Marseille: Private City Center Walking Tour With Cruise

Marseille, a vibrant port city on the French Mediterranean coast, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can experience the best of this dynamic city through a private tour that combines a walking exploration of the historic center and a scenic cruise along the picturesque Côte Bleue. From discovering charming architecture and bustling markets to snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Calanques, this comprehensive tour promises an immersive introduction to Marseille’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes. With the chance to admire the imposing Château d’If fortress from the water and visit the iconic Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, this tour provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s captivating essence.

Just The Basics

• This private tour offers a 4-hour experience combining a walking tour of Marseille’s historic center and a boat cruise along the picturesque Côte Bleue coast.
• The walking tour highlights Marseille’s oldest district, the iconic Notre Dame de la Garde basilica, and other notable landmarks like the oldest bakery and a santon figurine factory.
• The cruise portion allows participants to explore the Calanques National Park, with opportunities to go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters and view the Château d’If fortress.
• The tour is available in Azerbaijani and English for private groups and is wheelchair accessible.
• Inclusions cover an English-speaking guide, experienced skipper, snorkeling equipment, and insurance coverage, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience.

Tour Details

This private city center walking tour with cruise in Marseille lasts for 4 hours and is available in Azerbaijani and English for a private group.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to participate.

The cruise portion takes you from Marseille to the Côte Bleue coast, where you’ll have the chance to go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Calanques. Along the way, you’ll marvel at the views of the Château d’If fortress and former prison.

The walking tour explores the oldest district of Marseille, offering stunning vistas from the Notre Dame de la Garde basilica, as well as visits to the city’s oldest bakery and a santon figurine factory.

Cruise Highlights

The cruise portion of the tour takes travelers from Marseille to the picturesque Côte Bleue coast, where they’ll have the chance to go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Calanques.

Along the way, they’ll admire views of the iconic Château d’If fortress and former prison.

This stunning coastal landscape offers a serene escape from the city, with the opportunity to explore the marine life up-close.

The cruise provides a unique perspective on Marseille, allowing guests to appreciate the city’s natural beauty from the water.

Whether it’s marveling at the towering cliffs or discovering the vibrant underwater world, the cruise highlights are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Walking Tour Highlights

Commencing the walking tour, guests explore the oldest district of Marseille, uncovering its rich history and charming ambiance.

Ascending to the top of the iconic Notre Dame de la Garde basilica, they marvel at the stunning panoramic views spanning the city and its picturesque harbor.

The tour also includes visits to the oldest bakery in Marseille and a santon figurine factory, offering a glimpse into the local traditions and artisanal craftsmanship that have endured throughout the centuries.

Strolling through the winding streets, guests uncover the unique character of Marseille’s historic center, seeing the city’s vibrant culture and centuries-old heritage.

Snorkeling in Les Calanques

After boarding the boat, guests embark on a captivating cruise along the Côte Bleue coast, where they’ll have the opportunity to snorkel through the crystal-clear waters of the stunning les Calanques.

The sheltered coves and inlets of this protected marine area offer a breathtaking underwater landscape to explore. Guests can expect to encounter:

• Vibrant schools of colorful fish darting through the water
• Intricate coral formations and sponges clinging to the rocky seafloor
• Mesmerizing sea anemones swaying with the gentle currents
• Opportunities to spot curious marine life, like octopus or sea turtles

The snorkeling experience allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and serene tranquility of this unique coastal ecosystem.

Views of Château D’if

As the boat glides across the calm waters, guests are treated to awe-inspiring views of the iconic Château d’If, the former prison fortress that has long captivated the imagination of visitors to Marseille.

This imposing structure, perched on a small island off the coast, played a prominent role in French history, serving as a prison for political and religious dissenters. Visitors can marvel at the fortress’s stark, angular walls and imagine the plight of its former inmates.

From the boat, guests can also spot the dramatic cliffs and coves that surround the Château, creating a picturesque backdrop for this iconic landmark. The cruise provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the fortress’s enduring historical significance and stunning coastal setting.

Exploring Marseille’s Oldest District

The walking tour takes visitors on an engaging exploration of Marseille’s oldest district, where they can enjoy the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

As you stroll through the winding streets, you’ll be captivated by the charming architecture, bustling markets, and lively local interactions.

The tour highlights the district’s most iconic landmarks, including:

• The picturesque Place aux Huiles, known for its traditional soap shops and lively cafés
• The Vieille Charité, a stunning 17th-century building that now houses an art museum and cultural center
• The historic Canebière, the main street lined with shops, restaurants, and vibrant street performers
• The Abbaye de Saint-Victor, an ancient abbey that dates back to the 5th century and features beautiful Romanesque architecture.

Basilica of Notre Dame De La Garde

Perched atop Marseille’s highest natural point, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde commands sweeping views of the city and its surrounding coastline, making it a must-visit destination for travelers and locals alike.

The neo-Byzantine structure, with its distinctive bell tower and gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, dates back to the 19th century and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Marseille.

Visitors can ascend to the top of the basilica’s towers for panoramic vistas of the city, the Vieux Port, and the Mediterranean beyond.

Inside, the grand interior features intricate mosaics, paintings, and other religious artwork, offering a glimpse into Marseille’s rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Insurance

This tour package includes an English-speaking guide, a skipper, and a 2-hour boat ride along the Côte Bleue coast.

It also covers a 2-hour walking tour, as well as the provision of masks and snorkels for exploring the crystal-clear waters of les Calanques.

Travelers can feel assured by the included insurance coverage and access to complimentary water during the excursion.

The tour’s inclusions ensure a comprehensive and worry-free experience:

• Knowledgeable English-speaking guide to lead the walking tour
• Experienced skipper to navigate the boat ride
• 2-hour boat cruise along the picturesque Côte Bleue coastline
• Snorkeling equipment for exploring the pristine waters of les Calanques

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour appears suitable for families with young children. The walking portion is wheelchair accessible, and the cruise includes snorkeling equipment, allowing children to participate in the water activities safely under supervision.

Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on your specific interests. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your preferences, whether it’s architecture, cuisine, or cultural attractions.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price generally includes the listed inclusions. However, there may be additional costs for personal expenses, such as meals, gratuities, or any optional activities not specified in the tour details.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy typically allows for full refunds if the tour is canceled more than 24 hours in advance. However, last-minute cancellations may incur fees or forfeiture of the tour price.

Can I Book This Tour for a Larger Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a larger group. The tour is offered as a private group experience, so the group size is flexible and can accommodate more participants upon request.

Final Words

This private tour of Marseille offers an in-depth exploration of the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.

From a walking tour of the historic center to a scenic cruise along the Côte Bleue, the experience provides an immersive introduction to the diverse attractions of this captivating Mediterranean port city.

Whether it’s admiring the iconic Notre Dame de la Garde basilica or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Calanques, this comprehensive tour showcases the best of Marseille.