Aussiemaid

We are arriving in Monte Carlo at 7:00 am on a cruise ship, departing 2:00 pm. We were planning to book a private tour to Eze and Villa Euphazzi. Does anyone know what time the shops open in Eze? The Villa opens at 10:00 and with limited time, not sure how to arrange our visit. Villa Kerylos has been mentioned too, but just how much can one see in a 4 hour tour. Would love some advice from all you seasoned travellers. As always, thanks so much for your help.

TDudette

Hub and I took a guided tour from our hotel in Nice at 9 a.m. and Eze was one of the first stops. I want to say we arrived in Eze around 9:30. Some of the shops were just opening. My guess is that 10 would be more likely.

I would suggest going to the Villa first and see how much time you have left. Villa I think is nearer to Monte Carlo. Can't help with Kerylos.

PalenQ

there was a gaggle of shops ringing the bus stop where the seemingly non-stop parade of tour buses disgorge their loads and be sure they were always be open when tourists are there in what to me at least is one of the huge tourist traps on the Riviera - go for the views and villa - anything else you can probably buy cheaper elsewhere, including perfume - no real perfume factories here - just shops - real perfume factories dominate Grasse.

TPAYT

Both the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and Kerylos are beautiful, but with your time frame I would choose the Villa E. with the beautuful gardens, and then over to Eze. The Ville E. is in Cap-Ferrat so I'd go there first and then to Eze. Kerylos is in Beaulieu which is a bit closer to Monaco and quite lovely, but we liked V. E. better. Maybe take a look at photos on the internet sites and see which one suits you. Whichever Villa you choose, I wouldn't miss Eze.

As PalenQ stated above, it is touristy and the shopping in Eze is good for a few souvenirs, but the view from the top is exquisite and hiking the narrow, hilly, picturesque, lanes is quite fun. Bring your camera! We've been there 3 times and Eze remains one of our favorites. The shops at the bottom where you park aren't worth a look IMO. Start walking up as soon as you get there.

In Eze, I did buy an adorable hand-made pillow that was tied together to look like bear. It was for a baby gift and it was a big hit.