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In this half-day private tour, discover Marseille's old port and the historical center. Observe the Palais Longchamp (Water Castle), go to the iconic basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde (usually called la Bonne Mère), and head up to Palais Pharo.

Highlights

• Palais Longchamp (Water Castle), which was build in 1869 to bring water from the Durance River to Marseille
• Notre Dame de la Garde (usually called la Bonne Mère) built in Roman-Byzantine style in 1864 to replace the old chapel with the same name
• Walk along the Vieux Port dotted with shops and restaurants

Description

Step back into the history and culture of the beautiful city of Marseille, which is in the midst of enjoying a cultural renaissance, which you will see during this 4-hour tour. This city was the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Your guide will pick you up in the morning at Marseille cruise terminal. Your adventure begins with a visit to the city’s historical center. Walk along the Vieux Port dotted with shops and restaurants, while your tour guide reveals the port’s journey from a 6th century trade post to the area’s hub of maritime activity in the 19th century. From there, you will head to the colonnade-lined Palais Longchamp at the terminus of the Durance River. Inaugurated in 1869 as a monument to commemorate the connection of Marseille to a new waterway network, the combination large fountain-waterfall-water tower has two wings housing the city’s natural history museum and Musée des Beaux-Arts. Continue with the stunning Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde. Situated on the foundation of an ancient fort, this building rests on the highest elevation in the city overlooking Marseille. Consecrated in 1864 to replace an 11th century church by the same name, the Basilica has a lower crypt built in the Romanesque style and an upper church built in the Neo-Byzantine style using green limestone from Florence. Take some pictures before ending your tour.  When your tour is finished, your guide will drive you back to Marseille port cruise terminal. 

Includes

Driver/guide Port pick-up and drop-off Private tour Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Important Information

• At the time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at the time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund