Provence (Marseille)
Provence (Marseille) 05/09/2025
A transfer is included from Marseille's international airport to the InterContinental Marseille Hotel Dieu, near the historic Panier district, or the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port, overlooking the old harbor. Join us this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner at your hotel.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Marseille Shore Excursion - Marseille - 8 hours
Marseille is, first of all, ancient. Started by the Phoenician around 600-BC (ignoring of course the Ligurians who already lived here), taken over by the Greeks in 540 BC, and conquered by the Romans two thousand years ago,
HIGHLIGHTS
- OLD HARBOR - Vieux Panier
- MUCEM Museum
- Sightseeing tour along the Corniche Road up to the Notre Dame de La Garde Cathedral.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Package Include
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed guide
- All entrance fees
- All tax and Vat
Do not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates : all day , all year
May 1st - due to French law, cost double
-
Marseille Shore Excrusion - Alpilles - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of the Alpilles
Depart for the Alpilles, this chain of limestone hills runs east-west, and is where bauxite was first discovered (named after the village of Baux-de-Provence). The Alpilles are an extension of the Luberon Mountains, which stretch out to the east
HIGHLIGHTS
Situated in the heart of the Alpilles, Saint Rémy is one of the "must-sees" in Provence. Surrounded by lush green perfumed valleys, its ancient streets are lined with beautifully restored old houses...
Your journey will then continue with a visit of Les Baux de Provence. This village is situated in the heart of the Alpilles on a rocky plateau 245m high. Brilliant views of Arles, the Camargue and the Alpilles can be seen from the look-out points!
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- Entrance fee to Baux de Provence Castel
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- All day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille Shore Excursion - Chateauneuf du Pape - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide at the main exit of your ship and. Depart for a full day visit and wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape wine area,
Lunch at leisure, your guide will suggest you the best place to have lunch depending on your taste and requirements.
During your journey you’ll stop for a visit and wine tasting at two wine estates.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- 2 private wine tasting
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- all day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille - Shore Excursion - Green Provence Tour - 8 hours -
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of the Green Provence
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy a visit and wine tasting at Le Clos du Pavillon estate.
At this 7ha estate, 4ha of which are used to produce the grapes, a great respect for nature rules the estate. A place is like no other, where the tradition has remained since the 16th century. Production is not mechanized and everything is done manually from the budding to the harvest. This respect and love for wine make fruit flavored wines with its own
- Enjoy lunch at Abbaye de la Celle. (To be paid on site)
A charming restaurant in the heart of in the wine country, located in the shadow of a 12th century royal Abbey, which hosted the good and the great of this world...
- After lunch, enjoy a wine tasting at Chateau Margui.
A new gem in the Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC, that has produced wine for centuries, Margüi fell into oblivion in 1970. Coming back to life in year 2000, it quickly expressed its impetuous personality: 2003, Château Margüi's first vintage, turned out to be very successful.
- End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- 2 private wine tasting
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- All day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille - Shore excursion Aix en Provence - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide at the main exit of your ship and depart for Aix en Provence.
Aix is surrounded by countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. The name Aix comes from the source discovered when the city was founded in 123b.c. by the Romans. Aix was the capitol of Provence in the 15th century, wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today. One can find all the beauty of the noble Provence of the17th and 18th centuries that include handsome houses and private mansions of the upper class, city squares’ bursting with flowers, ancient fountains and shaded narrow streets.
Discerning shoppers might instead choose the elegant boutiques in the quartier Mazarin, richest and most exclusive quarter of what is a considerably wealthy town.
Lunch is at your leisure; your guide will suggest the best place to have lunch depending on your taste and requirements.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package Include
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- Entrance fee to Cézanne workshop
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
All day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille - Half Day Tour - 4 hours
Marseille Shore Excursion. The oldest city of France yet elected European Capital of Culture in 2014, Marseille is continuously changing and offering a contrast between tradition and modernity. Worldwide known for its old port, turquoise calanques and typical provencal markets, do not miss the visit of the third city of France!
9:00 am or 2:00 pm: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship in Marseille’ port.
You will visit Marseille, the largest and most popular commune in France after Paris, also the third largest metropolitan area in France. You can start your visit for example with The Pharo promontory that was just a mere rocky plateau on which only rushes and wild grasses grew, but Napoleon decided to build "a house at the water's edge"; the residence was never actually used…but became today one of the finest architectural complexes in Europe!
The guide will drive you to the famous Notre Dame de la Garde, « Our Good Mother » as the Marseillais call her with affection; the 19th century impressive church dominates the city and the view from the churchyard is just astonishing. Inside, you will see dozens of ex-votos, many of them in the shape of boats placed there by grateful sailors. The tour will continue with a scenic drive around town. Marseille is busy renovating its majestic Second Empire buildings, adding interesting modern architecture and buzzing with the energy of a new Golden Age.
You will pass the Corniche where you will see the most beautiful houses of Marseille, towards the Palais Longchamp, originally the water tower of the town, a very beautiful example of 19th century architecture; the Park Longchamp is today the largest park of central Marseille.
1:00 pm or 6:00 pm: Drop off either at the foot of your ship or at your hotel.
Tour Duration: 4 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
-
Marseille - Full Day Tour - 8 hours
Marseille Shore Excursion. The largest and most populous commune in France after Paris, centre of the third largest metropolitan area in France.
9:00 am: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship in Marseilles’ port.
You can start your visit for example with The Pharo. The guide will drive you to the famous Notre Dame de la Garde, « Our Good Mother » as the Marseillais call her with affection. You will pass the Corniche where you will see the most beautiful houses of Marseille, towards the Palais Longchamp, originally the water tower of the town, a very beautiful example of 19th century architecture; the Park Longchamp is today the largest park of central Marseille. Enjoy lunch at leisure in a restaurant suggested by your guide.
In the afternoon, we suggest a visit of the Mucem (new museum which opens in 2013). This national museum is located on a site which includes the Fort Saint-Jean, a historic monument overlooking the Vieux-Port, and a new building designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti on the J4 esplanade. On the Greek and Roman ruins of the ancient state-city, there is a 12th century chapel that was part of the former Commandry of St. John of Jerusalem, the medieval tower of King René (built between 1447 and 1453), and the Tour du Fanal erected in the 17th century at the request of ship-owners to light up the entrance to the harbour, surrounded by various military fortifications. The MuCEM's location is therefore a location steeped in history and memories, at the heart of a prestigious heritage site - Cathédrale de la Major, Eglise Saint-Laurent, with views of the Palais du Pharo, and the Abbaye Saint-Victor, the sea and the islands of Friuli - overlooking "the Suez and beyond".
5.00 pm: Return to your hotel or your cruise.
Tour Duration: 8 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
|
05/09/2025 |
05/09/2025 |
Provence (Marseille)
Provence (Marseille) 05/10/2025
Settled by Greeks in 600 BC, Marseille has well over 2,000 years of history as a crossroads of cultural influences from Italy, Spain, Asia Minor, the Middle East, and North Africa tucked in the colorful tangle of narrow streets and eclectic architecture of its Old Port, which you'll explore today on a walking tour. Yachts and small fishing boats have replaced the big ships but the area retains much of its character as an old commercial port. Discover the heart of old Marseille in the picturesque Panier district, dense with cobbled lanes, immigrant enclaves, cafés, faded Baroque palaces, and vest-pocket plazas. Visits include Quai de Port, the wide waterfront promenade; La Vieille Charité, a former almshouse, now a cultural center and museum; the spectacular Cathedral Sainte-Marie-Majeure, with Byzantine domes, belltowers, and arcades; and Fort St-Jean, built by Louis XIV, a massive harbor-side fortress with all of its guns trained on the city and its restive populace. At the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, state-of-the-art exhibits explore centuries of cultural exchange among Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean islands through history, art, anthropology, and archaeology. Spend the rest of the day as you please, then join us this evening at waterfront Casa Delauze for a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your Mediterranean odyssey.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Marseille Shore Excursion - Marseille - 8 hours
Marseille is, first of all, ancient. Started by the Phoenician around 600-BC (ignoring of course the Ligurians who already lived here), taken over by the Greeks in 540 BC, and conquered by the Romans two thousand years ago,
HIGHLIGHTS
- OLD HARBOR - Vieux Panier
- MUCEM Museum
- Sightseeing tour along the Corniche Road up to the Notre Dame de La Garde Cathedral.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Package Include
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed guide
- All entrance fees
- All tax and Vat
Do not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates : all day , all year
May 1st - due to French law, cost double
-
Marseille Shore Excrusion - Alpilles - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of the Alpilles
Depart for the Alpilles, this chain of limestone hills runs east-west, and is where bauxite was first discovered (named after the village of Baux-de-Provence). The Alpilles are an extension of the Luberon Mountains, which stretch out to the east
HIGHLIGHTS
Situated in the heart of the Alpilles, Saint Rémy is one of the "must-sees" in Provence. Surrounded by lush green perfumed valleys, its ancient streets are lined with beautifully restored old houses...
Your journey will then continue with a visit of Les Baux de Provence. This village is situated in the heart of the Alpilles on a rocky plateau 245m high. Brilliant views of Arles, the Camargue and the Alpilles can be seen from the look-out points!
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- Entrance fee to Baux de Provence Castel
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- All day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille Shore Excursion - Chateauneuf du Pape - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide at the main exit of your ship and. Depart for a full day visit and wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape wine area,
Lunch at leisure, your guide will suggest you the best place to have lunch depending on your taste and requirements.
During your journey you’ll stop for a visit and wine tasting at two wine estates.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- 2 private wine tasting
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- all day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille - Shore Excursion - Green Provence Tour - 8 hours -
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of the Green Provence
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy a visit and wine tasting at Le Clos du Pavillon estate.
At this 7ha estate, 4ha of which are used to produce the grapes, a great respect for nature rules the estate. A place is like no other, where the tradition has remained since the 16th century. Production is not mechanized and everything is done manually from the budding to the harvest. This respect and love for wine make fruit flavored wines with its own
- Enjoy lunch at Abbaye de la Celle. (To be paid on site)
A charming restaurant in the heart of in the wine country, located in the shadow of a 12th century royal Abbey, which hosted the good and the great of this world...
- After lunch, enjoy a wine tasting at Chateau Margui.
A new gem in the Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC, that has produced wine for centuries, Margüi fell into oblivion in 1970. Coming back to life in year 2000, it quickly expressed its impetuous personality: 2003, Château Margüi's first vintage, turned out to be very successful.
- End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- 2 private wine tasting
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- All day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille - Shore excursion Aix en Provence - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide at the main exit of your ship and depart for Aix en Provence.
Aix is surrounded by countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. The name Aix comes from the source discovered when the city was founded in 123b.c. by the Romans. Aix was the capitol of Provence in the 15th century, wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today. One can find all the beauty of the noble Provence of the17th and 18th centuries that include handsome houses and private mansions of the upper class, city squares’ bursting with flowers, ancient fountains and shaded narrow streets.
Discerning shoppers might instead choose the elegant boutiques in the quartier Mazarin, richest and most exclusive quarter of what is a considerably wealthy town.
Lunch is at your leisure; your guide will suggest the best place to have lunch depending on your taste and requirements.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package Include
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- Entrance fee to Cézanne workshop
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
All day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille - Half Day Tour - 4 hours
Marseille Shore Excursion. The oldest city of France yet elected European Capital of Culture in 2014, Marseille is continuously changing and offering a contrast between tradition and modernity. Worldwide known for its old port, turquoise calanques and typical provencal markets, do not miss the visit of the third city of France!
9:00 am or 2:00 pm: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship in Marseille’ port.
You will visit Marseille, the largest and most popular commune in France after Paris, also the third largest metropolitan area in France. You can start your visit for example with The Pharo promontory that was just a mere rocky plateau on which only rushes and wild grasses grew, but Napoleon decided to build "a house at the water's edge"; the residence was never actually used…but became today one of the finest architectural complexes in Europe!
The guide will drive you to the famous Notre Dame de la Garde, « Our Good Mother » as the Marseillais call her with affection; the 19th century impressive church dominates the city and the view from the churchyard is just astonishing. Inside, you will see dozens of ex-votos, many of them in the shape of boats placed there by grateful sailors. The tour will continue with a scenic drive around town. Marseille is busy renovating its majestic Second Empire buildings, adding interesting modern architecture and buzzing with the energy of a new Golden Age.
You will pass the Corniche where you will see the most beautiful houses of Marseille, towards the Palais Longchamp, originally the water tower of the town, a very beautiful example of 19th century architecture; the Park Longchamp is today the largest park of central Marseille.
1:00 pm or 6:00 pm: Drop off either at the foot of your ship or at your hotel.
Tour Duration: 4 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
-
Marseille - Full Day Tour - 8 hours
Marseille Shore Excursion. The largest and most populous commune in France after Paris, centre of the third largest metropolitan area in France.
9:00 am: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship in Marseilles’ port.
You can start your visit for example with The Pharo. The guide will drive you to the famous Notre Dame de la Garde, « Our Good Mother » as the Marseillais call her with affection. You will pass the Corniche where you will see the most beautiful houses of Marseille, towards the Palais Longchamp, originally the water tower of the town, a very beautiful example of 19th century architecture; the Park Longchamp is today the largest park of central Marseille. Enjoy lunch at leisure in a restaurant suggested by your guide.
In the afternoon, we suggest a visit of the Mucem (new museum which opens in 2013). This national museum is located on a site which includes the Fort Saint-Jean, a historic monument overlooking the Vieux-Port, and a new building designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti on the J4 esplanade. On the Greek and Roman ruins of the ancient state-city, there is a 12th century chapel that was part of the former Commandry of St. John of Jerusalem, the medieval tower of King René (built between 1447 and 1453), and the Tour du Fanal erected in the 17th century at the request of ship-owners to light up the entrance to the harbour, surrounded by various military fortifications. The MuCEM's location is therefore a location steeped in history and memories, at the heart of a prestigious heritage site - Cathédrale de la Major, Eglise Saint-Laurent, with views of the Palais du Pharo, and the Abbaye Saint-Victor, the sea and the islands of Friuli - overlooking "the Suez and beyond".
5.00 pm: Return to your hotel or your cruise.
Tour Duration: 8 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
|
05/10/2025 |
05/10/2025 |
Provence (Marseille)
Provence (Marseille) 05/11/2025
Disembark in Nice and drive to charming Aix-en-Provence, set against the backdrop of Mount Sainte-Victoire; the mountain was the muse of Paul Cézanne, who painted it many times. A university town of tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafés, Baroque mansions, and elegant parks, Aix-en-Provence was once known for its thermal springs and Roman baths, which gave it the nickname City of a Thousand Fountains. A walking tour of landmarks includes the main plaza with its medieval belltower and astronomical clock; the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, a national monument; and the outdoor food market in Place Richelme. Enjoy free time to explore and lunch on your own; this was Cézanne's hometown, and there are numerous landmarks commemorating him; you might follow the golden C's on the sidewalks and retrace his steps; or stroll the park; or look for a table at the Deux Garçons; or maybe go for a spin on the Paul Cézanne Carousel, in a blur of ponies, swans, and Cézanne landscapes. From here it's a short drive to Marseille, where you'll check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day on your own.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Marseille Shore Excursion - Marseille - 8 hours
Marseille is, first of all, ancient. Started by the Phoenician around 600-BC (ignoring of course the Ligurians who already lived here), taken over by the Greeks in 540 BC, and conquered by the Romans two thousand years ago,
HIGHLIGHTS
- OLD HARBOR - Vieux Panier
- MUCEM Museum
- Sightseeing tour along the Corniche Road up to the Notre Dame de La Garde Cathedral.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Package Include
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed guide
- All entrance fees
- All tax and Vat
Do not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates : all day , all year
May 1st - due to French law, cost double
-
Marseille Shore Excrusion - Alpilles - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of the Alpilles
Depart for the Alpilles, this chain of limestone hills runs east-west, and is where bauxite was first discovered (named after the village of Baux-de-Provence). The Alpilles are an extension of the Luberon Mountains, which stretch out to the east
HIGHLIGHTS
Situated in the heart of the Alpilles, Saint Rémy is one of the "must-sees" in Provence. Surrounded by lush green perfumed valleys, its ancient streets are lined with beautifully restored old houses...
Your journey will then continue with a visit of Les Baux de Provence. This village is situated in the heart of the Alpilles on a rocky plateau 245m high. Brilliant views of Arles, the Camargue and the Alpilles can be seen from the look-out points!
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- Entrance fee to Baux de Provence Castel
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- All day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille Shore Excursion - Chateauneuf du Pape - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide at the main exit of your ship and. Depart for a full day visit and wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape wine area,
Lunch at leisure, your guide will suggest you the best place to have lunch depending on your taste and requirements.
During your journey you’ll stop for a visit and wine tasting at two wine estates.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- 2 private wine tasting
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- all day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille - Shore Excursion - Green Provence Tour - 8 hours -
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of the Green Provence
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy a visit and wine tasting at Le Clos du Pavillon estate.
At this 7ha estate, 4ha of which are used to produce the grapes, a great respect for nature rules the estate. A place is like no other, where the tradition has remained since the 16th century. Production is not mechanized and everything is done manually from the budding to the harvest. This respect and love for wine make fruit flavored wines with its own
- Enjoy lunch at Abbaye de la Celle. (To be paid on site)
A charming restaurant in the heart of in the wine country, located in the shadow of a 12th century royal Abbey, which hosted the good and the great of this world...
- After lunch, enjoy a wine tasting at Chateau Margui.
A new gem in the Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC, that has produced wine for centuries, Margüi fell into oblivion in 1970. Coming back to life in year 2000, it quickly expressed its impetuous personality: 2003, Château Margüi's first vintage, turned out to be very successful.
- End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- 2 private wine tasting
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- All day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille - Shore excursion Aix en Provence - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide at the main exit of your ship and depart for Aix en Provence.
Aix is surrounded by countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. The name Aix comes from the source discovered when the city was founded in 123b.c. by the Romans. Aix was the capitol of Provence in the 15th century, wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today. One can find all the beauty of the noble Provence of the17th and 18th centuries that include handsome houses and private mansions of the upper class, city squares’ bursting with flowers, ancient fountains and shaded narrow streets.
Discerning shoppers might instead choose the elegant boutiques in the quartier Mazarin, richest and most exclusive quarter of what is a considerably wealthy town.
Lunch is at your leisure; your guide will suggest the best place to have lunch depending on your taste and requirements.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package Include
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- Entrance fee to Cézanne workshop
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
All day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
-
Marseille - Half Day Tour - 4 hours
Marseille Shore Excursion. The oldest city of France yet elected European Capital of Culture in 2014, Marseille is continuously changing and offering a contrast between tradition and modernity. Worldwide known for its old port, turquoise calanques and typical provencal markets, do not miss the visit of the third city of France!
9:00 am or 2:00 pm: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship in Marseille’ port.
You will visit Marseille, the largest and most popular commune in France after Paris, also the third largest metropolitan area in France. You can start your visit for example with The Pharo promontory that was just a mere rocky plateau on which only rushes and wild grasses grew, but Napoleon decided to build "a house at the water's edge"; the residence was never actually used…but became today one of the finest architectural complexes in Europe!
The guide will drive you to the famous Notre Dame de la Garde, « Our Good Mother » as the Marseillais call her with affection; the 19th century impressive church dominates the city and the view from the churchyard is just astonishing. Inside, you will see dozens of ex-votos, many of them in the shape of boats placed there by grateful sailors. The tour will continue with a scenic drive around town. Marseille is busy renovating its majestic Second Empire buildings, adding interesting modern architecture and buzzing with the energy of a new Golden Age.
You will pass the Corniche where you will see the most beautiful houses of Marseille, towards the Palais Longchamp, originally the water tower of the town, a very beautiful example of 19th century architecture; the Park Longchamp is today the largest park of central Marseille.
1:00 pm or 6:00 pm: Drop off either at the foot of your ship or at your hotel.
Tour Duration: 4 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
-
Marseille - Full Day Tour - 8 hours
Marseille Shore Excursion. The largest and most populous commune in France after Paris, centre of the third largest metropolitan area in France.
9:00 am: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship in Marseilles’ port.
You can start your visit for example with The Pharo. The guide will drive you to the famous Notre Dame de la Garde, « Our Good Mother » as the Marseillais call her with affection. You will pass the Corniche where you will see the most beautiful houses of Marseille, towards the Palais Longchamp, originally the water tower of the town, a very beautiful example of 19th century architecture; the Park Longchamp is today the largest park of central Marseille. Enjoy lunch at leisure in a restaurant suggested by your guide.
In the afternoon, we suggest a visit of the Mucem (new museum which opens in 2013). This national museum is located on a site which includes the Fort Saint-Jean, a historic monument overlooking the Vieux-Port, and a new building designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti on the J4 esplanade. On the Greek and Roman ruins of the ancient state-city, there is a 12th century chapel that was part of the former Commandry of St. John of Jerusalem, the medieval tower of King René (built between 1447 and 1453), and the Tour du Fanal erected in the 17th century at the request of ship-owners to light up the entrance to the harbour, surrounded by various military fortifications. The MuCEM's location is therefore a location steeped in history and memories, at the heart of a prestigious heritage site - Cathédrale de la Major, Eglise Saint-Laurent, with views of the Palais du Pharo, and the Abbaye Saint-Victor, the sea and the islands of Friuli - overlooking "the Suez and beyond".
5.00 pm: Return to your hotel or your cruise.
Tour Duration: 8 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
|
05/11/2025 |
05/11/2025 |
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence 05/11/2025
Disembark in Nice and drive to charming Aix-en-Provence, set against the backdrop of Mount Sainte-Victoire; the mountain was the muse of Paul Cézanne, who painted it many times. A university town of tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafés, Baroque mansions, and elegant parks, Aix-en-Provence was once known for its thermal springs and Roman baths, which gave it the nickname City of a Thousand Fountains. A walking tour of landmarks includes the main plaza with its medieval belltower and astronomical clock; the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, a national monument; and the outdoor food market in Place Richelme. Enjoy free time to explore and lunch on your own; this was Cézanne's hometown, and there are numerous landmarks commemorating him; you might follow the golden C's on the sidewalks and retrace his steps; or stroll the park; or look for a table at the Deux Garçons; or maybe go for a spin on the Paul Cézanne Carousel, in a blur of ponies, swans, and Cézanne landscapes. From here it's a short drive to Marseille, where you'll check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day on your own.,
|
05/11/2025 |
05/11/2025 |
Cruise Ends (Debarkation)
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 05/11/2025
Disembark in Nice and drive to charming Aix-en-Provence, set against the backdrop of Mount Sainte-Victoire; the mountain was the muse of Paul Cézanne, who painted it many times. A university town of tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafés, Baroque mansions, and elegant parks, Aix-en-Provence was once known for its thermal springs and Roman baths, which gave it the nickname City of a Thousand Fountains. A walking tour of landmarks includes the main plaza with its medieval belltower and astronomical clock; the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, a national monument; and the outdoor food market in Place Richelme. Enjoy free time to explore and lunch on your own; this was Cézanne's hometown, and there are numerous landmarks commemorating him; you might follow the golden C's on the sidewalks and retrace his steps; or stroll the park; or look for a table at the Deux Garçons; or maybe go for a spin on the Paul Cézanne Carousel, in a blur of ponies, swans, and Cézanne landscapes. From here it's a short drive to Marseille, where you'll check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day on your own.,
|
05/11/2025 |
05/11/2025 |
Nice
Nice 05/11/2025
Disembark in Nice and drive to charming Aix-en-Provence, set against the backdrop of Mount Sainte-Victoire; the mountain was the muse of Paul Cézanne, who painted it many times. A university town of tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafés, Baroque mansions, and elegant parks, Aix-en-Provence was once known for its thermal springs and Roman baths, which gave it the nickname City of a Thousand Fountains. A walking tour of landmarks includes the main plaza with its medieval belltower and astronomical clock; the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, a national monument; and the outdoor food market in Place Richelme. Enjoy free time to explore and lunch on your own; this was Cézanne's hometown, and there are numerous landmarks commemorating him; you might follow the golden C's on the sidewalks and retrace his steps; or stroll the park; or look for a table at the Deux Garçons; or maybe go for a spin on the Paul Cézanne Carousel, in a blur of ponies, swans, and Cézanne landscapes. From here it's a short drive to Marseille, where you'll check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day on your own.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Nice: Picturesque Towns of the Cote d’Azur – 8 hours
No visit to the stunning Cote d'Azur would be complete without a visit to Nice's wonderful Old Town and the charismatic village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Begin with a warm welcome from your driver-guide who will be delighted to discuss the local culture, history and lifestyle of the area. Discover the historic atmosphere of Nice's Old Town whilst taking in the aromas of its bustling market.
Continue on a scenic journey to the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This charming village, with its bohemian atmosphere, is a mecca for artists and here you have time for lunch at leisure ( payable locally). Later this afternoon, stop at the wonderful Rosary Chapel, considered by Henri Matisse to be his finest work. After your tour you will be privately transferred back to your cruise ship.
Highlights:
- Discover the historic atmosphere of Nice's Old Town and the bohemian charm of the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Make a stop at the wonderful Rosary Chapel, considered by Henri Matisse to be his finest work
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
-
Nice - Shore Excursion - Discovery of Saint-Paul de Vence, Haut de Cagnes & Gourdon - 8 hours
Overview:
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of Saint Paul de vence, Haut de Cagnes & Gourdon.
Highlights:
- Saint Paul de Vence, built on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by its ramparts built on the order of Francois 1st, St Paul is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in Provence.
- Then enjoy a visit of Haut de Cagnes, a medieval quarter full of tiny streets, stairs, little restaurants and old houses that gradually descend down and blend with the modern lower city.
- Gourdon clings to the summit of a breathtakingly steep cliff at a height of 760 m and offers an unobstructed view of the Gorges du Loup and the Mediterranean. Clustered behind an imposing castle surrounded by gardens that were designed by Le Nôtre, the old houses have been well preserved and restored in this lively village where craftspeople are a driving force.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- All entrance fees
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- All day, all year - except for French Bank Holidays, contact us for those dates
-
Nice Shore Excursion - Discovery of Nice, Eze & Monaco - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of Nice, Eze & Monaco.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Nice, the fifth largest city in France, acts as a magnet attracting people from all over the world, for a multitude of reasons. Elegant and simple, Nice's charm comes from its exceptional climate as well as its beauty. Even in the winter the café terraces are filled with people happily drinking and contemplating the ultra-famous Promenade des Anglais. Always in flower this wonderful walk follows along the bay, looking out onto the Baie des Anges and the beaches on one side, and on the other such luxury hotels as the Negresco.
- From Nice, take the Corniche road to Eze, a medieval village perched like an eagles nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
- Monaco, one of those magic glamorous places that have a worldwide reputation, is situated on the French Riviera between Cap d'Ail and Menton, just a few kilometers from the Italian Riviera
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- All entrance fees
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- All day, all year - except for French Bank Holidays, contact us for those dates
-
Nice Shore Excursion - Discovery of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Grasse Rising from the hills above the Mediterranean is the city of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, surrounded by the charming Provencal landscape and villages of the Pays de Grasse, the regional name for this breathtaking and tranquil countryside. This 17th and 18th century town is large and extremely interesting, with tiny streets that wind between the buildings, up and down ancient steps, passing through arched tunnels and sometimes opening out onto large squares.
- Cannes was nothing more than an unimportant fishing village 150 years ago. Since then it has become an elegant city known round the world and attracts an international clientele.
- Antibes is the proper name of this ancient town, but it's commonly referred to as Trompe l'Oeil wall mural at Juan Antibes - Juan-les-Pins.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- All entrance fees
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- All day, all year - Except for French Bank Holidays, contact us for those dates
-
Nice - Full Day Tour - 8 hours
Nice Shore Excursion. This excursion will give you a wonderful glance at the beautiful city of Nice on the Riviera. You will be impressed by the colors of its market and during the afternoon you could visit Matisse Museum showing an important collection of the painter.
9:00 am: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship.
Everything is emphasized in Nice; the bright sunlight makes the colors flash. The green pines happily rub shoulders with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and that of the sky. It is easy to see why the Côte d’Azur fascinates so many people. Many of the artists, painters, writers, sculptors and musicians who contributed to the city’s fame, have museums here, dedicated to their works.
In the morning, the Cours Saleya has daily flower and food markets. Low buildings border the length of Cours Saleya, separating it from the sea.
You will view the luxurious Belle Époque-style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace, built on the sea front. The Négresco, whose dome can be admired from the Promenade des Anglais, is the finest example of Belle Époque architecture. Visit the Russian Church (open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 am to 12:00 and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Closed during religious ceremonies).
Enjoy a walking tour of the old town. The old town’s soul and history are reflected in the narrow streets and alleys that curve, in an irregular fashion, among old buildings and red-tiled roofs. Give your taste buds a new experience and enjoy some socca with a glass of wine. Socca is a local specialty made from chickpea flour, and a trip to Nice would not be complete without having tasted it! Enjoy lunch at leisure in a typical restaurant in Nice. During the afternoon you could visit Matisse Museum. Situated on the hill of Cimiez, it displays an important monographic collection of works.
5.00 pm: return to your Hotel.
Tour Duration: 8 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Free entrance to Matisse Museum
(Matisse Museum is open every day except on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 6:00 pm)
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
-
Nice & Cannes - Full Day Tour - 8 hours
Nice and Cannes Shore Excursion. This excursion is perfect for those who wish to discover the chic French Riviera: in Nice, you will be impressed by the colors of its market and during the afternoon pursue this excursion with the beautiful city of Cannes, famous for hosting every year the Film Festival.
9:00 am: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship.
Drive to Nice. Everything is emphasized in Nice; the bright sunlight makes the colors flash. The green pines happily rub shoulders with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and that of the sky. It is easy to see why the Côte d’Azur fascinates so many people. Many of the artists, painters, writers, sculptors and musicians who contributed to the city’s fame, have museums here, dedicated to their works. You will view the luxurious Belle Époque-style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace, built on the sea front. The Négresco, whose dome can be admired from the Promenade des Anglais, is the finest example of Belle Époque architecture. Visit the Russian Church (not available on Sunday mornings). Enjoy a walking tour of the old town. Enjoy lunch at leisure in a typical restaurant.
During the afternoon, drive to Cannes. Your guide will escort you to visit the city main points of interest:
Old town— The usual narrow winding streets filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. Covered Market (Marché Forville)— For a spectacular eating and viewing food experience, no other market in Cannes beats this for scale and variety.
Palais des Festivals— Down La Croisette is the famous Palais des Festivals, where stars of the screen gather and watch films screened during the festival. Irresistible not to pose for a photograph on the 22 steps leading up to the entrance.
Port— Admire the yachts of the rich and possibly famous - though true mega-yachts will be found at the International Yacht Club down the coast in Antibes.
La Croisette— Cannes catwalk beside the sea, it is the center of the city's tourist activity and known for its luxury hotels and boutique shops.
5.00 pm: return to your Hotel.
Tour Duration: 8 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
-
Nice, Villefranche & St Jean Cap Ferrat - Half Day Tour - 4 hours
Nice, Villefranche and St Jean Cap Ferrat Shore Excursion. You will be impressed by Nice’s lights and colors. In Villefranche you will have the opportunity to see the Chapelle Saint-Pierre which was restored by Jean Cocteau. Then, visit St. Jean Cap Ferrat, an exceptional site on the Mediterranean coast.
9:00 am or 2:00 pm: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship or your hotel.
Everything is emphasized in Nice. In this natural, rocky setting, the sun highlights the yellow shades of flowers and the ochre-colored houses. It is easy to see why the Côte d’Azur fascinates so many people. Many of the artists, painters, writers, sculptors and musicians who contributed to the city’s fame, have museums here dedicated to their works. You will view the luxurious Belle Époque-style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace that is built on the sea front. The Négresco, whose dome can be admired from the Promenade des Anglais, is the finest example of Belle Époque architecture. In the morning, the Cours Saleya has daily flower and food markets. There are scores of stands, and you will find everything from professional merchants with their well-displayed wares to farmers that offer their fresh produce and live fowl on folding tables. Low buildings border the length of Cours Saleya, separating it from the sea.
Continue on to Villefranche and visit the Chapel Saint Pierre. This old "Norman" style chapel, devoted to St-Pierre, the patron saint of fishermen, was completely restored and decorated by Jean Cocteau. The artist wanted to decorate the chapel and make it into a place of worship, dedicated to the fishermen from Villefranche, Beaulieu and St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Jean Cocteau wanted his artwork to evoke certain episodes in the Saint's life in a way that would be comprehensible to all.
Time permitting, continue your trip and drive towards St. Jean Cap Ferrat, an exceptional site on the Mediterranean coast. Its tranquility and warm climate make it a well-known vacation spot.
1:00 pm or 6:00 pm: Return to your ship or to your hotel.
Tour Duration: 4 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
|
05/11/2025 |
05/11/2025 |
Portoferraio, Elba
Portoferraio, Elba 05/12/2025
Legend says that the Tuscan archipelago was formed when the goddess Venus dropped her necklace into the sea, and Elba is the largest of the island jewels, set in turquoise waters, with white beaches, rocky cliffs and coves, green hills, pastel villages, and lush vineyards. Elba was known throughout the ancient world for iron ore and excellent wine; Jason stopped here on his quest for the Golden Fleece; but lately it's remembered as the little island paradise where Napoleon was exiled in 1814. A tour of Portoferraio includes the seaside promenade, Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon's clifftop winter mansion, and a charming theater built by the emperor as a gift to his sister; in the piazza, enjoy a wine tasting with views of the harbor. Or, drive to the resort town of Marciana Marina and ride a lift to the top of Monte Capanne for the glorious 360-degree views. Or, tour Villa San Martino, Napoleon's summer residence, and spend an idyllic afternoon in the dreamy fishing town of Porto Azzurro and visit La Chiusa Winery for a taste of some of the famous local wine. Most people who experience Elba never want to leave, but Napoleon only stayed a few months. He escaped at the first opportunity, returned to Paris, and took back his empire. Tonight you sail instead for Nice.,
|
05/12/2025 |
05/12/2025 |
Bonifacio
Bonifacio 05/13/2025
Corsica is thought to be the mythical island of giants in Homer's Odyssey, where Laestrygonians hurled boulders down at Odysseus and his ship from the towering sea cliffs. The inhabitants today are much friendlier, and the island is strikingly beautiful, with rugged mountains that plunge to the sea, hidden coves, idyllic white beaches, and pastel towns that hug the coastline. Dock in Bonifacio – a medieval town that seems to perch precariously on a promontory thrust out above crashing surf and soaring white cliffs – where you have a choice of sightseeing excursions. Your first option brings you by mini-train to the Old Town, a warren of winding streets, colorful houses, monasteries, and Roman cisterns, with Eglise St-Marie-Majeure, a Romanesque jewel of a church with a tall belltower in the heart of it all for a guided walking tour. Long before Corsica became French it was Genoese, and the 13th-century fortress here was built to defend the Tuscan coast from Saracens and Barbary pirates; a tour of the citadel's medieval defenses, towers, and cliffside Garden of Ruins is breathtaking. Following your tour, you'll have a bit of free time to explore the town as you wish, before making your way back down (on foot or by mini-train). Alternatively, weather permitting, board a local boat for a cruise past the astonishing limestone cliffs that line the coast and through the sea caves before disembarking for a ride on a mini-train up to the Old Town, ascending on a winding road with stunning views of the harbor, the cliffs, and the massive walls of the Citadel. After a short stroll of the Old Town, enjoy some free time to explore the town as you wish. Following your return to the ship and lunch, attend a performance of polyphonic singers aboard ship. Dine at leisure as you sail for Sardinia.
|
05/13/2025 |
05/13/2025 |
Gagliari
Gagliari 05/14/2025
Arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia's capital city. Although the island enjoys a certain degree of autonomy from Italy, and its native language and customs are uniquely its own, Cagliari is thoroughly Italian in its laidback vibe and urban culture. Sightseeing choices include a locally-guided walking tour of the medieval Castello district, and a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, where impressive exhibits trace Sardinia's earliest civilizations from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine; view a recreation of a Phoenician village, and the Nora Stone, a stone tablet with the oldest sample of Phoenician writing found on the island. Winding alleyways lead you next to St. Mary's Romanesque cathedral, home of martyrs, relics, and the opulent mausoleum of King Martin the First of Sicily; you'll also visit Monte Urpinu (Fox Mountain), an urban park and nature reserve, for a chance to see swans, peacocks, and even foxes, as well as panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, travel outside the city for a visit to a winery that produces award-winning native wines. Or venture further, to an open-air museum on the site of Nora, an ancient port established by Bronze-Age Nuragic people, later inhabited by Phoenicians and Romans; the ruins include a theatre, thermal baths, houses, a temple dedicated to the Phoenician goddess Tanit, and a sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Asclepius. Whichever excursion you choose, everyone meets up in Cagliari later for a special Sardinian lunch at the Convent di San Giuseppe, a former medieval convent, now a family-run gathering place and local institution. This afternoon, sail for Palermo, Sicily.
|
05/14/2025 |
05/14/2025 |
Palermo
Palermo 05/15/2025
Steeped in Renaissance art and sumptuous Baroque architecture, Palermo is a glorious cultural melting pot with a North African flavor, full of hidden treasures. A walking tour of must-see landmarks takes you through Porta Nuova, a gate of the Old City, and along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele past the Cathedral; linger in the Piazza Pretoria, known as the Square of Shame for its fountain adorned with frolicsome naked figures; experience the eye-opening Santa Caterina Church, dripping with art and ornament, and the jaw-dropping Rococo ballroom of the Palazzo Gangi, made famous in a 1963 Visconti film, The Leopard, starring Alain Delon and Burt Lancaster; enjoy a drink with canapés under the painted ceiling and dazzling chandeliers. Tour Palazzo Mazzarino, a private residence of an aristocratic family, opened exclusively for Tauck; view its arcaded inner courtyard, frescoed rooms, and hanging gardens, and enjoy a drink on the rooftop terrace. You'll also immerse yourself in the city's Botanical Gardens, built in 1789, with its baroque greenhouse, sculptures, lagoon, and exotic flora, one of the oldest places in Europe for botanical studies; visit the historic private villa designed by Beaumont Gardner, an architect whose prominent family goes way back in the city's history; his grandfather was the American consul in Palermo in 1825. Meet the owners of the villa and enjoy an aperitif in the luscious garden. Return to the ship for lunch and hear an expert lecture on Addiopizzo, an internet movement to end Mafia protection rackets in Sicily. Your next port of call is Taormina.
|
05/15/2025 |
05/15/2025 |
Mount Etna
Mount Etna 05/16/2025
Catania nestles near the foot of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, so huge that it dwarfs every other mountain on Sicily. Locals affectionately call it "Mama Etna", a majestic, living presence in everyday life. Meanwhile, you have a choice of excursions. Take a scenic drive to Taormina, a medieval town beside the Ionian Sea; Goethe praised Taormina for its beauty in his travel book, Italian Journeys, and ever since it has drawn generations of artists, composers, and writers to its romance and ruins. Tour the Palazzao Corvaia, a fortified villa of Moorish, Gothic, and Norman design, and a centerpiece of the Old Town; in the 14th century the great hall was a meeting place for the Sicilian Parliament. Visit the town's most famous landmark, Teatro Antico, a Greco-Roman amphitheatre set on a clifftop with breathtaking views of Mt. Etna and the Bay of Naxos; built in the 3rd century BC, the theatre is still used for concerts and theatre productions. Enjoy free time in town, then head out to the a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna for a tour and tasting, and a family style lunch featuring local cuisine. Alternatively, you can drive through verdant countryside and scenic villages to the Sapienza Refuge, and ride by cable car and all-terrain vehicle up to the crater of the volcano; here, a mile above sea level, you'll find yourself in an incomparable panorama, suspended over the sea, where you can appreciate not just the crater but the historic lava flows that have molded the landscape below; your experienced mountaineer guides will show you the best volcanic attractions inside the visitors' zones. Then take a walking tour of the city center that includes the fish market (for a taste of local culture), and the baroque cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, profusely decorated with art and statuary, built upon Achilles' temple and baths. You'll also have an opportunity to traverse the sapphire, blue waters of the Blue Grotto, a sea cave off Isola Bella. Aboard ship this evening, an expert volcanologist offers insights into earthquakes, eruptions, and the volcanic geology of the Mediterranean isles.
|
05/16/2025 |
05/16/2025 |
Taormina
Taormina 05/16/2025
Catania nestles near the foot of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, so huge that it dwarfs every other mountain on Sicily. Locals affectionately call it "Mama Etna", a majestic, living presence in everyday life. Meanwhile, you have a choice of excursions. Take a scenic drive to Taormina, a medieval town beside the Ionian Sea; Goethe praised Taormina for its beauty in his travel book, Italian Journeys, and ever since it has drawn generations of artists, composers, and writers to its romance and ruins. Tour the Palazzao Corvaia, a fortified villa of Moorish, Gothic, and Norman design, and a centerpiece of the Old Town; in the 14th century the great hall was a meeting place for the Sicilian Parliament. Visit the town's most famous landmark, Teatro Antico, a Greco-Roman amphitheatre set on a clifftop with breathtaking views of Mt. Etna and the Bay of Naxos; built in the 3rd century BC, the theatre is still used for concerts and theatre productions. Enjoy free time in town, then head out to the a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna for a tour and tasting, and a family style lunch featuring local cuisine. Alternatively, you can drive through verdant countryside and scenic villages to the Sapienza Refuge, and ride by cable car and all-terrain vehicle up to the crater of the volcano; here, a mile above sea level, you'll find yourself in an incomparable panorama, suspended over the sea, where you can appreciate not just the crater but the historic lava flows that have molded the landscape below; your experienced mountaineer guides will show you the best volcanic attractions inside the visitors' zones. Then take a walking tour of the city center that includes the fish market (for a taste of local culture), and the baroque cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, profusely decorated with art and statuary, built upon Achilles' temple and baths. You'll also have an opportunity to traverse the sapphire, blue waters of the Blue Grotto, a sea cave off Isola Bella. Aboard ship this evening, an expert volcanologist offers insights into earthquakes, eruptions, and the volcanic geology of the Mediterranean isles.
|
05/16/2025 |
05/16/2025 |
Siracusa
Siracusa 05/17/2025
Siracusa was once a city-state, and the center of everything in the Ancient World: learning, trade, art, geopolitics, architecture, and culture. At one time or another it was the premier city of Greece, the Moorish capital of Sicily, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and a hub of Christianity and Judaism. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so there is much to see packed into this corner of the island. Visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park with a local guide and peruse the largest Greek amphitheatre ever built, carved into the side of a hill in the 3rd century; proceed to the Latimo del Paradiso (Paradise Quarry) to see the catacombs and the Ear of Dionysius, a cave with an opening shaped like an elfin ear, 70 feet high; because of its amazing acoustics, the grotto may have been a theatre or a prison, depending on whether you believe legend or the rogue artist-rascal, Caravaggio; then take a guided walking tour through Ortygia, a romantic island in the heart of the city dense with palazzi, charming piazzas, ancient temples, Byzantine churches, sidewalk cafes, and seaside promenades, where your stops include the ruined Temple of Apollo, and the Duomo, a Baroque masterpiece built over the Temple of Athena. You'll also drive to the city of Noto, an enclave of antiquity as old as Siracusa; leveled by an earthquake in 1693, the town was entirely rebuilt in the 18th century, and is known today as the Capital of Baroque, a stately showcase of Sicilian Baroque architecture, operatic in its grandeur, adorned with carvings, columns, and statuary, and aglow in warm, honey-hued limestone; a guided walking tour will take you from the public gardens to the main attractions along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, including the Church of St. Dominic, the Church of St. Charles, the Ducezio Palace, and the centerpiece Cathedral of San Nicolo at the top of a grand staircase in the main square. Enjoy free time to explore on your own then return to your ship for lunch, and spend the afternoon at leisure in Ortygia. This evening join the Captain for a farewell dinner as you sail for Malta.
|
05/17/2025 |
05/17/2025 |
Malta
Malta 05/18/2025
In 1530, Charles V of Spain leased the island of Malta to the Knights of the Order of St. John. In lieu of rent every year, the knights gave the king a Maltese falcon – not a jewel-encrusted objet d'art like the one Humphrey Bogart was after, but an actual hunting bird that symbolized the knights' role as Christendom's loyal soldiers and birds of prey. The jewel they delivered in time was Malta itself, the prize of the Mediterranean, a treasure island of opulent palaces, monasteries, cathedrals, art, and culture, as well as its own style of Baroque architecture. Valletta, the capital city, is entirely a UNESCO World Heritage site for having one of the highest concentrations of historic areas in the world. Disembark your ship in the world-famous harbor of Valletta, the Fortress-City, for a day of sightseeing that includes a visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral, a High-Baroque masterpiece saturated with frescoes, gold ornament, and one of the world's most treasured Caravaggio paintings; and Casa Rocca Piccola, the elegant private home of a local noble family (who still reside there), where you'll have the unique opportunity to meet a Knight of Malta. Travel to the walled town of Mdina, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and a living gallery of meticulously preserved palaces, chapels, monuments, and cathedrals, intimate winding streets and alleys, and panoramic views from its ramparts. You'll also view a film, "The Malta Experience," that distills 7,000 years of Maltese history and tells how the Knights of St. John ushered in the island's second golden age. Stop at a restaurant in Mosta for a lunch of Maltese cuisine and folklore entertainment. Then return to Valletta for an evening on your own.
|
05/18/2025 |
05/18/2025 |
|
Cruise Ends (Debarkation)
|
05/18/2025 |
05/18/2025 |
Valletta
Valletta 05/19/2025
In 1530, Charles V of Spain leased the island of Malta to the Knights of the Order of St. John. In lieu of rent every year, the knights gave the king a Maltese falcon – not a jewel-encrusted objet d'art like the one Humphrey Bogart was after, but an actual hunting bird that symbolized the knights' role as Christendom's loyal soldiers and birds of prey. The jewel they delivered in time was Malta itself, the prize of the Mediterranean, a treasure island of opulent palaces, monasteries, cathedrals, art, and culture, as well as its own style of Baroque architecture. Valletta, the capital city, is entirely a UNESCO World Heritage site for having one of the highest concentrations of historic areas in the world. Disembark your ship in the world-famous harbor of Valletta, the Fortress-City, for a day of sightseeing that includes a visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral, a High-Baroque masterpiece saturated with frescoes, gold ornament, and one of the world's most treasured Caravaggio paintings; and Casa Rocca Piccola, the elegant private home of a local noble family (who still reside there), where you'll have the unique opportunity to meet a Knight of Malta. Travel to the walled town of Mdina, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and a living gallery of meticulously preserved palaces, chapels, monuments, and cathedrals, intimate winding streets and alleys, and panoramic views from its ramparts. You'll also view a film, "The Malta Experience," that distills 7,000 years of Maltese history and tells how the Knights of St. John ushered in the island's second golden age. Stop at a restaurant in Mosta for a lunch of Maltese cuisine and folklore entertainment. Then return to Valletta for an evening on your own.
|
05/19/2025 |
05/19/2025 |
Valletta
Valletta 05/20/2025
Prehistoric stone enclaves and temples are scattered over the islands of Malta's archipelago. The earliest signs of civilization in the Mediterranean, some are older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids. Like Stonehenge, the temples are "megalithic", made of enormous stone blocks stacked on one another, so high that legends say they were built by giants; and considering when they were built (as early as 3600 BC), the builders had skills beyond their years. Visit the temple complex of Hagar Qim in Mnajdra, set on a windswept hill overlooking the sea. Tour the sprawling complex of chambers, altars, cisterns, carvings and statuary, and learn the best theories of who made them and why. Return to Valletta and join us this evening at the Sacré Infermeria, an imposing 16th century building that was originally a hospital run by the Knights of St. John, (also known as the Knights Hospitallers) where we'll celebrate the end of your Mediterranean odyssey with a farewell reception followed by dinner; the stunning medieval complex overlooking the harbor is renowned for its hospitality.
|
05/20/2025 |
05/20/2025 |
Valletta
Valletta 05/21/2025
Transfers are included from your hotel, The Phoenicia Malta or Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa, to Malta's Luqa International Airport. Transfers are approximately 20 minutes depending on time of day and traffic. Please allow three hours for check-in at the airport.
|
05/21/2025 |
05/21/2025 |
