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

Explore the historical gems and renowned wine region of Provence on this personalized shore excursion from Marseille. Enjoy the architectural grandeur of Avignon, marveling at the Palais des Papes and iconic Pont d’Avignon. Then, venture into the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards for a guided tasting of the region’s full-bodied red wines, learning about the unique terroir and winemaking traditions. With a small-group format and knowledgeable driver-guide, this tour offers a worry-free and enriching experience. What secrets and stories might these Provençal treasures reveal to those who venture forth?

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores the historic city of Avignon and the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region, with a maximum of 8 attendees and a knowledgeable driver-guide.
• The tour includes visits to Avignon’s UNESCO-listed highlights, such as the Palais des Papes and the iconic Pont d’Avignon, as well as a guided wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
• Participants will discover Avignon’s captivating past, marvel at the architectural wonders of the Palais des Papes, and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions.
• The tour offers round-trip transportation from the Marseille port, ensuring a worry-free shore excursion for cruise ship passengers.
• The tour is stroller accessible but not wheelchair accessible, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the Avignon exploration.

Tour Overview

This small-group shore excursion from Marseille port offers cruise passengers a full-day exploration of the historic city of Avignon and the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region.

With a maximum of 8 attendees, the tour provides a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable driver-guide.

Passengers will visit the UNESCO-listed highlights of Avignon, including the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon.

Afterward, they’ll journey to Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, experiencing the renowned local vintages.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from the Marseille port, ensuring a worry-free shore excursion.

With comfortable walking shoes and a sense of adventure, guests can enjoy the rich history and flavors of this stunning region.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins in the historic city of Avignon, where passengers will explore its UNESCO-listed highlights. They’ll wander through the grand Palais des Papes, the imposing former papal residence, and gaze upon the iconic Pont d’Avignon, the famous medieval bridge that spans the Rhône River.

After soaking up the sights of Avignon, the group will head to the renowned wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Here, they’ll have the chance to sample the area’s renowned full-bodied red wines during a guided tasting at a local winery.

Avignon Exploration

Upon arriving in Avignon, the tour group will explore the city’s UNESCO-listed highlights, including the impressive Palais des Papes and the iconic medieval Pont d’Avignon.

The Palais des Papes, once the residence of the Popes during the 14th century, is an architectural marvel that dominates the city’s skyline. The group will wander through its ornate rooms and chambers, learning about the site’s rich history.

Next, they’ll head to the famous Pont d’Avignon, a partially-destroyed medieval bridge that has become a symbol of the city. The tour members will have the opportunity to walk across the bridge, enjoying panoramic views of the Rhône River and the surrounding landscapes.

This exploration of Avignon’s top sights provides a glimpse into the region’s captivating past.

Palais Des Papes

Dominating the skyline of Avignon, the Palais des Papes stands as an awe-inspiring architectural marvel, once the grand residence of the Popes during the 14th century. This UNESCO-listed site sprawls over 22,000 square meters, featuring a striking blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Visitors can explore the expansive chambers, chapels, and courtyards, marveling at the intricate frescoes, tapestries, and lavish furnishings that once adorned these halls.

Room	Size (sq m)	Notable Features
Grand Tinel	1,000	Largest medieval dining hall in Europe
Throne Room	500	Stunning vaulted ceilings and frescoes
Conclave Room	200	Site of papal elections
Chambre du Cerf	250	Lavish private quarters of the Pope

The Palais des Papes offers a captivating glimpse into the power and opulence of the Avignon Papacy, leaving visitors in awe of its grandeur.

Pont D’avignon

Alongside the grandiose Palais des Papes, Avignon’s famous Pont d’Avignon, also known as the Pont Saint-Bénézet, stands as another iconic landmark of the city, capturing the imagination of visitors for centuries.

This medieval stone bridge, dating back to the 12th century, once spanned the Rhône River, connecting Avignon to the left bank. Though only four of its original 22 arches remain today, the Pont d’Avignon continues to captivate with its striking silhouette and the breathtaking views it offers of the city and the winding river below.

Visitors can stroll across the bridge, evoking the history and significance of this UNESCO-listed site that has inspired countless artists, musicians, and writers over the ages.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting

The tour includes a stop at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a prestigious wine region known for its exceptional red wines.

Visitors will have the opportunity to sample some of the area’s finest vintages during a wine tasting session, gaining insight into the unique terroir and winemaking traditions that have made Châteauneuf-du-Pape a renowned appellation.

The tasting will highlight the complex flavors and full-bodied character of these celebrated Grenache-based blends, which are renowned for their depth, structure, and ageing potential.

Guests can expect to learn about the various grape varieties, production methods, and factors that contribute to the distinctive style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, providing a deeper appreciation for this iconic French wine region.

Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes a wine tasting in the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape region, where visitors can sample the area’s exceptional red wines and learn about the unique terroir and winemaking traditions that have made this appellation so renowned.

Plus, transportation is provided via an air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey. The tour also includes pickup and drop-off at the Marseille port, making it a convenient option for cruise ship passengers.

Along with the wine tasting, the tour guide will provide commentary and insights throughout the day, enhancing the overall experience.

With a maximum of 8 attendees, the small-group format allows for a more personalized and intimate tour.

Important Details

This tour offers a worry-free shore excursion guarantee, ensuring a hassle-free experience for cruise ship passengers. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour may be operated by a multilingual guide to accommodate diverse traveler needs.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, making it suitable for families with young children, though those under 4 years old aren’t allowed. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the itinerary involves exploring the UNESCO-listed highlights of Avignon on foot.

Plus, the order of visits can change, providing flexibility to adapt to any unexpected situations. The minimum drinking age for the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tasting is 18 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

While the tour has a set itinerary, the company may be able to accommodate certain customizations or modifications upon request, subject to availability and guide approval. Guests should inquire about options when booking the tour.

Is There an Option to Include Lunch in the Tour?

The tour does not include lunch as part of the package, but guests may have the option to purchase their own meals during the stop in Avignon. Additional food and drinks are not specified in the inclusions.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Tour?

The tour does not require any special equipment. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and participants should bring sun protection if desired. All necessary transportation and activities are provided as part of the tour.

Is There a Discount Available for Group Bookings?

The tour provider does not specify any group discounts for this excursion. However, booking the tour as a group of 8 or fewer passengers may provide a more personalized experience compared to larger group tours. The maximum group size is 8 attendees.

Can the Tour Be Rescheduled if the Cruise Is Delayed?

The tour can be rescheduled if the cruise is delayed, as the tour operator provides a "worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee." This ensures flexibility to accommodate any changes in the cruise ship’s schedule.

Recap

This small-group shore excursion from Marseille offers a comprehensive exploration of Avignon’s historic landmarks and the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region.

Visitors can marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon, then savor the full-bodied red wines of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, learning about the unique terroir and winemaking traditions.

With a knowledgeable driver-guide, this tour provides an immersive and worry-free experience of Provence’s cultural and culinary treasures.