Medieval Marvels & Chateauneuf du Pape Wines: Private Marseille Shore Trip

Embark on a vibrant Shore Excursion from Marseille to visit Avignon and the Châteauneuf du Pape wine producing region. Let our Expert local guides introduce you to one of the most prominent wine regions of the Cotes du Rhone.

Pick up at your Cruise Ship in Marseille 

Today we will come and pick you up at your Cruise Ship in Marseille Port of Call. Meet your English speaking driver/guide who will go over the itinerary and program of this private shore excursion. Then, board your air conditioned vehicle and begin to make your way to the town of Avignon.

The tour will first take you to the Pope's city of Avignon. We will then take you to the Chateauneuf du Pape wine region where you will have several wine tasting sessions in carefully selected châteauneuf du pape wineries.

Avignon town visit

Begin your full day tour from Marseille in the beautiful Provence region by the visit of Avignon, known as the city of the popes. This stunning small town of France was built close to the Rhône River where enjoyable boat rides can be taken.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Avignon around the Unesco world heritage listed historic city center with your guide. During the tour you will discover the Pope's palace, a unesco listed site, Pont St Bénezet, Notre Dame des Dom’s cathedral, Saint Peter's church and Horloge square. Your guide will certainly take some time to evoke the Papal history of this stunning town of Provence.

After the visit, enjoy some free time for personal discovery. It will be possible to have lunch in the town of Avignon or you can also ask your tour guide to get away from it all and have lunch in a local hilltop village such as les baux de provence. After lunch, reach the Châteauneuf du Pape wine region.

Châteauneuf du Pape Wine tour

The Châteauneuf du Pape Appellation was one of 6 to be labeled as the first AOC wines of France in 1936. The vineyards planted by the Romans were extended and developed by the Pope's residing in Avignon during the 14th century. As you reach this famous wine producing region, discover the village and its ancient castle that was the summer residence of the Pope's during their stay in the area.

Here, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley. Then, you will have some free time to roam around and enjoy a wine tour of Chateauneuf du Pape wines in the old 14th century pope cellars. Depending on your wishes, it will be possible to taste more wines in the local wineries that your guide can point to. Here, both red and white wines are produced.

Chateauneuf du Pape wines have the specificity of having a possible thirteen grape varieties that can be used in the blend with Grenache & Syrah being the most used. The lesser produced white wines can include any of the seven authorized grape varieties such as Roussanne or Greanche Blanc.

After the wine tasting tour, we will take you back to Marseille and that will be the end of our services. Please note that this experience requires a minimum number of travelers to take place. If the tour is canceled because the minimum isn't met you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.