Provence (Toulon) (in port from 9:00 – 5:00 – 8 hours)
8 passenger van for 566 Euros (71 Euros per person)
16 passenger van for 997 Euros (63 Euros per person)
Marseille & Cassis (6.5 hour tour)
Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy (in port from 8:00 – 7:00 – 11 hours)
8 passenger van for 650 Euros (82 Euros per person)
Florence and Pisa Tour – Duration: 8-9 hours
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy (in port from 8:00 – 7:00 – 11 hours)
8 passenger van 400E (50 Euros per person)
Rome, Italy – Tour from Civitavecchia (9-10 hours)
Naples, Italy (in port from 8:00 – 7:00 – 11 hours)
16 person van 720 Euros (45 Euros per person)
Amalfi Coast & Pompeii from Naples cruise port (9 hours)
Mykonos, Greece (in port from 7:00 – 3:00 – 8 hours) – no excursion requested
Istanbul, Turkey (in port 9:00 – 6:00 – 9 hours)
15 person van 736 Euros (50 Euros per person)
Istanbul, Turkey – Full Day Highlights
Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey (in port from 1:00 – 8:00 – 7 hours)
8 person van 400 Euros (50 Euros per person)
Ephesus – 4 hour tour
Athens (Piraeus), Greece (in port from 8:00 – 6:00 – 10 hours)
16 person van 1040 Euros (65,00 Euros per person, including all fees)
Athens Full Day tour including a licenced guide and all entrance tickets
Venice, Italy – no excursion requested
DETAILS OF EACH EXCURSION:
Provence (Toulon) (in port from 9:00 – 5:00 – 8 hours)
Marseille & Cassis (6.5 hours)
Description:
During the morning: sightseeing tour of Marseille
France’s premier port and oldest major city is in a surprisingly attractive setting, centred on the Vieux Port (the old harbour). People have lived here for 26 centuries, its mixture of cultures being so varied that Alexander Dumas called it “the meeting place of the entire world”
This tour gives you the chance to discover several faces of the second-largest city in France:
•View on the “Vieux Port”. All streets lead to this place, where visitors tend to congregate. In this creek where the Phocaeans landed in 600 BC, now we can see thousands of yachts and pleasure boats
•See the famous brand new MUCEM museum located by the water at the entrance of the Old Port
•Stroll in the old area named “Panier”, stopping in front the Old Charity, a former hospice composed of beautiful three-tiered arched balconies surrounding the lovely domed Chapel in the center
•View on the huge and sumptuous XIXth century cathedral
•Splendid panorama from the highest point of the city, to take time to admire the unique site on which the city was built
•Visit of the basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, overlooking the city, presided over by a golden Madonna on a 150 ft bell tower. It’s inside decoration made of mosaics and unusual votive offerings will impress you
•Corniche: picturesque road cut into the cliff and following the coast for more than 3 miles. It offers wonderful sights on the Frioul Islands, among which the Château d’If Island, that served as the setting place for Alexander Dumas, writing the story of the count of Monte Cristo
•Colourful fishing village of Vallon des Auffes, one of the most characteristic places in Marseille
•St Victor Basilica is a religious fortress founded in the Vth century and enlarged from the XIth to the XIVth centuries. In the crypt, you can visit the catacombs, sarcophagi and the cave of St Victor (entrance fee not included)
Lunch on your own Cassis. If you want us to book a Bouillabaisse lunch (local dish made on a wide variety of fishes and a fish stew), please ask us.
This little seaside resort is snuggled at the foot of a very tall cliff called Cap Canaille. Cassis is a wonderful place to stroll about with its picturesque fishing port lined with cafes and restaurants.
The fishing boats now share the harbor with yachts and a collection of tourist boats for visiting the “calanques”, a trip you shouldn’t miss (45 min to 1h30).
Between Marseille and Cassis the coast is broken up by these “calanques”, enticing fjord-like inlets lying between vertical white cliffs. The sight is fantastic. (Cruise not included)
From the panoramic road overlooking the bay of Cassis, we will stop to appreciate the fabulous landscape.
It is also possible to stop in a winery to taste the renowned Cassis white wine
Suggested schedule
Pick up at your ship in the Port of Toulon or La Seyne sur Mer
Sightseeing tour of Marseille including the major sites such as Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica
and view point, the old port and the seaside road…
Drive to Cassis
Visit Cassis and lunch in one of the numerous cafes or restaurants facing the harbour.
Panoramic drive overlooking Cassis offering astonishing views on the sea shore
Drive back and drop off
Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy (in port from 8:00 – 7:00 – 11 hours)
Duration: 8-9 hours
Florence and Pisa is a popular Shore Excursion from Livorno that you will enjoy as you journey into the heart of Tuscany to visit Pisa and Florence in the comfort of your own private deluxe vehicle driven by your personal, knowledgeable driver eager to help you create memories that last a lifetime.
Pisa is more than just one of Italy’s most iconic cities famous of the “Leaning Tower of Pisa” and top tourist destination; it’s also rich in history, architecture and culture. Its history goes so far back that ancient Romans referred to Pisa as “ancient”. Popular legend has it was founded by the mythical king of Pylos after the fall of Troy. One of Italy’s four maritime republics, Pisa grew into dominating commercial center and a formidable rival of Genoa and Venice. It was during this time that Pisan-Romanesque architectural boom flourished and a millennium later still inspires awe in locals and visitors alike. In early 1400’s Pisa was conquered by Florence and fell under the influence of de Medici family who invigorated it with artistic, literary, and scientific ventures. Its reputation as a university town was re-established during that time, with a certain Pisa born scientist who taught there: Galileo Galilei.
There are so many different options for your private tour. Just a few ideas are:
Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), this breathtaking square still continues to rival Pisa’s ancient nemesis, Venice. The square boasts its most significant architectural monuments, testament to its past wealth and power: the iconic “Leaning Tower”, the tilting bell tower next to the Cathedral, the Baptistery and Camposanto (Holy Field monumental cemetery). With its stunning beauty and impressive religious monuments, the square is not only recognized as one of the leading centers for medieval art, but was also declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1987.
The 11th century Pisan-Romanesque style Duomo (cathedral) adorned with a facade of green and white bands of marble served as an inspiration for cathedrals throughout Tuscany.
The stunningly overwhelming 12th century Baptistery dedicated to St John the Baptist is the largest baptistery in Italy!
Behind the Duomo is the 12the century bell tower (or campanile in Italian) that became an international symbol. The tower stands at 183 feet tall, and it was designed to be furnished with seven bells cast to a musical scale. Better known for its nickname, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, leans 3.99 degrees (or nearly 13 feet) horizontally. Here you’ll also see the most popular photo op: standing “just so” with your arm extended in front of you propping up the leaning tower. Have fun being creative with your own photos in front of the tower!
Italy’s cradle of Renaissance is also Tuscany’s treasure trove of the world’s most priceless works of art. The historical, cultural, artistic, and scientific impact of Florence is overwhelming, and its heritage unparalleled.
There is a special spot where you can have a splendid panoramic view of Florence….Piazzale Michelangelo. Here you get a picturesque view of Ponte Vecchio across the Arno River, the famous dome of the Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the famous skyline of Florence that outlines its distinctive architecture.
A short drive into the historic center will bring you to the Basilica of Santa Croce, where you could have an opportunity to see the impressive funerary monuments of some of Florence’s most illustrious: Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Lorenzo Ghiberti and Niccolo Machiavelli. Important artworks featured inside the basilica were created by great masters such as Giotto, Cimabue, Donatello, and Giorgio Vasari among many others.
Piazza del Duomo where you have the opportunity to admire Florence’s dramatic Cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptestry – whose exteriors are decorated with polychrome horizontal strips of stunning green, white and pink marble. The cathedral (also called Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower) is one of Italy’s largest churches, and until modern age its impressive dome was the largest in the world…as it stands, it’s still the largest brick dome to have ever been constructed. The trio are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.Move to Trash
Nearby is the famous Old Bridge: Ponte Vecchio. With jewelbox gold shops, breathtaking views of the Arno River flanked by aged ochre and sienna buildings, Ponte Vecchio is quite a picturesque setting.
Piazza della Signoria features Palazzo Vecchio and the world renown replica of Michelangelo’s David statue.
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy (in port from 8:00 – 7:00 – 11 hours)
Rome, Italy – Tour from Civitavecchia (9-10 hours)
This tour includes all the highlights of Rome. Vatican, Coloseum, Trevi Fountain, Roman forum, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, St. Peters Basilica and any addition or deletion you wish to make.
Naples, Italy (in port from 8:00 – 7:00 – 11 hours)
Amalfi Coast & Pompeii from Naples cruise port (9 hours)
Your private driver will meet you on the pier nearby the ship in Naples following disembarkation with your name clearly displayed on a meeting sign and will proceed for the day.
Suggested Tour plan:
From the cruise port of Naples, driving along the highway, The highlights of the bay of Naples with its great views of the Volcano Mt. Vesuvius, of the islands of Capri, Ischia & Procida till to reach the Sorrento Coastline to appreciate a distant view of the town of Sorrento overlooking the bay of Naples.
From the Sorrento peninsula, including several stops along the way at the best view spots for stunning pictures we will then drop on the Amalfi Drive, the famous windy 163 state road that takes us first to Positano, the best known town of the area.
We will descend the winding one-way road that leads to the heart of Positano, a pretty village of seaside villas, covered in orange blossom and roses.
Here you will enjoy a pleasant walk along the narrow pedestrian streets that lead to the seafront passing by many typical Mediterranean styled boutiques selling the Positano fashion clothing, outdoor cafes, restaurants and hotels and wine bars that make of the town such a unique location.
Not to be missed the lovely Church of Santa Maria of the Assumption, with its characteristic majolica tiled dome and bell tower.
From Positano, reaching the main road high above we will proceed south east towards Amalfi passing by other fishing villages of the area such as Praiano, Furore and Conca Dei Marini .
Once in Amalfi, not to be missed a relaxing stroll around Piazza Duomo ( central Square ) dominated by the magnificent Cathedral of St. Andrew with its many styles of decoration, the historical building and stores, the fountain plus, on the waterfront, the ancient dockyards, the port area with its rocky beaches and the statue of Flavio Gioia considered the inventor of the sea compass for navigation.
For lunch, we will be pleased to arrange for you to have lunch at a friendly family run restaurant off the beaten path where just the locals go.
Here you will have the possibility to try the local gastronomy, local wine and limoncello all according to the typical, delicious, healthy & exquisite Mediterranean diet & flavors while being surrounded by a magical and relaxing atmosphere.
We will then make our way to Pompeii for a 2 hours visit to the archaeological site.
You can visit Pompeii on your own, with an audio guide or, should you require the services of a licensed Pompeii archaeological tour guide (recommended being a vast site) the cost is a total of €110 not per person for a 2 hour visit and we will be pleased to arrange this in advance if required with payment for this kindly being made directly to the tour guide at the conclusion of the service.
After your visit to Pompeii, we have a 30 minute drive back to the ship in Naples.
Included:
• Private vehicle. Insurance fully covered. (Mercedes)
• All fuel.
• All tax.
• Parking at all the mentioned locations.
• Pick up & Drop off at the Cruise Port.
• Highway tolls.
• Refreshments.
• Wifi may be available on some tours
• Licensed English speaking driver of the team that will show you and offer a complete illustration and a deeper understanding of the different aspects of the area.
Not included:
• Lunch.
• Entrance fees where required.
• Pompeii tour guide.
• Gratuities.
Mykonos, Greece (in port from 7:00 – 3:00 – 8 hours) – no excursion requested
Istanbul, Turkey (in port 9:00 – 6:00 – 9 hours)
Istanbul, Turkey – Full Day Highlights
After meeting your guide at the port, we head to the impressive Hippodrome which is our first stop. Then the Blue Mosque, named for the tiles which line its interior. Browse the amazing Topkapi Palace past residence of the Sultans with its fountains, finally Turkeys Byzantine crown St. Sophia this splendid Church of Divine Wisdom was built in the 4th century AD and was restored in the 1900s. After all of this we will still have time for a little shopping at the Grand bazaar. Entrance fees are included.
Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey (in port from 1:00 – 8:00 – 7 hours)
4 hour tour
Bus and guide, including all entrance fees to the Terrace houses and Ephesus.
Meet with your guide in front of the Kusadasi port passenger Terminal. Drive to the country. See the TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS, one of the wonders of the ancient world. Then a visit to EPHESUS is a visit to one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world. Ancient historians believed that Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, but now, it is believed to have been the Hittite city of Apasa. With your guide, you will see the Odeion, where the advisory council held its meetings and the Baths, as well as many other columns, monuments and ruins, including the Celsus Library. En-route to Kusadasi enjoy the scenery or shopping opportunity.
Athens (Piraeus), Greece (in port from 8:00 – 6:00 – 10 hours)
Athens Full Day tour including a licenced guide.
Includes the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, Plaka, and The Temple of Zeus, The Panathenaic Stadium built for the modern Olympics 1863.
THE ACROPOLIS: For thousands of years the Acropolis has been the symbol of Athens, the sacred rock, the link that connects the magnificent ancient civilization with the modern. The Acropolis and its monuments, its history and the myths that are connected with it are rightly the pride and the glory of this city, the envy of all other cities in the world. There is no Greek or foreign visitor who does not want to make the pilgrimage to the sacred rock and absorb its magnificence and beauty. If you have never been to the Acropolis I assure you it is a unique and unforgettable experience. On the hill of the Acropolis you will see the masterpieces of: Parthenon, Propylea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion & the Cariatides, Ariopagus (Mars Hill), Herodion Theater and the Theater of Dionysus.
THE PLAKA is the oldest section of Athens. Most of the streets have been closed to automobile traffic, though you should still keep a watchful eye for a speeding motorcycle or delivery truck. At one time it was the nightclub district, but most of these closed down when the government outlawed amplified music in the neighborhood in the seventies in an effort to get rid of undesirables. The strategy was very successful and it is now an area of restaurants, Jewelry stores tourist shops, and cafes. Though it is quite commercialized it is still a neighborhood and arguably the nicest neighborhood in central Athens. Here you will enjoy up to 2 hours for your lunch and shopping.
THE TEMPLE OF OLYMPIAN ZEUS: (Olympieion): is a colossal ruined temple in the centre of Athens that was dedicated to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods. Construction began in the 6th century BC during the rule of the Athenian tyrants, who envisaged building the greatest temple in the ancient world, but it was not completed until the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD some 650 years after the project had begun. During the Roman periods it was renowned as the largest temple in Greece and housed one of the largest cult statues in the ancient world.
THE PANATHENAIC STADIUM: (Kallimarmaro): is the only major stadium in the world built entirely of white marble (from Mount Penteli). And, it is the original stadium built in the 1800s for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Venice, Italy – no excursion requested
