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

Exploring the charm of Southern France doesn’t get much better than the Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion to Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape. This personalized tour takes you through the UNESCO-listed sites of Avignon, including the iconic Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon. After a delightful wine tasting at a renowned Chateauneuf du Pape winery, you’ll have a chance to discover why this region is renowned for its exceptional vintages. With just 8 participants, this intimate adventure ensures a truly memorable experience.

Key Points

• This small-group shore excursion from Marseille takes visitors to the historic city of Avignon and the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region.
• Participants can visit the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes and iconic Pont d’Avignon, as well as enjoy a wine tasting at a Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minivan and a knowledgeable driver/guide to provide commentary throughout the day.
• The maximum group size is 8 participants, ensuring a personal and intimate experience.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and no children under 4 years old are allowed on the tour.

Tour Overview and Details

This small-group Marseille shore excursion provides a full-day tour to Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape, a renowned wine region.

The tour departs from the Marseille port and is limited to a maximum of 8 attendees, ensuring a personal experience. Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minivan is included, along with a knowledgeable driver/guide and a wine tasting.

Visitors will have free time to explore Avignon’s UNESCO-listed sites like the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon.

The tour also includes a stop at a Chateauneuf du Pape winery before returning to Marseille. Entrance fees to monuments aren’t included unless specified.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour first stops in Avignon, a city renowned for its UNESCO-listed sites, including the Palais des Papes and the iconic Pont d’Avignon. Guests have the opportunity to visit the Popes’ Palace, though entrance fees are not included. After exploring Avignon, the tour proceeds to Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting at a local winery. Guests can then enjoy free time in Avignon for lunch and sightseeing before returning to Marseille.

Site Visited	Included	Optional
Avignon	–	Popes’ Palace
Châteauneuf-du-Pape	Wine Tasting	–
Marseille	Round-trip Transit	–
Free Time in Avignon	–	Lunch, Sightseeing

Pickup and Meeting Information

The tour guide will meet participants at the exit of the ship/cruise terminal in Port de Marseille Fos – Porte 4 – Accès croisière & marchandises.

Cruise passengers should proceed directly to the meeting location and refrain from wandering the harbor area.

This small-group tour departs from Marseille’s port, with round-trip transit included. The maximum group size is 8 attendees, ensuring a personal experience.

Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible.

Children under 4 years old aren’t allowed on the tour.

Traveler Expectations and Guidelines

Although the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is stroller accessible. The minimum drinking age is 18 years, and pregnant travelers are not recommended to attend. Comfortable walking shoes are advised, as children under 4 years are not allowed. The order of visits may change, and no refunds are given if the cruise company cancels the port stop less than 24 hours before departure.

Accessibility	Drinking Age	Recommended Attire	Age Limit	Itinerary Changes
Stroller	18 years	Comfortable shoes	No under 4	Possible
Not wheelchair				No refunds

Reviews and Feedback

According to the 20 reviews, the Marseille Shore Excursion to Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and enjoyable wine tastings.

However, some critiques mention issues with guide engagement, timing at Avignon, and the nature of the winery stop.

Suggestions for improvement include more winery visits and better communication from guides.

Exploring Avignon

As visitors arrive in Avignon, they’re greeted by the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes, a sprawling medieval fortress that once served as the center of papal power.

This majestic structure dominates the skyline, inviting exploration of its grand halls and intricate architecture.

Adjacent to the palace lies the iconic Pont d’Avignon, a medieval bridge that spans the Rhône River.

Guests can stroll along the riverbanks, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and rich history.

With ample free time, travelers can wander the charming streets, browse local shops, and enjoy lunch in the historic town center, seeing the essence of Avignon.

Discovering Chateauneuf Du Pape Wineries

After exploring the historic sights of Avignon, the tour now turns its attention to the renowned wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape.

The group visits a local winery for a tasting, seeing the rich wine culture of the region. The guide shares insights into the unique terroir and production methods that contribute to the area’s acclaimed wines.

Visitors have the opportunity to sample a variety of Chateauneuf du Pape wines, gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexity and nuances that make this appellation so distinctive.

The winery stop offers a delightful conclusion to the day’s tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t allow bringing your own food and drinks. Snacks and beverages are not provided either, so you’ll need to plan ahead and purchase any refreshments you want during the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, there’s no information provided about the option to extend the tour duration. The details indicate the tour has a set itinerary and schedule, so extending the time may not be feasible. Travelers should check with the tour operator about any customization possibilities.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Wine Tasting?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer the option to request a specific type of wine tasting. The wine tasting is included as part of the overall experience, but the selection is determined by the tour operator. Customizations may not be available.

How Many Wineries Are Typically Visited During the Tour?

The tour typically includes a single winery visit in Chateauneuf du Pape for a wine tasting. While additional winery stops aren’t guaranteed, some reviews suggest requests for more wine tastings may be accommodated if time allows.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour as a Group?

There’s no specific group discount mentioned for this tour. The tour has a maximum of 8 attendees, providing a more personalized experience. Pricing is likely per person regardless of group size within the specified maximum.

The Sum Up

This small group shore excursion offers a delightful mix of historic Avignon and the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape wine region. Travelers can explore the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon, then indulge in a guided wine tasting at a local winery. With a knowledgeable driver and an intimate group size, this tour provides a personalized and charming experience of Southern France.