en en fi en oc en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en it en en en en en en en en ja en en de en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en de en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en es en en en en
It’s not every day one awakes, draws the curtain, and takes in the view of being surrounded by luxury yachts in Monte Carlo Harbour,: but that’s how it was this morning.
What’s more it was another gorgeous day which confirmed to us that our plan to visit Nice was firmly on. We breakfasted as usual on the Aquavit Terrace before heading ashore.
I should at this point state that there were complimentary walking tours of Monaco and a complimentary coach laid on for Nice – a kind of ‘Nice on your own’ service. We decided to give that a miss for two reasons. Firstly it only gave a limited number of hours in Nice and secondly, I wanted to check out the local bus service between the two places for future reference on my cruise blog and the various cruise forums I frequent.
Once ashore we took a leisurely walk circumnavigating the North end of the harbour along Quai Albert 1er as far as Rue Grimaldi where the Nice bus stop is situated. Buses run roughly every 15 minutes and we were soon on our way along the beautiful Côte d’Azur in the direction of Nice. The fare was a most reasonable €1.50 per person and the best tip I can offer is to get a seat on the left side of the bus in order to make the most of the coastal views.
The journey takes 45 minutes and we were dropped off at Nice’s Old Port area. It’s a short walk to the mole that extends from the entrance of the port and from the mole some excellent views are available of Nice’s beach and of the ‘Colline d’Chateau – Castle Hill, which stands high above the town, again affording excellent views.
Castle Hill is now very much a tourist area with a park and garden, again offering magnificent views of both the Old Port and Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais. (see the photographs)
Other places visited in Nice included the Old Town – a vibrant maze of narrow streets with an unmistakeable Mediterranean vibe where the visitor can easily momentarily become lost in a different world.
The area is full of colourful restaurants and bars and it was here we opted to have lunch, yards from the Place Rosetti and the beautiful baroque Cathédrale Sainte Réparate.
We had a full day in Nice and by the time we returned to Monaco it was dark. Once again the image of Viking Star in amongst the lights of Monte Carlo was a great sight.
This evening we had pre dinner drinks in the Explorers Lounge, a two level glass fronted ultra comfortable area where one can relax and unwind in a homely ambience with glorious views over the ship’s bow.
Having heard so much about the Seafood buffet dinner available at the World cafe we opted for this dining venue this evening. We were not disappointed, particularly as we found our favourite Aquavit terrace table vacant.
We feasted on king prawns, sushi, mussels and snow crab claws as the waiter kept our glasses well topped with a crisp white ‘Kampus Peloponnese Cavino.
The Pool deck was the venue for this evenings production show and it was entitled ‘The Long and Winding Road’. No prizes for guessing a ‘Beatles’ connection then.
This was a really excellent show and it was good to see all the entertainers and other staff involved and making the evening the success it was, particularly the continuation music for a session of ‘dancing under the stars’.
Next up tomorrow is Ajaccio, a port that we have already visited a number of times. We are booked on one of the optional excursions and looking forward to a little retail therapy in Ajaccio on our return.
Become a member to receive exclusive benefits
Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.
Exclusive holiday offers and discounts
Travel insights delivered direct to your inbox
Plus a free copy of The Silver Traveller magazine and much more!
Already a member? Sign in
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube Linkedin
©2021 Silver Travel Advisor, All Rights Reserved. ABTA: P8411. Silver Travel Advisor is a UK registered limited company. Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We provide financial protection for your money when you buy a package holiday. If you buy other travel arrangements such as accommodation only this protection doesn’t apply.
Silver Travel Advisor sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel’s membership of ABTA with membership number P8411. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.
For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. Tel: 020 3117 0599 or www.abta.com”
Hays Travel Limited are registered in England and Wales with company number 1990682 and VAT number 193167195. Registered office: 25 Vine Place, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear SR1 3NA. Silver Travel Advisor is a trading name and are registered in with company number 7408308 and VAT number 100952746. Registered office: 9b Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 0PY.