Marseille by Ricard

The mouthwatering mediterranean from urban buzz to coastal bliss.

Pastis mixology ⋅ Multicultural food tour ⋅ Street art discovery ⋅ Calanques

The south of France has an easy-going charm that makes friends of strangers. Or maybe that’s just the pastis. The herby aperitif at the center of our journey conjures up sea breezes, Mediterranean hues and southern hospitality, and over four days we’ll experience it all. From pétanque to calanque to multicultural hotspots and refreshing rosé – Marseille has to be tasted to be understood.

Trip highlights

SECRETS OF PASTIS

Arguably the true spirit of the Mediterranean, we take the time to learn the history, the making, and the ritual of pastis, the relaxed vacationer’s aperitif

THE CALANQUES

Inaccessible by car, but too beautiful to miss, we set out on a team adventure exploring the cliffs, caves and emerald green waters of this stunning pocket of the Mediterranean

FOOD TOUR

From sharing the magic of bouillabaisse (boo-ya-bays) to the simple pleasures of panisse we spend the day in the old town tasting the vibrant and varied culinary influences of the city, eating like a true Marseillaise

Itinerary

DAY 1 - URBAN EXPLORING: City discovery tour ⋅ Trad bistro meal ⋅ Cool rooftop drinks

A journey of friendship and flavor begins with an urban hike through Marseille’s vibrant center with a local guide who brings the town’s multilayered history to life. When the sun gets low, we gather for apéro. Enjoy a round of pastis before a welcome dinner in a fabulous little bistro nearby. Later, we head to Marseille’s most famous avenue for rooftop drinks before heading out to discover the city’s legendary nightlife.
DAY 2 - SOUTHERN SPIRIT: Multicultural market ⋅ Street art tour ⋅ Pastisologie masterclass

One for early risers: sun salutations. Mid-morning, the group comes together for a food tour and market visit to experience some of the hidden gems of this culinary super city. Explore a spread of Maghreb treats and sweets as well as traditional Provençal fare.

This afternoon, we walk the colorful streets of Le Panier, before meeting a graffiti artist guide who will translate the towering artwork that surrounds us. Later, we stop for the most iconic of Marseille’s pastimes, a game of pétanque. After a cheeky glass to toast the winners we’ll set out under the warm Mediterranean sun for an exclusive Pastisologie mixology masterclass at Mx Marseille.
DAY 3 - PERFECT MEDITERRANEAN DAY: Coastal exploration ⋅ Calanques ⋅ Gourmet picnic ⋅ Seafood feast

This morning we head up the coast to the inspired nature of the dramatic Calanques for a perfect Mediterranean seaside day. Our guide leads us to a lesser-known stretch of coastline and a hidden beach where we stop to enjoy the turquoise waters.

Lunch today is a picnic carefully prepared by a local chef. After time to relax or explore, the group comes together for a special apéro before a final night celebration dinner where we share the best of the day’s catch, fresh from the Old Port. Tonight is one to remember with drinks and dancing in our favorite local hotspot.
DAY 4 - À BIENTOT: After a relaxed breakfast it will be time to say au revoir. Until next time!

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Accommodation

Accommodations are hand-selected for each and every trip from a portfolio of rigorously-vetted hotels. Our Trip Design team prioritizes location, comfort, and design to ensure your stay is a winning mix, every time. In Marseille, we often stay in hotels such as Hotel Bellevue.

Hotel Bellevue

Chic and eco-friendly, this perfectly located boutique hotel balances the best of local culture and modern sensibilities. With rooms thoughtfully furnished and decorated by local artisans, wake up to the blue waters of Le Vieux-Port of Marseille from your window.

Inclusions

What's Included

Almost everything.
Curated activities, local cuisine and libations, new knowledge, delightful travel companions – and so much more.
Three nights hotel accommodation
Daily breakfast
Meals per the itinerary
Nightly round of drinks
Activities mentioned in the itinerary
Urban hike and street art tour of Marseille
Pastisologie Masterclass at Mx Marseille
Walking food-focused tour of Marseille
Pétanque class
Drinks and snacks at exclusive Port Club Pernod
Kayaking tour to the Calanques National Park
Return transportation to from all scheduled activities when required
Services of a brilliant local Tastemaker (Trip Leader)
Tips and gratuities at hotels and at group meals
All local taxes

What's Not Included

Flights are not included
Tours, events, and activities outside those noted in the itinerary
Airport transfers
Any food or drinks outside except where specified/detailed
Personal items and expenses
Any additional services at the hotel (room service, phone calls etc)
Travel insurance

Why Spirited Stories?

group of people conversing in rustic artistic building

01 | MADE TO SHARE

Perfect moments are shared. Our trips bring people together in the most time-honored way – around lively tables with friends old and new.

salmon with vegetables served in rich broth

02 | GOOD TASTE

Our trips are delicious by design. From first sip to last mouthful, we understand that the best way to experience a place is to taste it.

03 | EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES

We’ve partnered with wine and spirits experts to build itineraries that dive deep to serve up truly authentic & exclusive experiences.

FAQs

WHAT IS A SPIRITED STORIES TRIP AND WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT: Spirited Stories are traveling celebrations. Over three to five days we bring people together in a casual way around food and drink. Think the dreamiest long weekend you can imagine, with great local friends doing all the curating. You just turn up and enjoy the fun.
WHO ARE SPIRITED STORIES TRIPS FOR?: Spirited Stories trips are for anyone who loves travel, sharing experiences with like-minded people, and the enjoyment of delicious food and drinks.
MY FRIENDS AND I WANT TO BOOK A PRIVATE TRIP, IS THAT POSSIBLE?: Absolutely! Get in touch here and we’ll make it happen.
I HAVE NEVER DONE A GROUP TRIP BEFORE. WHAT IS THE GROUP LIKE?: Our trips invite like-minded people who are passionate about travel, experience, and tasting all that life has to offer. Our experienced trip leaders (who we call Tastemakers!) are always standing by to ensure a fantastic guest experience.
IS SPIRITED STORIES A TRAVEL AGENT?: No, we are a tour operator. This means we are responsible for the planning, organization, and delivery of your trip. Spirited Stories is a fully bonded member of ABTA (membership number Y6752) and all trips are financially protected.
HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?: We’d love to hear from you. You can contact us here.
WHERE CAN I SUBMIT A PRESS INQUIRY?: We love to tell our story. You can find us here.

Trip highlights

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Accommodation

Why Spirited Stories?

FAQs

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