Nice and Santa Margherita excursions RC

[RFC2014]

Hello,

 

We have an option to take RC transportation to Nice for free time for 4 hours or take a RC shuttle to Nice for two hours and then shuttle to Old Monaco for 2 hours.

 

any advice?

 

Santa Margherita…how is the post? Should we make our way to Portofino?

 

 

[edinburgher]

1 hour ago, RFC2014 said:

We have an option to take RC transportation to Nice for free time for 4 hours or take a RC shuttle to Nice for two hours and then shuttle to Old Monaco for 2 hours.

Which would appeal to you personally?  More time in Nice or less time in both Nice AND  Monaco?

Both are attractive in their own ways and offer different sights and/or experiences.  Can I suggest you read about both to see what attractions and/or sights appeal to you most. also reviews. Doing this would give you an indication of how much time you might spend in either, which in turn should help you decide.

 

Many past threads and posts about both Santa Margherita and Portofino. if you have not already searched for and read any of them, these to help you get started:

I have also included results for la Spezia as SM and P are popular visits from that port.

 https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=la spezia&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=464

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=portofino&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=464

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q="santa margherita"&quick=1&

type=forums_topic&nodes=464&updated_after=any&sortby=relevancy

 

 

Edited November 25, 2023 by edinburgher

[Hlitner]

1 hour ago, RFC2014 said:

Hello,

 

We have an option to take RC transportation to Nice for free time for 4 hours or take a RC shuttle to Nice for two hours and then shuttle to Old Monaco for 2 hours.

 

any advice?

 

Santa Margherita…how is the post? Should we make our way to Portofino?

 

 

If you are the type traveler that prefers to take large group excursions (i.e. being put onto a large bus) than you should certainly consider going to Nice and/or Monte Carlo.  But you do have other options, which are generally going to save you significant money and give you more flexibility  For Nice/Monoco you will likely port at Villefranche sur Mer which is a tender port.  That means you will need to deal with the tender process which is a reason some folks prefer to do a cruise ship excursion.  If you go ashore on your own, there are regional public buses (the cost to Nice or Monte Carlo is about 2.50 Euros per person) and also trains (the line goes to Nice or Monte Carlo, which are opposite directions on the same train line).  The train station in Villefranche is within easy walking distance of the tender pier, but does involve a long stairway up the hill.  Trains cost more than the regional buses and the train stations in Nice and Monte Carlo are not as conveniently located as the bus stops.

 

As to Santa Margherita, much would depend on where you dock/tender.  I suggest you take a good look at all the offered cruise line excursions to give you a good idea of what can reasonably be done during that port day.  While some folks are happy to spend their port day in Santa Margherita, many others will want to visit Portofino (a picturesque place with not a lot to do other than shop, eat, and perhaps take a very long walk).

 

Hank

[marazul]

And you do know that Nice is in France, not in Italy.  You will find many. opinions on your question on the France forum.