A Mediterranean Dream: My Collette Mediterranean Coastal Journey
In June 2023, I set off on the Collette Mediterranean Coastal Journey, a 16-day small group Explorations tour that took me through the vibrant landscapes and cultures of Spain, France, Monaco, and Italy. From the moment I arrived in Barcelona, I knew this would be a trip of a lifetime. With only 10 people in our group, we were the first to experience this new itinerary, and it turned out to be everything I could have hoped for—and so much more.
Let me take you on a journey through these four stunning countries, with highlights, personal experiences, and some unforgettable moments.
Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona, Spain
I arrived in Barcelona and spent the day strolling around the city, soaking in the sights before our welcome dinner. We dined at La Rita, a cozy, local restaurant where we ended our meal with a special dessert: Tim Baon. This indulgent treat was like a crème brûlée over frozen custard, drizzled with chocolate sauce — a decadent way to kick off the journey!
Day 2: Exploring Barcelona
The next day started with a walk through Barcelona, where we visited Mercat St. Josep La Boqueria. This bustling market is a food lover’s paradise, with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and endless local treats to try. Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own market, and La Boqueria is one of the most famous. We then enjoyed a delicious paella at Cuines de Santa Caterina—the food was just as beautiful as the restaurant itself.
After lunch, we walked to Placa Catalunya, and I had some free time to explore the city. I love using the hop-on, hop-off buses in new cities, as they give you a great overview and help you decide what to see next. Barcelona’s fountains were all turned off due to water conservation efforts, but the city still looked stunning without them.
That evening, I joined an optional tapas walking tour, which was a highlight of my time in Barcelona. We got to sample a variety of delicious tapas while learning about local culinary traditions. The temporary art exhibit outside La Pedrera was another treat—I loved seeing how the city blends art, history, and modern culture.
Day 3: Montjuïc and GaudÃ’s Masterpieces
My final day in Barcelona began with a peaceful early morning walk to the Arc de Triomf, one of my favorite spots in the city. There’s something so serene about walking through a city before it wakes up.
After breakfast, we took the cable car up to Montjuïc Castle, where we had incredible views of the city. Then, we headed to La Sagrada Familia, the unfinished basilica designed by Antoni GaudÃ. Work on the cathedral began in 1882, and though it was originally slated for completion in 2026, it’s unlikely that it will be finished on time. I also had some free time to explore Park Güell, another of GaudÃ’s iconic creations.
Day 4: Girona and Costa Brava
On Day 4, we took a day trip to Girona, a charming medieval town in Spain. One of my favorite experiences was walking across the Eiffel Bridge and wandering through the Jewish Quarter. From Girona, we continued to the Costa Brava region, where we spent two nights in a stunning coastal setting.
Day 5: Palafrugell-Calella and Figueres
Our day began with a coastal walk in Palafrugell-Calella, where the views of the Mediterranean were breathtaking. Next, we visited Figueres to see the Dalà Theatre-Museum, dedicated to the surrealist artist Salvador DalÃ. Later, we made a quick stop in Besalú, a beautifully preserved medieval village.
Day 6: From Spain to France
We crossed into France on Day 6, starting with a visit to the Abbaye de Fontfroide, an old monastery and winery. The French Riviera greeted us with sunshine as we arrived in Marseille, where we spent the next two nights. We took a walking tour of the city and hopped on a little train for a scenic ride around the sights.
Day 7: Aix-en-Provence and Nice
The next day, we stopped in Aix-en-Provence, a beautiful town in the south of France known for its stunning fountains and charming streets. Then it was on to Nice, where I woke up early for a morning walk to catch the city at its quietest. We had a day trip to St. Paul de Vence and later visited Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, where we even made our own scent!
Day 8-10: Monaco and Italy
Day 10 brought us to Monte-Carlo, Monaco, where we spent the day admiring the luxurious surroundings and iconic landmarks. From there, we crossed into Italy, where we began our exploration of the country’s coastal gems.
In Genova (Genoa), we took a walking tour before heading to Portofino for the afternoon. We took a boat from Santa Margherita to the stunning seaside town, where colorful buildings lined the waterfront. The whole area was postcard-perfect.
Day 11-13: Cinque Terre and Florence
On Day 11, we took a train to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our stops included Vernazza and Manarola—two of the five villages that make up this beautiful coastal region. Cinque Terre is known for its colorful buildings, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Though we only had time to visit two of the villages, I hope to return and explore them all.
The next few days were spent in Florence, soaking in the art, history, and culture of this Renaissance city before heading out to the Tuscan countryside.
Day 14: Truffle Hunting and San Gimignano
One of the highlights of the trip was truffle hunting in San Miniato. This experience far exceeded my expectations. We watched as trained dogs found four truffles during our short walk, and later tasted truffle-infused products like pasta, butter, and even cake with truffle honey. It was a delicious.
We wrapped up the day with a visit to San Gimignano, a medieval town known for its tower houses and charming atmosphere.
The Mediterranean Coastal Journey was an exceptional adventure—one filled with rich history, incredible food, and breathtaking views. While the summer heat was intense, I would definitely recommend this trip in the spring or fall when the temperatures are a bit more mild.
Cheers,
Heidi
