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Highlights Of Monaco & Nice
The dazzling city of Nice enjoys a privileged setting on the hill-framed curve of the Baie de Anges. Travel along the Promenade de Anglais, see the Russian Orthodox Church and take a walk around the fascinating old town with its narrow streets. Take in the vibrant colors and fragrances of the flower market, then continue to Monaco and enjoy a guided walking tour of the main highlights. You'll have free time for lunch on ‘the Rock' before continuing to Monte Carlo. Marvel at the Place du Casino, where you'll have some free time to take in the attractions of your choice around the square.
Note: Your coach will park at the old train station and you'll continue on foot (approx. 30 minutes) uphill, over cobblestone streets and large steps. To reach Casino Square, there is an approximate 10 minute walk and 80 steps from the coach parking area.
Average:
(2 Reviews) 2
Rating Snapshot (2 reviews)
5 stars
1
4 stars
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3 stars
1
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1 star
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1 of 2(50%)customers would recommend this to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Highlights Of Monaco & Nice
Review 1 for Highlights Of Monaco & Nice
Overall:
Historical:
5
out of
5
Cultural:
5
out of
5
Entertaining:
5
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
5
out of
5
BirdTravels
Location:Virginia
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:October
Cruise Date Year:2012
Favorite activities:Relaxing
Favorite port:Cannes, France
I want to go here next:Bahamas and Florida
Date:April 22, 2013
Baccarat Anyone!
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Travel down the iconic streets of Cannes listening to our guide’s stories of film stars from around the world. Arriving in Nice, we have some time to walk through the fragrant flower market and down the narrow city streets to a lovely Russian Orthodox Church. We had some time to shop for lavender sachets and soaps at the street markets. Then, it was on to the principality of Monaco. After an interesting walking tour of the city, there was ample time for additional sightseeing, shopping, and a quick bite to eat. In the palace square, we tried to get the palace guards to crack a smile. From the overlooks, you look down at the harbors with the million dollar yacht lined up in a row. Then a scenic view over the harbor looking to Monte Carlo which was our next stop. We drove, then walked along the streets of the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. Like a trail of ants, we climbed the hill and stairs from the coach park up to Casino Square. Like a scene from a Bond movie, we were in the beautiful Grand Casino. The time seemed to fly by, and it was soon time to drive through the Grand Prix route (in a bus). A Great Day!
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Review 2 for Highlights Of Monaco & Nice
Overall:
Historical:
3
out of
5
Cultural:
4
out of
5
Entertaining:
4
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
3
out of
5
AmesMan
Location:Ames Iowa
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:June
Date:July 1, 2012
Liked Nice But Not Monaco
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Once in Cannes, they take you off the ship on tender boats, which I thought was fun. Our guide (who didn’t wear a badge so I cannot recall her name) was a very nice looking middle aged French woman who dressed stylishly and spoke decent English. She was pretty anxious though and did not do a good job of keeping the group together and informed of meeting places/times. It was a miracle that we all made it back to the bus each time. The bus was cool and comfortable; you can leave things on the bus if you wish. Free maps are available.
Nice is a pleasant little medieval village where you can wander around on cobblestone streets and browse shops and eateries (you are allowed some time on your own). If you want to buy anything or eat in Nice, I suggest learning some French phrases. No English on signs and not much willingness to speak English. Note: The entire village of Nice has free wi-fi.
Then on to Monaco and Montecarlo. I personally did not care for this part of the trip. It was very touristy and extremely crowded. There were so many buses and huge crowds of tourists coming and going…it was chaotic and not at all quaint. You have to wait for these packed elevators to go up to the top. Yes, we saw the Prince’s palace (which is surrounded by kiosks selling tourist junk), and yes we saw the casino in Montecarlo. You can’t get in to the casino unless you pay a steep cover charge (keeps out the riff-raff), and the cafes there are super expensive, so we ended up milling around outside the building for a half hour taking pictures with all of the other overweight Americans in their cargo shorts. My teenage son liked this area because it had so many expensive cars and yachts. I saw the “little train” driving around; it looked like something from an amusement park in Kentucky if you ask me. The walking part wasn’t all that taxing. There were some nice views, but mostly you see seaside hills crammed with condo towers and a bay crammed with yachts.
The traffic and parking situation in Monaco was horrible; I'd never try to navigate it on my own. If the NCL bus is late, the ship waits. If you come back late on your own, you may get left behind. I gave this some three to four-star ratings just because my teenaged son liked it and I did enjoy Nice. However, I would rank the Monaco portion as two-star (at best). I guess you might enjoy it if you are really into the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
If you feel that you must see Monaco/Monte Carlo, then I guess this tour is as good an option as any. But I would strongly recommend Nice or one of the inland options if you want a more authentic French experience.
33 of 33 people found this review helpful.
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