Monte Carlo, Monaco

The principality of Monaco and city of Monte Carlo lie on the southern Mediterranean Sea coast of France, near the border with Italy, in Southern Europe. It is the second smallest independent state in the world. With no natural resources of its own, Monte Carlo is a haven for tourists and the wealthy jet-set.

Monte Carlo features a beautiful Riviera setting, yacht-filled harbor and elegant casino. Wander through the covered passageways of the old quarter, have a drink in the grand Hotel de Paris, or shop in chic boutiques favored by the princesses Caroline and Stephanie.

Things to See & Do

* Avenue Saint Martin
* Palais du Prince (Prince's Palace)
* Grand Casino
* Jardin Exotique (Exotic Gardens)
* Salle Garnier (Opera House)

General Information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - Euro (€)
Language - French
Land Area - 1.95 km²
Population - 33,000 approx. (Monaco)
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC plus one hour
International Country Telephone Code - + 377

Port Location - The cruise terminal is located at Port Hercule in Monte Carlo.

Travel Links - The nearest airport is the Nice-Côte-d'Azur International , which is around 14 miles away from the city-centre in neighbouring France. It operates daily flights to most of the world's largest cities, such as London and Los Angeles. There are regular Rapide Cote D'Azur buses connecting Monte Carlo with both the terminals at Nice Cote D'Azur airport, and taxis are always available outside the terminal buildings.

The Monaco-Monte Carlo station has good service to most of neighbouring France and Italy. There are 2-4 services per hour to Nice, Cannes, Menton and Ventimiglia (Italy). Most international trains will stop, such as the 'Ligure' which links Marseille and Milan, the 'train bleu' which operates between Paris and Ventimiglia, and the famous high-speed TGV which runs between Nice and Paris.

There is no bus station in Monte Carlo. Instead, international buses stop at various points throughout the city. Regular buses, run by Rapide Cote D'Azur , connect Monte Carlo with Nice and other French destinations.