Sanary Sur Mer Cruise Excursion Provence Wine Tour private

Taste delicious wines of Provence in Bandol & Cassis appellations. Visit some of the most charming port villages in France. Enjoy a small group full day private shore excursion Provence Wine Tour. Visit vineyards, taste red, white and rosé.

• Stop in the charming coastal village of Cassis or Bandol
• Provence wine tasting sessions in Cassis & Bandol
• Optional boat ride in the Calanques National Park

Pick up at your Cruise ship in Sanary sur Mer

Today, we will come and pick you up directly at your ship in Sanary sur Mer or Bandol Cruise Port. Meet your English speaking driver/guide who will go over the itinerary and program of this private Provence tour with you. Then board your premium A/C vehicle and begin to make your way to the Provence Vineyards located around Cassis & Bandol. After a short drive composed of breathtaking panoramic views, your minivan tour will arrive near the typical fishing port of Cassis.
Program & Itinerary :   - Pick up at your Cruise Ship in Sanary Sur Mer - Visit and Wine tasting at 1st Winery in Bandol or Cassis Appellation - Free time for lunch in a local restaurant (at own expense) in Cassis or Bandol village - Visit & Wine tasting at 2nd Winery in Cassis or Bandol Appellation - Optional 45 minute boat ride from Cassis to Calanques - Return to Cruise ship in Sanary sur Mer

Reach the Cassis Wine Producing region

Established as an Protected Appellation (AOP) in 1936, Cassis was one of the first in the region to obtain this qualification for the wines produced. The village is one of the few local appellations of the south of France composed of a single, tiny commune.

While most nearby appellations were originally cultivated by Greek outposts, Cassis is of Ligurian origins. The village of Cassis is Blessed by 3,000 hours of annual sunshine. The cool maritime winds make it truly a spot set aside for gorgeous wines. 

Taste local Cassis Wines

Cassis is the only region in Provence to produce a majority of white wine, regulated to contain at least 80% Marsanne. This varietal adds beautiful aromatics and finesse, an elegant profile for the refreshing, high-quality white wines of Cassis. Clairette is also a common component, adding fresh acidity to balance the body of Marsanne. A touch of red wines and a strong showing of rosé wines are also cultivated in Cassis – blends of Cinsault, Grenache and Mourvèdre.

After your wine tasting, discover the cute small fishing port of Cassis and its calanques listed by Unesco as a world heritage national park. The land & sea area is known for its white cliffs and turquoise water.

Free time for lunch (at own expense) & personal discovery

Enjoy a picture stop at the highest sea cliff in Europe that is named Cape Canaille where you will enjoy a stunning view over the bay. Enjoy some free time for lunch, personal discovery, relax on the beach or if time permits, board a motor boat for a 45-minute cruise (tickets not included) to admire the natural beauty of the local creeks (Calanques).

Arrive in Bandol and taste more wines

After your exploration of Cassis, your shore trip will continue heading to Bandol. It is a popular coastal town and wine growing region in the western part of the Cote d'Azur. Your visit to Bandol will start by a local wine tasting. 

The Bandol vineyard lies in a natural amphitheatre where the vines are planted on terraces over approximately 1,600 hectares. Sheltered by the massif of Sainte Baume to the North culminating at 1,147 metres, the Bandol vineyard descends in terraces towards the sea in a magnificent amphitheatre of wooded hills.

Bold red wines

The expression of the terroir comes together in the range of wines produced in the area: red wines, white wines and rosé wines. Bandol is a resolutely red wine, mainly produced from the Mourvèdre variety, known as the king of the appellation. Mourvèdre is the chief grape variety in the blend (50% to 95%). It is harmoniously combined with Grenache and Cinsault, the former bringing generosity to the wine, the latter giving it refinement.

Elegant white wines of Bandol

To penetrate the secret of Bandol, one must also taste its white wines. The wine-growers take delight in surprising wine lovers with this type of wine, produced in very low quantities. Clairette, Ugni Blanc and Bourboulenc are the base of the varietal mix.

Gourmand rosé wines

Bandol rosés are enchanting. Their roundness and generosity make them different from other rosé wines. Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault combine to give, by direct pressing, a well-structured, refined, pale-coloured wine with delicate salmon hues.

Visit the village of Bandol

Then, enjoy some free time for a walk around the harbour with some lovely pastel painted houses. The centre of the traditional village of Bandol is around a square called the Place de l'Europe immediately behind the promenade. This square is actually a series of three squares separated by raised terraces where a large fountain, shady plane trees and lively cafes combine with the view across the harbour to make a very attractive traditional Provencal square. 

At the top of the square is one of the most important historic monuments in Bandol, the Church Saint-Francois de Sales. The streets around the square are also interesting to explore with a surprise around every corner for example an ancient fountain, a tiny ancient house and flower boxes or a grand Belle Epoque villa.

This private guided tour will give you an opportunity to taste the local wines and visit 2 domains. You will also have some free time in both villages of Cassis & Bandol. Your private guide will point out the main attractions that can be found in the villages. After your tour, we will drive back to your cruise ship.

• Bandol Port & Plage, Avenue du 11 Novembre 1918, Bandol, France
• Parc national des Calanques, Marseille, France
• Cap canaille, Cassis, France

Ophorus requires full payment to guarantee your booking. In case of registration one month or less before shore excursion date, payment is expected immediately. We accept payment by credit cards (Visa, Master card, American Express), There is no charge or service fee for processing credit card payments but booking process does incur a booking fee. For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund: 

Up to 48 hours prior to departure (Paris Time Zone) > no cancellation fees except the booking fees 

48 hours prior to departure and less > no refund 

No refund will be made in case the boat is unable to dock in the port of Call.

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. All private shore excursions departing from Bordeaux must specify local port of call: “Bordeaux city port of call” or “Bassens port of call“ or “Le Verdon port of call”. No insurance for cancellation or assistance is included in the prices mentioned for private shore excursions. 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 are 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. 

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