Iconic Western Mediterranean

Embark on a panoramic drive through Marseille and soak up the atmosphere of this historic port city. Board your motor coach and set out to view the Palais Longchamp—built during the mid-19th century to celebrate the construction of the Canal de Marseille, this monument is adorned with grand staircases, ornate sculptures and fountains. Your guide will share its history and you will have time for photos of its facade before continuing along the Corniche du Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy. From the comfort of your coach, glimpse the splendid Notre Dame de la Garde, the most magnificent building of its kind in southern France. Back in downtown Marseille, disembark your coach and enjoy free time to explore more on your own, perhaps calling at one of its lively cafés or restaurants, or taking a stroll along the quaint streets of this bustling port. After, return to your ship.

Discover Marseille’s historic quarter during a guided walk through Le Panier, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Begin with a short stroll to La Major Cathedral, a 19th-century neo-Byzantine masterpiece overlooking the Old Port. See its two bell towers, each rising almost 200 feet tall, and step inside to view its ornate mosaics and marble columns. Continue through narrow streets to see La Vieille Charité, a 17th-century almshouse built around a baroque chapel, and pass the Hôtel-Dieu, once Marseille’s main hospital for over 800 years. Your route spans 1.5 miles and ends at the 17th-century city hall—built on the former site of La Maison de Ville, a meeting place for merchants and consuls, it was almost destroyed during the French revolution and World War II. After viewing this historic building, set out to explore more on your own or visit a local café before returning to your ship.

Explore the two most significant religious symbols of Marseille and uncover its rich spiritual heritage. Drive by motor coach to the Abbey of St. Victor, one of Marseille’s oldest churches, which was completely restored to its former glory in the 1960s. In the abbey’s grounds, according to legend, the relics of the 14th-century Marseille martyr St. Victor are buried. The main church has sarcophagi, fine altars, stained glass windows and a stone carving of Victor himself astride a horse. Next, continue to the imposing Notre-Dame de la Garde. Known locally as “La Bonne Mère,” it has long been considered the guardian of those who venture out to sea—its basilica is filled with tokens from sailors and their families, including model ships, paintings and plaques. Set atop a hill overlooking the Old Port and Frioul archipelago, this is the most visited site in Marseille.

Walk through this historic fortified town and take in the views of its ancient fountains and architecture. Aix-en-Provence, Provence’s most elegant town, is just a 45-minute drive from port. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk passing through the Cours Mirabeau, a wide and lively avenue shaded by trees. It was built in the 17th century on the site of the medieval ramparts. Of interest here are the aristocratic facades of the old hotels, with their finely carved doorways and wrought-iron balconies. In the Cathedral of St. Sauveur, see architectural styles ranging from the 5th to the 17th centuries. You will also visit Aix’s numerous fountains, which serve as enduring symbols of the town and can be spotted in many locations throughout its historic streets. After your walk, enjoy free time to explore more on your own before returning to Marseille.

Contemplate van Gogh’s artistry in the fields, monasteries, chapels and villages depicted in his paintings. Begin your journey with a drive to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, celebrated for its artistic heritage—artists such as Yves Brayer and Auguste Chabaud were heavily inspired by the town and some of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous works were created here, including The Starry Night and Irises. Continue to the St. Paul de Mausole Monastery, a masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque art. From the top of its two-story square steeple, topped by a pyramidal roof, you can see the wheat field that van Gogh painted during his year of confinement. After lunch in the eagle’s-nest village of Les Baux-de-Provence, cap your day with a guided walk along narrow, winding streets and past the 12th-century Church of St. Vincent and the 17th-century Chapel of the White Penitents.

Explore a historic 11th-century hilltop village and delight in the sumptuous wines of Bandol. Disembark your ship for a drive to Le Castellet, where you will enter via two fortified gateways. Then, set out on a guided walk followed by free time among its small squares, lined with carefully restored houses, artisans’ workshops and a 12th-century church. Wind your way up to Le Castellet’s most iconic feature, an 11th-century castle that sits majestically atop a hillside and offers sweeping views of the famed Bandol vineyards. Descending into the plains beneath Le Castellet, your drive will bring you to Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, a stunning seaside locale whose beach is surrounded by pine forests. Here, you will learn wine-making techniques and sample local Bandol wines and complementary snacks at the Domaine de Frégate winery, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Journey to a quintessential fishing village and see the geological wonders of Calanques National Park. Join your local guide for a scenic drive to the fishing village of Cassis, passing Cap Canaille, France’s highest sea cliff, along the way. Your motor coach will drop you off at the top of Cassis, where you will continue your journey to the bay area. At the harbor, embark a small boat to cruise among the stunning Massif des Calanques, a wild and rugged terrain spanning 12 miles along the coast. This is one of France’s great areas of natural beauty. The steep-walled inlets and bays of this national park are the geological marvels of southern France. Caves once inhabited by smugglers and hermits lie beneath the surface of these towering rock formations. Back on dry land, enjoy free time in Cassis before returning to your ship.

Walk through this historic fortified town during a private, small group experience. Aix-en-Provence, Provence’s most elegant town, is just a 45-minute drive from port. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk passing through the Cours Mirabeau, a wide and lively avenue shaded by trees. It was built in the 17th century on the site of the medieval ramparts. Of interest here are the aristocratic facades of the old hotels, with their finely carved doorways and wrought-iron balconies. In the Cathedral of St. Sauveur, see architectural styles ranging from the 5th to the 17th centuries. Also visit Aix’s numerous fountains, the most famous of which was built over natural hot springs in 1734. Its water was appreciated by the Romans some 2,000 years ago for its healing properties. After your walk, enjoy free time to explore more on your own before returning to Marseille.

Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean beauty of Luberon during visits to three of its villages. Drive by motor coach to Gordes, where you will set out on a guided walk through its peaceful, cobbled streets. Following a lunch of local fare, drive to a nearby village known for its wine production, where you will learn about the region’s terroir and sample wines from their range. Enjoy free time to explore more on your own, then return to your coach for the journey to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Often known as the “Venice of Provence,” this picturesque town nestled between Avignon and the Luberon mountains was once a major hub for silk and paper production. Experience its charm during a guided tour, where you will see scenic canals and centuries-old waterwheels, and pass by its many antique shops and art galleries. After, return to your awaiting ship.

Discover Fontvieille’s olive oil heritage and stroll the streets of Arles, steeped in Roman history. Drive by motor coach to medieval Les Baux-de-Provence, a quaint village perched high atop a rocky plateau in the Alpilles mountains. After time to explore, continue to Fontvieille, where you will call at a local olive oil mill to gain insight into the tradition of olive cultivation that has been passed down through the generations. Learn about olive oil production and taste a selection of the mill’s signature oils and homemade tapenade. Next, enjoy a leisurely lunch in Arles at a local restaurant, followed by a guided walk through its charming streets. Pass by ancient monuments and Roman ruins, including the UNESCO-designated Arles Amphitheatre, and trace the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh, who lived here during the late 19th century. After, return to your awaiting ship.

Journey to Avignon to call at the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched atop Dome Rock. Set out on a drive by motor coach for this charming Provençal town, which served as the papal seat of the Roman Catholic Church from 1309 to 1377. Today, Avignon is a town of art and culture best known for its famous Pont d’Avignon, the medieval bridge spanning the Rhône River. Inside the well-preserved fortified city walls, explore the immense Palais des Papes—covering over two and a half acres in a maze of galleries, chambers, chapels and passages, it is the largest Gothic palace in the world. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 in recognition of its architectural and historical importance. After your visit, you will enjoy a guided walk of the town, followed by lunch in a local restaurant and a stroll through Avignon’s beautiful streets.