Silversea Luxury Cruises To BANDOL

Explore a few of the charming fishing ports and famous resorts of the south of France during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion to Bandol and Sanary.

Sanary

Depart the pier for the short, scenic drive to Sanary-sur-mer. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour along the narrow streets of this charming fishing port. Along the way, see the Provençal Market (open in the mornings only), 19th-century Saint-Nazaire Church, medieval Tower exterior, and Old Town. Afterward, some free time is made available to explore the village at your leisure, stop for a refreshing beverage on the terraces of the coffee shops and/or browse the charming boutiques.

Bandol

Next, re-board your coach for the drive back to Bandol. Upon arrival, take a short guided walking tour of this charming fishing port. See the Promenade, Casino (opens at 1:30 p.m.), 18th-century Saint-François de Sales Church and local 'wine-appellation', Maison des Vins. Afterward, return directly back to the pier, or remain in the village for shopping and further exploration at your leisure, then return to the ship on your own.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 929 yards (about 850 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Walking in Sanary and Bandol is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Discover the unique coastal beauty and charm of Cassis during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Provençal Countryside, Cassis and Cap Canaille

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive across part of the Provençal inland en route Cassis. This charming fishing port is home to an outstanding medieval castle and amazing maritime cliff, the highest in Europe, and abounds with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and inviting beaches. Upon arrival in Cassis, a photo stop is made at the approximately 1,358-foot-high (about 414-metre-high) Cap Canaille for spectacular panoramic views stretching from La Ciotat to Marseille.

Train-Ride, City Centre, Mini-Cruise and Calanques

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the heights of Cassis. Board a little tourist train for the ride to the village centre, then begin your guided walking tour of Cassis. Your tour continues with a mini-cruise to explore the beautiful, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, marvel at the many deep blue inlets, or calanques.

Free Time in Cassis and Train-Ride

Following your mini-cruise, some free time is made available to visit the beach, go shopping and/or stop for lunch at your own expense. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the little train for the ride back to the coach parking area, then re-board your coach for the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 656 yards (about 600 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, board/de-board train and embark/disembark the coach. Walking in Cassis is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least four years old to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.

Experience the scenic splendour of the Provençal countryside and coast during this picturesque, half-day excursion to Le Castellet and Bandol.

Le Castellet

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive through the Provençal countryside en route to charming Le Castellet. This medieval fortified village overlooks a magnificent landscape featuring vineyards, olive groves and local houses, or 'mas'. Upon arrival, walk up the hill to the village and take a guided stroll along its narrow streets. Along the way, pass by the old castle, which now serves as the Town Hall, Romanesque Church of Le Castellet, and other highlights. Following your walking tour, some free time is made available to explore the village at your leisure.

Bandol

Next, re-board your coach for the drive back to Bandol. Upon arrival, take a short, guided walking tour of this charming fishing port. Afterward, return directly back to the pier, or remain in the village for shopping and further exploration at your leisure, then return to the ship on your own.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 765 yards (about 700 metres), at times over uneven surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Walking in Le Castellet is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least four years old to participate on this tour.

Learn the secrets of Provençal cuisine when you travel to the "Bastide des Saveurs" for a cooking class with the star-rated Chef René Bérard. René will issue you a chef's hat upon arrival and then make your way to an unforgettable experience, walk to the garden where you will discover and gather various herbs, medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables.

Depart the pier for an approximately 1-hour drive to the picturesque village of La Cadière d'Azur, located in the middle of the Bandol vineyards.

La Cadière d'Azur

Upon arrival you will visit a typical Provencal house that is surrounded by beautiful vegetable gardens and olive trees. Discover the house is tastefully decorated with antiques and mural paintings by local artist Pascal Cessou.

Meet the renowned Chef René Bérard, or his son Jean-Francois, who will greet you and escort you on a walking tour of the property and manicured grounds. This Maitre Cuisinier de France owns a small hotel/restaurant in the nearby village and has been awarded 1-star by Michelin for the quality of his cuisine. After donning a toque and apron, assist the chef in preparing several Provencal recipes and share in their knowledge and passion for cooking.

Following this unforgettable culinary experience, proceed to the outside terrace for an apéritif (a glass of rose) accompanied by tapenade and anchoïade, two specialties you have just helped prepare. Enjoy your lunch at a table under the shaded vine arbour (weather permitting) with the chef.

Re-board the coach for the approximately 1-hour return back to the ship.

Please note : This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 100m (110 yards) around the grounds of the venue and periods of standing in the kitchen. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes as well as sun protection.