My Dream Vacation: Magnificent Monaco : March 2013

DAY ONE:
At approximately 12:25pm, we arrive in Nice, France! Shortly after a quick train ride to Monte Carlo, we finally arrive at the Hotel de Paris.
After we unpack our luggage and get settled down its time to head out on the streets of Monte Carlo for some afternoon shopping! We will head to the Métropole Shopping Center to shop and browse around until dinner time. At that point we will grab dinner at the center and head back to the hotel to sleep. After all, we still are quite tired from all the traveling.

DAY TWO:
Today we get to visit our very first museum in Monte Carlo! Since I have a great interest in cars I am off to the Exhibition of HSH The Prince of Monaco's Vintage Car Collection. This is a destination my father has told me is worth visiting so I plan on taking tonnes of photos to show him. The tour of the museum costs only about 6 Euro's per person and will last around 45 minutes. In total there are 100 classic cars of different ages.

DAY THREE:
After a scrumptious breakfast today, we will head over to the beach for our very first day of soaking up the sun! Lily and I have a penchant for playing in the sand and hanging out around the water, so this is a fabulous way to do both! Monaco is bordered by the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. During the day, we will be taking some time to relax, enjoy the beautiful weather, and listen to the water as it crashes against the shore. Lastly, we will enjoy a late lunch on the shore before we start to head back to the hotel.

DAY FOUR:
Today I will be visiting the Princess Antoinette Park. This park is known for its beautiful nature and for being the kingdom of the sacred olive tree. In this park you will find people of all ages enjoying the presence of nature, from young children to the elderly. This excursion will compliment the peaceful pace of our day yesterday on the beach.

Once we get back to the hotel from the park, we will have a quick dinner and start getting ready for one of our most memorable nights in Monte Carlo. We will be heading over to Jimmy'z nightclub at around 11:30pm. Jimmy'z is a legendary nightclub. From the music, the sound, the quality and security, Jimmy'z is by far one of the best clubs in Monaco. Celebrities from George Clooney, Penelope Cruz, and Bono have also had the privilege of experiencing Jimmy'z. This is our chance to feel and act like a celebrity!

DAY FIVE:
My love for history, architecture and religious buildings leads me to the infamous Cathedrale de Monaco. This magnificent cathedral was built in 1875 and is the final resting place of Princess Grace of Monaco, several important 16th-century paintings and a wooden altar dating from the Spanish Renaissance. It is free to visit which is an added bonus! I know this might not be of interest to Lily, but these are the cultural elements I wish to absorb while here.

DAY SIX:
During the day, we will be visiting the Exotic Gardens and the Observation Cave. There are over several million different species of plants at this attraction, however the most interesting part of this tour is that 60m below the ground, we can actually explore the cave! As a Batman fan, this should be rather interesting and nerve-wracking at the same time. The tour itself will cost approximately 7 Euros per person.

After we have explored The Exotic Gardens and Observation Cave, we will head down to the Old Town in the historic district and shop for some souvenirs! While we are in this small town, the plan is to eat a small lunch from a local place on the streets and then make our way back to our hotel. Once we have returned back to our hotel and have rested up, it is time to go out to dinner! Tonight we will be dining at Le Loga. The price of the food is fairly average ranging from 12 to 33 Euros.

DAY SEVEN:
The first half of the day will be spent on the beach, however, the evening will be anything but relaxing. We will dine at the Brasserie Café de Paris, which is conveniently located at the Casino de Monte Carlo. The price range for the food is around 30 to 45 Euros, which means dress code is in effect! After we enjoy our dinner we will head down to the Casino. Not only is the Casino known for its collection of table games and slot machines, but it is also known for its history! From the architecture inside and outside of the building, to famous people who have gone there to gamble, this Casino is simply stunning. Winner or not, the experience of playing at this legendary casino will be enough to satisfy me.

DAY EIGHT:

Today will be spent at the Musee Oceanographique de Monaco. There are aquariums, exhibitions, and games. The Temple of the Sea is home to over 6,000 specimens and priceless collections of Natural History From aquariums to its shark lagoon, passing through the Turtle Island located on the panoramic terrace, it offers a unique opportunity to know, love and protect the oceans. This visit has been on Lily's radar more than mine, but a cardinal rule while vacationing with someone else is to strike a balance between both people's interests. Entrance fee is 14 Euros.

DAY NINE:

On the final day in Monaco, we will visit the Palais du Prince to take in its French beauty and luxurious feel. Built in 1191, this palace where the original Grimaldi family lived is basked in rich history. I really hope we will be able to see the changing of the guards!

After exploring and touring in the palace we will have dinner in the nearby and top rated hotel called Mirabeau Hotel. The 'last supper' of vacation is always bittersweet - it marks the end of my vacation and can cause some nostalgia, but it also is a relief that we get to return home and bring with us all the stories and picture that will survive a lifetime.

DAY TEN:

The end of this adventure has arrive and it is time to board the plane. Our flight departs Nice, France at 7:30am which means we must leave our Hotel bright and early! Once we are done checking out of our hotel, we head over to the Aeroport Nice Cote D'azur. The airport is a magnificent architectural feat that is worth visiting even if you don't plan on boarding a plane! As I expected, this vacation would be interesting right until the moment the plan wheels left the ground. After a connecting flight to London, England we are scheduled to arrive back at Toronto Pearson International Airport at 3:05pm.