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Italian Market, Dolceacqua & Menton Shore Excursion from Monaco Monte CarloThis Monte Carlo shore trip visits both the Italian and French Rivieras. Your driver-guide takes you to a local Italian market, where you can shop for food such as cheese and wine or goods like leather handbags and clothing. Then you visit the medieval village of Dolceacqua and the seaside town of Menton. 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, construction of which began in the 13th century, and its arched stone bridge over the Nervia River, once painted by Vincent van Gogh. You stop for a short visit to take in the local charm and photo opportunities. Finally you drive back into France to the town of Menton, known as the City of Gardens and Beaches. The old town dates to the 13th century and is a maze of narrow streets winding down from the old castle to the sea. Menton is also known for its annual Lemon Festival, so be sure to sample a lemon treat while you are there. At the end of this Monte Carlo day trip, you are brought back to the pier or your hotel. 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.
- The best local markets take place on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. If you book this tour on another day of the week, the tour still runs, but you may not have a market to visit in Sanremo or Ventimiglia.
What's IncludedIncluded- 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 TimingAll times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests. 1 45 Minutes Drive to Sanremo 2 1 Hour and 15 Minutes Visit Local Market 3 45 Minutes Drive to Dolceacqua 4 5 45 Minutes Drive to Menton 6 7 30 Minutes Return to Monte Carlo
ResourcesSociété 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 QuestionsWhich 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.
Why is Menton called the City of Gardens and Beaches?
Menton's mild microclimate, sheltered by the Alps, has long supported citrus groves and exotic gardens, and the town celebrates its lemon harvest each year with the Menton Lemon Festival. Its old town dates to the 13th century.
Is there a Back-to-Ship Guarantee if this runs long?
Yes. Every Private Shore Trips excursion returning at least 1.5 hours before your ship's departure is covered by our Back-to-Ship Guarantee. Also Available: ›Italian & French Rivieras - for a longer 8-hour version that swaps Menton for a return to Monaco's Old Town, the Cathedral, and Monte Carlo's Grand Prix circuit.
›Flexible Riviera - 6 Hours - prefer to build your own itinerary with your driver-guide rather than a set route, this flexible option lets you choose your own combination of towns. 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 ›
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Review Location- Monaco Monte Carlo 
