Marseille Shore Excursion Private tour to Arles & Les Baux
Description Summary
Highlights
- ✓Explore the picturesque village of Les Baux de Provence
- ✓Marvel at the stunning views in Les Baux
- ✓Wander through the charming streets of Arles
- ✓Discover the Roman architecture of Arles
Description
Embark on a private shore excursion from Marseille that reveals the best of Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence in a single day. In Arles, often called a little open-air museum, stroll past Roman-era streets, admire the impressive Roman amphitheater and other ancient remains, and feel the artistic spirit that once inspired Vincent van Gogh. Wander through sun-filled squares, narrow lanes, and cafés that capture the everyday rhythm of Provençal life.
Your day continues in the dramatic hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence, perched high above a patchwork of olive groves and rocky hills. Meander along cobbled alleys, explore stone houses and castle ruins, and pause at viewpoints with sweeping panoramas over the Alpilles countryside. With comfortable transport from the Marseille Cruise Terminal and plenty of time to walk, photograph, and simply enjoy the scenery, this private Provence shore excursion is a memorable way to experience the region’s history, landscapes, and village charm in one seamless trip.
Arles & Les Baux: Private Shore Excursion from Marseille
Set out from Marseille on a private shore excursion that weaves together the Roman grandeur of Arles, the dramatic hilltop setting of Les Baux‑de‑Provence, and the timeless charm of Saint‑Rémy‑de‑Provence. With your own English‑speaking driver and premium A/C vehicle, you travel in comfort while keeping the day flexible and unhurried.
Roman Heritage in Arles
Begin in Arles, where wide boulevards, stone lanes and sunlit squares frame some of the best‑preserved Roman monuments in Provence. Enjoy a guided walk past the amphitheater, ancient theatre and historic quarters, with time to pause for photos and to soak up the everyday life of this vibrant town.
Les Baux: Perched Medieval Village
Continue into the Alpilles hills to Les Baux‑de‑Provence, a spectacular medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop. Stroll its cobbled streets, explore stone houses and ruined ramparts, and savour panoramic views over olive groves and rugged cliffs that seem made for photographers and painters alike.
Optional Immersive Art Experience
If you wish, you can add a visit to the Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux (time permitting, pre-booking mandatory), where masterpieces are projected onto quarry walls in a dazzling sound‑and‑light show—a memorable way to connect art, music and place.
Designed for Discerning Travelers
With private pick‑up and drop‑off at your cruise ship, a comfortable vehicle, and the option to pre‑arrange monument entrances, this excursion is crafted for discerning travelers who want depth, ease and style in one unforgettable day ashore.
Included / Excluded
- ✓Pick up and drop off at Cruise Ship in Marseille
- ✓Walking tour in Arles
- ✓Visit Les Baux de Provence
- ✓English speaking driver or driver/guide
- ✓Premium A/C vehicle
- ✗Meals and drinks (lunch)
- ✗Personal travel insurance and expenses
- ✗Gratuities for the guide
Itinerary
Private Arles & Les Baux Shore Excursion from Marseille
- 1
Pickup at Marseille Cruise Terminal
Meet your English‑speaking driver directly at the Marseille Cruise Terminal and relax in your private, air‑conditioned vehicle as you head toward Provence.
- 2
Morning in Arles – Roman & historic center
Arrive in Arles for a guided walk through the historic center, taking in the Roman amphitheater, nearby ancient monuments and the elegant main square with its town hall and obelisk. Enjoy a little free time to wander, shop or pause at a café.
1h 30m
- 3
Scenic drive through the Alpilles
Leave Arles and follow country roads through the Alpilles hills, passing olive groves, vineyards and rocky outcrops on the way to the perched villages.
- 4
Les Baux‑de‑Provence – hilltop village
Explore the dramatic medieval village of Les Baux‑de‑Provence at your own pace: stroll cobbled lanes, browse small boutiques and take in sweeping views from the fortress area. Free time for lunch (at own expense).
2 hours
- 5
Optional Carrières de Lumières visit
If you have chosen this option, fit in a visit to the Carrières de Lumières immersive art show in the former quarries near Les Baux (entrance at extra cost).
- 6
Return to your ship in Marseille
In the late afternoon, sit back for the drive back to Marseille and drop‑off at the cruise terminal in time for your ship’s departure.
Start / End Locations
Commentary
Audio • Language: en
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- This is a private shore excursion from Marseille with an English‑speaking driver.
- Walking includes cobbled streets, steps and some slopes; not ideal for limited mobility.
- Visit order and exact stops may vary with time and opening hours.
- Optional visits such as Carrières de Lumières require additional fees.
Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobblestones and uneven ground.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and water, especially in summer when the Alpilles can be very hot
- Have some cash or card for lunch, cafés, souvenirs
- A light layer is useful: hilltop villages like Les Baux can be breezy even on sunny days.
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 | €800.00 | €716.00 |
| 3 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | N/A | €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 travelers who love history, art, and spectacular landscapes and prefer charming towns to big cities. It’s ideal for couples, friends, and adult families who enjoy gentle walking through Roman ruins and medieval villages, with time for photos, cafés, and browsing small shops.
It suits guests who appreciate an intimate, private experience with a flexible pace and an English‑speaking driver, rather than a large coach tour, and who want to see a lot of Provence’s character—Arles, Les Baux area—in one carefully planned day from Marseille.
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