Historic Monaco 2010 - Sports Events Travel 0845 003 2213

There has been racing in Monte Carlo since 1929 and even then throngs of people lined the streets to watch the sixteen invited participants battle it out. The 100 lap race lasted almost four hours and was won by William Grover Williams in a Bugatti Type 35B. He went on to become a successful Bugatti Works driver. In those days grid positions were determined by ballot – it wasn’t until 1933 that timed qualifying was introduced.

Around the track much has changed. Smart new hotels and shopping malls have replaced some of the fine old buildings and the map of Monaco is forever being altered. Station hairpin has had several reincarnations and the railway station itself is now a smart affair and completely underground. Overall, however, the layout of the track remains largely true to the glory days of racing. It’s still the toughest circuit to conquer and the best spectacle in the motorsport year.

Our tours to this event give you the opportunity to fly to Nice from a choice of regional airports and spend three or four nights in a selection of hotels in and close to the Principality. Alternatively and for a longer holiday, book your place on our popular nine day driving tour. From Calais you will make your way through many of France’s most scenic spots and wine producing regions. The route is planned to ensure comfortable daily drives and overnights in specially chosen hotels where you will enjoy the best of each region’s cuisine. In Monaco you will spend three nights in the excellent Columbus Hotel, perfectly located for easy access to your grandstand.

Whichever tour you choose you are invited for a Welcome drink with us on Friday evening and grandstand seats for both Saturday and Sunday are included in the prices. You are free to choose your grandstand, which can be different for each day, and if you would like any assistance with your choices do call us – we’ll be happy to help

Thursday 29 or Friday 30 April
Fly from London or your local airport to Nice. On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for you for four or three nights on bed and breakfast basis. On Friday evening you are invited to join us for a Welcome drink by the harbour. This evening you can wander freely around the paddock to look at the cars.

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 May
At leisure to enjoy as you wish and to come and go to your grandstand seats to watch the practice sessions on Saturday and the races on Sunday. It is now a feature of this event that the paddock is open to spectators during lunch breaks each day and at the end of each day’s racing.

Monday 3 May
Free until your transfer to Nice Airport to check in for your return flight to the UK.

7 night driving tour - Monaco Historic & Routes des Grandes Alpes
On our tour to this magnificent biennial historic meeting at the most glamorous of venues, the route is designed for classic and modern sports cars capable of driving daily distances of up to 250 miles. With three nights incorporated on the way to the event we take in both the Champagne and Burgundy regions followed by some of the finest driving available in Europe through the French Alps before dropping down into Monaco for the weekend’s events. We stay in Fontvieille over the weekend just a short distance from the famous street circuit. We will travel back up through France via the wonderful Route Napoleon with two overnight stops, culminating in a final evening in Chablis.

Tuesday 27 April – 198 miles
Join us at the port of Dover for a late morning boat to Calais with included priority boarding and club lounge. After a short drive into the Champagne region wea stop on the historic Reims circuit for a photo call and a chance to see the original traces of the circuit. It is then a pleasant drive to our overnight chateau hotel. We will be welcomed at the chateau and park within the moat in front of the grand entrance. Dinner this evening is included in the hotel restaurant.

Wednesday 28 April – 161 miles
After breakfast we continue our drive through the vineyards and down into Burgundy. We hope to be granted some exploratory laps of the Dijon Prenois circuit before a buffet lunch at a Chateau which houses a collection of Abarth racing cars and military aircraft. There will, of course, be chance to view these collections. It is then a short drive to our next chateau hotel where we will once again be welcomed with a tasting of some of the great local wines before dinner.

Thursday 29 April – 240 miles
Today we will aim to get away promptly as we head south east and into the mountains. We will drive a mixture of main routes into the foothills of the Alps and over the mountain passes where they are re-opened after the Winter snow. Today you have the freedom to enjoy the roads and to choose your own stops for coffee and lunch. We will stay in a mountain hotel south of Briançon where will be able to recount the day’s driving over dinner.

Friday 30 April – 155 miles
Today we can take the cols, subject to road and weather conditions, with alternative routes via tunnels and main roads if necessary. As we descend towards Monaco we intend to drive over the most famous col of them all, the Turini, the last challenge on any Monte Carlo rally. This evening we will check into the Columbus Hotel in Fontvieille, which is just 15 minutes walk to Rascasse corner, the paddock and the grandstands around the harbour. Having parked the cars in the indoor car park at the hotel we will have a welcome drinks party this evening on the circuit.

Saturday 1 May & Sunday 2 May
After breakfast at the hotel each day you are free to watch practice, qualifying and the racing. Grandstand seats are included in the stand of your choice.

Monaco Historic Grand Prix

Monday 3 May – 270 miles
Today we will return to our favourite driving roads in a big way when tackling the Route Napoleon, a perennial favourite. This spectacular road takes us up through the Hautes Alpes and alongside the Rhone valley to our delightful hotel on the banks of the mighty river. We will once again be welcomed with a wine tasting before dinner at the hotel.

Tuesday 4 May – 200 miles
After breakfast we continue north following the Rhone after Lyon and back into Burgundy. We will drive into Beaune and stop here for a visit and buffet lunch at a wine producer. Our hotel this evening is in the heart of Chablis, where we will be schooled on the secrets of Chablis wine and we are promised a fantastic finale dinner!

Wednesday 5 May – 295 miles
After breakfast you have the day to make your way back to Calais for your reserved sailing to Dover.

An itinerary that's designed for you
If this tour itinerary doesn't meet your requirements, please call us to speak to one of our specialists. We will discuss your plans and we can design a tour to specifically suit your needs. Whether you would prefer flights from a regional airport or would prefer to spend longer at the destination... we will be able to tailor make a tour to suit you - call us now on 0845 003 2213 or 01543 258631.
Price: £1749 per person based on two people in a car and sharing a twin/double room
or £2999 per person based on one person in a car with single occupancy accommodation

In 2010 the Mille Miglia happens from the Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 May offering the perfect opportunity to carry on into Italy from Monaco. We include a fantastic overnight stay in the beautiful countryside near Asti with dinner after Monaco. Then you’d meet the Mille Miglia group at the Alfa Romeo museum near Milan before three nights on Lake Iseo. You then continue on the Mille Miglia tour ~ see pages 34 & 35 for the full itinerary.
Price: £1699 price per person based on two people in a car and sharing a twin/double room
or £2500 per person based on one person in a car with single occupancy accommodation

Helicopter Flights

You can take an exhilarating helicopter flight between Nice Airport and Monaco as an alternative to our included transport by road. Flying time is just 7 minutes each way and en route you will enjoy magnificent views of the picturesque coastline. Arriving at the heliport in Monaco transport to your hotel is provided at no extra cost. Flying from Monaco, your pick up time at your hotel and helicopter flight will be timed to allow you ample time to check in for your onward flight from Nice to the UK.
The flight prices below are per person supplements to our tour prices.

Hotel details...

Hotel Boeri, Beausoleil * *
Located on the street where Monaco meets France, the Boeri is just five minutes walk from Casino Square. Monaco’s main market and shopping area is just below the hotel and there are bars and restaurants within walking distance. Bedrooms all have bathroom, TV, telephone and air-conditioning.

Hotel Capitole, Beausoleil * * *
A new hotel above Monaco market and just a few minutes on foot from Casino Square. The breakfast room, lounge, reception and bedrooms are newly decorated, contemporary and bright. Buffet breakfast is included and the hotel has a lift.

Hotel Olympia, Beausoleil * * *
Also just above Monaco market, this is a well-run hotel. There’s a small bar in the lobby and bedrooms all have private bathroom, TV and are very comfortable.

Novotel, Monaco * * *
A new hotel with services above its star rating. Underground car park, modern bar and restaurant, sun terrace with swimming pool are all features of the hotel. The bedrooms conform to Novotel’s usual high standards and the front desk offers excellent services.

Hotel Columbus, Monaco * * *
Located in the new Fontvieille marina this is a 3 star deluxe property. The bedrooms are stylish, the pool very inviting, the bar is popular and lively and the restaurant excellent. Service throughout the hotel is attentive and discreet. From the hotel it is just a 15 minute walk to the grandstands around the port.

Hotel de France, Monaco * *
A small hotel tucked away just off the Place d’Armes and above the harbour. It is the ideal location for the paddock and most of the grandstands which are just five minutes walk from the hotel. It is also close to many restaurants. Bedrooms are small but comfortable and have shower room and cable TV. The hotel has a small lounge bar.

Hotel Fairmont, Monaco * * * *
Located on the inside of the track on the famous hairpin bend the hotel has its own casino, gym, pool deck from where guests can watch the racing, piano-bar and a choice of restaurants. Bedrooms are comfortable and spacious and front desk services are excellent. The closest grandstand is Casino Square

For further details, to check availability and to make a booking please call us on 0845 003 2213

Monday 3 May Free until your transfer to Nice Airport to check in for your return flight to the UK.

Hotel Capitole, Beausoleil * * * A new hotel above Monaco market and just a few minutes on foot from Casino Square. The breakfast room, lounge, reception and bedrooms are newly decorated, contemporary and bright. Buffet breakfast is included and the hotel has a lift.

Hotel Olympia, Beausoleil * * * Also just above Monaco market, this is a well-run hotel. There’s a small bar in the lobby and bedrooms all have private bathroom, TV and are very comfortable.

Novotel, Monaco * * * A new hotel with services above its star rating. Underground car park, modern bar and restaurant, sun terrace with swimming pool are all features of the hotel. The bedrooms conform to Novotel’s usual high standards and the front desk offers excellent services.

Monday 3 May
Free until your transfer to Nice Airport to check in for your return flight to the UK.

Hotel Capitole, Beausoleil * * *
A new hotel above Monaco market and just a few minutes on foot from Casino Square. The breakfast room, lounge, reception and bedrooms are newly decorated, contemporary and bright. Buffet breakfast is included and the hotel has a lift.

Hotel Olympia, Beausoleil * * *
Also just above Monaco market, this is a well-run hotel. There’s a small bar in the lobby and bedrooms all have private bathroom, TV and are very comfortable.

Novotel, Monaco * * *
A new hotel with services above its star rating. Underground car park, modern bar and restaurant, sun terrace with swimming pool are all features of the hotel. The bedrooms conform to Novotel’s usual high standards and the front desk offers excellent services.