Rare DOJO466 Posted February 22, 2012 #1 Share Posted February 22, 2012 We have booked a tour in Monte Carlo with a reputable tour guide. She has given us an either/or choice of tours. This is our first time to these areas. Time in port 9am to 11pm so no time concerns. The choices are: Nice, Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo OR Nice, St paul de Vence, Antibes, Cannes. I really wanted to see St Paul de Vence and Eze. I did ask if we could do both and she said we would be in the Van all day without much time to tour. So who would do what? I really trust all of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruin Steve Posted February 22, 2012 #2 Share Posted February 22, 2012 We have booked a tour in Monte Carlo with a reputable tour guide. She has given us an either/or choice of tours. This is our first time to these areas. Time in port 9am to 11pm so no time concerns. The choices are:Nice, Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo OR Nice, St paul de Vence, Antibes, Cannes. I really wanted to see St Paul de Vence and Eze. I did ask if we could do both and she said we would be in the Van all day without much time to tour. So who would do what? I really trust all of you. Let's see...Two visits ago, we did Nice/Eze/Monaco-Monte Carlo... This last August, while on Marina, we did Cannes, Gordoun, Grasse, St. Paul de Vence... Personally, I enjoyed the second a bit more--absolutely loved St. Paul de Vence... Of course, We had been to Monte Carlo multiple times before--so it was getting old for us--I no longer get a thrill seeing the Casino or playing the slots... For most first timers, Monaco/Monte Carlo is an attraction...The place has incredible class and, of course, there are some "landmarks"--You can tour the Royal Palace in Monaco, visit Princess Grace's grave in the Cathedral and go into the Casino...But, the town is very overpriced...worth seeing at least once, I guess... Cannes is not that special--except it being a beach town and knowing the Film Festival is held there...You can stop and take photos at the theater... Eze and St. Paul are both charming medeival towns--art Galleries abound, especially in St. Paul...walled cities, nice views...To me, both are special--though I liked St. Paul a bit more... Grasse is highlighted by the perfume factory...get ready to exercise the credit card...my wife bought expensive gifts here... Nice is a big city...the market area is pleasant--if you are there in the morning... Trust your guide to know what is practical to work into your port stop time...What you don't visit this trip, you can pick up next trip... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruzmaven Posted February 22, 2012 #3 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Deb, its your dime, I'd do the research and decide what's important to you. You can start with a quick drive through Monte Carlo, get a quick drive by the main sights - beautiful views on the way up and back from the palace. From Monte Carlo go to Eze, you can get a good feel for the town in an an hour or so, from there drive to St Paul de Vance (about 29 km according to google maps) again an hour or so there would be enough, maybe more if you're doing a quick lunch, go back towards Monte Carlo via Nice. Stop in Nice for an hour or two, and return to Monte Carlo to tour on your own. You'll be in port late so a quick dinner outside at Terrace on the ship overlooking the harbor is lovely. Then a taxi to the casino so DH can get his James Bond on and you're good to go. Long day, lots of running around and time in the van but the small towns are very quaint and you'll love it. Have a great time. BTW, Steve mentioned the perfume factory in Grasse. We really enjoyed this but you don't have to go to Grasse. There's a Fragonard factory (same as in Grasse) and free tour in Eze. The tour is free but, like Steve, I didn't get out of there without some purchases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted February 23, 2012 #4 Share Posted February 23, 2012 For my money, the option that includes St. Paul Vence is the way to go, particularly if they can schedule your day so that you start with a couple of hours in the Flower Market in Nice. Early mornings there are fantastical. An experience that you will never forget. ((Hint)) the produce there is also superb, and very different from what we see in the United States. Why not pick up a a little something tasty to nibble during the car ride? I once had a persimmon (they are called Kaki there) in that flower market that rocked my World! (and I am not even crazy about persimmons). I find Eze to be disappointingly commercial (almost Disney-fied) these days, and even before that was true, the basic architecture and ambiance is too similar to St. Paul Vence to make a visit to both in the same day worthwhile. Vence has the better church, Chagall is buried there, and if you have lunch (or a bottle of wine and an appy) at Colombe D'Or, you'll be surrounded by a Matisse, a Braque a Picasso and a Cezanne. It is like being in a museum where you can sit down and eat great food *and that can't be bad. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benita Posted February 23, 2012 #5 Share Posted February 23, 2012 I agree with Jim and Stan - have been to all the places you mention. I did enjoy Monte Carlo, with a visit to the palace, but Eze pales in comparison to St Paul de Vance. We did a pilgrimage to the church there to find Chagall's grave - easy to find as he was Jewish, so visitors leave stones on the grave and then went into the restaurant where artists before they were famous, left pictures they had painted instead of money for their food. I also loved Antibes - great Picasso museum and a lovely harbor, with great seaside restaurants. Nice does have the beautiful flower market. Either tour would be lovely, but since you asked, I would opt for the second itinerary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DOJO466 Posted February 23, 2012 Author #6 Share Posted February 23, 2012 I knew I could count on you well traveled CC'ers. We are traveling with friends (their first time on a cruise and in Europe), and I wanted to make sure we were doing the best for all concerned. I appreciate all your tips and comments. I just love this forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
globevest Posted February 23, 2012 #7 Share Posted February 23, 2012 I would add just one thing about Monte Carlo, the Jacques Cousteau Oceanographic Museum, close to the Palace, is really worth a visit if you have the chance. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafrog Posted February 23, 2012 #8 Share Posted February 23, 2012 We have booked a tour in Monte Carlo with a reputable tour guide. She has given us an either/or choice of tours. This is our first time to these areas. Time in port 9am to 11pm so no time concerns. The choices are:Nice, Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo OR Nice, St paul de Vence, Antibes, Cannes. I really wanted to see St Paul de Vence and Eze. I did ask if we could do both and she said we would be in the Van all day without much time to tour. So who would do what? I really trust all of you. We will be on the Oct. 16 Nautica cruise to this area. Could you tell me who your tour guide/company is, as we also would like to book a similar tour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DOJO466 Posted February 23, 2012 Author #9 Share Posted February 23, 2012 We will be on the Oct. 16 Nautica cruise to this area. Could you tell me who your tour guide/company is, as we also would like to book a similar tour. Be prepared..real expensive I will give you 2 dicristosylvie@gmail.com or her business www.FrenchRivieraGuides.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DOJO466 Posted February 23, 2012 Author #10 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Be prepared..real expensive I will give you 2dicristosylvie@gmail.com or her business www.FrenchRivieraGuides.net You can also try dream tours Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted February 23, 2012 #11 Share Posted February 23, 2012 You can also try dream tours +1 for Dream Tours but ONLY if you get Alaine, with a different guide they are hit and miss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DOJO466 Posted February 23, 2012 Author #12 Share Posted February 23, 2012 +1 for Dream Tours but ONLY if you get Alaine, with a different guide they are hit and miss. I am going back and forth here with my tours...are you familiar with Sylvie di Cristo? Very good ratings and she is driver/guide. Have also looked at Alain with dream tours....oh the decisions...the joys of trip planning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafrog Posted February 23, 2012 #13 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Thank you for the referral. I am contacting Sylvie re her availability and cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribbeansun Posted February 23, 2012 #14 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Not sure why they would tell you that, our tour which was with Dream Tours went to these two, as well as a quick tour through Monaco, to the overlook over Nice and ended the day in Turret. I really wanted to see St Paul de Vence and Eze. I did ask if we could do both and she said we would be in the Van all day without much time to tour. So who would do what? I really trust all of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DOJO466 Posted February 23, 2012 Author #15 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Not sure why they would tell you that, our tour which was with Dream Tours went to these two, as well as a quick tour through Monaco, to the overlook over Nice and ended the day in Turret. I am not booked with Dream Tours..I am booked with a a guide that does more intensive tours than just a drive by or "drop off" at the city walls. That is why she told me there would be no time to visit Eze on top of all the other places. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribbeansun Posted February 24, 2012 #16 Share Posted February 24, 2012 Sorry, my mistake. I am not booked with Dream Tours..I am booked with a a guide that does more intensive tours than just a drive by or "drop off" at the city walls. That is why she told me there would be no time to visit Eze on top of all the other places. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Understood Posted February 24, 2012 #17 Share Posted February 24, 2012 Just a heads up re Sylvie: I have an email thanking me for booking with her and then a month later got another email telling me she is not available as she is taking some folks from another ship. Not sure where the wires got crossed, I thought "thanks for booking" meant we were booked? ---------------- Helen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DOJO466 Posted February 24, 2012 Author #18 Share Posted February 24, 2012 Just a heads up re Sylvie: I have an email thanking me for booking with her and then a month later got another email telling me she is not available as she is taking some folks from another ship. Not sure where the wires got crossed, I thought "thanks for booking" meant we were booked?---------------- Helen Oh, that doesn't sound too good. I have an actual contract with her...did you have that also or just an e-mail affirmation? Thanks for the heads up. Deb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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