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Italian & French Rivieras
Monte Carlo Shore Excursions - Italian & French Rivieras
 



Private Monte Carlo shore excursion crossing into Italy for a local market in Sanremo or Ventimiglia, then the medieval village of Dolceacqua, dominated by its 13th century castle, before returning to explore Monaco's Old Town, Cathedral, and the Monte Carlo Grand Prix circuit. English speaking driver-guide, private vehicle, round trip from the Monaco cruise port. 8 hours.

8 hours (private)
private excursion
driver guide
english speaking local
all group sizes
multiple vehicles
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from Port or your Hotel in Monte Carlo
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • English Speaking Driver-Guide who provides commentary
  • VW Caravelle Van, Opel Vivara Van or Similar
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
FMONA-05


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $556 Per Person
3 People - $380 Per Person
4 People - $286 Per Person
5 People - $228 Per Person
6 People - $190 Per Person
7 People - $166 Per Person
8 People - $145 Per Person



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Name of Ship or Hotel*:


TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Dolceacqua & Monte Carlo Shore Excursion from Monte Carlo

This full day Monte Carlo shore trip visits both the Italian and French Rivieras. Your driver-guide takes you to a local Italian market and then the medieval village of Dolceacqua. Later in the day you visit the most popular spots in Monaco's Old Town and modern Monte Carlo.

After meeting your driver-guide at the pier in Monte Carlo, you drive along the coast toward the Italian border. Your first stop is either Sanremo or Ventimiglia, depending on which town is hosting its local market that day. Sanremo's market days are Tuesday and Saturday, and the largest market of the week is in Ventimiglia on Friday. On these days you can shop for local fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats, as well as Italian leather goods and clothing, often at a fraction of the cost you would find in stores.

Next you visit the medieval village of Dolceacqua, also in the Italian Riviera but close to the French border. The village is dominated by its Doria Castle, built beginning in the 13th century. You stop for a short visit to take in the local charm and photo opportunities.

Later in the day you visit the Principality of Monaco, where you have free time to explore the Old Town and see the Royal Palace, then stroll through the Cathedral where Princess Grace is buried. No bare shoulders or shorts above the knee are allowed inside the Cathedral. You also have free time in Monaco to enjoy lunch (meal not included). Next you drive the route of the legendary Monaco Grand Prix Formula 1 circuit, and your driver-guide points out some of the course's famous hairpin turns.

Your final stop is modern Monte Carlo, home to the Casino of Monte Carlo, set across from a park lined with designer boutiques and luxury hotels. Expect to see some of the most expensive cars in the world, from Bentleys to Ferraris, parked outside. At the end of this popular excursion, you return to the port.

The Casino of Monte Carlo is open to visitors for a guided cultural visit from 10 AM until 1 PM; this heritage visit currently costs around 20 euros per adult (cash or card, subject to change) and does not include gaming. From 2 PM onward, the casino is open for gaming to individuals rather than tour groups, with a formal dress code enforced. Everyone must be 18 or older and have a passport available.

Please note
  • During the Grand Prix Events there is a 50% supplement and it is not possible to visit Monaco or Monte Carlo from June 4-7, 2026. Please contact us if you are interested in a tour during this period.
  • About the Casino of Monte Carlo - The Casino of Monte Carlo is open to tourists for viewing from 10 AM until 12 noon. During this period the entry fee is 20 Euro per person and no gaming is open. From 2 PM onwards the casino is open to individuals (not tour groups) and a formal dress code is enforced. During this period an entry ticket is required to access the gaming areas, including the slots, craps and Black Jack tables. You must show your passport to buy the ticket, and 10 Euro of the ticket price is returned to use at the slot machines or at the bar. Everyone must be 18 years or older and have their passport available.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Port or your Hotel in Monte Carlo
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • English Speaking Driver-Guide who provides commentary
  • VW Caravelle Van, Opel Vivara Van or Similar

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    1 Hour
    Drive to Sanremo
  • 2
    1 Hour and 15 Minutes
    Visit Local Market
  • 3
    30 Minutes
    Drive to Dolceacqua
  • 4
    1 Hour
    Visit Dolceacqua
  • 5
    45 Minutes
    Drive to Monaco
  • 6
    Visit Monaco Old Town with Lunch Break- 2 Hours and 15 Minutes
  • 7
    Visit Monte Carlo- 1 Hour
  • 8
    Return to Pier- 15 Minutes

Resources

Société d'Exploitation des Ports de Monaco - Port Hercule. Departure and return point for this tour, Monaco's cruise port Official Website

Nice Cote d'Azur Tourist Office - Official Site. Official visitor site for Nice, the first stop on this tour Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Italian market do we visit, and how is that decided?
Your driver-guide picks between Sanremo, with markets on Tuesday and Saturday, and Ventimiglia, whose largest weekly market runs on Friday, based on your tour date. If your day falls outside these market days, the stop still happens, just without the market itself.
What is Dolceacqua known for?
Dolceacqua is a small medieval village in the Italian Riviera dominated by Doria Castle, construction of which began in the 13th century. Vincent van Gogh painted the village's arched stone bridge over the Nervia River during his time in the region.
Can we enter the Casino of Monte Carlo on this tour?
Casual daytime viewing is included as part of your free time in Monte Carlo. A paid cultural visit with an audio guide runs from 10 AM to 1 PM for around 20 euros per adult; full gaming access requires being 18 or older, a passport, and formal dress after 2 PM.
Is there a Back-to-Ship Guarantee if this runs long?
Is there a Back-to-Ship Guarantee if this runs long?

Also Available:

›Italian Market, Dolceacqua & Menton - for a shorter 6-hour version that swaps the return to Monaco for the seaside town of Menton, known for its gardens and Lemon Festival.
›Best of French Riviera - prefer to stay on the French side, this tour trades the Italian market for Nice and the hilltop village of Eze.

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Drive to Sanremo - 1 Hour
  • Visit Local Market - 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
  • Drive to Dolceacqua - 30 Minutes
  • Visit Dolceacqua - 1 Hour
  • Drive to Monaco - 45 Minutes
  • Visit Monaco Old Town with Lunch Break- 2 Hours and 15 Minutes
  • Visit Monte Carlo- 1 Hour
  • Return to Pier- 15 Minutes

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 131 Write a review »

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Monaco Monte Carlo Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Reviewer: Bob C from Jupiter Fl  
Both Nice and Ephesus were terrific tours. Our drivers and guides were outstanding. Hats off to both. Could not be happier. Thanks for all your help. Will contact you for any future needs.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Monaco Monte Carlo Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Reviewer: Wendy E from Metairie LA  
Our tour was remarkable! I forgot our tour guides name, can you find out and let me know as I have some friends going to Nice in June. I will give them your information but would like them to use our tour guide. Thanks again for planning such a memorable tour.

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  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Monaco Monte Carlo Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Reviewer: Travel Agent Corinne S from Uniglobe Precise Travel, Columbus OH  
We had a   wonderful   time with your guides. As a travel agent, I would highly recommend your company, and I already have to Rosenthal and Karel. Hopefully they have contacted you and booked an excursion or two. Thank you so much for all your help. Im sure we will be e-mailing again. A lot of times I just give referrals on tours if Im doing to the cruise I just give them your e-mail.

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  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Monaco Monte Carlo Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Reviewer: Anthony C from Cayuga, Baton Rouge, LA  
We had always wanted to go to Monte Carlo and drive around the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit so contacted Steven Hurley to see if we could arrange. The trip was perfect and we did see some other sights that our guide suggested as well as a lovely stop for refreshments. Our guide was excellent and very knowledgable. I highly recommend booking through Steven in the afternoon. None of the standard tours offered the itinerary in the order that we wanted. Steven at Private Shore Trips arranged it so that we made all the stops within the timeframe we wanted. I would highly recommend them.

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  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Monaco Monte Carlo Sunday, June 7, 2026
Reviewer: John Nin from DENHAM SPRINGS , LA  
This was the best tour that we had on our cruise. There was a total of 6 couples and Greg took care of all of us with another driver too. He was understandable, courteous, and very knowledgeable of Monaco, Monte Carlo, Nice, & Eze. He was able to cover all of these sights within our timeline with the ship. The Norwegian Ship did not offer this excursion. Greg and his other driver stopped for many photo shoots. I would highly recommend

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