Monaco is just 0.8 square miles (1.95 square kilometres) in size, or approximately the same size as Central Park in New York City. It is the smallest state in the world after the Vatican City. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco is surrounded on three sides by France, from which it gained independence in 1861 under the Franco-Monegasque Treaty. This significant event in Monaco's history is marked every November with many celebratory events, the highlight of which is a spectacular firework display set to music over the famous harbour.

Our big-little-adventure combines the glamour of the French Riviera and Monaco with the thrill of European rail travel. Travelling by Eurostar train, then the swift TGV train to Nice on the French Riviera, the journey promises to be as exciting as the places we will visit.

The TGV heads effortlessly south through serene landscapes before encountering the alluring scenery of the Cote d’Azur – yacht-filled harbours, beaches, rocky inlets and millionaires’ villas. Our destination is Nice, the region’s capital, nicknamed Nice la Belle which means Nice the Beautiful.

The pinnacle of the weekend is a day spent in neighbouring Monaco, taking in the famous sights including Monte Carlo Casino, Café de Paris, Port Hercule harbour and the old city on the Rock of Monaco.

Itinerary
Day 1: London to Nice via Lille
Depart St Pancras International (or join at Ebbsfleet or Ashford subject to availability) in the early morning by Eurostar to Lille. Here we change to the TGV and continue to Nice, arriving late afternoon. Check-in at the Kyriad Hotel adjacent to Nice station.

Day 2: Monaco & Nice Carnival
Morning visit to Monaco with the option to return to nice to see the flower parade. The colourful, action-packed parade takes place from 2.30pm and there is a parade of lights from 9pm. The bulk of the action takes place along the Promenade des Anglais, Nice's main seafront boulevard.

Day 3: Menton Lemon Festival
This morning we return to Nice Station to join the coastal train to Menton for the Lemon Festival. The parades and displays take over virtually the whole town, so there are plenty of opportunities for good views of the event.

Day 4: Home
Time to head for home: Check out of the hotel after breakfast and join the TGV train back to Lille then the Eurostar home.

Note: Order and times of events/excursions may be subject to change.

Kyriad Hotel, Nice Station
Located close to the station, in the the old town, the Kyriad is ideal for our tour. Nice ‘vielle ville’ is just a short stroll and the station is just across the road.
All bedrooms are air-conditioned, sound proofed and have baths and showers, hair dryers, satellite TV with LCD screen, direct-dial phone and free wireless Internet access.

Eurostar – London to Lille
From London St Pancras, Eurostar takes just 90 minutes to Lille. On board, you will have a reserved, semi-reclining aircraft-style seat. You’ll also find a buffer car serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate, beer, wine, spirits, sandwiches, crisps and a few hot snacks. Sterling, Euros and cards accepted. You can eat and drink in the bar area (standing space only, there are no seats) or take your purchases back to your seat. You can also take your own food and drink on board.

TGV to Nice
Taking the train is easily the most civilised and stress-free way to travel through France. For Nice, on the French Riviera, we hop on the 186mph TGV at Lille Europe station. Sit back, relax and let scenic France pass by the train windows. The journey is around 5 to 6 hours from Lille, 4 hours from Paris. The train has a buffet car which sells drinks and snacks, but there’s nothing to stop you taking your own food and drink (including wine & beer) to enjoy at leisure.

Travel & Luggage
There are no actual luggage weight restrictions imposed by the rail companies. However, for your comfort and convenience we recommend you limit your luggage to the following: ONE main suitcase⁄holdall with built in wheels weighing no more than 15 to 20kgs per person – Plus ONE small shoulder bag⁄holdall per person. Restricting the bulk of your luggage to manageable sizes will make the journey more enjoyable. You will need to move all your own bags on and off trains and between platforms and transfer vehicles. Our tour manager will be unable to provide physical assistance with luggage. On TGV trains, you may be allocated seats on the the upper floor, which means you would have to carry your bags upstairs. Many train stations and platforms are big and long, sometimes with stairs or escalators. Some stations have lifts, but using them can involve a longer walk, so be prepared for this when walking with your luggage.

Train travel is a relaxing and enjoyable feature of our holidays
However, at times it can be physically demanding as you will be required to walk and move your luggage on and off trains and between platforms and transfer vehicles. Many train stations and platforms are big and long, sometimes with stairs or escalators, so please be prepared for this when walking with your luggage. The Tour Manager⁄Escort will not be able to provide you and⁄or your luggage with physical assistance at anytime.

Please Help us to Help You
In our experience, clients who discuss with us their concerns over mobility limitations and⁄or health issues (including visibility, hearing etc) when booking, are far more satisfied with the level of service we provide and enjoy a more relaxed and fun holiday, compared to those who attempt to cope without the benefit of our expert advice.
We must stress that these holidays are not suitable for users of mobility scooters, wheelchairs or walking aids (frames, sticks, etc).