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

If you’re docking in Marseille and looking to explore the historic city of Avignon and the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region, this small group shore excursion could be the perfect fit. We’ll take you on a personalized tour, letting you soak in the UNESCO-listed sites of Avignon and treat your palate to full-bodied reds at a local winery. With comfortable transportation and expert guidance, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Shall we dive into the details?

Key Points

• Explore the historic city of Avignon and the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region on a small group Marseille shore excursion.
• Enjoy personalized experiences, including a wine tasting at a local winery, during this full-day tour exclusively for cruise passengers.
• Depart from the Marseille port in a comfortable vehicle and return after experiencing the highlights of Provence.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, and the minimum age for participation is 4.
• The tour has received positive feedback on knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and enjoyable wine tastings, with some critiques on guide engagement and winery visits.

Tour Overview

This small group Marseille shore excursion to Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape offers a personalized way to explore the region’s history and renowned wines.

We’ll depart from the Marseille port in a comfortable vehicle, with a maximum of eight guests for an intimate experience. This full-day tour is available exclusively for cruise passengers.

In Avignon, we’ll have free time to see UNESCO-listed highlights like the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon, and enjoy lunch and sightseeing on our own.

Then, we’ll visit a winery in Chateauneuf du Pape for wine tasting before returning to Marseille.

Highlights of the Itinerary

First, we’ll stop in the historic city of Avignon, known for its remarkable UNESCO-listed sites like the Palais des Papes and the iconic Pont d’Avignon.

You’ll have free time to explore the city, grab lunch, and see the sights at your own pace.

Then, we’ll head to the acclaimed Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region for a tasting at a local winery.

Here, you’ll get to sample the full-bodied reds that made this appellation famous.

After, we’ll return to Marseille, having experienced the highlights of Provence in a single, convenient day trip.

Logistics and Meeting Details

Round-trip transit from the Marseille port is included in this tour, so you won’t need to worry about arranging your own transportation.

To meet up with the guide, we’ll gather at the designated meeting location:

1. Port de Marseille Fos – Porte 4
2. The tour guide will be waiting for you at the exit of the ship/cruise terminal.
3. It’s important not to wander the harbor area – stay put at the meeting spot.

Once everyone’s accounted for, we’ll set off together on our full-day excursion to Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape.

Tour Conditions and Recommendations

Although this tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is stroller accessible. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes as there will be a fair amount of walking during the day. Children under 4 are not allowed on this tour, but it is suitable for older children. It’s important to keep in mind that the minimum drinking age is 18. Please consider your physical capabilities before booking, as this tour may not be suitable for pregnant travelers.

Accessibility	Suitability
Not wheelchair accessible	Stroller accessible
Minimum age 4	Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Minimum drinking age 18	Comfortable walking shoes recommended

Customer Feedback and Experiences

How do customers rate this Marseille shore excursion to Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape? The tour receives strong reviews with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 20 reviews.

Customers highlight several positives:

1. Knowledgeable guides who provide great insight
2. Beautiful scenery and enjoyable wine tastings
3. Personalized experiences at the wineries

However, some critiques mention issues with guide engagement, timing, and the quality of winery visits.

Despite these minor concerns, guests appreciated the opportunity for free time in Avignon and the personalized nature of this small-group tour.

Exploring Avignon: UNESCO-Listed Sites

The shore excursion’s first stop is the historic city of Avignon, known for its UNESCO-listed sites.

We’ll wander through the Palais des Papes, a grand 14th-century papal residence and one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in Europe.

Next, we’ll cross the famous Pont d’Avignon, the medieval bridge that once spanned the Rhône River.

With free time to explore, we can grab lunch and see other highlights like the Basilica of St. Didier.

Avignon’s rich history and well-preserved medieval architecture make it a must-see stop on our Marseille shore excursion.

Chateauneuf Du Pape Wine Tasting

After exploring the historic sights of Avignon, we’ll make our way to the renowned wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape.

At a local winery, we’ll enjoy a guided tasting of the region’s famous red wines:

1. Sample the bold, complex Grenache-based blends that give Chateauneuf du Pape its signature style.
2. Learn about the unique terroir and production methods that contribute to the wines’ exceptional quality.
3. Discover the perfect pairings for these rich, full-bodied reds, perfect for enjoying with a hearty meal.

This winery visit provides an authentic taste of the Rhône Valley before returning to Marseille.

Returning to Marseille

As we depart the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape region, we’ll make our way back to the port of Marseille.

Our comfortable vehicle will take us on the scenic drive, allowing us to reflect on the day’s experiences.

Upon arrival, our guide will ensure we reach our ships promptly.

This full-day tour has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to explore Avignon’s historic sites and savor the distinctive wines of Chateauneuf du Pape.

With memories to cherish, we’ll disembark feeling enriched by the culture and flavors of this remarkable region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel the Tour After Booking?

Yes, we can cancel the tour up to 24 hours before departure without any penalties. This gives us flexibility to adjust our plans if needed. Just be sure to cancel within that timeframe to avoid any charges.

Is There a Dress Code for the Wine Tasting?

There’s generally no dress code for wine tastings – we can wear casual, comfortable clothes. Just avoid anything too formal or messy, as we’ll be visiting a winery and want to be respectful of the environment.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Palais Des Papes?

We’re happy to report that you can take photos inside the Palais des Papes in Avignon. However, please be mindful of any restricted areas and avoid using flash to preserve the historic site. Enjoy capturing the stunning architecture during your visit!

How Long Does the Wine Tasting Last?

The wine tasting usually lasts around 30-45 minutes, providing us with ample time to sample several varietals and learn about the winemaking process. The length allows us to fully appreciate the unique flavors of Chateauneuf du Pape.

Can I Purchase Wine on the Tour to Take Home?

Yes, you can purchase wine during the wine tasting to take home. Many tours include the opportunity to buy wines directly from the wineries you visit, so you can bring home your favorite bottles.

The Sum Up

This small group Marseille shore excursion to Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape promises a delightful blend of history, culture, and renowned French wine. We’ll explore the UNESCO-listed landmarks of Avignon, then discover the acclaimed Châteauneuf-du-Pape region through guided tastings at a local winery. With comfortable transportation and expert guidance, it’s an immersive experience that offers great value for your time and money.