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Monte Carlo, Monaco shore excursion and port review

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Monte Carlo, Monaco shore excursion and port review
Monaco
Shore Excursion and Port Reviews
Monaco by Train, On Your Own

Monaco by Train
By Tom Ogg

Monaco is one of those places that you simply must see during your lifetime. It defies description. Its wealth and architecture is simply awesome.


Docked in Monaco

Some ships port right in the heart of Monaco, but they tend to be the luxury lines. Most of us will anchor in Villefranche and tender into the Villefranche tender wharf.


The Train Station is Right Above the Second Tender

As you get off the tender at the tender wharf in Villefranche, you will see the train station as pictured above. It is in an unlikely place as there doesn't seem to be anywhere for the train to go from the station. That is because it arrives and departs Villefranche through tunnels. Note the location of the train station from the tender wharf and then depart the port and follow the harbor around to the beach area.


The Stairs to the Train Station are Just Passed This Restaurant

As you make your way into the beach area, you will pass this restaurant. The stairs to the train station are tucked behind the restaurant just past the last building.


The Stairs Leading to the Train Station

As you climb the stairs, take the tunnel to the other side of the train tracks and then continue your climb until you see the train station.


The Villefranche Train Station Ticket Counter

You will need to purchase your tickets before you board the train. If you are also planning on visiting Monaco on the same day, I would suggest buying a Villefranche - Nice - Villefranche ticket and a separate Villefranche - Monaco - Villefranche ticket. The total fare for both tickets is under 8 euro. The price to visit Monaco is under 4 euro, return. To catch the train to Monaco, simply purchase your ticket and step outside onto the platform. This is the right side of the tracks for Monaco.

Once the train arrives, board and then take the ride past some of the most beautiful scenery you are likely to see during your cruise. Your train may make a few stops, but look for the above sign to get off in Monaco.


Monaco's Train Station Interior

Once the train stops you can disembark the train. Depending on your game plan, there are two ways to exit the terminal. Note that the train terminal is several hundred feet below the surface of the Earth.


The Upper Train Station

If you head towards the front of the train and up the escalator (pictured above) you will then take an elevator up to the upper train terminal. This is a good choice if you want a great view of Monaco's various areas from high up in Monaco..


The Tunnel Leading From the Train to Monaco

If you head towards the rear of the train, you can take the tunnel with electric walkways to the lower levels of Monaco. This is the best choice if you are planning on actually visiting the various sights in Monaco. The tunnel will deposit you quite near the old train station and only a block or so from the center of town.


Train Station Tunnel Entrance

There is a visitor information center on the right hand side as you exit the tunnel and this is a great place to pick up a tourist map to start exploring Monaco and its many sights.


Entrance to the "Rock"

If you turn left at the very first street after exiting the tunnel, you will see the steps that lead up a hill on the right hand side of the street (pictured above). These will lead to the "Rock" which houses the Palace, cathedral and aquarium among other wonderful sights mentioned in the main review of Monaco.. If you turned left at the crosswalk instead of heading up the hill, you would enter the downtown area, marina and port and the road that leads to the Royal Casino in Monte Carlo. All of the sights are within walking distance from the train station. However, if you have trouble climbing hills, make sure you have the person working in the tourist office show you where the various lifts and escalators are.

Finding your way back to the train station is quite easy. Make sure you note the train schedules so that you arrive in time for a train as there are no facilities on the train platform.

Have a great day in Monaco!

Tom

Monte Carlo, Monaco shore excursion and port review

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