Rhonda Bracey: At Random

What a day! We arrived in Monte Carlo around 9am, and when we got off the ship we decided to do the hop-on hop-off (HOHO) bus this morning to see the sights because we had a car and driver booked for the afternoon.

First, find the HOHO bus stop, which we been told was right near the ship… it was, but we didn’t see it so we walked quite a way to the next one. EU25 per person, which seemed a lot but a ticket gives you a full day hopping on and off. It was really good value.

We started up top in the open air, but after the hour-long circuit we went downstairs because the direct sun was getting very hot. We stayed on to get off at the casino the second time round, but knew that getting back on again in time to get to the place where we were to meet the car and driver would be tight. So we stayed on for a full second circuit. Bonus! We arrived at the palace just as the daily changing of the guard was happening, so saw it from the bus while the traffic was held up for the ceremony. The HOHO bus is worth it to see all the spots, especially because Monte Carlo is perched on a hillside and there are a LOT of steps and steep roads.

Frederic, our driver (from Ruby Services), met us at the designated time and place in a Mercedes 7-seater van, which had blissful air conditioning (the HOHO bus had none). And off we went. For the next 5 hours, Frederic took us where we wanted to go—Cap Ferrat (where we had a quick dip in the Mediterranean to cool off), Ville de Franche, Nice, and Eze, a medieval hilltop walled village, finally stopping at the Monte Carlo casino that we missed earlier, before taking us back to the ship. We saw a lot of the Cote d’Azur and it is stunning! As are the yachts that are on the water and in the marinas.

Tip: Whenever you hear ‘medieval hilltop walled village’ you can guarantee there will be steep climbs and LOTS of stairs, and that you need to be related to a mountain goat to negotiate them!!!

Another beautiful clear day with light winds and temperatures in the low 30s (in the shade) and high 30s in the sun.

The dock is right in Monte Carlo

Cap Ferrat

Ville de Franche waterfront

Cote d’Azur (Cap Ferrat?)

Monte Carlo casino. Free to go into the lobby but EU20 to go onto the floor

Leaving Monte Carlo around 10pm