Private Marseille Shore Trip: Cassis & Calanques Boat Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the charming streets of Cassis village
- Admire stunning coastal views of the Calanques
- Savor local seafood on a waterfront terrace
- Enjoy a private guide for personalized insights
- Capture unforgettable photos of dramatic landscapes
Full description
Spend your day in port discovering Cassis, one of the most beautiful seaside villages on the Mediterranean. Stroll past pastel houses and café terraces wrapped around a lively harbor, then board a Calanques boat ride to slip between towering white cliffs, turquoise water and secret coves you can only reach from the sea.
Back on shore, savour a leisurely seafood lunch on the waterfront, with fresh catch of the day and a glass of crisp local wine if you wish. Your driver can then take you up towards Cap Canaille for jaw‑dropping views over the bay, or you can enjoy extra time on Cassis’ beaches to swim, paddle or simply relax. With private pick‑up and drop‑off at the Marseille Cruise Terminal and a flexible pace, this shore excursion blends dramatic landscapes, great food and authentic village charm into one unforgettable day.
Cassis: A Classic Mediterranean Escape
Leave the bustle of Marseille behind and spend the day in Cassis, a picture‑perfect fishing village framed by pastel houses, café terraces and a pretty harbor filled with boats. This private shore excursion is all about sea views, relaxed exploring and soaking up that easygoing Provençal atmosphere.
Calanques Boat Ride
From the port of Cassis, step aboard a Calanques boat tour and glide along turquoise waters beneath soaring white cliffs. As you slip into the famous rocky inlets, you’ll see hidden coves, tiny beaches and dramatic headlands that are only accessible from the sea—an unforgettable highlight of any visit to southern France.
Harbor Stroll and Seafood Lunch
Back on shore, wander the harborfront and old streets, with time to browse boutiques, enjoy an ice cream or simply sit by the water. Cassis is renowned for its seafood restaurants, so this is the perfect place to linger over lunch: think grilled fish, mussels or a simple plat du jour on a sunny terrace, with a glass of local white or rosé if you wish.
Views from Cap Canaille or Time on the Beach
Depending on the day and your preferences, your driver can take you up towards Cap Canaille, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, for breathtaking panoramas over the village, coastline and Calanques. Alternatively, you might choose extra free time on Cassis’ beaches, where clear, sheltered waters invite you to paddle, swim or just relax on the pebbles.
A Relaxed Day from Your Ship
With private pick‑up and drop‑off at the Marseille Cruise Terminal, comfortable transport and a flexible pace, this excursion is perfect for guests who want a laid‑back yet memorable day by the sea—combining natural beauty, great food and authentic village life in one easy trip.
Included / Excluded
- Pick up and drop off at Cruise Ship in Marseille
- Transport in premium A/C vehicle
- English speaking driver/guide
- Calanques National Park Boat ride
- Walking tour in Cassis with your guide
- Meals, drinks (lunch)
- Personal travel insurance, expenses
- Gratuities for the driver/guide
Itinerary
Pickup at Marseille Cruise Port
Meet your English‑speaking driver‑guide directly at the Marseille Cruise Terminal and settle into your private, air‑conditioned vehicle.
Scenic drive to Cassis
Enjoy a relaxing drive along coastal and countryside roads toward Cassis, with photo stops possible for views of the Mediterranean and surrounding hills.
Meeting point
Start Location
Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal
MPCT - Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal, Marseille, France
Important information
Know before you book
- Private shore excursion, tailored to your pace.
- Focus on Cassis village, Calanques boat and free time.
- Boat tours depend on sea and weather conditions.
- Walking on cobbles and gentle slopes in the village.
Know before you go
- Wear comfy shoes for harbour and viewpoints.
- Bring hat, sunscreen and water for sun and boat.
- Pack a light layer; sea breeze can feel fresh.
- Swimsuit and towel if you plan to enjoy the beach.
- In summer, expect heat and crowds.
Requirements
Information required at booking
- Ship departure information
- Ship arrival information
- Shore excursion details
Cancellation policy
We accept payment by AMEX, Visa and Master Card. There is no charge or service fee for processing credit card payments except with American Express +3%. For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund: Up to 72 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 72hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Reviews
Wonderful tour with Anne as our guide in St. Emilion for the day. She was very knowledgeable regarding the wines, the chateaus, phenomenal choices (including the lunch recommendations and wine shops to explore), and the people we met. We visited family owned chateaus with winemakers/owners passionate about making fantastic world class wines for centuries/generations. Our guide was incredible and her English was impeccable. St. Emilion is a stunning UNESCO site. The Mercedes van used for transport was comfortable and spotless. All in all, this wine tour was one of the best I have been on and a great value.
Wonderful tour to St. Emilion with our guide Rodolphe. We were there in early November and it’s the “low/slow” season, so we ended up being the only two people on the tour for the entire day. Rodolphe made it a great day. We visited three different chateaus, spent time in the charming village of St. Emilion before heading back to Bordeaux. I would certainly recommend this tour to others.
I would like to recommend the 4 hour Saint Emilion tour from Bordeaux. The knowledgeable guide Rudolphe first introduced us to the French wine culture with continuous commentary about the terroir, grapes, and the history of grape growing and wine making. Arriving in Saint Emilion he offered a tour of the church with commentary and then some free time to visit the delightful stores and wine shops in town. We then traveled to the Grand Cru Classe estate of Chateau Bellview established in 1642. There we toured the quaint production facilities including the caves which house the storage of the wines. We were able to see the bottles in the library even ones dating back to 1856. After a class on the art of tasting Bordeaux wines we were able to taste several vintages 2020, 2017 and the 2013, of the estate owners wines. The trip came to an end with a game on the way home of guess the aroma during the trip back to Bordeaux which seem to cut the 50 minute ride down to minutes. Over all a 5 star experience.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
If you want to share your tour with others, you can put it on Cruise Critic. Most of the time this gives good results. You must do this yourself as we are not accepted on their site as a professional business. We accept split payment transactions by credit card.
This shore excursion is best for travelers who dream relaxed, scenic day of a on the Mediterranean, combining a pretty seaside village, a Calanques boat ride, and time to savour fresh seafood by the harbor. It’s ideal for couples, friends and small groups who value gentle walking, memorable coastal views, and flexible free time over rushed, checklist sightseeing. Guests who enjoy photography, nature, and local food will especially love wandering Cassis’ colourful port, cruising past dramatic cliffs, and choosing between Cap Canaille viewpoints or a laid‑back moment on the beach.