From Nice: Full-Day Italian Market, Menton, & La Turbie Tour

Key Points

• Full-day trip from Nice lasts approximately 8 hours, including transport and sightseeing.
• Prices are $156 per person, offering a reasonable cost for multiple highlights.
• Explore Italy’s open-air market, known for leather goods, shoes, handbags, and fashion accessories.
• Visit Menton, the pearl of the French Riviera, to enjoy the scents, colors, and calm of its old town.
• Stop at La Turbie to admire spectacular views over Monaco and see Roman remains.
• Includes live commentary, professional driver-guide, and all tolls and gasoline; meals and drinks are not included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

From Nice to Italy’s Open-Air Market and Menton Old Town

This tour departs from La Banque Postale Nice in an air-conditioned minivan around 8:15 to 9:00 am. It is designed for those wanting a mix of shopping, scenic views, and cultural stops, with a flexible schedule for free time at each location.

The journey begins with a three-hour stop in Sanremo, Italy, where you have the chance to browse its well-known open-air market. The market specializes in leather goods, shoes, handbags, and fashion accessories, making it a great place to find unique souvenirs or Italian fashion items. The tour provides a guided overview of the market, but the amount of time allocated has drawn some criticism for feeling a bit rushed at Sanremo.

The tour then continues to Menton, the charming town called the pearl of the French Riviera. Here, 1.5 hours are set aside for exploration, where visitors can enjoy the scents, colors, and atmosphere of the old town. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for strolling through narrow streets, browsing local shops, or simply soaking in the calm ambiance, making it a favorite stop for many.

Finally, the return journey includes a short 5-minute stop at La Turbie, a village offering breathtaking panoramic views over Monaco. At this vantage point, travelers can take photos of the coastline and the last Roman remains visible in the region, providing a scenic finish to the day.

Exploring Sanremo’s Italian Market

The Sanremo market is a key highlight of this tour, renowned for its fashion accessories and leather goods. Visitors have the opportunity to shop freely for shoes, handbags, and other Italian fashion items—perfect for those wanting to pick up stylish souvenirs.

The market is set in an open-air environment, which can mean exposure to the hot weather, an aspect some find uncomfortable. The market experience is complemented by the guided explanation, allowing for insights into local products and shopping tips. However, some reviews suggest that spending more time here or adding an extra location could enhance the experience, as the current 2-hour window might feel a bit limited for serious shoppers.

Discovering Menton’s Old Town Charm

Menton receives approximately 1.5 hours of free time, making it an idyllic stop for those seeking relaxation or gentle sightseeing. Known as the pearl of the French Riviera, Menton boasts a beautiful old town filled with colorful buildings, fragrant flower markets, and narrow winding streets.

Visitors enjoy the scents, colors, and calm that fill Menton’s streets, providing a peaceful contrast to the bustling market in Sanremo. It’s an ideal place to wander at your own pace, take photos of the quaint architecture, or sit at a café and enjoy the local atmosphere.

La Turbie’s Panoramic Views over Monaco

The final scenic stop at La Turbie is brief but highly memorable. This village, perched above Monaco, offers spectacular views of the coastline and the principality below. The 5-minute photo stop allows enough time to capture the stunning landscape and see Roman remains that add historical interest to the vista.

This spot is particularly popular for taking photographs of Monaco’s skyline, with the Mediterranean in the background. It’s a perfect way to end the day of sightseeing with a peaceful, scenic overlook.

More Great Tours Nearby

Logistics and Group Experience

This tour is suitable for small or private groups, with pick-up included from accommodation in Nice. The professional driver-guide ensures a smooth journey, providing live commentary on the regions visited.

Transport is in an air-conditioned minivan equipped with full options, and all gasoline, tolls, and parking fees are covered in the price. The tour emphasizes comfort and convenience, making it accessible for most travelers.

Cost, Duration, and Practicalities

At $156 per person, this tour offers a balanced price for a full day of scenic drives, cultural stops, and shopping opportunities. It runs for 8 hours, usually starting between 8:15 and 9:00 am, depending on the schedule.

Participants should remember to bring their passports to cross the border into Italy, as this is required for the Sanremo stop. The tour does not include meals or drinks, so travelers might want to plan accordingly or bring snacks for the day.

Criticisms and Limitations

Several reviews mention that time in Sanremo can feel too tight, with only 2 hours available for shopping and sightseeing. Some feel that more time or additional stops could improve the experience, especially for those interested in more in-depth exploration.

Others note that the market may be less appealing if shopping is not a priority, as the goods tend to be bargain basement quality and not as impressive as the scenic or historic stops. The early opening hours of Sanremo mean that some shops may still be closed if arriving early, which could affect the shopping experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This trip suits those interested in scenic viewpoints, cultural exploration, and light shopping. It is ideal for visitors who want a balanced day of sightseeing with scenic drives, historic views, and free time to explore at their own pace.

Travelers seeking deep dives into Italian culture or extensive shopping might find the limited time in Sanremo a drawback. The tour’s emphasis on panoramic views and relaxed old town strolls makes it a good fit for casual sightseeing.

Final Words on the From Nice: Full-Day Italian Market, Menton, & La Turbie Tour

This full-day trip from Nice offers a well-rounded experience with scenic views, cultural stops, and a lively Italian market. The $156 price covers comfortable transport, guided commentary, and scenic stops, making it a practical choice for those wanting a full day of exploration without the hassle of self-planning.

While time constraints in Sanremo and the quality of market goods are points to consider, the view over Monaco and the calm charm of Menton are definite highlights. This tour is best suited for relaxed explorers who appreciate scenic vistas and local atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from La Banque Postale Nice in Nice, with pickup included from your accommodation.

What is included in the price?
The price covers live commentary, a professional driver-guide, tolls, gasoline, parking fees, and transport in an air-conditioned minivan.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?
A passport is necessary for crossing the border into Italy.

Can I customize the groups?
Yes, private or small groups are available, providing a more personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour’s pace and stops make it suitable for most travelers, but it involves walking and standing during exploration.

What are the main highlights?
Sanremo’s open-air market, Menton’s old town, and panoramic views over Monaco from La Turbie.

Are there any criticisms of the tour?
Some feel that time in Sanremo is limited, and market quality may not meet high expectations, especially early in the day.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made through the provider, Smartour Riviera, with options to reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

This detailed look at the From Nice: Full-Day Italian Market, Menton, & La Turbie Tour highlights its practical appeal, scenic stops, and the overall value for those eager for a day filled with culture, views, and light shopping.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby