Marseille's Four Main Highlights & Free Time

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Explore four places of Marseille at your convenience by motorcoach, perfect for independent-minded travelers. You will have defined time on your own to explore at each of the four stops. Each time you leave the coach, the host(ess) will advise you what time you need to be back at the drop-off point; then, you will re-board the coach and continue on to the next stop. The host(ess) does not provide any commentary or maps.

Hop on the motorcoach and cruise down the spectacular Corniche President J.F. Kennedy, a scenic seaside boulevard dedicated to the U.S. president, with stunning views of the coast's craggy cliffs, beaches and nearby islands. Enjoy the typical little port of "Le Vallon des Auffes", and take advantage of another facet of the city.

You can also ascend to the highest point in the city, where you'll find what the locals refer to as La Bonne Mère ("the Good Mother") – the spectacularly situated Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde. This neo-Byzantine church is built on the foundation of a military fort erected by King François I. A square bell tower rises 130 feet over the entrance and supports a copper and gilded gold statue of the Virgin Mary that looks out over Marseille. Don't miss the colorful mosaics decorating the interior cupolas.

You can explore the area surrounding the Old Port (Vieux-Port), the city's main harbor, where working fishermen mingle with the younger crowd that frequents the fashionable bars, restaurants and theaters that have revitalized this part of town. Overseen by two massive forts, Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, this is one of the most vibrant spots in the city and a great place to grab a bite at a waterfront café. Catch a glimpse of the couldn't-be-fresher catch of the day at the Quai des Belges, a daily fish market in the morning.

Stroll through the Panier quarter and enjoy the old Marseille, sampling the famous boat-shaped Provencal pastry, the "navette." Investigate the grand Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, founded in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 19th century in a Romano-Byzantine style. Stop by a museum for a dose of history and art; the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille is devoted to the history of the town and details the Greek and Roman history of the city along with a display of the best-preserved hull of a 6th-century boat in the world.

And if you would like to fit in a bit of shopping, be sure to explore the neighborhood of La Joliette, home of a new Museum area, where the Mucem stands, and shopping district as well as the restored Docks de Marseille, an enormous and impressive 19th-century building that now contains various corporate headquarters and restaurants.

When you've had your fill of the city's highlights, just pop back onto your coach and return to your ship.

Special Notes:

It will be your responsibility to be at the drop-off point at the given return time, so please be aware of traffic conditions, delays and wait times while enjoying your time in the city.

Multi-port packages and discounts for student and seniors are not available on board.

An English-speaking escort will be aboard the transfer motor coach. She/he will not give any commentary during the tour. She/he will only answer to question regarding the time and location of the bus.

Medical Restriction:

Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues