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

Experience the Best of the Riviera: Full-Day Italian Market, Menton, & La Turbie Tour

If you’re staying in Nice and craving a day filled with local flavors, scenic vistas, and a taste of Italy just a short drive away, this full-day tour offers a delightful escape. For $156 per person, you’ll spend roughly eight hours exploring the open-air markets in Sanremo, wandering through Menton’s quaint old town, and marveling at panoramic views over Monaco from La Turbie. Led by a friendly professional guide, this trip blends cultural exploration with plenty of opportunities for shopping, photography, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the Riviera.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it balances time in each location—allowing you to savor the local culinary delights in Italy, enjoy the peaceful charm of Menton, and take in spectacular vistas over Monaco. The scenic drive in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan makes for a relaxed journey, especially appreciated after a morning of walking and sightseeing.

A potential consideration is that, based on some reviews, the time allocated for Sanremo might feel a bit rushed—particularly if you’re more interested in the town itself than the market. Also, keep in mind that this tour involves crossing a border, so remember your passport. It’s best suited for travelers who love authentic local experiences, scenic views, and don’t mind a busy schedule.

This tour is ideal for those who want a well-rounded Riviera day trip, with a good mix of shopping, sightseeing, and photo opportunities, all with the comfort of a guided experience.

This experience made our article of 15 Best Shopping & Market Tours In Nice.

Key Points

Authentic local markets: Chance to shop in Italy’s open-air markets specializing in leather goods and fashion accessories.
Charming Menton: Explore the peaceful, colorful old town, soaking up the scents and scenery of the French Riviera.
Panoramic views: La Turbie offers stunning vistas over Monaco and Roman remains for history buffs.
Comfortable transportation: An air-conditioned minivan makes the long day more relaxed.
Flexible options: Private and small group tours available, with pickup from your Nice accommodation.
Cost-effective: For around $156, you get a full day of sightseeing, shopping, and scenic drives.

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A Deep Dive into the Experience

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Starting with the Scenic Drive and Italian Market

We begin our day between 8:15 and 9:00 am with pickup from La Banque Postale in Nice. The small group or private setting (depending on your booking choice) ensures a more personal experience. The drive to Sanremo takes about three hours, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the landscape—think rolling hills, shimmering coastline, and charming villages along the way.

Once in Sanremo, the star of the show is the open-air market, known for leather goods, shoes, handbags, and fashion accessories. It’s a lively, colorful space where vendors shout out deals and locals haggle over prices. We loved the chance to browse authentic Italian products and sample a bit of Italian gastronomy—perhaps a quick coffee or pastry—before heading on.

While some reviews note spending too much time in Sanremo and not enough in Menton, we felt the key benefit was the opportunity to see Italy’s market culture firsthand. If you’re a shopper or foodie, you’ll appreciate the quality and variety here. Be prepared for warm weather if visiting in summer, as one traveler mentioned the market can get quite hot and uncomfortable.

Exploring Menton: The Pearl of the French Riviera

After a scenic drive back into France, we arrive in Menton, often called the pearl of the Riviera. The town’s old quarter is a peaceful haven, with narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and fragrant flower markets. We loved wandering through this serene town, enjoying the scent of citrus trees and local flowers.

Guides typically offer a brief tour, but you’re free to explore at your own pace. Many reviews highlight the charm of Menton’s old town as a calm retreat from busier tourist spots. Some find the time in Menton sufficient to soak up the atmosphere, while others wish for a longer visit to truly explore the cafes, shops, and scenic corners.

La Turbie for the View and Roman Heritage

The final highlight is La Turbie, a hillside village with a spectacular view over Monaco. It’s a quick five-minute stop, but the photo opportunities are plentiful. You’ll see the Trophy of Augustus, a Roman monument, and get a sense of the area’s ancient history. The view of Monaco’s glittering coastline is often described as breathtaking—perfect for a quick photo or just a moment to take it all in.

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Returning to Nice

The trip wraps up with a scenic drive back, arriving at La Banque Postale in Nice in the late afternoon. The comfortable van means you can unwind after a full day of sightseeing, shopping, and photo-taking.

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How Do Travelers Feel About This Tour?

Based on reviews, the guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience more engaging. The scenic views and the chance to see both French and Italian Riviera highlights make this a memorable trip. Several travelers appreciate the value for money, especially considering the transportation, guided commentary, and the variety of stops.

However, some critics mention that the time in Sanremo feels a bit rushed—about two hours may not be enough for those wanting a deeper dive into the town itself. Others found the market experience uncomfortable due to heat, so visiting during cooler months might improve the experience.

One traveler from Canada remarked, “Our guide was excellent, and the drive was very comfortable,” but also noted that “the market wasn’t worth the visit,” suggesting that if shopping isn’t your main goal, the other stops shine more.

The Practical Details

Transportation and Group Size

The use of a full-option, air-conditioned minivan ensures a smooth ride, and small groups or private tours mean more personalized attention. The vehicle’s comfort is especially appreciated on the longer drive to and from Nice.

Duration and Timing

The 8-hour schedule includes all stops, with most of the time spent in Sanremo (about 3 hours) and Menton (around 1.5 hours). The flexible pickup from your Nice accommodation adds convenience, and the early start helps maximize your day.

Cost and Value

At $156, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that combines shopping, scenic views, and cultural insight. While some reviews suggest it might be a bit pricey for the time spent in certain locations, the convenience of guided transport and expert commentary adds value.

What to Remember

Bring your passport for crossing the border, and wear comfortable shoes. Be prepared for warm weather in summer, and consider whether a rushed schedule suits your travel style.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love local markets and authentic shopping experiences, this tour delivers in spades. It’s also perfect for travelers who want a scenic day trip with spectacular views over Monaco and the chance to explore charming old towns. However, if you prefer more time in smaller towns or deeper local experiences, you might find the schedule a bit tight.

This experience is especially suitable for those who enjoy guided tours and appreciate the convenience of transportation, with the flexibility of private or small group options. It’s a good pick for first-time visitors wanting a quick, well-rounded introduction to the Italian and French Riviera highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, as long as your kids are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and walking, this tour fits well for families looking to explore the Riviera with minimal fuss.

Do I need to bring my passport?
Absolutely. The tour involves crossing the border between France and Italy, so remember to carry your passport.

How much time do we spend in Sanremo?
You’ll have about three hours in Sanremo, which includes time for shopping, sightseeing, and a quick break. Some travelers feel this is enough, while others wish for more.

Is the market experience comfortable in hot weather?
One review noted the market can be quite hot and uncomfortable in summer, so consider visiting during cooler months or bringing water and sun protection.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase food at your stops.

Can I customize the tour?
The standard tour is fixed, but private or small group options may offer some flexibility—check with the provider.

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

Is this tour good value for money?
Given the transportation, guided commentary, and multiple stops, many travelers find it offers good value, especially compared to organizing separate transport and visits.

What if the tour is canceled or rescheduled?
The provider offers full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you peace of mind if your plans change unexpectedly.

In essence, this full-day Riviera tour offers a lively mix of shopping, scenic vistas, and charming towns. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning lover of the region, it provides a convenient way to experience some of the most picturesque and authentic parts of the Côte d’Azur and Italian Riviera in one memorable day.