The Pacific Coast Highway, including Santa Barbara, Cambria,
Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey,
San Francisco and the Wine Country
14 days/13 nights
Please inquire about 2022 pricing
Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory for this wonderful adventure along California's Pacific Coast, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience with our Concierge Travel Services.
Suggested time to travel: Summer |
Fly in the LAX or directly into Santa Barbara
California Dreamin' Tour: 2 nights Santa Barbara 2 nights Cambria 1 night Carmel-by-the-Sea 2 nights Monterey 3 nights San Francisco 3 nights in the wine country |
Your Tour Director will meet you as you walk out of baggage claim for your included transfer.
The location of our hotel is right across the street from the beach and a quick walk to all of the major sights. The rooms are classic and spacious. Breakfast is not included.
Check-in is at 2, so we’ll store our bags, take a walking orientation and grab some lunch in the Funk Zone. This area is filled with many interesting restaurants, galleries, winebars and shops, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon strolling at your leisure.
Sunset sail. We’ll sail away for a 1-hour seaside escape along the Santa Barbara Waterfront. Absorb the fresh air, admire local landmarks like Stearns Wharf and enjoy coastal sea life during this scenic beach side sail.
Welcome Dinner.
Overnight in Santa Barbara, 1 night.
The location of our hotel is right across the street from the beach and a quick walk to all of the major sights. The rooms are classic and spacious. Breakfast is not included.
Check-in is at 2, so we’ll store our bags, take a walking orientation and grab some lunch in the Funk Zone. This area is filled with many interesting restaurants, galleries, winebars and shops, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon strolling at your leisure.
Sunset sail. We’ll sail away for a 1-hour seaside escape along the Santa Barbara Waterfront. Absorb the fresh air, admire local landmarks like Stearns Wharf and enjoy coastal sea life during this scenic beach side sail.
Welcome Dinner.
Overnight in Santa Barbara, 1 night.
We'll enjoy a leisurely morning in Santa Barbara. Walk the beach and soak up more of this lovely city. After lunch (not included), we'll start out on our Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
We'll make a short stop in the lovely town of Solvang.. The entire town is absolutely adorable with Danish bakeries, Danish architecture and windmills. Stretch your legs, do a little shopping and enjoy a pastry before we continue on our journey.
We’ll hop back on the PCH for about 2 hours to Cambria. We’ll check in to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day in downtown Cambria; it is fun to walk, with lots of one-of-a-kind stores and galleries.
We’ll catch the good light and take a stroll along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk before dinner.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Cambria, 2 nights.
We'll make a short stop in the lovely town of Solvang.. The entire town is absolutely adorable with Danish bakeries, Danish architecture and windmills. Stretch your legs, do a little shopping and enjoy a pastry before we continue on our journey.
We’ll hop back on the PCH for about 2 hours to Cambria. We’ll check in to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day in downtown Cambria; it is fun to walk, with lots of one-of-a-kind stores and galleries.
We’ll catch the good light and take a stroll along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk before dinner.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Cambria, 2 nights.
DAY 3: HEARST CASTLE |
It's a short drive to Hearst Castle. Enroute, we'll make a stop at the The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Elephant seals are NOT majestic. They are the goofiest, oddest-looking animals in the world. They sound like howler monkeys and are the roundest, blubberiest things you’ll ever see. If you think “ugly” dogs like Frenchies and Bulldogs are adorable, which I’m sure Diane does, you’ll love them too!
After, we are off for a tour of Hearst Castle. William Randolph Hearst started to build a fabulous estate on his ranchland overlooking the village of San Simeon in 1919. He called the estate "La Cuesta Encantada" - Spanish for The Enchanted Hill. By 1947, the hilltop complex included a twin-towered main building, three sumptuous guesthouses, and 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and pools. Four distinct guided Hearst Castle Tours are offered throughout the day. Each one explores a different part of this luxurious estate comprised of 165 rooms and more than 125 sprawling acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways.
The rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy in Cambria.
After, we are off for a tour of Hearst Castle. William Randolph Hearst started to build a fabulous estate on his ranchland overlooking the village of San Simeon in 1919. He called the estate "La Cuesta Encantada" - Spanish for The Enchanted Hill. By 1947, the hilltop complex included a twin-towered main building, three sumptuous guesthouses, and 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and pools. Four distinct guided Hearst Castle Tours are offered throughout the day. Each one explores a different part of this luxurious estate comprised of 165 rooms and more than 125 sprawling acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways.
The rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy in Cambria.
The stunning scenery along the Big Sur coastline is absolutely jaw-dropping, and arguably the best coastline along the entire Pacific Coast Highway. Our day will include stops along the way to dip your toes into the Pacific Ocean, take some fantastic photos and hike amidst the redwoods.
We’ll end our drive in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Carmel, 1 night.
We’ll end our drive in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Carmel, 1 night.
Enjoy a relaxing day in this lovely, upscale town. The one square mile village of Carmel-by-the-Sea has 20 wine rooms, 100 art galleries, 50 restaurants, 50 hotels and countless other businesses. Walk along the scenic road that follows the beach. Put your toes in the water and watch the happiest dogs in the world enjoy the sand and water.
We’re then on from Carmel to Monterey via the famous 17-Mile Drive.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Monterey, 2 nights.
We’re then on from Carmel to Monterey via the famous 17-Mile Drive.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Monterey, 2 nights.
Today is your day to enjoy Monterey at your leisure. Consider:
Whale watching. Monterey Bay is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. It is the largest protected ocean area in the continental U.S. The tours leave out of Fisherman's Warf, a great place for lunch.
Pebble Beach horseback ride. This ride takes you from the Equestrian Center on to the beach.
Monterey Bay Aquarium. This world-class aquarium is not only at the forefront of scientific research and conservation efforts, but it’s also a wildlife refuge with plenty of otters!
Overnight in Monterey
Whale watching. Monterey Bay is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. It is the largest protected ocean area in the continental U.S. The tours leave out of Fisherman's Warf, a great place for lunch.
Pebble Beach horseback ride. This ride takes you from the Equestrian Center on to the beach.
Monterey Bay Aquarium. This world-class aquarium is not only at the forefront of scientific research and conservation efforts, but it’s also a wildlife refuge with plenty of otters!
Overnight in Monterey
We'll continue up the PCH to get to Santa Cruz, where we’ll stop for a few hours to stretch our legs, have lunch and enjoy the famous boardwalk. We'll of course make more stops along the way to watch the surfers, kite boarders and California dreamers' enjoying the stunning scenery.
Included Dinner.
Overnight in San Francisco, 3 nights.
Included Dinner.
Overnight in San Francisco, 3 nights.
San Francisco Private Driving Tour and Alcatraz
Today we'll enjoy a driving tour of San Francisco’s top attractions, sights, and iconic landmarks. We'll access sites where bus tours are prohibited, drive on the world famous Lombard Street, America’s crookedest street, Coit Tower, The Presidio, The Painted Ladies, Golden Gate State Park and more.
We’ll have lunch (not included) before the Alcatraz ferry. Alcatraz Island entrance fees, audio guide and ferry tickets included
The rest of the day and evening are at your leisure.
Overnight in San Francisco
Today we'll enjoy a driving tour of San Francisco’s top attractions, sights, and iconic landmarks. We'll access sites where bus tours are prohibited, drive on the world famous Lombard Street, America’s crookedest street, Coit Tower, The Presidio, The Painted Ladies, Golden Gate State Park and more.
We’ll have lunch (not included) before the Alcatraz ferry. Alcatraz Island entrance fees, audio guide and ferry tickets included
The rest of the day and evening are at your leisure.
Overnight in San Francisco
Think about spending the morning at Golden Gate State Park. Take a stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden. Discover blooming flowers, a historic pagoda and a Zen garden. Take a few moments for a cup of tea before you go on to The DeYoung Museum or San Francisco's famed Museum of Modern Art.
Enjoy lunch and some shopping in Chinatown and finish your day at Fisherman's Warf.
Today is yours to explore.
Overnight in San Francisco
Enjoy lunch and some shopping in Chinatown and finish your day at Fisherman's Warf.
Today is yours to explore.
Overnight in San Francisco
Over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, Muir Woods and Sonoma.
We're on to Sausalito where we’ll spend some time strolling this charming town and enjoy lunch.
We’re back north on HWY. 101 and the next exit is Muir Woods to see the Redwood Forest. Muir Woods has a wonderful boardwalk where you can comfortable stroll through the redwoods, and a variety of hikes you can take to ascend deep into the forest.
We’ll finish our day in Sonoma. Please note that this itinerary can be adjusted if you prefer to stay in Napa, Yountville or Headlesburg.
Included dinner
Overnight in Sonoma, 3 nights.
We're on to Sausalito where we’ll spend some time strolling this charming town and enjoy lunch.
We’re back north on HWY. 101 and the next exit is Muir Woods to see the Redwood Forest. Muir Woods has a wonderful boardwalk where you can comfortable stroll through the redwoods, and a variety of hikes you can take to ascend deep into the forest.
We’ll finish our day in Sonoma. Please note that this itinerary can be adjusted if you prefer to stay in Napa, Yountville or Headlesburg.
Included dinner
Overnight in Sonoma, 3 nights.
Private limo and wine tour. Includes private vehicle, driver and driver gratuities for day. Our wine route is customized to your taste.
Overnight in Sonoma
Overnight in Sonoma
Today you do you. Inquire about these great excursions:
Go on Safari. Discover wildest Africa in the heart of wine country! Enjoy a morning driving journey out in search of herds of wildebeest, romping rhinos and towering giraffes. Nearly 900 animals from over 90 unique species roam through this 400-acre preserve.
Ride in a hot air balloon. An early-morning hot air balloon jaunt is a dramatic way to get a bird’s-eye view of the idyllic Napa and Sonoma scenery. Balloons lift off at sunrise when the air is cool and the landscape is just awakening.
View contemporary art at a family-run winery (Napa). This family-run winery is a draw for both its art museum and its vino. The museum set up on the property features an array of contemporary heavyweights including Robert Motherwell, Francis Bacon, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Anselm Kiefer, and Andy Goldsworthy.
Taste regional specialties. One of the best ways to sample the local delicacies of wine country’s farmers and artisans is to visit Napa's public market and food hall: cheese makers, artisanal cafes, butcheries such as Five Dot Ranch, and Eiko’s sushi and fish market. A scenic deck with outdoor seating overlooks the Napa River.
Dip into a mud bath. Charming bungalows, relaxing vibes, and soothing spa treatments of healing volcanic mud. The treatment starts with a bath in mud made from from 100 percent pure volcanic ash, a mineral-water soak, and, finally, a mineral steam. If you have a bit more time, any spa appointment includes use of the Olympic-size pool, whose healing waters are fed directly by four on-site geysers.
Hike to the top of Mount St. Helena. The highest point in Napa Valley gives hikers one of the most rewarding views in the Bay Area. It’s a 10-mile round-trip journey with an 1,800-foot elevation gain. The hike offers landscapes of pines, oaks, madrones, chaparral, and wildflowers.
Visit the movie museum at Francis Ford Coppola Winery Museum. This winery houses a museum dedicated to the work and career of the larger-than-life movie director. Props and memorabilia from Coppola’s films include Colonel Kurtz’s dog tags from Apocalypse Now, Don Vito’s ornate office desk from The Godfather, and an original Tucker 1948 sedan used in Tucker: The Man and His Dream. The director’s six Oscars are on display, too, and admission is free.
Kayak on the Russian River. The Russian River snakes through the heart of Sonoma Valley to the Pacific Ocean and offers some of the area’s most picturesque kayaking and canoeing. The river is brimming with animal life—ospreys, eagles, herons, turtles, and endangered Coho salmon are just some of the species enjoying the river alongside you.
Overnight in Sonoma
Go on Safari. Discover wildest Africa in the heart of wine country! Enjoy a morning driving journey out in search of herds of wildebeest, romping rhinos and towering giraffes. Nearly 900 animals from over 90 unique species roam through this 400-acre preserve.
Ride in a hot air balloon. An early-morning hot air balloon jaunt is a dramatic way to get a bird’s-eye view of the idyllic Napa and Sonoma scenery. Balloons lift off at sunrise when the air is cool and the landscape is just awakening.
View contemporary art at a family-run winery (Napa). This family-run winery is a draw for both its art museum and its vino. The museum set up on the property features an array of contemporary heavyweights including Robert Motherwell, Francis Bacon, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Anselm Kiefer, and Andy Goldsworthy.
Taste regional specialties. One of the best ways to sample the local delicacies of wine country’s farmers and artisans is to visit Napa's public market and food hall: cheese makers, artisanal cafes, butcheries such as Five Dot Ranch, and Eiko’s sushi and fish market. A scenic deck with outdoor seating overlooks the Napa River.
Dip into a mud bath. Charming bungalows, relaxing vibes, and soothing spa treatments of healing volcanic mud. The treatment starts with a bath in mud made from from 100 percent pure volcanic ash, a mineral-water soak, and, finally, a mineral steam. If you have a bit more time, any spa appointment includes use of the Olympic-size pool, whose healing waters are fed directly by four on-site geysers.
Hike to the top of Mount St. Helena. The highest point in Napa Valley gives hikers one of the most rewarding views in the Bay Area. It’s a 10-mile round-trip journey with an 1,800-foot elevation gain. The hike offers landscapes of pines, oaks, madrones, chaparral, and wildflowers.
Visit the movie museum at Francis Ford Coppola Winery Museum. This winery houses a museum dedicated to the work and career of the larger-than-life movie director. Props and memorabilia from Coppola’s films include Colonel Kurtz’s dog tags from Apocalypse Now, Don Vito’s ornate office desk from The Godfather, and an original Tucker 1948 sedan used in Tucker: The Man and His Dream. The director’s six Oscars are on display, too, and admission is free.
Kayak on the Russian River. The Russian River snakes through the heart of Sonoma Valley to the Pacific Ocean and offers some of the area’s most picturesque kayaking and canoeing. The river is brimming with animal life—ospreys, eagles, herons, turtles, and endangered Coho salmon are just some of the species enjoying the river alongside you.
Overnight in Sonoma
DAY 14: TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT FOR FLIGHTS OUT |
Included transfer to the San Francisco, Oakland or Sacramento airport for flights out.