The ultimate Monaco GP experience

Advertising feature

Year round, Monaco is a spectacular place, but when you combine it with the most popular Formula 1 race in the world, the experience is magical. For well over 50 years the Monaco Grand Prix has been regarded as the most prestigious motor race in the world, and with the Principality of Monaco as its backdrop it is no surprise.

Not only is this the biggest race event of the year, it is also the grand social event of the year. The streets are lined with exotic sports cars and the harbor is jam-packed with dozens of super yachts, all vying to be part of the world's most glamorous grand prix.

Monaco absolutely delivers on the expectations it sets for wealth, luxury, and visual delight. Pristine villas grace the cliffs like billows of whipped cream, cerulean waters drum a rhythm against the rocks beneath and immaculate yachts bob gently in the marinas.

Spend seven glorious days aboard Le Ponant (RIGHT), a luxurious sixty-passenger yacht, visiting the most exciting destinations possible. Being moored along side in the Monaco Harbor, right in the epicenter of the Formula 1 paddock area, this is the place to see and be seen! Enjoy the advantages of being in the center of this elegant Principality, surrounded by the most exciting event of the year!

Mooring inside Monaco Harbor during the Grand Prix is truly a luxury and only those with "connections" are even considered. Stepping on and off Le Ponant at your whim, instead of waiting for boat tenders ashore, and being right in the hub of the Formula 1 paddock area is indeed a thrill. Watch the Formula 1 drivers and teams prepare for the weekend and feel the anticipation amplify as the race draws closer.

While others make dining reservations weeks in advance, Le Ponant guests enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at their reserved table, greeted by name, as gracious stewards serve gourmet food and cater to their every whim. While regular spectators walk miles through crowded streets to their grandstand and hospitality suites, Le Ponant guests walk but a short distance to their chosen viewing. As others jostle for attention in crowded lobbies, Le Ponant guests will be taken care of by an attentive crew.

A majestic three-masted yacht, Le Ponant offers relaxing cruises crafted to respect the tradition of famous sailing yachts in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a refined lifestyle onboard, the warm charm of your cabin and lounges and restaurants that invite you to relax throughout your sailing. Stroll along the Sun Deck or enjoy a peaceful morning of sunrise yoga. Le Ponant offers a large comfortable lounge and two restaurants, one with a terrace.

A water sports platform is available at the back of ship for direct access to the sea and water-based activities, weather permitting. Meet someone new in the Emeraude Lounge, enjoy some alone time in the Saphir Lounge or be entertained by the onboard pianist after dinner each night.

On Friday night join Grand Prix Tours for their Formula 1 driver cocktail party onboard and get to know the men behind the machines. Enjoy a glass of wine and tasty hors d'oeuvres onboard Le Ponant and let Grand Prix Tours make your race weekend one to remember as an F1 Driver and race commentator show you what racing is like from the inside out.

During the Grand Prix sponsors throw money around like there is no tomorrow and the Formula 1 circus is in full song - all the pomp and circumstance, ritz and glitz, shows the glamorous side of Formula 1. Arguably for some, it is the most esteemed motor race on the calendar and if you get your name on the trophy here you know you're a quality driver

At last year's Monaco Grand Prix, Mercedes mistakenly brought Lewis Hamilton in to the pits for new tires. Leaving Rosberg out to gain a several second advantage, it certainly did not improve the bad feeling between the Mercedes drivers. In fact it made it far worse as Hamilton was well in the lead, and due to the pit stop ended up in second place behind his team mate Nico Rosberg. Rosberg was ecstatic, whereas Lewis sulked in the background.

The two drivers in the Mercedes team are very much equal; however Hamilton seems to have more belief in his own ability, hence his two consecutive World Championships. We will see by Monaco which driver has the best will to win, like so many sports it is the strength of mind that controls winning and losing.

To see the cars reach the speeds they do in such a confined area is incredible. It's also a testament to the talent of the drivers. Anyone can drive fast on a wide, smooth racing circuit but the bravery factor definitely comes into play at Monaco; you can fluke a win in Formula 1 ... but you don't fluke a win at Monaco.

Throw in stops at beautiful Porto Venere and Cannes, the sister city to Beverly Hills and the chic epicenter of the French Riviera offering a world of exclusive boutiques, palm-lined avenues, starlet-studded beaches, and elegant sidewalk cafes. The famous Film Festival is in full swing with international celebrities gathering to screen films and make deals... sunning by day, and a club and casino scene by night.

Start planning your trip of a life time. Be right in the center of the Formula 1 action on the deluxe sailing yacht 'Le Ponant' moored in the Monaco Harbor or choose from a selection of 4 and 5 star hotels in Monte Carlo or Nice.

Grand Prix Tours has offered Formula 1 weekend experiences to race fans for over 30 years. Their inside connections allow them to get the best rooms and the best viewing locations available, along with their knowledge of the each event location you will be sure to have an experience of a life time and a hassle-free weekend.

Call Grand Prix Tours today at 1 800 400 1998 for more information on the Monaco Grand Prix and their many VIP viewing options or visit their website at www.gptours.com to see all the weekend experience they offer.

See you in Monaco!