MonacoPrivate Shore Excursions & Riviera Tours
Monaco is a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, home to the famous Casino and Grand Prix circuit. Available for cruise passengers and hotel-based travelers, our Monaco shore excursions explore Monte Carlo, the Royal Palace and the stunning Côte d'Azur. Tours include English speaking driver-guides.
$50 Deposit
Reserve private Monaco tours with a low initial deposit.
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Touring from Monte Carlo and Monaco
Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world — less than one square mile — yet it packs in more glamour per metre than anywhere on the French Riviera. Cruise ships dock at or anchor near Port Hercule, the yacht-filled harbour at the foot of the Rock of Monaco. From here, your private driver-guide can show you the entire principality in a morning: the Monte Carlo Casino and its manicured gardens, the Prince's Palace with the daily Changing of the Guard at 11:55 am, Monaco Cathedral where Princess Grace is laid to rest, the Océanographic Museum perched on the cliff edge, and a lap of the Formula One Grand Prix street circuit.
Beyond Monaco, the Côte d'Azur stretches in both directions. The medieval hilltop village of Èze is about 15 minutes west along the Grande Corniche — one of the most dramatic coastal drives in Europe — and includes the Exotic Garden with panoramic views and the Fragonard perfume factory. Nice is about 30 minutes west with its Promenade des Anglais, Vieille Ville and the Cours Saleya flower market. For guests with a full port day, Cannes, the perfume capital of Grasse, and the walled artists' village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence are all within easy reach.
Frequently Asked Questions — Monaco Shore Excursions
Where do cruise ships dock in Monaco?
Most cruise ships dock at the Nouvelle Digue pier in Port Hercule, directly below Monte Carlo. When the pier is occupied, ships anchor in the harbor and tender passengers ashore to the same location. From the pier the Casino is about a 15-minute walk uphill. Your private driver-guide will meet you at the port with a name sign.
Can I see all of Monaco on a port day?
Yes. Monaco is less than one square mile, so a private half-day tour covers all the key sites: the Monte Carlo Casino, the Prince's Palace, Monaco Cathedral, the Océanographic Museum and a drive along the Grand Prix circuit. This leaves the rest of your port day free for a visit to Èze, Nice or other Riviera destinations.
What is the village of Eze and how far is it?
Èze is a medieval hilltop village about 15 minutes west of Monaco along the Grande Corniche. Its narrow stone lanes climb to the Exotic Garden at the summit, where the views stretch across the entire Riviera. Most tours include a visit to the Fragonard perfume factory at the base of the village. Èze pairs perfectly with Monaco on a half-day excursion.
Why are Smaller Vehicles Recommended in the French Riviera?
Many towns and villages along the French Riviera were built centuries before modern tourism and feature narrow streets, tight turns, steep hills, and limited parking access. Large buses are often required to park outside historic town centers, which can result in long walks and less sightseeing time. Smaller 8-seat vans and private vehicles can navigate these roads more easily, access closer drop-off points, and reach scenic areas larger coaches cannot. This allows guests to spend more time enjoying destinations like Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence with less walking, greater flexibility, and a more relaxed touring experience.
Is Monaco steep and difficult to walk?
Monaco is built on a hillside and there are steep climbs between the harbour, the Casino and the Rock. However, the principality has an extensive network of free public elevators and escalators that connect different levels of the city. Your guide knows exactly which ones to use, so the walking stays manageable for all fitness levels.
What is the back-to-ship guarantee?
Our back-to-ship guarantee means that if an unforeseen delay during your private tour prevents you from returning to the port before your ship departs, we will arrange and cover the cost of transportation to your next port of call. This guarantee applies to all private shore excursions booked through us from Monaco. Your tour must be scheduled to return 1.5 hours before the ship departs.
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