Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence from Toulon Cruise Port

Discover Provençal Wines and Charming Towns on a Private Full-Day Tour from Toulon

For cruise travelers docking at Toulon, a private full-day wine tour in Provence offers an intimate and expertly guided exploration of the region’s famed vineyards and picturesque villages. Priced at $462.73 per person, this 6 to 7-hour experience promises visits to two wineries, tastings of rosé, red, and white wines, and free time to enjoy a scenic local town. The tour departs directly from the Toulon cruise port, with pickup included, ensuring a smooth start to your Provençal adventure.

Led by an English-speaking wine expert guide, the small group of up to eight people guarantees personalized attention. Perfect for wine lovers, culture seekers, or those wanting a taste of authentic Provence, this tour balances wine education, local sights, and leisure, all tailored to your cruise schedule.

Key Points

• Private group with a maximum of 8 participants for a personalized experience
• Visiting two wineries to see wine production in action and enjoy tastings
• Flexible departure times to match your cruise docking schedule
• Includes pick-up and drop-off at Toulon cruise port and private transportation
• Two hours of free time for lunch and exploring charming towns like Cassis or Hyères
• Includes tasting fees, guided insights, and transportation, with options for lunch at a winery

Starting Point: Toulon Cruise Port and Personalized Pickup

The tour begins right outside the Toulon cruise ship terminal, where a friendly driver greets guests and guides them into a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. This private transportation fits up to eight guests, ensuring an exclusive and relaxed atmosphere. The start time is flexible, typically around 9:00 am, and is carefully coordinated with your cruise ship’s arrival to prevent any timing issues.

This setup offers convenience for cruise travelers, removing the stress of navigating public transport or taxis. The meticulous scheduling guarantees a prompt start and timely return, making the most of your limited time ashore.

Visiting Two Provencal Wineries in the Morning

The core of this tour is the private visits to two wineries in the morning. These are educational experiences tailored to your knowledge level, where guides explain the wine-making process, showcase different grape varieties, and reveal what gives Provençal wines their unique character. You’ll witness vines and production areas, gaining insight into the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

This part of the tour is praised for its personalized approach and expert guidance, with wine tasting fees included. You’ll sample a variety of rosé, red, and white wines, learning about their distinct flavors and regional significance. The visits are not crowded or commercialized, providing a relaxed setting for genuine appreciation and understanding.

Lunch and Exploration in Hyères or Nearby Towns

After wine tastings, the tour offers around two hours of free time for lunch and exploration in a charming nearby village or town. Options include Cassis, known for its seaside views, or Hyeres, a town filled with Provencal charm. Other options like Bormes-les-Mimosas, Le Castellet, or Carqueiranne are available depending on the chosen itinerary.

During this break, you can sample local cuisine at recommended restaurants, browse shops, or simply enjoy strolling through scenic streets. This flexibility allows each group to tailor their experience—whether seeking a seaside lunch, boutique shopping, or relaxing in a historic setting.

Visiting a Seaside Town or Village in the Afternoon

Following your free time, the guide leads you to a nearby town or coastal village for additional sightseeing or relaxation. This stop typically lasts about 30 minutes, providing a chance to appreciate Provençal architecture, seaside vistas, or lively markets. The choice of town (such as Cassis or Hyères) depends on your preferences and the day’s itinerary, which will be confirmed after booking.

This segment enriches the day with local color and offers memorable views, making your Provence visit more than just wine tasting. It’s a great way to soak up the region’s atmosphere before heading back to Toulon.

Return to Toulon Cruise Port in Comfort and Style

The tour concludes with a 30-minute drive back to the cruise port, ensuring timely arrival for your ship’s departure. The driver is attentive, and the private vehicle remains comfortable and climate-controlled throughout the return journey. This reliable transfer guarantees no stress about missing your cruise or navigating unfamiliar roads.

The flexibility in departure times means you can customize your schedule to fit your cruise’s timing, making this private tour a hassle-free addition to your travels.

Expert-Guided Experience with Knowledgeable Guides

Throughout the tour, an English-speaking wine expert guide adds depth to each visit. Reviews highlight guides like Frank for their warm personality, local knowledge, and ability to explain wine processes clearly. They also serve as translators and local restaurant recommenders, enhancing the overall experience.

The guides’ storytelling style is appreciated for making wine tasting accessible and engaging, whether visitors are novices or avid connoisseurs.

What’s Included and What to Consider

Included in the price are private visits and tasting fees, transportation in a comfortable minivan, and an English-speaking guide. The tour also covers pick-up and drop-off at the Toulon cruise port, making it seamless for cruise travelers.

Note that lunch, snacks, and bottled water are not included, so travelers may want to bring some refreshments or plan to dine during the free time. The tour operates rain or shine, so appropriate attire is advised.

Flexible Schedule and Customization Options

The start time is flexible, allowing you to align the tour with your cruise docking schedule. After booking, you’ll receive specific departure and return times, which depend on your ship’s itinerary. You can also request a lunch at a winery if desired, or specify pick-up from Toulon or La Seyne Sur Mer—note that Toulon City Centre pickup is not available.

This flexibility helps ensure the tour integrates smoothly with your cruise plans and personal interests.

The Unique Appeal of This Provence Wine Tour

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of private winery visits, personalized guidance, and free exploration time. The small group size fosters a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, praised in reviews for its friendly guides and authentic experiences. Guests especially appreciate meeting local winemakers and tasting a variety of wines in a region renowned for its rosé and red wines.

While the price point may be higher than group tours, the personalized attention and customized itinerary justify the expense for those seeking an in-depth Provençal experience.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Tour?

This private tour suits wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Provençal wines in a relaxed environment. It also appeals to cruise passengers who prefer a tailored experience with minimal groups, ensuring comfort and flexibility. The inclusion of free time for lunch and sightseeing makes it ideal for culture and scenery lovers.

However, travelers seeking a more extensive or active day involving hiking or multiple towns might find this tour more focused on wine and scenic villages rather than broader sightseeing.

The Sum Up: A Personalized Journey Through Provence’s Wines and Villages

This private full-day wine tour offers an authentic and intimate introduction to Provence’s renowned vineyards and charming towns. With expert guides, visits to two wineries, and flexible scheduling, it provides a well-rounded experience suited for wine lovers and culture seekers alike.

The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the free time for lunch and exploration adds a relaxed pace to the day. While not including lunch or snacks, the tour’s focus on wine education and regional scenery makes it a standout choice for those wanting a deeper Provençal experience.

For cruise travelers wanting to maximize their time ashore with a tailored, memorable day, this tour delivers quality, comfort, and regional authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or families with children?
Yes, the tour is primarily about wine tasting, but non-drinkers can still enjoy the sightseeing, and children under 10 should be mentioned in advance for appropriate car seats.

Can I customize the departure time?
Yes, the start time is flexible and can be arranged to fit your cruise docking schedule.

Are lunch options available during the tour?
Lunch is not included but can be arranged at a winery upon request. The tour provides free time in a town or village for lunch and exploration.

What is the group size?
The tour is private, with a maximum of eight participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Will I visit well-known or hidden wineries?
You visit two wineries that are private and educational, not large commercial operations, offering an authentic look at local winemaking.

What kind of wines will I taste?
A selection of rosé, red, and white wines typical of Provence, with guided explanations of each.

What if my cruise ship arrives later than planned?
The tour can be adjusted with flexible departure times to match your docking schedule, with confirmation after booking.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation in an A/C minivan is included for the entire day.

What’s the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How can I book this tour?
Reservations are made through the provider, Provence Wine Tours, with confirmation typically within 48 hours.