The first stop on our Mediterranean cruise was Monaco. Unfortunately it was raining when we arrived. Even with the clouds, we had a fabulous view from the balcony in our room.
We made guesses on how much that giant yacht cost. What’s your guess? The opera house below is part of the famous Monte Carlo casino. This is another shot I took from the balcony as we waited out the storm.
Just as we were about to get off the ship, the storm picked up and they actually closed the gangway. That has never happened to me on a cruise before. But as you can see below, they opened it back up and I ventured off in the rain. Thank goodness the aquarium was selling these ponchos. They made a killing that day!
Cruise ships have a great location when they port in Monaco. You can walk right off the ship and up the hill to see many great things.
Our first stop was Saint Nicholas Cathedral where Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier are buried.
Just a few more steps and we were at the Prince’s Palace.
To be honest, it wasn’t my favorite palace. I did however, enjoy the statues surrounding it. Especially when I caught a bird on her head. It’s the little things that entertain me. 🙂
The square surrounding the palace was very busy and colorful.
And there was a fabulous view from here. You could even see the cruise ship and just how far we had come on foot…in the rain.
Great place to get some family shots.
As usual, I enjoyed the history of the place. These walls and lanterns were amazing! 1533!
You might recognize this walk and the chocolate shop below from the latest season of The Amazing Race. I LOVE that show! It was so cool to watch them race thru the same places I had been.
We walked around the tiny pedestrian only streets looking for a spoon for my collection. The shops were mostly touristy and the workers were not the friendliest of people. 🙁
It finally stopped raining and we were able to walk back down to the cruise ship. Turns out the walk is thru a beautiful park that we didn’t get to enjoy on the way up.
I mean look at this view below. This walk is completely free. In fact, other than the rain poncho and the souvenir spoon, we didn’t spend any money in Monaco. Pretty good for one of the most expensive places there is.
Of course there is so much more to see in Monaco, but we had an excursion to France that afternoon, so we had to head back to the ship. I was really happy with what we could see just walking straight off the ship. It was beautiful, economical and easy…even in the rain. Here’s a little video recap.
This post linked to Amaze Me Monday, Mosaic Monday, Travel Photo Monday, Blue Monday, Inspire Me Wednesday & Travel Photo Thursday
Lovely scenic views and images from Monaco. Looks like an awesome port for the cruise ships. Thanks for sharing your trip! Have a happy Monday and new week ahead!
Ah we were looking for little pedestrian streets like this colorful street, but started from the bottom and walked through some very busy roads so It was not as scenic unfortunately.
Hi Sonja,
What a colorful place! You're fortunate to have visited.
Thanks for playing today.
Have a Beautiful Blue Monday!
What lovely images! Thanks for the armchair travel to Monaco!
Oh my this is an amazing spot to explore….
I appreciate the fact that many of us can travel to all parts of the world through fellow bloggers and when I saw the first few photos of Monaco, definite opulence. However, the prince's palace was rather plain, good shot of the bird on the statue's head!
A nice photo of you and your hubby.
Thanks for sharing your trip and linking to Mosaic Monday Sonja.
On my short list to travel to overseas and even with the rain, it is so beautiful!
What a fun trip and such gorgeous views!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
It looks like a beautiful place to visit! Hope to see it some day. Hope you had a wonderful time.
Joan
(somersethouse.me)
They have a succulent garden (which sounds dumb but it's great), and I have to say,I found the people of Monaco to be utterly charming – they treated poor penniless me like a Princess, and often I was served in shops before people that were clearly dripping with wealth…I have only ever had a fabulous time there!
I love looking at the super yachts too. We have been watching them recently on Hvar Island in Croatia. My husband looked one of them up on the internet and it rented for $35,000 per week! That is a fantastic view of the Casino!
Impressive views (even with the rain). I think nothing can be said against the beauty of Monaco. I have to check the Amazing Race episode in Monaco (that should be cool!).
Such a gorgeous, beautiful place, even with the rain! You got some great shots. And those lanterns?! Amazing. Thank you for sharing at Inspire Me Wednesday. Featuring you in this week's issue.
Monaco is beautiful. I love all the buildings and varied architecture.And that yacht? Wow. No guess from me on cost.
Nice trip!