Monaco, Monte Carlo & Eze: Small Group Day Trip from Nice

Summary

Monaco’s old town, Eze’s stone lanes, Formula 1 streets and sea views

You’ll climb medieval alleys in Eze with a local guide, breathe in fresh perfume at Fragonard, gaze down on Monaco from ancient La Turbie, and feel your heart skip as you ride along Monte Carlo’s Grand Prix circuit. There’s free time for wandering palaces or sipping coffee by superyachts — and maybe you’ll leave with a new favorite scent or just a memory that lingers longer than expected.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll see why they call it the ‘balcony of Monaco,’” our guide said as we wound up to La Turbie — and honestly, I still don’t know what was more distracting: that massive Roman Trophy or the way the light hit all those red roofs below. We’d started out from Nice early, just a handful of us in a minivan with windows down (the air had that salty-morning smell). First stop was Eze. The climb through those cobbled alleys is steeper than you think — I had to catch my breath at one point, pretending to admire some bougainvillea while secretly hoping nobody noticed. But reaching the top? Worth it. You can see all the way to Cap Ferrat if the sky’s clear. The Fragonard perfumery tour was a surprise highlight; I left with my wrist smelling like orange blossom for hours.

La Turbie itself felt almost unreal — Roman ruins just sitting there above Monaco like it’s no big deal. Our driver told us stories about Augustus and old trade routes while we snapped photos (he claimed his grandmother used to picnic up there as a girl). Then Monaco: crossing into another country without even noticing, suddenly surrounded by spotless streets and Lamborghinis humming past. We caught the Changing of the Guard outside the Prince’s Palace at exactly 11:55 am; it’s oddly formal but also kind of sweet how many locals pause to watch. Afterward we wandered through Monaco-Ville — narrow lanes, the white stones of the cathedral almost glowing in midday sun, people speaking French and Italian and something else I couldn’t place.

I didn’t expect to drive on part of the Formula 1 circuit but yep, our minivan zipped around those tight corners near Casino Square like we belonged there (well…almost). There’s something surreal about standing outside Monte Carlo Casino watching people in designer shoes try not to look nervous before going in. Free time meant coffee in a little café facing all that glitz — espresso tasted sharper somehow with sea air drifting over from the harbor. By then my feet were tired but I didn’t really want to leave yet. There’s this feeling you get in Monaco, like you’re both inside and outside a movie at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Monaco and French Riviera sightseeing

• Drive from Nice to Eze village
• Visit medieval village and exotic garden
• Discover perfume-making at Fragonard
• Drive through La Turbie and see Trophy of the Alps
• Arrive in Monaco and watch Changing of the Guard
• Explore Monaco old town and Prince's Palace area
• Visit Monaco Cathedral
• See Justice Palace from outside
• Drive on Monte-Carlo Formula 1 Grand Prix track
• Explore Monte Carlo Casino and Gardens

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Nice to Monaco?

The shared tour lasts approximately 7 hours including stops in Eze, La Turbie, Monaco-Ville, and Monte Carlo.

Is hotel pickup included for this Monaco day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Nice are included with your booking.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

You only need your passport if you wish to enter the Casino de Monte-Carlo during free time.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; infant seats are available upon request.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; you’ll have free time in Monaco to eat where you like.

Are entrance fees covered for attractions?

The guided perfumery tour at Fragonard is included; other sites like Oceanographic Museum or Prince's Palace require separate tickets if you choose to enter.

Will we see the Changing of the Guard at the Prince's Palace?

Yes, you’ll witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the palace at 11:55 am.

How much walking is involved during this tour?

Eze village has steep cobbled paths; comfortable shoes are recommended but overall walking is moderate with breaks.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Nice by air-conditioned minivan, guidance throughout from a knowledgeable local guide (sometimes multilingual), entry for a guided perfumery tour at Fragonard in Eze, plus plenty of free time to explore Monaco’s sights or grab lunch wherever catches your eye before heading back together late afternoon.