Marseille City Highlights

Duration: 4 hours

Tour Code: mrs-001

Marseille offers so many intriguing diversions that there is little reason to venture farther. Driving through the colorful Old Port, where the city's Greek founders landed in 600 B.C., you will be mesmerized by the classically French sidewalk cafés, thriving markets, and picturesque fishing boats bobbing in the harbor.

As you travel along the coast, the landscape changes, and the views become dominated by the impressive cliffs of the Marseille massif and the scenic islands lying just offshore. Perched on La Garde Hill, high above the city, stands Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, which upon visiting you'll learn was built on a site that has been a defensive observation post since prehistoric times. The architecture of the Romanesque-Byzantine style basilica boasts magnificent domes, multi-colored stone, and golden mosaics. After a drive through the shopping district, you will stop for photos at the Palais Longchamp, a fantastic 19th-Century complex of stately museums, elegant fountains, and an expansive Zoological Garden. The entrance to Longchamp Park is guarded by four stone lions, and provides an unforgettable setting for a photo. Afterwards, you will drive to the old port where you will be afforded approximately 1-hour of free time to explore on your own before transferring back to the ship.

Please note: This tour includes just under 90-minutes of moderate walking, plus any additional walking at the guests' discretion during free time. There are approximately 120 steps to negotiate to reach the Basilica. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned only to participate to the extent of their personal stamina and ability and may make arrangements with the guide to not participate in some of the guided walking portions of the tour. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. When entering the Cathedral, it is requested that you wear conservative clothing with knees and shoulders needing to be covered. Flash photography & video cameras are not permitted in the Cathedral.