A Two-Week Mediterranean Adventure: From San Diego to Nice via Cheltenham, England

Traveling from San Diego to the Mediterranean might seem like a dream, but that's exactly what we just did. Our two-week adventure took us from the charming English town of Cheltenham to the glitzy French Riviera, and it was the trip of a lifetime! Here’s a glimpse into our unforgettable journey, complete with serene sea views, glamorous casinos, and delicious citrus delights.

Stop 1: Cheltenham, England – A Quaint Beginning

We kicked off the adventure with a detour to Cheltenham, England, an elegant spa town nestled in the Cotswolds. Staying in a cozy budget friendly hotel, we were charmed by the town’s graceful Regency-style architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Mornings started with Coffee and scones, followed by strolls through the lovely Pittville Park. One highlight was visiting the famous Cheltenham Racecourse, a must for any equestrian fans out there!

Though Cheltenham’s slower pace was refreshing, we were excited to trade the rolling English hills for the glistening waters of the Mediterranean.

Stop 2: Nice, France – Azure Waters and City Charm

Arriving in Nice, we were instantly captivated by the beauty of the Côte d'Azur. Our Airbnb, located right across from the most vivid, clear blue ocean you can imagine, was the perfect spot to unwind. Waking up to the sound of waves every morning? It doesn’t get better than that.

Our original plan was to take the tram from Nice Airport to central Nice. The Lignes d'Azur trams typically run 7 days a week from 5 a.m. to midnight, with frequent service between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays. However, to our dismay, the trams were on strike! This left us with no choice but to rely on a taxi or Uber. Little did we know about the ongoing feud between taxi drivers and Uber in the area.

Normally, the tram ride would cost just 2 euros, but when we approached a taxi driver, he tried to charge us 49 euros for the same trip. Luckily, a wonderful Parisian woman, also looking for a ride, overheard the conversation and immediately berated the driver in French. Thanks to her intervention, we avoided overpaying and ended up sharing an Uber with her, paying just 12 euros. It turned into a delightful ride filled with enlightening conversation with a local. So, if the tram is running, it’s definitely the best way to go!

Once settled, we explored Nice’s city center, a kaleidoscope of colors and culture. Old Town (Vieux Nice) is an absolute must. Its winding streets, lively markets, and pastel-hued buildings are like stepping into another world. We strolled through the Promenade des Anglais and dined at cozy bistros, enjoying local dishes like socca and ratatouille. Evenings were spent sipping rosé from nearby vineyards while watching the sunset paint the sky.

A major highlight was visiting Castle Hill – Colline du Château, one of the most visited parks in Nice. It rises 300 feet above the city and sits between the old town and the port, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the city below. If you're feeling energetic, you can climb the stairs to the top, but if you're like me and not looking to raise your heart rate on vacation, there’s an elevator at the base of the hill—which I gladly took. Once at the top, the views were absolutely breathtaking, making it the perfect spot for photos and a peaceful escape from the bustling city below.

Day Trip to Monaco – Glitz, Glamour, and James Bond

One of the most exciting parts of the trip was hopping on a train to Monaco, the tiny but mighty country famous for its royal history and luxurious lifestyle. A visit to the *Casino Royale* in Monte Carlo, just like in the 007 movie, was a particular highlight. The casino was as glamorous as you’d expect, with its lavish décor and sweeping views of the harbor.

Though we didn’t try our luck at the tables, walking through the casino made us feel like we were in a Bond film. We also visited the Prince’s Palace, exploring its grand halls and beautifully manicured gardens. Monaco might be small, but it certainly packs a punch!

A Day in Cannes – Sailing the Mediterranean

The next stop? Cannes, home of the world-famous film festival. But instead of hitting the red carpet, we decided to rent a catamaran and spend the day sailing the Mediterranean. It was pure bliss.

We set sail in the morning, cruising along the stunning coastline. With the warm sun on our skin and the cool sea breeze in our hair, it felt like a dream. We dropped anchor in a secluded cove, where we spent the day diving into the crystal-clear waters, paddleboarding, and just floating on the calm sea. If you’re ever in Cannes, renting a yacht or catamaran for a day is a must—it’s an unforgettable way to experience the Mediterranean.

Menton – The Lemon-Scented Finale

To wrap up the Riviera adventure, we visited the charming coastal town of Menton, famous for its lemon groves and laid-back vibe. The moment we arrived, we were greeted by the fragrant scent of lemons in the air, and it seemed like every corner of the town was decorated with vibrant citrus trees. We explored the famous lemon gardens, tasted fresh lemon gelato, and walked along the picturesque Promenade du Soleil.

Menton is a slower-paced, quieter town compared to glitzy Monaco or Cannes, but that’s part of its charm. The colorful buildings, scenic coastal views, and overall peaceful vibe made it the perfect way to end the trip.

Final Thoughts

This two-week adventure from San Diego to the Mediterranean was everything we had hoped for and more. From the quiet beauty of Cheltenham to the glamour of Monaco and the laid-back charm of Menton, we experienced so many different sides of Europe. And the best part? We still managed to find time to relax by the unbelievably blue waters of Nice.

If you’re dreaming of a trip filled with stunning scenery, rich history, and a touch of luxury, this route comes highly recommended by the Black and White Travel Chronicle. You won’t be disappointed!