Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
First Class rail escorted tour based in Carcassonne, France
7 daysfrom $2,269
29% rail
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
Marseille by First Class rail
Enjoy a 5-day break by First Class Rail staying at the 4-star Grand Hotel Beauvau, a great base from which to explore this diverse French city.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Marseille (Grand Hotel Beauvau or InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu)
London to Marseille
Begin at the beautifully restored London St Pancras International station and travel by Eurostar through France to Paris, with a light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier service. On arrival, a private taxi transfer conveys you to the Gare de Lyon to board the high-speed TGV to Marseille at speeds approaching 200mph, through the changing landscapes of Burgundy and Provence. The train pulls into Marseille St Charles station; make your own way on foot or by taxi to your hotel for the next 4 nights, in the heart of Marseille on the Vieux Port.
- Day 2overnight: Marseille
Marseille
Wander around the Vieux Port area, Marseille's focal point since roughly 600 BC, and marvel at the French architecture along the quais overlooking the docks and their fishing and pleasure boats.
- Day 3overnight: Marseille
Marseille
Explore Le Panier (Old Town), a warren of a district winding up the hill north of the Vieux Port and said to be the oldest urban quartier in France, and the striking Byzantine architecture of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Cathedral, with excellent panoramic views along the coastline.
- Day 4overnight: Marseille
Marseille
Venture further afield to Cassis, a picture-postcard fishing village home to the eponymous liqueur, and the Calanques, fjord-like limestone formations famous for crystal-clear waters and hidden beaches and grottos (payable locally). In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of Marseille's seafood restaurants.
- Day 5rail
Marseille to London
Return to Marseille St Charles station to say farewell to the French Riviera and board the TGV for the journey back to Paris. A private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord to board the Eurostar for London, with a light meal and drinks served on board, arriving into London St Pancras.
Included
- First Class return rail travel between London and Marseille (Standard Premier service on Eurostar)
- 4 nights' accommodation with breakfast each day in a twin/double room at the Grand Hotel Beauvau (4 star) or the InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu (5 star)
- Private return taxi transfers in Paris
Not included
- Day trip to Cassis and the Calanques (payable locally)
