Excursion Sustainable monaco & market tour at Montecarlo

Discover the opulent elegance of Monaco's highlights on a walking tour that shows you the history of Monte Carlo's grace and glamour (and gardens!), followed by a delicious tasting of local specialties at the much-photographed Condamine Market at the grand Place d'Armes.

Monaco Guided Walking Tour

Cross the busy Hercule harbour by ferry (15 minutes) and begin your 90-minute walking tour of Monaco.

Begin in the Monte Carlo quarter and learn the history of the Casino and Opera House. Interestingly, the brainchild and force behind the success of the Monte Carlo Casino is thanks to Princess Caroline, mother to Prince Charles III (who commissioned the successful building that opened in 1879); Princess Caroline is responsible for finding the right manager François Blanc (aka The Magician of Monte Carlo) and architect (Charles Garnier, who also designed the Paris Opera House) to execute her vision. The result is the grand and luxurious casino for which Monte Carlo is famous today, a glorious example of belle epoque architecture. You may decide during a short free time to tour the interior of the Opera House that adjoins the Casino, enjoying its richly furnished interior, with a marble foyer, columns of onyx and exquisitely ornate bas relief sculptures in gold.

Walk also past Hotel de Paris, the Café de Paris and the incredible Casino gardens that have been featured in several James Bond films. The gardens were built in 1893 and designed by architect Edouard André, who was inspired by the fashion of the French Riviera. Stroll through the waterfalls, streams and landscaped valleys amidst the brightly-hued tropical plants and see the unique "Little Africa" garden, which is full of subtropical and tropical species, including trees with impressive aerial roots and vast, buttress-like branches.

Place d'Armes and Marché de la Condamine

Your walking tour leads you to the covered market of the Marché de la Condamine on Place d'Armes. Open daily, the open-air market sells Monaco's freshest fruit, vegetables and flowers and is a delight for touring photographers wishing to snap photos of the vibrant local colour, including the much-photographed and yellow-striped tented market stands framed by the elegant buildings and fountain at the Place d'Armes.

Also featured in the market are specialty meats, cheeses, wine and other domestic goods. Enjoy a tasting of local specialties (with table service) and browse the market for a bit before returning to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo Casino, Opera House, Hotel de Paris, Café de Paris, Marché de la Condamine, Place d'Armes, Tasting of Local Specialties

Note

Please note: This tour involves moderate activity, with about 1.5km walking over mostly level surfaces and 300 meters of additional uphill walking. This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility limitations, as this is a walking tour and guests must be able to keep pace with the group. This excursion is not wheelchair accessible. 50 m of difference in altitude with a staircase of about 30 steps. Periods of standing expected but there are benches along the way. This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or for those in wheelchairs. Guests must be able to board and exit the boat on their own. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Tour may be operated in reverse order. Passport is needed in case of own visit of the Casino of Monte-Carlo.