Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf Du Pape Wine Tour

The Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion to Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape offers cruise passengers a chance to explore the rich history and acclaimed wines of this captivating region. Guests can wander through UNESCO-listed sites, indulge in a tasting at a local vineyard, and enjoy ample free time to discover the charming streets and cafes. With a maximum of eight participants, this intimate tour ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide. Whether you’re a history buff or a wine enthusiast, this excursion promises an unforgettable day filled with culture and unforgettable experiences. But there’s more to this tour than meets the eye…

Key Points

• This small-group day tour from Marseille explores the UNESCO sites of Avignon and includes a wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape.
• The tour provides port pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a knowledgeable driver/guide for a personalized experience.
• Participants can enjoy free time in Avignon for sightseeing and lunch, with a maximum group size of 8 for a more intimate tour.
• The wine tasting at a local winery in Chateauneuf du Pape offers an opportunity to learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and sample signature red and white wines.
• The tour has restrictions on wheelchair accessibility, stroller use, and minimum drinking age, and the operator is not responsible for cruise cancellations within 24 hours.

Tour Overview

This small-group Marseille shore excursion takes visitors on a full-day journey to Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape.

The tour includes wine tasting, a driver/guide, port pickup and drop-off, and transport by air-conditioned minivan. Guests can explore the UNESCO-listed sites of Avignon, such as the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon, before enjoying free time for sightseeing and lunch.

The tour then continues to a winery in Chateauneuf du Pape for a wine tasting experience before returning to Marseille.

With a maximum of 8 attendees, this excursion provides a personalized and worry-free shore experience for cruise passengers.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The shore excursion includes a wine tasting, a driver/guide, port pickup and drop-off, and air-conditioned minivan transport.

However, entrance fees, lunch, food, and drinks aren’t covered unless specified. This full-day tour is available exclusively for cruise passengers and has a maximum capacity of 8 attendees.

The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children under 4 aren’t allowed. Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes, as the order of visits may change.

Free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour, and the minimum drinking age is 18 years.

The tour provider isn’t responsible for cruise ship cancellations less than 24 hours prior to departure.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour departs from the Port de Marseille Fos, taking guests to the historic city of Avignon.

There, they’ll explore UNESCO-listed sites, including the Palais des Papes, Pont d’Avignon, and Saint-Benezet bridge.

Visitors will have free time to sightsee and enjoy lunch on their own.

The tour then continues to the renowned wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape, where guests will visit a local winery for a wine tasting.

After the tasting, the group will return to the port of Marseille.

Pickup and Accessibility

Pickup for the tour takes place at the Port de Marseille Fos – Porte 4, with a start time of 09:00 am.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or children under 4. Strollers are allowed.

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of reservation.

Please be aware that the order of visits may change, and the tour operator isn’t responsible for any cruise ship cancellations less than 24 hours before departure.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour may involve some moderate walking.

Guides may be multi-lingual.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided mixed feedback on this Marseille shore excursion.

Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and enjoyable wine tastings.

However, some critiques include issues with guide interaction, timing, and expectations regarding winery visits. For instance, one customer described it as a "terrible experience" due to the guide being sick.

Another desired more winery stops. Despite these concerns, a delighted customer praised the "great guide" and described the experience as "delightful".

Tour Policies

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour’s start.

The minimum drinking age is 18 years, and the order of visits may change.

Cruise ship cancellations less than 24 hours before departure aren’t the tour operator’s responsibility.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves some walking.

The tour may have multi-lingual guides, catering to diverse language preferences.

If a traveler has any special needs, it’s advised to check the tour’s accessibility policies, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for pregnant travelers or children under 4.

Winery Visits

Visiting the winery in Chateauneuf du Pape is a highlight of the tour, offering participants a chance to sample the renowned wines of the region. The winery visit provides an opportunity to learn about the local winemaking traditions and appreciate the unique terroir of the area. Guests can expect to taste a selection of the winery’s signature red and white wines, gaining insight into the distinct flavors and aromas that make Chateauneuf du Pape wines so sought-after.

Winery Experience	What to Expect
Wine Tasting	Sample the winery’s acclaimed red and white wines
Winemaking Insights	Learn about the local winemaking traditions and terroir
Knowledgeable Staff	Interact with the winery’s expert staff for a comprehensive tasting

Cruise Ship Cancellations

The tour policy stipulates that the company bears no responsibility for cruise ship cancellations occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

This policy is in place to protect the tour operator from unexpected changes in the cruise ship schedule. Customers are advised to keep this in mind when booking the tour, as any last-minute cancellations by the cruise line won’t be covered by the tour provider.

To ensure a smooth experience, it’s recommended that travelers allow ample time between their cruise ship’s arrival and the tour’s departure to avoid any potential conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Will Be Spent at Each Winery?

The tour includes a wine tasting at a winery in Chateauneuf du Pape, but the exact time spent at the winery is not specified. The itinerary allows for free time in Avignon as well.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Special Dietary Needs?

The tour can be customized to accommodate special dietary needs, but customers should let the tour provider know in advance. The tour provider will make reasonable efforts to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences.

What Kind of Wines Are Typically Tasted at the Wineries?

The tour typically includes tastings of the famous red wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, which are primarily blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes. Visitors can expect to sample the full-bodied, complex flavors that the region is known for.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour operator doesn’t offer explicit discounts for group bookings. However, they may provide flexible pricing options for larger groups. Travelers should inquire about group rates when making their reservation to determine if any discounts are available.

Can the Pickup Location Be Changed to a Different Port in Marseille?

Unfortunately, the pickup location cannot be changed from the specified Port de Marseille Fos – Porte 4. This is a fixed part of the tour experience and cannot be modified. Customers must be picked up at the designated port location.

Sum Up

The Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion to Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape provides a comprehensive exploration of UNESCO-listed sites and a delightful wine tasting experience. With personalized attention and comfortable transportation, this tour is an excellent choice for cruise passengers seeking an unforgettable day in Provence. The itinerary’s flexibility and customer-focused policies ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.