Monaco is world-renowned as one of the globe’s most elegant– and mysterious– destinations. The French principality harbors an incredible number of luxurious and secretive places– from palaces to yacht clubs, high-end restaurants and ultra-exclusive shops. Of course, it’s also famous for its powerful and mythical royal family, including glamorous icons such Princess Grace and Stephanie of Monaco.
Anyone can book a flight to Monaco– but lack the expertise to unlock its truly exceptional aspects. This is why a private tour, personally curated and led by local experts, is so essential.
Keep reading for a bit of inspiration around how to experience the very best of this secretive principality– then contact us to build your dream itinerary.
Seasonal Highlights: Each Season Has Its Glamour
From spring through winter, Monaco’s calendar is packed with glamorous and sought-after events that would make a memorable part of any private tour. From the Monaco Yacht Show in early autumn to the Formula 1 Grand Prix racing event in late spring to early summer, we can offer front-row access to these and many other prestigious events that stand out on Monaco’s social calendar. After all, what pairs better with cultural adventure than a bit of VIP access to exciting events like these?
Yachting & Luxurious Seaside Experiences
Yachting enthusiasts rightfully flock to Monaco, since it’s simply one of the best places in the world to moor a yacht: here you’ll find bright-blue, balmy waters, prestigious local ports and breathtaking natural landscapes. Wny not consider charting a private yacht or luxury sailboat, complete with staff to offer you the maritime adventure of your dreams?
Aboard your private vessel, the possibilities for soaking in the Mediterranean charms of the area seem nearly endless. Imagine sitting on deck and taking in the azure waters and skies while a private chef prepares a gourmet lunch, complete with wine pairings and dessert.
The possibilities for sailing and exploring the area are also ample. The nearby island of Saint-Honorat, across from Cannes and harboring the centuries-old Lerins Abbey, is one destination we recommend, as is the island of Saint Marguerite. We will locate secluded mooring spots during your trip, allowing you to snorkel, swim, take photos and pursue other leisure activities in total peace and privacy. Aren’t these part of the essence of true luxury, after all?
Monaco is one of the sunniest destinations on earth, clocking more than 300 sunny days every year. So if you’re a beach and spa enthusiast, this is the place for you. You’ll find no lack of fantastic beaches and top-end spa experiences, and by booking a private tour with Journeys of a Lifetime you can gain access to some of the area’s most exclusive private beaches and spas, including at palace hotels such as the Fairmont Monte Carlo and the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and the Hermitage.
Gourmet Food Tours & French Gastronomic Adventures
Monaco is a true gastronomic hub, and for good reason. It’s a place where expanding your gourmet experiences and palate doesn’t have to mean unhealthy dining, since the Mediterranean culinary culture centers around fresh produce, fish, olive oil and herbs such as sage and lavender. Who said eating healthfully had to mean deprivation?
If gourmet and culinary-centric adventures are your passion, your private tour of Monaco will be centered around experiencing the very best of the principality’s gastronomic culture. In the morning, embark on a tour of a local market, led by your guide who will help you choose among myriad Provencal delights– from olives and olive oils to fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes and lavender-based items.
If tasting and cooking are your speed, take a private French food tour or a cooking class with a local chef, who will initiate you to some of the cherished recipes and gastronomic secrets of Provencal cuisine.
You may also be interested in paying a visit to learn more about the traditions of local artisans, including cheesemakers, wine sellers, olive-oil or lavender farmers. There’s something wonderfully mind-expanding about pairing these sorts of cultural encounters with tastings that open up the five senses, and the palate
If it’s Michelin-starred fine dining that captures your imagination, Monaco is home to several globally renowned restaurants, including Le Louis XV- Alain Ducasse at the Hotel de Paris, Joel Robuchon-Monte Carlo, and Blue Bay Marcel Ravin, which all hold Michelin stars. These and other culinary treasures in the principality offer the possibility for private dining, so you can taste and savor their gastronomic delights in peace and quiet.
Private Shopping Tours & Concierge Services
There’s a very good reason why Monaco and its capital city, Monte Carlo, are so associated with high-luxury. The island counts an incredible array of high-luxury boutiques and artisan shops, with haute-couture brands, luxury jewelers, fine perfumeries and rare antique shops concentrated in areas such as “La Promenade Monte Carlo”, in close reach of the mythic casino.
But while anyone can stroll into one one of these coveted establishments and purchase something, having a personal shopper or private concierge service there to help guide and assist your shopping adventure will set the experience apart.
Your bespoke shopping tour of Monaco might include private appointments at fashion designers’ workshops, where you may find yourself given rare access to one-of-a-kind items of clothing or accessories. Why not watch a fashion runway show, have a local perfumer design you a bespoke scent that’s true to your personality, or arrange for a private couture fitting for a special evening out? Meanwhile, if rare antiques and artworks are your centers of interest, we will arrange for you to visit exclusive auctions and private antique sellers’ events. Your personal shopper or concierge will be there at each step of the way to ensure your experience is extraordinary.
Monaco by Night: Glamour & Privacy
Just as the movies make it out to be, Monaco drips with glamour after the sun goes down. It’s synonymous with star-studded soirées aboard yachts, in a high-end casino, or at a private black-tie function held in a sumptuous palace hotel. .
Irrespective of whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon, wish to entertain friends or business contacts in style, or simply are looking for a memorable evening out that opens doors to some of Monaco’s most-treasured evening destinations, our experts at Journeys of a lifetime will work to create a truly unforgettable evening or private event.
You might hire a prestigious villa with sweeping sea views, perfect for hosting a private event complete with gourmet dinner, live band, dancing and even fireworks. If Monaco’s legendary casino culture is calling your name, a themed evening in a historic Monte Carlo site complete with vintage decor and costumes might make for a memorable event. Don’t limit your imagination: give us a few rough ideas, and we’ll bring them to magical life.
Arts, Culture and Heritage
Monaco might be best-known for its yachting culture and prestigious palaces, but behind the glamorous surface lies a rich artistic heritage that’s ripe for exploration. If you’re passionate about classical music or opera, why not book first-row or box seats at the Opéra de Monte Carlo, or the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra?
If you’re a fan of fine arts and history, private museum tours of the region’s finest collections are in order. Architecture and history tours led by local docents and experts are also a possibility for anyone with an itch to dig deeper into the area’s history and heritage.
Adventure Awaits
If you’re an intrepid traveler who’s most interested by adrenaline-fueled adventures, our private tours offer so many exhilarating possibilities. Why not gain a bird’s-eye-view over Monaco and the wider French Riviera through a private helicopter tour or parasailing session, explore the rugged mountains of the principality on a mountain bike, or take a supercar driving tour along the legendary roads of the Côte d’Azur? We’re here to help you get those thrills and chills.
Wellness & Self-Care Retreats
We understand that travel can be an opportunity to reconnect with one’s senses and inner self, so our tours go well beyond the usual luxury offerings focused on shopping, gourmet restaurants and the like. If you’d like part of your bespoke itinerary to include a wellness retreat, we can arrange for restorative spa days at some of Monaco’s finest hotels, private yoga classes overlooking the azure coastline, or even mindfulness and wellness coaching sessions set in some of the area’s most peaceful and soothing areas. Give your mind, body and soul a treat by incorporating wellness into your bespoke package.
Book a Private Tour of Monaco With Us
At Journeys of a Lifetime, we understand that personalization is the key to unforgettable experiences. All our private tours and itineraries are painstakingly crafted to cater to the individual preferences and wishes of our clients. Whether you’re most interested in a private shopping tour of Monaco’s most-coveted haute-couture boutiques, snagging front-row seats to the Monaco Grand Prix, or experiencing a privately-catered evening worthy of a movie at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, we craft experiences that are designed to both elevate the senses and ignite your spirit of adventure.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of a personalized getaway to Monaco, get in touch with us. Our team of experts will craft a bespoke itinerary to ensure you experience only the very best of the principality– tailored to your interests and wishes, of course.
