If you’re an F1 fan, Monaco is the pinnacle of race destinations. The city of Monte Carlo transforms into a high-speed circuit every year, bringing fans closer to the action than almost anywhere else in the world. As a solo traveler on a month long cruise, I opted to do at least one organized excursion a week in addition to some solo exploration. On this tour we had a mix of guided tour, an independent time to explore the museum or the city.
This excursion, Classic Cars & Monte Carlo’s Racing Circuit, was hosted by Virgin Voyages and took us by coach bus from Cannes to Monaco. Along the way, we passed the storage areas and offices where all the equipment used to convert Monte Carlo’s streets into the world’s most famous street circuit is kept. It was surreal seeing stacks of barriers and fencing that would soon be placed around the track, transforming the city into a high-speed battleground.
Walking the Track
Arriving in Monaco, we started our exploration near the harbor, where superyachts line up each Grand Prix weekend to offer the best race views money can buy. It was surreal walking on roads that, just weeks before, had been buzzing with the roar of F1 engines. We followed part of the track route, soaking in the views and picturing the cars speeding past. One thing I never truly appreciated from watching the race on TV was the sheer elevation of the course. Walking up toward the Monte Carlo Casino really drove home how steep some sections of the track are—a reminder of just how skilled these drivers are.
Prince Rainier’s Car Collection
A highlight of our visit was exploring Prince Rainier’s private car collection. The museum is a must-visit for motorsport enthusiasts, showcasing an incredible selection of vintage cars, classic race cars, and, of course, Formula 1 machines. Seeing iconic F1 cars up close—from Ferrari to Red Bull—was a dream come true. The collection also includes helmets from legendary drivers, such as Ayrton Senna and Daniel Ricciardo, adding to the magic of the experience.
The Casino and the Iconic Tunnel
From the museum, we made our way up to the famous Monte Carlo Casino. While the race coverage shows the Casino Square as a smooth and picturesque stretch of track, walking there revealed the incline that challenges drivers every year. I also kept my eyes peeled for any famous F1 drivers, as many live in Monaco—but no luck this time!
We wrapped up our tour at one of the most famous parts of the track: the Monaco Tunnel. This section, where drivers roar through in a blur of speed, felt incredibly surreal to stand in. Right outside, we met up with our bus, closing out an unforgettable day of living and breathing Formula 1 history.
Final Thoughts
This experience was the perfect way to get hyped for the upcoming F1 season. Whether you’re a lifelong F1 fan or just getting into the sport through Drive to Survive, Monaco is an incredible place to visit. Walking the track, seeing the car collection, and soaking in the glamour of Monte Carlo made this one of the most memorable days of my trip.
This post includes my photos from the day, and let me know—if you could visit any F1 track, which one would it be?
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