MONTE CARLO CRUISES

The name “Monte Carlo” is synonymous with luxury and glamour – quite a feat for the capital of the world’s second smallest country, Monaco (second only to the Vatican). Sitting at the foot of the Maritime Alps, Monaco is located northeast of Nice. Start one of our Monte Carlo cruises at the infamous Casino del Monte Carlo, a gilded homage to lavish marble that’s a stunning example of belle époque architecture. Or, take things at a slower pace with a visit to the cliffside Musée Océanographique de Monaco, where you can watch sharks and other predators swim within a 6m-deep lagoon. Monaco is also the home of the Formula One Grand Prix, which takes place every year in May. Even if you’re visiting at a different time of year, you can walk the 3.2km route the cars race down. To get a taste of Monaco’s history, visit the Palais Princier de Monaco, which sits at the summit of the hilltop old town, La Rocher, just half an hour’s walk from Monte Carlo. Visit the luxurious state apartments in this 13th-century residence of the Grimaldi Family. While in La Rocher, don’t miss the dazzling, white-stone Monaco Cathedral which dates back to 1875 and fuses Roman and Byzantine influences.