Nestled between the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, covering not much more than one square mile,lies the Principality of Monaco, an independent sovereign state that is a fairy-tale come to life. If Monaco invokes thoughts of casinos and the Grand Prix, read on, as it is that and so much more.

There are many ways to get to Monaco. You can arrive by air (eight and a half hours for a non-stop flight from New York), the French National Railroad, or sail past the island of Corsica. Monaco, so perfectly situated between the French and Italian Riviera, is like no other place in the world. Monaco is a must-see vacation destination.

I have always wanted to see Monaco because it evoked enchanted thoughts -- a true fantasy-land with a Prince and Princess and certainly, ladies in waiting. But it was not always that way. During ancient history, Monaco was a site of clashes between the Greeks and the Romans long before the Grimaldi family (who still rule today) seized it from the Genoans.

The French Revolution, and the abdication of Napoleon in 1814 also took its toll. By 1861, an impoverished Prince Charles III relinquished half of its territory to France in exchange for independence and cash. In an effort to reestablish an economic base, the Prince cleverly introduced tourism and gambling to Monaco. Fast forward to 1949 when Prince Rainier came to rule Monaco for a period of fifty-six years. To Americans, he was best known for his marriage to actress Grace Kelly but he championed cultural, artistic, humanitarian and economic causes for the Principality. Under his reign, Monaco was admitted to the United Nations and became a member of the European Council. Upon his death, Prince Rainier’s son, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, assumed the throne.

Our trip to Monaco began royally, at the Prince’s Palace, where Prince Albert resides when he is in Monaco. Beginning with the changing of the guards (at 11:55am), we took a comprehensive tour through the elegant palace, originally built as a Genoan fortress in 1215 and shopped for souvenirs at the Boutique de Rocher, which was established by Princess Grace to benefit local charities. The Oceanographic Museum is a treasure with one of the world’s best collections of marine life. It was founded by Prince Albert I (aka “Navigator Prince”) and was led by Jacques Cousteau for thirty years. Be sure to see the shark lagoon located in the basement. We walked along the cobblestones (wear proper shoes!) to Monaco’s Zoological Gardens, a perfect interlude if you’re traveling with children. It was unlike any American zoo with its coastline views overlooking the port of Fontvielle and hilly passages and access to the more than 250 animals including a black panther and a white tiger. Don’t miss The National Museum, with the greatest collection of 19th century dolls and mechanical figures (Pierrot, Buffalo Bill Cody) located across the street from the Grimaldi Forum and housed in a villa designed by noted architect Charles Garnier. We didn’t know what to expect but were charmed by this extensive collection of dolls and the history behind them. Our almost-five year old daughter was as enthralled, but so were we. Another popular, and spectacular attraction is the Exotic Garden, the Princess Grace Garden (with more than 3,500 rose bushes) and the Japanese Garden. Walk along the water and you’ll see why Monaco is loved by both tourists and tycoons—the shops, restaurants, elegant hotels, gorgeous scenery, beautiful people, and the unbelievable yachts.

By nightfall, we had covered a lot of territory and were set to see the Casino de Monte Carlo, also designed by architect Charles Garnier. It was like walking into a storybook or a James Bond movie. Patrons are asked to dress up and well, it just didn’t feel like Atlantic City! The Rococo turrets, stained glass windows, gold chandeliers, bronze lamps, sculptures, paintings, and murals—we felt drenched in antiquity and forgot that we were actually there to gamble. We hit a couple of slot machines and actually didn’t mind losing.It felt well worth the price of admission to this historic and elegant structure.

The day excursions from Monaco are easily accessible ranging from Eze to St. Jean Cap Ferrat but we found plenty to do in Monaco. So much to do in fact, we want to go back. Very soon.

For more information contact the Monaco Government Tourist Office at www.visitmonaco.com#