Odyssey of Discovery through the Great Marseille
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Odyssey of Discovery through the Great Marseille

Active
(7 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour is entirely based on Marseille from a unique and different perspective. Tailored to immerse the traveller into the history of the great city of Marseille, while similarly introducing the guests to the incredible Marseille culture of solidarity. All while offering the guest familiarity in communication.
In the same sphere, guests get the opportunity to indulge in local delicacies, savour incredible taste of the world famous vin rosé.
During the entire tour, the guide ensures that the guests are safe and secure at all times, and reacts professionally in case of any situation.

Available options

Odyssey of Discovery through the Great Marseille

What's included

Guests can choose drop off point after tour.
*Guide will organise restaurant reservations depending on what the guest likes, but guests will pay their own bills and the meal of the guide.
Safety and protection of travellers by a professional close protection certified guide.

Detailed itinerary

1

Here guests will have a chance to visit a site, which is a church whose story began in 870.AD. In due course of its history, it was discovered that it was built upon the site of an ancient Roman temple that honoured apollo. In the 13th century it became the parish for fishermen in Marseille.
This church has undergone various transformations, including getting morphed with the Sainte-Catherine chapel, robbed of all its treasures during the French revolution, being used as a military warehouse in 1794, and reopened again as a church in 1801. The architecture style is Romanesque-Provencale.
This site, and the church standing on it has truly stood the test of time over decades, and remains standing today. A test of perseverance and patience.

2

I will guide you through through the Fort, showing and explaining its rich history that dates back a lot decades. The fort also offers amazingly good views of the Vieux Port, from a moderate point of elevation.
On one side, the Fort is connected via a foot-bridge to Eglise Laurent, and other, the modern Mucem.

3
Stop 3

In this modern architectural wonder that is jointed on to Fort Saint-Jean, I will guide guests in experiencing not only the wonderful beauty of its design, but also in partaking a quick drink warm or cold at the top terrasse cafe.
There are varied exhibitions and expositions all year round, guests can decide to visit the paid ones or the free ones.

4

Here I will guide guests past this architectural wonder, which is a cantilever design building next to the MUCeM. Its unique design inspires a feeling of new age trends. Similarly, Villa Mediterranee offers visits into palaeolithic caves under the sea.
Here guests can take photos of Villa Mediterranee, and also the esplanade J5. In the tour, we do not go into the premises.

5
Stop 5

On this site, there are two cathedrals. The old one, build in the 12th century in simple Romanesque style, it is commonly referred to as the 'Veille Major'. The famous composer Charles Desmazures, a French baroque composer was the organist.
The present cathedral, 'nouvelle major', is very impressive and massive, built in a fusion of Byzantine and Roman revival architectural style. The construction began in 1852 to 1893. This cathedral is truly a work of art as it is massive, and very very impressive.

6
Stop 6

Perched at 150m AMSL(Above mean sea level), the emplacement of this magnificent basilica offers a stunning 360° view of the entire Marseille city.
The current basilica itself was completed in 1897 after 40 years of construction. However, the site itself dates back to as far as 1214 when a local priest was inspired to build a chapel dedicated to the virgin Mary. The site was eventually turned into a defensive fortress during the reign of king Francis 1.
Join me on this thrilling adventure and discover very many previously unknown facts.

7

This is the old port of Marseille, where the Greek sailors first landed in in 600 B.C. Apart from the port itself, there's a lot of restaurants and bars where we will take a break and enjoy a local drink, while admiring the breathtaking scene.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
7 reviews
5★
7
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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Total Tour Duration inclusive of start to each leg of the tour and back.

Meeting point

- This is a second meeting point of convenience. It is on the vieux port. Once booked, travelers may reach out to us for a smooth pickup.

About Marseille

Marseille, the oldest city in France, is a vibrant port city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning Mediterranean coastline. With its bustling Vieux Port, historic architecture, and nearby Calanques National Park, Marseille offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions.

Top Attractions

Vieux Port (Old Port)

The heart of Marseille, the Vieux Port is a bustling harbor surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's a great place to start your exploration of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore

Calanques National Park

A stunning coastal park with turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and hidden beaches. Perfect for hiking, swimming, and kayaking.

Nature Half-day to full day Free entry

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

A iconic basilica offering panoramic views of Marseille. A symbol of the city and a must-visit for its architecture and views.

Religious 1-2 hours Free entry

MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)

A modern museum exploring the history and culture of the Mediterranean region. The building itself is an architectural marvel.

Museum 2-3 hours €11 for full access

Château d'If

A historic fortress and prison, made famous by Alexandre Dumas' novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. Accessible only by boat.

Historical Half-day €10 for the boat and entry

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bouillabaisse

A traditional Provençal fish stew made with various types of fish and shellfish, served with rouille and toasted bread.

Dinner Contains seafood, gluten (in the bread)

Navettes

Small, orange-blossom flavored biscuits shaped like boats, a specialty of Marseille.

Snack Vegetarian, contains gluten

Tapenade

A spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, typically served with bread or crackers.

Appetizer Vegetarian option available (without anchovies)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Calanques National Park Kayaking in the Mediterranean Scuba diving at the Riou Islands Sunbathing at Plage des Catalans Spa treatments at a luxury hotel Strolling along the Vieux Port Visiting museums and galleries Attending a performance at the Grand Théâtre de Marseille

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Marseille for beach activities and outdoor exploration. The weather is warm, and the city is lively with festivals and events.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: French
  • Widely spoken: English, Arabic, Italian
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Marseille is generally safe for tourists, but like any large city, it has its share of petty crime. Exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.

Getting there

By air
  • Marseille Provence Airport • 25 km from city center
By train

Marseille Saint-Charles

By bus

Gare Routière Saint-Charles

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with two lines connecting key destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Panier La Canebière Cours Julien

Day trips

Aix-en-Provence
30 km • Half-day to full day

A charming university town known for its elegant architecture, vibrant markets, and proximity to the Luberon region.

Cassis
25 km • Full day

A picturesque coastal town known for its stunning calanques, white cliffs, and vibrant port. Ideal for swimming, hiking, and boat tours.

Arles
80 km • Full day

A historic town with Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and a rich artistic heritage. Arles is known for its connections to Vincent van Gogh.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21 Marseille Jazz Festival • July Festival de Marseille • June to July

Pro tips

  • Visit the Calanques early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
  • Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Provençal dishes like bouillabaisse and tapenade.
  • Explore the city's street art scene in the Cours Julien and Panier neighborhoods.
  • Try local specialties like navettes, panisse, and socca at the markets and street food stalls.
  • Take a boat tour to the Château d'If for a unique perspective on the city and its history.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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