Nice’s location on the French Riviera makes it a perfect base for memorable shore excursions. Its proximity to glamorous Monaco, charming hilltop villages, and stunning coastal vistas means there’s no shortage of options for travelers looking to make the most of their port time. Whether you want a private, customizable experience or a guided tour with insider tips, Nice offers something for every type of traveler. We particularly like tours that combine both cultural highlights and scenic drives, like the Full-Day Private Cannes Shore Excursion, which takes you from bustling Nice to regal Monaco, historic Eze, and picturesque Antibes—all in one day.
In this guide, we’ll explore four of the best shore excursions in Nice. Each offers a unique way to experience the region’s beauty, history, and glamour, helping you decide which is best for your interests, budget, and schedule.
1. Full-Day Private Cannes Shore Excursion: Nice, Monaco, Eze, Antibes
This full-day private tour is a fantastic choice if you want maximum flexibility and personalized attention. For around $1,500 per group (up to 8 people), you’ll cover highlights across four iconic destinations in about 7 hours. The tour starts with a visit to Castle Hill, the Promenade des Anglais, and the Flower Market in Nice, giving you a taste of the city’s vibrant streets and seaside charm. Then, it’s a scenic drive to the hilltop village of Eze, famous for its medieval streets and spectacular views.
From there, your private guide leads you across the border into Monaco and Monte Carlo, where you can admire the Prince’s Palace, the Monte Carlo Casino, and the F1 Grand Prix circuit. Finally, a stop in Antibes showcases its impressive ramparts and the Picasso Museum. The key advantage here is the customized itinerary and door-to-door service, which means no waiting around and plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Past guests rave about the knowledgeable guide Adam, who adds lots of local tips and even helps with photos.
Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive, hassle-free day with a private guide who tailors the experience, this tour offers excellent value for money and a seamless way to see some of the Riviera’s top sights.
2. Shore excursion to Nice, Eze, Monaco & Monte-Carlo from Cannes
This guided private tour is perfect for travelers wanting to explore at their own pace with the convenience of door-to-door transport. For about $404.75 per person, you’ll spend roughly 7 hours discovering Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, enjoying panoramic views of Villefranche-sur-Mer, and wandering the medieval streets of Eze. Plus, you’ll visit the Fragonard perfume factory, where you can see how perfume is made—a fragrant peek into local craftsmanship.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to experience the Monaco Formula 1 race circuit while traveling to Monte Carlo—an adrenaline-inducing highlight for many. The guide provides flexible timing, so you can linger longer at the spots that interest you most, like the Côte d’Azur coastlines and hilltop villages. The reviews highlight Denis, the driver, who is praised for his helpfulness and knowledge, making the day both enjoyable and informative.
The stops include the lively Nice Old Town, a scenic drive over the Cap Ferrat area, and Antibes’s charming streets. The tour’s value lies in the private, relaxed pace and the personalized experience, perfect for those who dislike rushing through busy tour groups.
Bottom line: For those seeking a well-rounded day with flexible timing and personalized service, this tour offers a great balance of sightseeing and comfort, ideal for independent-minded travelers.
3. Villefranche Shore Excursion To Nice, Cannes, Grasse & St. Paul de Vence
For travelers looking for an intimate, in-depth experience, this small-group tour from Villefranche-sur-Mer is a standout. With a maximum of 8 people and a cost of about $787 for the whole group, it offers a full 7-hour exploration of the French Riviera’s most storied towns. The tour starts with a visit to Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais and old town, then moves on to Cannes to walk the iconic Croisette and see the Palais des Festivals.
Next, you’ll visit the perfume capital, Grasse, including a tour of the Fragonard Perfume Factory, where you can learn about the art of scent-making that’s been thriving since the 17th century. The highlight for many is the visit to St. Paul de Vence, a hilltop village known for its art galleries and medieval charm. The tour is highly praised for the guide Laurent’s local knowledge and flexibility, which allows the group to focus on what interests them most.
This option is best suited for travelers who want a more personal, relaxed experience without rushing through major sights. It’s especially good for those who want to combine cultural highlights with scenic coastal views while avoiding large tour buses.
Bottom line: This tour offers a personalized and comprehensive look at the Riviera’s art, history, and landscapes, perfect for those who value quality over quantity.
4. From Nice port Private Shore excursion Customizable
If flexibility is your priority, this customizable private tour is an excellent pick. For around $1,006 per group, you get a 7-hour window to craft your ideal day in Nice or beyond. This tour can include visits to Vieux Nice, the Côte d’Azur’s highlights, or even a trip to Monaco’s Monte Carlo Casino depending on your interests.
What sets this trip apart is the tailored itinerary and the convenience of private transport, so you avoid crowded groups and rigid schedules. You can decide on stops like the Colline du Château for panoramic views or explore the old town’s colorful markets and alleys at your own pace. The guide can also accommodate family needs with baby seats and boosters.
Guests who choose this option appreciate the personalized approach, noting that their guide Latent provided fun, friendly service and customized the day to include everything they wanted, including stops in Monaco and Eze. Its main drawback is the slightly higher price, but for travelers seeking total control over their day, this is a worthwhile investment.
Bottom line: For travelers who want full control and a private experience, this customizable tour offers maximum flexibility, especially for those with specific interests or limited time.
How to Choose Your Perfect Nice Shore Excursion
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, physical activity level, and what you most want to see. For those seeking an effortless, all-in-one day, the Full-Day Private Cannes Shore Excursion provides a thorough experience with personalized service. If you prefer a more relaxed pace and a deeper dive into specific towns, the Villefranche Shore Excursion is excellent for small groups.
Budget-conscious travelers might favor the guided private tour from Cannes, which combines convenience with flexibility. For ultimate customization, the From Nice port Private Shore excursion offers the freedom to choose your stops and pace.
Booking early is a smart move, especially in high season, to secure your preferred date and guide. Keep in mind that some tours include special experiences like perfume factory visits or F1 circuit drives, so pick one that aligns with your interests.
Final Thoughts
Nice’s central location on the French Riviera makes it easy to explore some of the most iconic spots in the region. Whether you want a private, all-day adventure or a customized experience tailored to your interests, there’s a shore excursion that fits your needs. For travelers craving a rundown, the Full-Day Private Cannes Shore Excursion is hard to beat. If your priority is a personalized, flexible day, then the customizable private tour is the way to go.
No matter which option you choose, booking in advance will help ensure you get the most out of your port time. With so many beautiful towns, scenic drives, and cultural sites nearby, Nice is a fantastic starting point for discovering the best of the French Riviera.
