Nice stands out as a prime cruise destination because of its perfect blend of coastal charm and proximity to glamorous towns. Its port is centrally located, which means you can quickly access the legendary Promenade des Anglais, the hilltop villages of Eze, or the glitzy streets of Monaco—all within a few hours. Whether you want a luxury private experience or a more relaxed, guided exploration, Nice offers options that suit different styles and budgets. We especially like the full-day private tours, like the one taking you from Nice through Monaco and Antibes, because they give you the flexibility to see the highlights at your own pace.
For those who prefer a customized experience, tours that tailor the itinerary to your interests or include private guides ensure you get the most out of your time in the French Riviera. For example, the Full-Day Private Cannes Shore Excursion offers a personal touch, perfect for travelers wanting a deep dive into the region’s most iconic spots.
1. Full-Day Private Cannes Shore Excursion: Nice, Monaco, Eze, Antibes
At number 1, this private guided tour covers some of the best sights along the Riviera. Starting with a visit to Castle Hill, the Promenade des Anglais, and the Flower Market in Nice, you’ll experience the city’s lively atmosphere and seaside elegance. The tour then ventures into Eze, a medieval hilltop village famed for its stunning views and perfume factories, where you can explore narrow streets and learn perfume-making secrets.
The highlight is crossing into Monaco, home of the Prince’s Palace, Monte Carlo Casino, and F1 Grand Prix course. This tour is perfect for travelers who want the convenience of door-to-door transport and the flexibility to customize sightseeing. Rated 5/5 with 45 reviews, it’s praised for its personalized service and knowledgeable guide, Adam, who was commended for sharing constant information and accommodating custom requests. The seven-hour tour offers excellent value at about $1,498 per group of up to 8, making it ideal for families or small groups wanting a luxury, all-encompassing day.
Bottom line: If you value privacy, flexibility, and a comprehensive itinerary, this tour delivers with personalized service and expert guidance.
2. CANNES Shore Excursion: French Riviera Highlights with your Guide
Number 2 on our list is a completely customizable private tour that allows you to tailor your experience along the Riviera. For around $1,163, your guide will help craft a route focusing on your interests, whether that’s Monaco’s glamour, Eze’s charm, or the beaches of Nice. The tour includes visits to Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the Old Town flower and food market, and Vieux Eze, with the option to explore the famous Monte Carlo casino.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility. You pay per vehicle, not per person, which makes it a fantastic choice for families or groups with specific interests. Reviews highlight guides like Yvonne, who took guests to each requested site and offered detailed historical insights, making the experience both educational and fun.
Practical and family-friendly, this tour is perfect if you want a personalized, flexible day without rushing. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate custom itineraries and private transport.
Bottom line: For those seeking a tailored adventure with expert storytelling, this private tour hits the mark.
3. Shore excursion to Nice, Eze, Monaco & Monte-Carlo from Cannes
Our third pick is an affordable and efficient way to see the Riviera with a private guide. Priced at about $404.75 per person, this tour offers door-to-door transport and ample time to explore each destination. The itinerary includes Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, the panoramic Villefranche-sur-Mer, and the picturesque Vieux Eze, plus a visit to the Fragonard perfume factory—a nice bonus for fragrance lovers.
One of the tour’s strengths is its balance of sightseeing and free time, allowing you to enjoy viewpoints over Cap Ferrat and stroll through the streets of Antibes. Travelers appreciate the personalized attention from guides who take care of logistics, especially when tendering in Cannes. The seven-hour schedule ensures you’ll hit all the major highlights without feeling rushed.
This tour is suited for those who want a cost-effective, flexible day with private transport and personalized exploration. It’s ideal for cruise passengers who want to maximize their time without the hassle of public transit or large groups.
Bottom line: If budget and flexibility matter, this private guide-led day trip offers solid value and memorable experiences.
4. Private Cruise Excursion “Highlights of the French Riviera”
Number 4 on our list is a luxurious option for cruise passengers docked at Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer. This private, 7 to 8-hour tour, costing around $1,024, includes personalized commentary about Monaco, Eze, Saint-Paul de Vence, and other coastal highlights. You’ll enjoy port pickup and drop-off, avoiding the typical logistical headaches.
The focus here is on in-depth exploration with a government-licensed guide, providing richer context than a standard bus tour. You can visit Eze’s medieval streets, stroll through Saint-Paul de Vence’s art galleries, or explore Antibes’ old town. The tour is perfect for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace with dedicated attention, especially for those with a keen interest in arts, history, or local stories.
Reviews show that guides like Miriam or Dennis bring warmth and expert knowledge, enhancing the experience. The private vehicle ensures comfort and flexibility, and the customized itinerary makes this ideal for those wanting a more personalized day.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers who want an intimate, detailed look at the Riviera with a private guide on a comfortable vessel.
5. Private 8 hour Tour or Shore Excursion of the French Riviera from Nice
Number 5 offers an eight-hour private tour for about $1,735, designed for those who want a comprehensive day in the Riviera. It includes stops at Antibes, St. Paul de Vence, and other highlights like Cannes’ Boulevard De La Croisette.
This tour pairs a personal minibus with a local, official guide, ensuring authentic insights and flexibility. It’s perfect for travelers who want to cover more ground and see less-trodden spots with a local’s perspective, all while maintaining comfort in a private vehicle.
While it has fewer reviews, the focus on customization and in-depth sightseeing makes it a good value for travelers seeking a full-day, tailored experience. It’s suitable for history buffs, art lovers, or anyone wanting a well-rounded Riviera visit.
Bottom line: For those who want a longer, fully tailored day, this private tour offers great flexibility and expert guidance.
6. Villefranche Shore Excursion To Nice, Cannes, Grasse & St Paul de Vence
Number 6 is a smaller group, personalized day trip for about $787. It starts from Villefranche-sur-Mer and visits Nice, Cannes, Grasse (famous for perfumery visits), and St. Paul de Vence. This route offers a more intimate experience away from large tour buses.
Highlights include exploring Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, walking along Cannes’ Croisette, and touring the Fragonard perfume factory in Grasse. The efficient itinerary ensures you get a taste of the coast’s best without feeling rushed. Visitors praise guides like Laurent for their friendly, flexible approach and making modifications based on interests.
This tour is ideal if you want to see several towns in one day with a small, friendly group, especially for travelers who enjoy personalized attention and local insights.
Bottom line: If you prefer a more relaxed, small-group experience with a focus on perfume and coastal towns, this tour fits the bill.
7. Monaco Shore Excursion: Big Group With Minibus 15 Seats
Finally, for larger groups, the big group tour offers space for up to 15 people in a comfortable minibus. Priced at around $2,384, it’s an 8-hour, all-in-one adventure including Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Eze.
This is the most economical option per person for groups, with the driver-guide providing engaging commentary along the route. Notably, it’s perfect for families or larger groups who want to explore together without sacrificing comfort. The tour includes time in Nice’s Old Town and the chance to visit Monte Carlo’s famous casino.
Guests like Kevin, the guide, are praised for their patience and helpfulness, especially accommodating group members at different paces. The route covers all major sights with the added bonus of large vehicle capacity.
Bottom line: This is a practical choice for large groups that want a comprehensive, all-in-one Riviera experience at a better rate per person.
$2,384.45 per group (up to 15)
How to Choose Your Perfect Shore Excursion
When selecting the best tour, consider your budget, interests, and pace. If you love luxury and privacy, the Full-Day Private Cannes Tour or the Cruise Excursion are excellent options. For a more flexible, personalized experience, the French Riviera Highlights lets you craft your perfect day.
Travelers who want to cover many towns in one go will appreciate the Villefranche and Grasse small-group tour. Larger groups will find the Big Group Monaco tour more suitable. Keep in mind that booking early is smart, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment.
In summary, Nice and its surrounding towns offer a diverse array of shore excursions tailored for different travelers. For a luxury, personalized day, the private tours stand out. If you prefer cost-effective, flexible options, guided day trips with private transport deliver great value. For those who want to see a lot in one day, small-group excursions balance intimacy with efficiency.
No matter which you choose, these tours will help you maximize your limited time on the Riviera and leave you with unforgettable memories. Just remember to book early, plan your interests, and enjoy the scenic ride through one of Europe’s most stunning coastlines.