchase, hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. Tips for the guide are optional.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and children under 4 years old can join for free, with half-price tickets for ages 4-10.
Passengers should come prepared with comfortable attire and sun protection.
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Preparing for the Boat Tour
To make the most of the Marseille Old Port and City Highlights Boat Tour, visitors should come prepared.
The tour involves navigating the harbor, so comfortable, non-slip shoes are a must. Sunglasses and a sun hat are also recommended to shield from the Mediterranean sun.
Plus, bringing sunscreen is advisable to stay protected during the one-hour journey.
With a little preparation, travelers can fully enjoy the sights and insights provided by the expert guide, ensuring a memorable experience on the waters of Marseille.
Considerations for Wheelchair Users and Children
Although the Marseille Old Port and City Highlights Boat Tour provides an excellent opportunity to see the city’s landmarks from the water, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. The tour is conducted on a boat that may have limited accessibility.
However, children under 4 years of age can join the tour for free, and those aged 4-10 receive half-price tickets. Parents should ensure their children are supervised at all times, as the boat may not have dedicated seating or safety features for young passengers.
Cancellation Policy and Refund Information
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows travelers flexibility in planning their Marseille boat tour experience.
Flexible planning for Marseille boat tours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
This policy provides several key benefits:
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Worry-free booking – Customers can reserve their spot without fear of losing their money if plans change.
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Stress-free rescheduling – If needed, they can easily cancel and rebook for another time that better fits their schedule.
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Full refund guarantee – In the event of a last-minute cancellation, customers will receive a 100% refund of the tour price.
This generous cancellation policy ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for all Marseille boat tour participants.
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Pet on the Boat Tour?
Pets are not allowed on the boat tour. The tour information states it is not suitable for wheelchair users, so it’s likely pets would also not be permitted for safety and comfort reasons.
Do I Need to Know Any French or English for the Tour?
No, you don’t need to know French or English for the tour. The boat tour offers live tour guides available in both French and English, so you can easily understand the highlights and history regardless of your language skills.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
The tour information doesn’t mention any discounts for seniors or students. However, it does offer free admission for children under 4 and half-price tickets for ages 4-10, so there may be some flexibility on pricing depending on the traveler’s age.
Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?
Passengers are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour guide beforehand, as there may be restrictions in certain areas for safety or preservation reasons.
Is There a Dress Code or Any Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no strict dress code, but comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. Guests are advised to dress in layers as the weather can be variable on the water. There are no major restrictions, though beachwear or overly casual attire may be discouraged.
Final Words
The Marseille Old Port and City Highlights Boat Tour offers a delightful way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and rich history. Gliding past architectural gems, you’ll gain insights from an expert guide while enjoying onboard amenities and stunning Mediterranean views. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this one-hour cruise is a must-do activity to explore the charm of Marseille.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Marseille
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