Monte Carlo on your own

[jen1206]

We will be stopping in Monte Carlo from 7AM-3PM. We were thinking of going to Eze, because we have heard a lot about it on the boards. My question is with the limited time we have should we just stick with Eze or are there other places we should visit? Also, should we stick with Public Transportation or is renting a car worth it?

[TLCOhio]

We will be stopping in Monte Carlo from 7AM-3PM. We were thinking of going to Eze, because we have heard a lot about it on the boards. My question is with the limited time we have should we just stick with Eze or are there other places we should visit? Also, should we stick with Public Transportation or is renting a car worth it?

 

Part of the "right answer" depends on your budget flexibility AND personal travel interest/style. With more budget, you can do more in a limited time period. Tell us more on your interests!!! It is good you have been checking these many board postings. The other big question is how you like to focus and balance on seeing city versus country sites and sights? Reactions on your interests? A rental car would give you lots more flexibility if you want to see some of the smaller villages and get away from the urban, crowded areas along the coast.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Susan-M]

The public transportation system is so good in that area, that for for the short time that you'll have in port I would rely on it if you decide to visit an area beyond Monaco. A rental car would be nice if you had more time, but I think it would end up being more hassle and expense than it's worth for the 5 or 6 hours that you'll have it.

 

A bus to Eze Village takes 15 minutes, at a cost of 1 euro/pp each way. Working around the bus schedule, you could spend a couple of hours in Eze either early in the morning, or at lunch time, and the rest of your time in Monaco, or if it's your first visit to that area, you might want to spend your whole time in Monaco. If you do go to Eze, I highly recommend spending some time in the garden at the very top of the village ... the views are spectacular and the garden is quite interesting.

 

Here's a link to the Monday-Saturday bus schedule for #112 that does a direct route to Eze Village.

[msmoger]

The public transportation system is so good in that area, that for for the short time that you'll have in port I would rely on it if you decide to visit an area beyond Monaco. A rental car would be nice if you had more time, but I think it would end up being more hassle and expense than it's worth for the 5 or 6 hours that you'll have it.

 

A bus to Eze Village takes 15 minutes, at a cost of 1 euro/pp each way. Working around the bus schedule, you could spend a couple of hours in Eze either early in the morning, or at lunch time, and the rest of your time in Monaco, or if it's your first visit to that area, you might want to spend your whole time in Monaco. If you do go to Eze, I highly recommend spending some time in the garden at the very top of the village ... the views are spectacular and the garden is quite interesting.

 

Here's a link to the Monday-Saturday bus schedule for #112 that does a direct route to Eze Village.

 

Where is the #112 Bus Stop in Monte Carlo? Also, I printed up the bus schedule and I see it says Eze Village. Will it be obvious where we need to get off? Are there annoucements or signs?

 

Thanks,

[winegirl]

We were in Monte Carlo overnight, but had no problem finding things to do. Definitely take the Palace tour, since there are more rooms open than you'd normally expect on a tour like that and it is quite lovely inside. Saw the changing of the guard midday. We also stopped at the Cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Ranier are buried and then walked to the Oceanographic Institute and spent a couple hours there. You can also walk over to the Casino area and window shop (unless you are in the mood for a little luxury shopping.) We did not go into the Casino, I believe they have a dress code, but the entire city is very pretty, very clean, very safe. That should fill your time there nicely.

 

We also had time to take a ship tour to Eze, which is worth a whole day as well. It was lovely.

[KirkNC]

There is lots to do in Monte Carlo if you want to stay local. We used the excellant bus system and went to Exotic Gardens (the views alone make this worth it), the Palace, changing of the guards, the aquarium and the casino grounds. Monte Carlo is a very nice stop.

Kirk

[bethaniesmom]

so I have a lightly off topic question but I am trying to get my bearings here.

was booked on an NCL cruise that I had to cancel last week (sad, I know), that listed the stop as Montecarlo. I am now looking at a Carnival cruise that lists the stop as Monaco. So I know that one is the country, and one is a city, but why are they listed differently....does it mean a different pier? Or does it really not effect much? I am guessing that I can see the same sights since we are there eleven hours! Does the little tourist tram run in May?

 

Beverly

[BiggiB]

Bonjour, bethaniesmom

 

Monte-Carlo is an urban quarter of the Principality of Monaco, such as Monaco Ville (Old Town), Fontvieille, La Condamine and 3 more.

You will always arrive at Port Hercule in Monaco, either by tender or your ship docks on the cruise ship pier right underneath Monaco Ville, except for the time during the Grand Prix, when all cruise ships tender to the yacht port of Fontvieille.

In 2011 the Grand Prix will be held on 26 to 29 May.

 

The little tourist train run all year long, and I assume, that the new hop-on/hopp-off bus will be operating in May as well. This bus starts right at the cruise ship pier (exception see above), the little train starts in Monaco Ville.

 

In such an extended stay of 11 hours, you will be able to explore Monaco and its neighbourhoods quite well; ideas of walks and sights can be found here: http://www.visitmonaco.com.

 

There's also time to do some excursions to the surrounding villages and towns; a lot of suggestions are available at CC under Ports of Call.

 

Have a great time on your spring cruise!

[bethaniesmom]

thank you for the quick reply...i think we will plan to do alot of walking there!

 

Beverly

[Joe80USA]

Eze is well worth the trip but BE AWARE - it is a steep walk up to the top but - wait til you see it ! !

[bizmarkie24]

is there a schedule for sunday? or are there no buses on sunday?

The public transportation system is so good in that area, that for for the short time that you'll have in port I would rely on it if you decide to visit an area beyond Monaco. A rental car would be nice if you had more time, but I think it would end up being more hassle and expense than it's worth for the 5 or 6 hours that you'll have it.

 

A bus to Eze Village takes 15 minutes, at a cost of 1 euro/pp each way. Working around the bus schedule, you could spend a couple of hours in Eze either early in the morning, or at lunch time, and the rest of your time in Monaco, or if it's your first visit to that area, you might want to spend your whole time in Monaco. If you do go to Eze, I highly recommend spending some time in the garden at the very top of the village ... the views are spectacular and the garden is quite interesting.

 

Here's a link to the Monday-Saturday bus schedule for #112 that does a direct route to Eze Village.

[AlFrank]

We will be stopping in Monte Carlo from 7AM-3PM. We were thinking of going to Eze, because we have heard a lot about it on the boards. My question is with the limited time we have should we just stick with Eze or are there other places we should visit? Also, should we stick with Public Transportation or is renting a car worth it?

Eze Village is a great place. It has been many years since I've been there but I'm sure it hasn't changed. There are 2 bus stops, you just have to make sure you get off at the correct stop. There are elevators to take you from one level in Monte Carlo to another. I'm going to check on them, it's been too longer to remember where they are. If I get the locations I'll let you know or bring them the one of the meet & greats on the Star.

[jen1206]

Eze Village is a great place. It has been many years since I've been there but I'm sure it hasn't changed. There are 2 bus stops, you just have to make sure you get off at the correct stop. There are elevators to take you from one level in Monte Carlo to another. I'm going to check on them, it's been too longer to remember where they are. If I get the locations I'll let you know or bring them the one of the meet & greats on the Star.

 

That would be great. Thank you.

[AlFrank]

We will be stopping in Monte Carlo from 7AM-3PM. We were thinking of going to Eze, because we have heard a lot about it on the boards. My question is with the limited time we have should we just stick with Eze or are there other places we should visit? Also, should we stick with Public Transportation or is renting a car worth it?

 

FYI on getting around Monaco/Monte Carlo There are maps on the internet too

 

Monaco Elevators & Escalators

 

Monaco has convenient public elevators and escalators to help you get around. Av. des Citronniers to Av. de Grande Bretagne Ave. de la Costa to Bd. Princess Charlotte Av. President J F Kennedy to Parking de la Costa Av Pasteur to Bd. du Jardin Exotique Av Princess Grace to Place des Moulins Bd. du Larvotto to Descente du Larvotto Bd. Loius II to Terrasses du Casino Centre Commercial de Fontvielle to Place d'Armes Chemin des Pecheurs to Av. St Martin Place St. Devote to Bd. de Belgique

[jen1206]

FYI on getting around Monaco/Monte Carlo There are maps on the internet too

 

Monaco Elevators & Escalators

 

Monaco has convenient public elevators and escalators to help you get around. Av. des Citronniers to Av. de Grande Bretagne Ave. de la Costa to Bd. Princess Charlotte Av. President J F Kennedy to Parking de la Costa Av Pasteur to Bd. du Jardin Exotique Av Princess Grace to Place des Moulins Bd. du Larvotto to Descente du Larvotto Bd. Loius II to Terrasses du Casino Centre Commercial de Fontvielle to Place d'Armes Chemin des Pecheurs to Av. St Martin Place St. Devote to Bd. de Belgique

 

 

Thank for the information.

[Hlitner]

is there a schedule for sunday? or are there no buses on sunday?

 

If you are asking about the #112 bus (this runs between Nice and Monte Carlo along the middle corniche with a stop at Eze Village) it does run on Sundays. But beware since there is only one bus about every 1:40 minutes...so you need to check the schedule and plan accordingly. There is also another bus (the #82) that runs slightly more often and can be caught at the Eze/Bord sur Mer train station or you can actually get this bus in Villefranche for those who are anchored at this location.

 

Hank

[Susan-M]

is there a schedule for sunday? or are there no buses on sunday?

 

Yes ... not sure if it's year round though so it's important to check the schedule on the Ligne d'azur site for the date that you'll be there. (When I posted above, Ligne d'azur was in the midst of updating their website and at that time only showed the pdf file with Mon-Sat schedules.)

 

Here's a link to the full schedule for 112. Note that this schedule only shows stops through to Cap d'ail, however, the bus continues on into Monaco which is just past Cap d'ail.

 

A correction to the post above this one re #82 ... it runs between Nice and Eze Village, and doesn't have a stop within easy walking distance of the port in Villefranche, nor does it have a stop at Eze bord de Mer.

[Ferndale Girl]

If we are in Monte Carlo from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and have to tender do you think it would be possible to take the 1:20 bus to Eze and the 4:30 bus back and make it in time. Are they usually on time and do they always have room on them? I'm not worried about not having too much time in Eze - just worried about not making it back to the ship.

[momma4v3]

We will be in Monte Carlo from noon to 10 pm on a Wednesday. Any suggestions on what is open and available? We are traveling with in-laws (69 and 73, but active) and children (11-15), so casino is off limits if the girls are with us! We have been to Nice, Eze and St Paul de Vence on a previous trip to France. We had dinner in Monte Carlo but did not have time to tour anything.

Would a private driver/guide be beneficial?

 

Thanks for any help!

Linda

[Hlitner]

If we are in Monte Carlo from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and have to tender do you think it would be possible to take the 1:20 bus to Eze and the 4:30 bus back and make it in time. Are they usually on time and do they always have room on them? I'm not worried about not having too much time in Eze - just worried about not making it back to the ship.

 

You should be fine with this plan. The regional buses do generally run close to schedule and normally have seats (if not you can stand). In a worse case scenario if something went wrong with the bus your backup plan would be to simply get a taxi (not cheap but very doable). It is also possible to grab a bus (or even hike) down to Eze/Bord sur Mer where you can grab the train (or a different bus) to Monte Carlo (not the best option but it is an option).

 

Hank

[agabbymama]

FYI on getting around Monaco/Monte Carlo There are maps on the internet too

 

Monaco Elevators & Escalators

 

Monaco has convenient public elevators and escalators to help you get around. Av. des Citronniers to Av. de Grande Bretagne Ave. de la Costa to Bd. Princess Charlotte Av. President J F Kennedy to Parking de la Costa Av Pasteur to Bd. du Jardin Exotique Av Princess Grace to Place des Moulins Bd. du Larvotto to Descente du Larvotto Bd. Loius II to Terrasses du Casino Centre Commercial de Fontvielle to Place d'Armes Chemin des Pecheurs to Av. St Martin Place St. Devote to Bd. de Belgique

 

There may be escalators and elevators, but they sure are not marked, nor do people tell you where they are when you ask. We were in no rush to debark Grand Princess, decided to let the ship's tours people get out of the way first. When we debarked there wasn't a soul from the ship or the pier to ask questions. I had a tourist map from Monaco Tourist Board that said there was a taxi queue at the pier, unfortunately there was not one taxi there. We asked how to get to the Palace and was informed we would have to walk. We made it about half way up and turned back for the ship. Had lunch on-board, and thus missed seeing anything of Monaco, other than the view from our balcony. We are two older mobility impaired ladies, that were very disappointed. So have a Plan "A", but also a Plan "B" for when Plan "A" falls apart. Princess was not very communicative to folks wanting to do independent sight seeing.

[lucyintheskywithdiamonds]

There is lots to do in Monte Carlo if you want to stay local. We used the excellant bus system and went to Exotic Gardens (the views alone make this worth it), the Palace, changing of the guards, the aquarium and the casino grounds. Monte Carlo is a very nice stop.

 

Kirk

 

Is there a need for advanced tickets for the palace tour? I'm not sure if they have a set schedule, or if you can go at any time.. i believe the changing of the guards is right before noon? i'd love to witness that..thanks for any info.;)

[lucyintheskywithdiamonds]

great website about Monaco. thanks

[EYE-V]

From the Monte Carlo port, where do you go to catch the bus to Eze? :confused:

[ranchette]

great website about Monaco. thanks

What is the website?