Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion: Marseille and Cassis Tour

The Marseille and Cassis Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the highlights of France’s oldest city and the picturesque seaside village that sits just 20 miles away. This 7-hour shore excursion takes travelers on a journey through Marseille’s iconic landmarks before whisking them away to the tranquil beauty of Cassis. From panoramic vistas at Cape Canaille to an optional cruise through the area’s stunning fjords, this tour promises to immerse participants in the rich history and natural splendor of the French Riviera. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this excursion is sure to leave you captivated by the charms of Marseille and Cassis.

Key Points

• Explore the highlights of Marseille and the picturesque seaside village of Cassis on a 7-hour shore excursion from the Marseille port.
• Visit iconic landmarks in Marseille like Notre-Dame de la Garde and Abbey of St Victor, and enjoy panoramic views from the scenic Cape Canaille.
• Discover the charming harbor, quaint streets, and optional sightseeing cruise in the ancient seaside village of Cassis.
• Admire the rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and stunning calanques (fjords) along the French Riviera coastline.
• Enjoy a hassle-free experience with a driver/guide, port pickup and drop-off, and air-conditioned minivan transport.

Tour Overview

This 7-hour shore excursion from the Marseille port allows visitors to explore the highlights of Marseille and the nearby seaside village of Cassis along the Mediterranean coast.

The tour includes panoramic views from Cape Canaille, a visit to the ancient village of Cassis, and an optional sightseeing cruise to see the ‘fjords of the French Riviera’.

In Marseille, you’ll see top attractions like the Notre-Dame de la Garde and Abbey of St Victor.

Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned minivan, and a driver/guide is included to ensure a worry-free experience.

While the sightseeing cruise is optional, all other activities and port pickup/drop-off are included in the tour.

Explore Marseille and Cassis

After exploring the tour overview, the shore excursion takes visitors on a journey through the highlights of Marseille and the charming seaside town of Cassis.

In Marseille, you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica and the Abbey of St Victor.

Then, you’ll head to Cassis, an ancient fishing village nestled along the Mediterranean coast. Here, you can take an optional sightseeing cruise to view the stunning calanques, or Mediterranean fjords. Whether you choose the cruise or not, you’ll enjoy exploring the picturesque harbor and quaint streets of Cassis.

Throughout the day, you’ll also stop at scenic viewpoints like Cape Canaille, taking in the breathtaking panoramas of the French Riviera.

Panoramic Views From Cape Canaille

The tour makes a stop at Cape Canaille, offering visitors panoramic views of the stunning Mediterranean coastline and the picturesque town of Cassis nestled below.

From the top of this impressive cape, travelers can:

• Admire the rugged cliffs that plunge dramatically into the turquoise waters.
• Spot the iconic calanques, or inlets, that line the coastline.
• Gaze out at the vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea stretching to the horizon.

This scenic viewpoint provides an ideal opportunity to snap unforgettable photos and take in the natural beauty of the region. The breathtaking vistas from Cape Canaille are sure to be a highlight of the Marseille and Cassis tour.

Ancient Seaside Village of Cassis

Nestled along the French Riviera, the ancient seaside village of Cassis captivates visitors with its charming harbor, picturesque pastel-hued buildings, and inviting Mediterranean ambiance.

During the Cassis portion of the tour, guests will wander through the quaint streets, admiring the colorful local shops and cafes. They’ll also have the option to take an optional sightseeing cruise to view the stunning rock formations known as the ‘fjords of the French Riviera.’

With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning coastal scenery, Cassis offers a delightful contrast to the bustling city of Marseille, providing a glimpse into the serene beauty of the Mediterranean.

Optional Sightseeing Cruise

Along With exploring the charming streets of Cassis, visitors can opt for a sightseeing cruise to witness the dramatic rock formations lining the coast, known as the ‘fjords of the French Riviera’. This optional 16 EUR cruise provides the opportunity to:

1. Admire the towering white cliffs and hidden coves that characterize the Calanques National Park.
2. Spot local wildlife like seabirds and marine life in their natural habitat.
3. Capture stunning panoramic views of the picturesque seaside town and surrounding landscapes.

The sightseeing cruise is a popular add-on that allows travelers to fully enjoy the natural beauty of this scenic region along the Mediterranean coast.

Top Marseille Attractions

Amidst Marseille’s bustling city center, visitors can discover a wealth of iconic attractions that showcase the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. One of the most renowned is the Notre-Dame de la Garde, a stunning Neo-Byzantine basilica perched atop a hill overlooking the city and port. Another must-see is the Abbey of St Victor, a Romanesque-style monastery dating back to the 5th century. Visitors can also explore the lively Vieux-Port (Old Port), lined with charming cafes and restaurants. To further enjoy Marseille’s cultural heritage, travelers can visit the following key attractions:

Attraction	Description	Location
Notre-Dame de la Garde	Neo-Byzantine basilica	Overlooking the city
Abbey of St Victor	Romanesque-style monastery	5th century
Vieux-Port (Old Port)	Historic waterfront district	City center
Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations	Major cultural museum	Old Port

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour generally includes a driver/guide, port pickup and drop-off, and air-conditioned minivan transport.

The sightseeing cruise in Cassis, lunch, food, drinks, and hotel pickup/drop-off are excluded.

The main inclusions are:

1. Driver/guide
2. Port pickup and drop-off
3. Air-conditioned minivan transport

The optional sightseeing cruise in Cassis costs an additional 16 EUR per person.

All other expenses, such as food, drinks, and transportation to and from the hotel, are the responsibility of the participants.

The tour also comes with a worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Participants meet at the designated pickup point, Port de Marseille Fos – Porte 4 – Accès croisière & marchandises, where they wait at the exit of the ship/cruise terminal for the tour to begin.

This is a convenient location for those arriving on a cruise ship, as it’s right at the port.

The tour guide will be there to greet the group and escort them to the air-conditioned minivan that will be used for transportation throughout the day.

Participants don’t have to worry about finding their own way to the starting point – the tour company handles all the logistics, making it a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English. Customers can inquire about language availability when booking the tour to ensure they can participate in their preferred language.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Children?

The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for seniors or children. However, children under 4 years old are not allowed on the tour. Visitors should check with the tour provider for any available discounts or special conditions.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Stop on the Tour?

The tour allocates time for each stop, but the specific duration isn’t provided. The order of visits may change, and access to certain sites is subject to weather and closures. Passengers should expect a well-paced itinerary to see the tour’s highlights.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for This Excursion?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Bring layers in case of changing weather. Casual, practical attire that allows easy movement is best for this sightseeing tour.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Focus on Specific Interests?

The tour itinerary can be customized to focus on specific interests, though the order of visits may change. Travelers should discuss their preferences with the driver/guide, who can accommodate requests within the overall 7-hour duration of the excursion.

Recap

The Marseille and Cassis Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s highlights.

Guests can take in panoramic vistas from Cape Canaille, enjoy the charming seaside village of Cassis, and optionally cruise the ‘fjords of the French Riviera‘.

With iconic landmarks in Marseille and the tranquil coastal scenery, this shore excursion provides an enriching experience for visitors to the area.