Glamour, ruins, culture, history, and much more on a fun-filled full day! See the medieval town of Eze, the Roman ruins at La Turbie, and the ultra-luxurious Monte Carlo on your guided excursion. You'll also have plenty of free time to explore on your own...no rushing. For those guests looking for a quicker-paced excursion without free time, please see
Villefranche to Eze, La Turbie, and Monte Carlo Excursion.
After tendering to shore in the charming port of Villefranche, you will meet your driver/guide and take a short walk uphill to the parking area. In an exclusive group of no more than eight guests, you will depart Villefranche, weaving through the curving hillside roads to reach the Medieval hilltop town of Eze, approximately 30 minutes away. Here, you will have approximately 30 minutes to take photos of the town, browse the shops at the base, or for the energetic, climb up into the medieval town. Those making the climb along the winding pedestrian streets will find amazing panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast including the exclusive Cap Ferrat below.
Following your free time in Eze, there will be a short visit to the nearby Fragonard perfume, soap, and cosmetics factory. The company began making perfumes in 1926, in the nearby town of Grasse, and now the family business is under the eye of the third generation. You will have a short guided visit and the staff on hand will explain how to choose a fragrance that is right for you.
Your transportation will continue through the hills, along the Middle Corniche, to the hillside village of La Turbie. You will stop for a photo overlooking the town and the ruins of the 6th century BC, Tropaeum Alpium, (Trophy of the Alps) erected by Roman Emperor Augustus to celebrate a victory. Many former pieces of the Trophy are now part of the homes and buildings that surround it.
A quick drive up and over the hill brings you to the French Riviera's glittery gem, the principality of Monaco. The first stop will be the Rock, known for the spectacular lookout over the rest of the city. Next, you will have an exterior visit of the Royal Prince Palace. If your excursion time allows, you might have the chance to see the changing of the guard takes place daily at 11:55 AM. A short walk away is the Cathedral, the final resting place of Prince Rainier and his Princess Grace.
You will then have two hours and 30 minutes of free time to explore, view the megayacht closer, purchase lunch on your own, shop at the numerous designer shops or possibly visit the Oceanographic Museum or other museums (all at extra cost). Your guide can make suggestions if you need them.
At the appointed time, rejoin your driver at the transportation for a quick drive over to the famous Casino Square. There will be time for a quick photo of the exterior of the Monte Carlo Casino, the Hotel de Paris, or the Cafe de Paris. Be sure to admire the endless lineup of exotic and ultra-luxurious cars parked in front of them.
Departing the casino hill, your driver will follow a portion of the famed Monte Carlo Grand Prix circuit before the approximately 30-minute drive back to the tender pier in Villefranche.
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