VILLEFRANCHE, FRANCE

Departing from Monaco we will drive along the Middle Corniche – a broad, modern road with sweeping curves – into the delightful Mediterranean countryside.

Departing from Monaco we will drive along the Middle Corniche – a broad, modern road with sweeping curves – into the delightful Mediterranean countryside. We arrive at the stunning village of Eze, which clings to a towering rock like an eagle’s nest, 425 metres (1,400 feet) above the sea. During a guided walk we will enter the 14th century double gateway, complete with crenellations. The sentry walk leads into the steep and narrow streets, sometimes running beneath the carefully restored houses, which are now boutiques or artists’ studios. Our tour continues along the Middle Corniche, which offers contrasting views of rocky cliffs and the azure sea. We will reach Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, a rugged promontory, which boasts many palatial villas. A visit will be made to the Museum ‘lle de France’. This superb villa houses a priceless collection that Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothchild assembled throughout her life. Inspired by the great Renaissance residences of Venice and Florence, it is surrounded by seven gardens of different themes. The villa contains an exceptional collection of porcelain furniture, carpets, tapestries and canvases displayed throughout the apartments of Madame de Ephrussi. Our return journey to Monaco is along the Lower Corniche, which runs along the coast at the foot of the mountain slopes. Please note that this tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking. At the village of Eze, uphill cobblestone streets will be encountered; therefore we do not recommend participation by passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair passengers.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES