Hey, hey Thursday!!!
Friends, they’re back in school, and I’m over missing them big time. We had a GREAT first day, but you know…it’s hard transitioning back. I’m very positive that a pumpkin scented candle burning on my desk this afternoon is the exact medicine I need for my post-summer blues 😉 .
I have another vacation recap post for you! This is PART THREE: MONTE CARLO! Make sure you check out BARCELONA DAYS 1-3 and BOARDING THE BEYOND (with our day in PROVENCE) too!
This was our second port of the itinerary where we woke up…
…in beautiful Nice, France!
After coffee on my balcony, I got dressed…
…which was super simple thanks to my packing method and we…
…hopped on a tender and headed into Nice.
When we arrived in Nice, we had transportation all lined up to take us to Monte Carlo for the day. There are so many different directions you can go from this Nice port, but since my boys are OBSESSED with the series Formula One, they wanted to head to Monte Carlo, Monaco for the day. Ironically, on this trip, we visit the two smallest countries in the world. On this day, we hit Monaco and then later on, we’ll hit Vatican City.
Oh Monte Carlo, you’re so fancy! The mega yachts just blew our minds.
There were a few “musts” my kids wanted to see. First, we watched the movie Once Upon A Crime way back during quarantine and my kids loved it (it’s super cute!), so they had to visit the famous casino.
Next up, Smith and Andrew wanted to drive the F1 track around the city. Listen, I’ve mentioned this before on the podcast, but I realllllly tried to get into Formula One (since they’re so into it), but I struggled watching the series. BUT…now that I’ve actually driven the track (they drive on the streets around the city, turning on the smallest angles, going around buildings…it’s insane), I’m going to try again. It was really cool to see the markings on the street indicating the different points of the race and to drive it from start to finish. It made me want to try F1 again. We’ll see…
Some people had to stop for a photo by the fancy car…
…because big yachts and fancy cars are the name of the game in this town.
We strolled, we shopped, we had a delicious lunch that I forgot to photograph and thoroughly enjoyed our morning in Monte Carlo.
Next up, we met our driver in town for a car ride right over to Eze back over in France but first…
…she took us to the coolest, most out of the way spot for a photo and the views of Monaco. You could see pretty much the entire country from this point (along with being able to see both Italy and France here too!).
It was a short ride from this spot over to…
…Eze. Now, this little village winds and curves all the way up tiny, narrow streets until you get to the garden at the top. It was HOT, and for some really crazy reason, Andrew Shull had forgotten that the last time he did this, he said he wouldn’t do it again. I clearly remember going in 2013 and him saying it was too hot for all of that and he wouldn’t do it again…but he forgot he said that until we were about halfway up. It was a hot walk but with rewarding views.
Up we go!
Everyone needed gelato to motivate them up.
When little sister’s legs gave out, big brother stepped in! It was hot but boy, it’s an experience to visit Eze.
Kensington stopped and bought two skirts and Ashby bought a bracelet. The shops are so small and cozy tucked in there.
When we made it to the top, we could see our ship!!
See? The views were totally worth it 😉 .
The faces of people heading down the hill.
And back we were at the bottom. We hopped back in the van and after a full day…
…headed back to the ship and pool. Fries after a full day are a must.
Do you see those two? They were living their best life in the hot tub.
It was clearly “red” night for us! We cleaned up and enjoyed the evening activities on board the Beyond.
Hi, we’re the Shull family and we’re obsessed with sushi these days…
…and oysters. This will always be known as the summer all four kids (finally) fully embraced sushi and oysters. Bonus, this place on the ship made it gluten-free!
Kensington’s face cracks me up back there. That kid!
Sushi, oysters and a magic show…
…cheers to our day in Monte Carlo!
I’ll see you all tomorrow, friends! Have a great Thursday! xx
Erika Slaughter says
;What a PERFECT day! Just looking at your climb up progression through pics made me tired! Views were totally worth it!
Elspeth says
I went to Monte Carlo on a trip in high school and loved the views! So glad you got to experience it with your crew!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
Looks like it was such a fun day!! I’m happy I’m not the only one who’s husband magically forgets his “I will never do … again” comments 😂
Rachel says
Looks fun! Where are the pictures of the Formula 1 cars? My son would love that!
Mix and Match Mama says
There are no car pics…we just drove the loop where they have the Monte Carlo race (which apparently is a big deal…I’m learning…).
Maria says
Which Gucci bag were you using on this trip? Looks like the perfect size for excursions.
Mix and Match Mama says
It was! It worked really well. It’s this one: https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/women/handbags/backpacks-belt-bags-for-women/belt-bag-with-interlocking-g-p-68293392THG8563
Anne Miller says
Where is Kensington’s black jump suit from? I know a girl who would love it. Thanks.
Mix and Match Mama says
Nordstrom! I shared it here: https://mixandmatchmama.com/2022/07/all-things-anniversary-sale-post/
Savanah Foskey says
So fun! We’re headed there next month. What your/service did you use to drive the F1 track, didn’t know that was possible! Also, do you know the name of the spot before Eze with the views of Monaco/Italy! Thank you for this post!
Mix and Match Mama says
Our driver drove it for us. It’s legit just on the streets (they shut them down for the actual race, of course). She started at the “starting line” showing us the different road markings of where each car lines up, etc and then drove the loop (pointing out pivotal points along with way). It was mind blowing to me (someone who doesn’t know F1) how they drive on those windy, narrow streets.
polly pover says
Thanks for sharing! Planning a trip to the Mediterranean. Is casual dress OK during most “touristy” things? I notice that you are mostly dressed down, but wanted to know if you found that was OK for most activities, or did you feel underdressed? I kinda like to blend in! I think I have to go to Monte Carlo now!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, it was so hot that I was dressing for the weather first and foremost. Everything my family did was casual. Later on, when we visited the Vatican, we had to dress a bit different but other than that, dressing for the temps was the name of our game.
Stacia says
Everyone in my house is obsessed with Drive to Survive and f1. Have you listened to the Armchair Expert with Daniel Ricardo? There are two episodes and it might help you like F1 better.
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t listened to that episode!! Thank you so much for the rec!
Laci Murray says
My daughter loves sushi!
Elizabeth Whisler says
So beautiful!! When you first mentioned Eze, I kept thinking it sounded familiar. Then when I saw the pics I realized where I knew it from. I think you’ve mentioned you watch Below Deck. Do you remember the season where someone wanted a picnic up there in Eze and they had to drag tables and chairs and food all the way up there??? I think they said “never again” too. LOL!
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t remember that episode?! I need to go back and find it!!
dawn says
I think it was when the queen of versailles and her friends rented the boat.
Jen says
Wait, wait, wait, I have two questions:
1. Who is eating their sushi with a fork? Ha! And…
2. Did you really do that whole hike in those sandals? Wow!
Looks gorgeous. We have been an F1 family for a long time and now I want to go drive that track too!
Mix and Match Mama says
I wore those sandals every single day other than the very first day when I foolishly thought my Nikes would be comfier. #wrong And I eat my sushi with a fork because it not, I inevitably drop it in my lap. Agh!
Stacy C Meek says
I eat sushi with a fork too. My husband told me to never be embarrassed to use a superior instrument. I am going with that! 🙂
Alison says
I love living vicariously through your international adventures. Monaco does not look like it was a disappointment, at all. 🙂
Sheaffer says
I’m tired and hot just thinking about all that climbing! That picture of y’all above the city is AMAZING!!!
Kay says
Beautiful photos! I’ve been sharing these vacation posts with my own kids as we are kind of coming around on cruises? Maybe? Anyway, my 7th grader is obsessed with the “club” on the ship-lol! He keeps asking me, can kids go too? He can’t get over this! So, any details you have about the club would be great! Are there separate clubs for kids vs adults? I’m a former Disney planner so I know Disney cruises have different age rooms, etc, but not sure about other cruise lines!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! They had a “kids area” through 12, a teen area (I think that one was 13-17) and then adult spaces. It’s certainly not “Disney” but I thought they were great spaces to visit!
Ani Martinez says
K in that black dress looks SO grown up!!!! My F1 fans would LOVE to drive the Montecarlo route – such a great idea. Thanks for sharing your memories with us.
Deena says
It’s so fun to follow along on your Mediterranean cruise because it reminds me so much of our 11 day cruise from 5 yrs ago. We did a tour to Exe (loved it and got a cute ring) and Monaco. A highlight was seeing the cathedral where Princess Grace & Prince Rainier were married (& buried). We also had to check out the Casino because our grown up son requested that we get some pics of fancy cars for him. I remember seeing a teen driving a Bentley convertible with his blonde hair blowing in the wind.
Joanne says
What lovely views!
Karen says
Please share K’s jeans and top from yesterday. Your children are beautiful!!
Mix and Match Mama says
The jeans are from Abercrombie (I’m pretty sure!) and the top is Nordstrom!
Arika says
You should wear red more often. So pretty!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awww! That’s so sweet!
Erin says
We are doing a very similar cruise with our kids next year so I’m saving all of your blog posts to refer back to! But, I’m curious, how do you arrange a personal driver? Is that through the ship or you arrange it on your own? It sounds like a much nicer alternative when travelling with the kids than an organized bus excursion from the ship.
Mix and Match Mama says
I arrange them independently here through my travel agency!
Beverly Labosky says
I thoroughly enjoy the pics of your family’s adventures. What kind of camera are you using on your trips?
Mix and Match Mama says
Just my iPhone!
Nicole Wilder says
We just did a trip to Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Eze, and San Remo Italy back in April. My favorite was Eze! It wasn’t super hot in April so the walk up wasn’t too bad for us. There was a tiny gift shop on the way up that we were in for probably an hour. The views were unbelievable but my husband was NOT loving the drive! He hated the curves and tiny roads..
We really enjoyed Monte Carlo as well!
Kasey says
Did you see Captain Kate and Bug Naked on the cruise ship?
Mix and Match Mama says
So many people when I boarded DMed me to tell me to find her. I saw her from a distance one time on our day at sea. I would say that, at least for our sailing, she didn’t have a big presence. If people had not have DM me, I never would have known about her.
Carrie says
Love the red dress, where is it from?
Mix and Match Mama says
That is a Nordstrom find from the spring. It’s no longer in stock.
Lisa says
If you’re ever back in Nice check out St. Paul de Vence! It’s another medieval hill city with great restaurants and shops—a nice alternative to Eze if you’re looking to change it up!