MONACO DAY TRIPS/2 · Housing the tombs of the former Princes of Monaco, the Monaco Cathedral stands on the site of a 13th-century church dedicated to Saint Nicolas. The Cathedral was constructed in 1875 in a Romanesque-Byzantine style using the region’s distinctive La Turbie white stone. Among its most impressive features are a gilded wooden altar from the Spanish Renaissance period and a Pieta by the primitive painter Louis Brea. From September through June, the Cathedral hosts a Mass sung by the Little Singers of Monaco – the Principality’s world-renowned boys’ choir – and the singers of the Cathedral Choir School. · A testament to Monaco’s sheer beauty is its Exotic Garden. Also known as the “Magic Garden” because it is landscaped on rock-face, the garden contains several thousand individual plant varieties, and a stroll along the footbridge high above the cliff provides a breathtaking view of the Principality. While in the area, visitors can also explore the Observatory Caves 60 meters below the garden, as well as the nearby Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, which retraces the most important stages in the history of the human race and contains several priceless relics. · The Museum of Antique Automobiles proudly displays H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco’s collection of some 100 classic motorcars from all around the world. Featuring automobiles as old as the 1903 De Dion Bouton to as recent as the 1986 Lamborghini Countach, the museum also tells the story of 20th-century motoring history. · Featuring dozens of automated toys and dolls from yesteryear, the National Museum is a trip back in time to the 19th century. Presented in showcases containing miniature furniture and garbed in period clothing, the toys and dolls recreate the sophisticated atmosphere of the era. The museum also features lovely gardens containing more than 40 varieties of roses, some bred specifically to honor Princesses Grace and Stephanie. · Truly an architectural masterpiece, the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium took eleven years to construct using La Turbie white stone and rises 85 meters straight up from the sea. With more than 4,000 species of fish representing every ocean on the planet, the aquarium is considered one of the finest in the world. The museum portion of this magnificent building contains remarkable collections of marine fauna and numerous specimens of sea creatures, including the skeleton of a 20-meter whale. Some of the notable events on Monaco’s calendar include: · Held in late January at the capital under a star-spangled big-top tent, the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival welcomes some of the most outstanding international circus acts. Laugh at the clowns and marvel at the high-wire acts at this thrilling festival. · The month-long Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival features an extraordinary lineup of both famous and aspiring artists, who entertain at venues throughout Monaco. Throughout the festival music, dance, theatre, cinema and visual art serve to form a microcosm of the Principality’s rich cultural heritage.

MONACO DAY TRIPS/3 · Held on the beautiful clay courts of the legendary Monte-Carlo Country Club, the annual Tennis Masters Series Monte-Carlo is a major ATP tournament. Dozens of the world’s top players participate each April as world-class competitors vie for the title and tune-up for the upcoming French Open. · The most legendary automobile race in the world, the Monaco Grand Prix draws thousands into the Principality each May for the classic race through the classiest of venues – the streets of Monaco. The grueling race through winding streets also represents one of the major testing stages in the World Driving Championships. · It was Groucho Marx who said, “ Clowns work as well as aspirin, and twice as fast.” For decades, the circus is has been known for its inherent ability to light up the faces and spirits of adults and children alike. As a tribute to the fascinating world of the big-top, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco is unveiling its Jours de Cirque (Circus Days) on July 18, 2002. The exhibit will feature circus caravans and parade floats, model circuses, posters and accessories as well as major works of art depicting the circus by Pablo Picasso, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and others. The exhibit will be open daily from July 18- September 8, 2002. · Monaco’s musical vocation is on display all through July, as the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra holds several concerts in the privileged setting of the main quadrangle of the Prince’s Palace. Featuring distinguished conductors and soloists, the concerts are an imposing expression of Monaco’s grand musical tradition. · The beginning of August brings with it Monaco’s Music and Fireworks Display Competition where accomplished pyrotechnicians use breathtaking ensembles of fireworks to form multi-colored showers in the night sky. A background of classical music adds further to the evening’s enchantment. This year’s competition will be held the night of August 1. · Taking place in late September at the Principality’s beautiful Port Hercule Harbor, the annual Monaco Yacht Show is the most exclusive one of its kind. This year from September 25-28, more than 250 exhibitors and some 66 65+ft. yachts will grace the Harbor, dazzling spectators with their elegant extravagance. · Held every other December, the Monaco Dance Forum is one of the grandest celebrations of the art form in the world, serving as a meeting place for dancers, choreographers, company directors, producers, stage designers, musicians, authors and multimedia artists. Among the activities planned for the five-day event are a dance festival, multimedia exhibition, dance screen competition, and professional’s marketplace. This year’s Monaco Dance Forum will take place from December 10-14.

For more information, contact the Monaco Government Tourist Office at (800) 753-9696 or (212) 286-3330, or e-mail MGTO@monaco1.org.