A Port Day in Monte Carlo

We arrived early Wednesday morning in Monte Carlo after being tendered to the Marina ashore. Here sat the most impressive yachts, that definitely captured one’s attention.

We made our way across the slipway of the route used for the Monaco Grand Prix and purchased an all-day ride ticket from the driver of Public Bus #2 costing 2.75€ apiece. The bus seemed to cover much of the area of Monaco. Taking our first ride we made our way to the Exotic Garden of Monaco. This was also the turnaround point for Bus #2.

Exotic Garden, Monaco

30 minute bus ride

For just a bit over 7 Euro we purchased tickets to include the Exotic Garden and the The Observatory Cave. This botanical garden built into the Monaco hillside in 1916 is absolutely magnificent. We took the quick route (stairs to the bottom), walking the route in reverse as we were trying to make the 11am Observatory Cave tour.

Brief History of the Exotic Garden, Monaco

During construction of the Exotic Garden archaeological remains were uncovered revealing a major prehistoric site. These findings are now located in the on site Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. The Exotic Garden contains plant species gathered from Mexico, the West Indies, Africa, Madagascar and Central and South America,

*The skeleton of a prehistoric cave bear*

The Observatory Cave, Monaco

30 minute Cave tour

The 11am Observatory Cave tour had 367 stairs that led down to the bottom of the cave with the exact same amount, climbing up from the bottom on the way out. The cave was visually stunning inside with an array of stalactites and stalagmites and many other interesting formations. From 1947 – 1950 spelunkers opened up the cave to allow for public entry and viewing.

*Typical walkway inside the Observatory Cave*

*Broken stalagmites growing from the cave floor*

Grounds of the Exotic Garden, Monaco

30 minutes casual walking

Once the Observatory Cave tour concluded we spiraled back and forth up the hillside of the Exotic Garden taking in its full offering.

*The landscape of the garden blends in well with the ocean view*

*A large variety of ornamental cactusand other species crowd the walkway*

*The ocean air and heat are perfect conditions for these flowering cactus*

*An enormous Aloe Vera plant is the showcase of this display*

We encountered several amazing vantage points along the route that offered lookouts onto the Rock of Monaco and beyond. The Grimaldi family have presided over the Principality of Monaco for seven centuries.

*Another great view of the city which is home to 40k residents*

*The Rock is home to the Prince’s Palace, the Cathedral, and the Oceanographic Museum.*

Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, Monaco

30 minute inside visit

We winded our way to the top of the Exotic Garden and soon were standing at its entry point. Before exiting, we took a small detour just to the right of the ticket office, and ventured down a small set of stairs to the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco. Here they had a few wondrous displays of large mammals and other ancient artifacts, all included with the price of admission.

*Ivy Mammoth preserves discovered in 1860*

20 minute bus ride

Exiting the Exotic Garden we boarded Bus #2 and headed back to the center of Monaco.

Le Marathon Pizzeria Restaurant, Monaco

1 hour 15 minute lunch

We found a nice Italian Pizzeria Restaurant, Le Marathon after getting off the bus at rue Grimaldi. We ordered the Croque Monsieur and a Panini complemented with a couple glasses of white wine. We were all set for the time being.

*Interior view of Le Marathon Pizzeria Restaurant*

15 minute stop for dessert

After lunch we headed across the roadway where we found a beautiful office park sitting amongst the tall buildings. A local had shown us a place to purchase a delicious French Éclair nearby so we sat in this nice park setting and had dessert.

15 minute bus ride

Soon we found ourselves back on Bus #2 headed to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. This stop was the end of the line in the opposite direction of Exotic Garden.

Oceanographic Museum, Monaco

1.5 hour inside visit

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is like none other and contains over four thousand different species of fish and invertebrates. It includes not only seahorses, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and starfish, but a vast and elaborate collection of jelly fish.

The main floor housed special events and traveling exhibits.

*Marcello Lo Giudice; Magma Volcano 2018, red Monte Carlo pigment installation, 360cm x 360cm*

The top floor was dedicated to nautical implements and objects.

20 minute bus ride

After an eye-popping visit to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco we found ourselves back on Bus #2 headed to the famous Casino Monte-Carlo.

Casino Monte-Carlo, Monaco

15 minute inside visit

*Gazing ball outside Casino Monte Carlo*

Although not properly dressed to enter the Casino floor, we were permitted entry into the Casino foyer where we were able to visit the Concierge deck and adjoining Atrium. The concierge desk had several gift items available for purchase including playing cards and chips.