Topic
Day trips
11 stories tagged day trips.
Cannes Day Trip to Saint Paul de Vence is worth it, but we liked Saint Jeannet
We planned this as the classic Cannes-area inland day trip: leave the beach behind, drive up to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, walk the medieval streets, have lunch, and keep moving. Saint-Paul-de-Vence did deliver the stone lanes, small shops, viewpoints, and a very good lunch at Les Remparts. The surprise was that Saint-Jeannet suited us better. We stayed nearby at Le Moulin Camoula, came into Saint-Jeannet for the evening, and had dinner at L'adorse D'ana. If a friend asked us how to do this, we would still say go to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, but do not let it be the whole story.
7 Days on the French Riviera: Cannes to Nice
Come with us on a 7-day French Riviera guide. We actually spent more than three weeks based in Cannes, which gave us time to explore the region slowly and understand what truly works. This itinerary reflects how we would structure a focused 7-day version of what we would plan if we did the trip again. At Durfee Travel Blog, we only share about places we have actually been. We plan the trip, live the detours, and tell you what was worth the time.
Day Trip from Cannes to Eze, Menton, Saint-Jeannet
The day started early in Èze, and that turned out to be one of our best decisions. Arriving before the crowds gave us time to wander the medieval stone streets and enjoy some of the French Riviera’s most spectacular views in relative peace. Perched high above the Mediterranean, Èze has been drawing visitors for centuries, and the scenery explains why. From there, we headed east to Menton, France’s last major town before Italy. Known for its colorful waterfront and laid-back atmosphere, Menton sits between the mountains and the sea, creating one of the Riviera’s most beautiful bays. Lunch was simple and perfect for the setting: pizza by the waterfront. Later, we grabbed a serving of fries and found a shaded café table overlooking the bay. Sometimes the best travel moments aren’t complicated. They’re just good food, a little shade, and a great view. We finished the day inland in Saint-Jeannet, beneath the towering Baou de Saint-Jeannet. A local wine tasting provided the perfect ending to a day that took us from a medieval hilltop village, to the Mediterranean coast, and finally into the foothills above the Riviera. Not a bad way to spend a day on the Côte d’Azur.
Half Moon's Bay - Moss Beach Distillery - an unexpected lunch find
It wasn't exactly *the plan*. The long way back to SFO from Santa Cruz allows for a quick trip up the coast to Half Moon Bay. If you haven't made this trip it provides some iconic ocean coastline views traveling North on Highway 1 - The Pacific Coast Highway. We made it to Half Moon Bay and decided to point the car vaguely west, past the usual Half Moon Bay bustle, chasing a rumor. A whisper of a place where the Pacific met Prohibition, where the waves crashed with the ghosts of rum runners. Moss Beach, they said. A name that sounded less like a destination and more like a warning, or perhaps a particularly melancholic poem.
Zorita de los Canes: Where History Tastes Like Honey
Imagine this: You’re fifty minutes east of Madrid, the kind of distance that feels like a world away, and suddenly, you’re in Zorita de los Canes. Population: 68. And a castle. This isn't your average 'escape the city' jaunt. This is a deep dive into what happens when history, local ingredients, and two passionate guides (one a Manchester transplant) share their passion for Spain. We went looking for a quiet Spanish village; we found a full-blown culinary and historical expedition. Paul and Juan, our intrepid hosts, promised a journey, not just a meal. They delivered. We walked the very path where stones for that ancient castle were hauled, feeling the weight of centuries underfoot. We picked up wine from a producer who clearly understood the assignment. And then, the vermouth. Yes, I said it. Vermouth. The drink that has historically made me question all my life choices. This, however, was different. This was Vermouth that turns you into someone who says, "I get it now."
Avila - The Walled City
The 2000 year old walled-city of Ávila was great to see. We had a good lunch in the little town. Clearly being there in December was off season. For us that meant less crowded, some closed shops, and the more pleasing cool weather that we enjoy. We found the Cathedral here to be more beautiful but smaller than in Segovia’s Cathedral.
Segovia - A Castle, Cathedral and Aqueduct
The end of our day in the Avila and Segovia which is North of Madrid in Spain provided a great view of the remnants of a Roman Aqueduct . In Segovia, we kept saying. We could stay here for a couple of days. The Castle was amazing and the Cathedral was beautiful as well. This little community had a nice ambience with shops restaurants and cobbled streets we very walkable.
Spiritual Heart of Italy
Umbria's hilltop towns offer a spiritual journey through history. Orvieto's cathedral, perched dramatically on volcanic cliffs, houses some of Italy's most beautiful frescoes. The underground tunnels reveal fascinating layers of Etruscan and medieval history. Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, radiates peaceful energy with Giotto's masterful frescoes telling the saint's story.
Dramatic Coast & Ancient Wonders
The Amalfi Coast's dramatic beauty takes your breath away at every curve. Positano's pastel houses cascade down cliffs like a watercolor painting. Ravello's Villa Rufolo gardens offer spectacular views that inspired Wagner's music. Our journey to Pompeii was deeply moving - walking through perfectly preserved streets frozen in time by Vesuvius.
Puerto Nuevo Birthday Lobster Fest
We've always been drawn to the Pacific coast, so when Matt's birthday came around, we knew a one-day adventure to Baja was the perfect way to celebrate. Our destination was Puerto Nuevo, a favorite spot that never disappoints, especially on a quiet weekday. The easy drive from San Diego led us to a fantastic lobster and beer lunch. Better yet, the Fast Track SENTRI lane made the trip home just as effortless.
There is more to Windmills in the Netherlands
French Fries, Stroopwafels, Anne Frank's Museum and so much more were included in this trip to the Netherlands