Marseille Shore Excursion Private day trip to Aix-en-Provence
Description Summary
Discover the charm of Aix-en-Provence on a private shore excursion from Marseille. Immerse yourself in its vibrant markets, stunning architecture, and rich history, all at your own pace. Enjoy personalized insights while exploring this French town.
Highlights
- ✓Wander the picturesque streets of Aix-en-Provence
- ✓Marvel at the unique architecture in Aix
- ✓Capture beautiful photos of Provence landscapes
- ✓Visit Cours Mirabeau, a vibrant boulevard
- ✓Learn about local artists and their influences
Description
Immerse yourself in the elegance of Aix‑en‑Provence on a private shore excursion from Marseille, tailored to your pace and interests. Stroll along the tree‑lined Cours Mirabeau, browse colorful Provençal markets, and discover graceful fountains and mansion‑lined squares in the historic center.
Art lovers can opt to visit the renowned Granet Museum or follow in the footsteps of Cézanne through streets, viewpoints, and, time permitting, his hilltop studio. Whether you’re drawn to art, history, shopping or café culture, your local guide helps you shape the day around what you enjoy most, with comfortable transport from and back to your ship for a carefree experience.
Private Shore Excursion to Elegant Aix‑en‑Provence
Your guide greets you at Marseille cruise terminal and you travel in comfort to Aix‑en‑Provence, enjoying a scenic drive through the Provençal countryside. On arrival, you begin a gentle introduction to this graceful “city of art and water,” famous for its fountains, markets and sun‑drenched squares.marseille-tourisme+1
Guided walking tour – fountains, squares and Cours Mirabeau
Spend about 1.5 hours on a relaxed walking tour through the historic center, with frequent stops and plenty of time to sit if needed. Stroll the tree‑lined Cours Mirabeau, admire elegant mansions and baroque fountains, and explore picturesque squares such as La Rotonde and the market‑filled Place des Prêcheurs.
Option 1 – Markets, café time and shopping
After the walk, you can choose free time to enjoy Aix at your own rhythm. Browse colorful Provençal markets for lavender, herbs and local produce, then explore the elegant boutiques, galleries and delicatessens that make Aix such a classy shopping destination. Round off your break at a café terrace for a relaxed lunch and people‑watching under the plane trees, ideal for guests who prefer minimal additional walking and plenty of local atmosphere.
Option 2 – Art and the Granet Museum
Art lovers may opt to visit the Musée Granet or its modern annex, where collections feature major European painters and works linked to Cézanne. With roughly an hour available, you can focus on the highlights while still keeping a comfortable pace before or after a light lunch nearby.aixenprovencetourism+3
Option 3 – In the footsteps of Cézanne
For fans of Impressionism, your guide can follow a compact “footsteps of Cézanne” route through the old town, pointing out sites tied to the painter’s life and favorite viewpoints. Depending on timing and mobility, your private vehicle can also take you up to Cézanne’s studio on the Lauves hill for a short visit or exterior stop, adding an inspiring artistic highlight without extra walking.
Lunch and personal discovery
Allow just over an hour for lunch at a traditional brasserie, modern bistro, or simple café, with your guide suggesting addresses to match your tastes and mobility. After eating, enjoy a little personal discovery—perhaps a final stroll along Cours Mirabeau, some boutique shopping, or a quiet square for a coffee or ice cream.
Return to Marseille cruise terminal
At the agreed time, meet your guide and driver for the journey back to Marseille, returning to your ship after roughly four hours in town. The schedule is planned to remain laid‑back and timed with a generous safety margin so cruise passengers are back on board well before departure.
Included / Excluded
- ✓Pick up and drop off at Cruise Ship in Marseille
- ✓Walking tour of Aix en Provence
- ✓Premium A/C vehicle
- ✓English speaking driver/guide
- ✗Personal travel insurance and expenses
- ✗Meals, drinks (lunch)
- ✗Entrance fees to monuments, museums
- ✗Gratuities for the guide
Itinerary
Marseille - Private Aix-en-Provence FD SE
- 1
Pickup at Marseille Cruise Terminal
Meet your driver‑guide directly at the cruise terminal and settle into your air‑conditioned vehicle for the 30–40 minute drive to Aix‑en‑Provence, with a short introduction to the town and the options for your visit.
- 2
Aix Guided walking tour – about 1.5 hours
Begin with a relaxed, 90‑minute walking tour of the historic center: stroll along Cours Mirabeau, see elegant mansions and fountains, and follow your guide through a selection of picturesque squares and streets around the old town. The route is designed to be mostly flat, with frequent stops and time for photos.
1h 30m
- 3
Free time – markets, cafés and shopping (about 1 hour+)
After the guided walk, enjoy around an hour of free time to make Aix your own. You might browse Provençal markets, explore chic boutiques and galleries, or choose a café or brasserie on a pretty square for a leisurely lunch or drink while people‑watching under the plane trees.
1h 30m
- 4
Optional focus during free time
Guests who prefer more structure can ask the guide to focus their free time on one theme, such as a short visit to the Musée Granet, a compact “footsteps of Cézanne” stroll using the marked plaques in town, or extra time in specific shopping streets. These options remain flexible and can be adapted to energy levels on the day.
1h 30m
- 5
Free time for lunch
During the day, enjoy just over an hour of free time for lunch. Your guide suggests brasseries, bistros or simple cafés depending on your tastes and mobility, from terrace dining on Cours Mirabeau to quieter spots on shady side streets. This break lets you relax, taste Provençal cuisine and recharge before any further exploring.
- 6
Return to Marseille Cruise Terminal
Rejoin your driver at the agreed meeting point and relax on the drive back to Marseille. You arrive at the cruise terminal with a comfortable margin before all‑aboard, after roughly four hours in town and a laid‑back taste of elegant Aix‑en‑Provence.
Start / End Locations
Commentary
Audio • Language: en
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Private shore excursion with pickup and drop‑off at Marseille
- About 4 hours in Aix‑en‑Provence plus driving time
- Includes a 1.5‑hour guided walking tour of the historic center at an easy pace
- Ideal for small groups and cruise guests who prefer a relaxed, cultural visit
- Tour conducted in English with a local driver‑guide
Know Before You Go
- Expect gentle walking on mostly flat streets
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather‑appropriate clothing
- Market days and opening times for museums/shops can vary by day of week
- Please be at the cruise terminal 10–15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 48 hours
Cancellation Notes: 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
Options and Pricing
| 2 participants minimum - Total price | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €795.00 | €716.00 |
| 3 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €265.00 | €239.00 |
| 4 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €200.00 | €179.00 |
| 5 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €160.00 | €143.00 |
| 6 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €135.00 | €119.00 |
| 7 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €115.00 | €102.00 |
| 8 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €100.00 | €89.00 |
Points of Interest
Terms and Conditions
Refund Policy: You must notify us at least 48 hours in advance if your ship cannot dock (due to weather or port changes) to qualify for a refund.
All our terms and conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales
All private shore excursions must clearly specify the name of the ship and the local port of call. Ophorus will not be held responsible if the wrong port of call has been notified during reservation process. Each customer has to check that he or she has the appropriate documents for their journey; a passport (with visa if necessary) or a valid ID card.
No refund will be granted in case of lack or loss of ID documents. Eating, drinking and smoking on board the minivans is strictly forbidden (law of September, 17th, 1977). All passengers are insured during the excursions while in the vans. The responsibility of Ophorus is limited to our insurance contract clauses.
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 cruise guests who enjoy art, history, gentle walking and a classy Provençal atmosphere rather than a long, intensive sightseeing day. It’s ideal for couples, small groups of friends, and culturally curious travelers who want time to explore Aix’s markets, fountains, boutiques and Cézanne connections at a relaxed pace. The flexible options (markets and café time, Granet Museum, or a short “footsteps of Cézanne” focus) also make it a great choice for visitors with mixed interests or limited mobility, as the day can be tailored to energy levels and preferences.
Voucher Information
Please note: This tour is timed to your ship’s schedule. Your guide will meet you just outside the cruise terminal after disembarkation holding a sign with your name. In case of any last‑minute changes by the cruise line, please check your ship’s daily program and contact us as soon as possible so we can adjust timings accordingly.
Group Information
We can handle any group size (from 8 people) ranging from small groups to larger groups. Transportation options include private vehicles, mini-vans, mini-buses and large buses.
Just get in touch to find out more! Contact us by email: groups@ophorus.com (groups from 8 people)
For groups of 2-8 people please fill out this form: https://ophorus.com/contact-us