Bicycling is the only way to truly experience the ever-changing meeting of the relentless Pacific Ocean and the rugged California central coast. In one action-packed week traverse from the panoramic Golden Gate Bridge, through open oceanside fields, and along the battle line between the turbulent waters and towering peaks that is the Big Sur coastline.
Day 1: San Francisco to Pigeon Point: Pick up at SFO Airport or your hotel, from where we'll have the option of crossing the Golden Gate so you may cycle or walk it and gaze upon this splendid city before transferring to Skyline Blvd. with its dual views of the Pacific and the southern San Francisco Bay area. We will then roll down through the redwoods to highway one and on down to Pigeon Point Lighthouse, scene of a few Hollywood thrillers and our hostel for the night. Take a hot tub just meters above the crashing Pacific, and enjoy the fine dining at "world famous" Duarte's Tavern.
Day 2: Santa Cruz: We cycle from Pigeon Point Lighthouse down to Aņo Nuevo Island, the mating ground for Elephant Seals, where we will enjoy the first of several sumptuous lunches. Then we cruise on to the quirky beach resort town, Santa Cruz, and probably take a spin on the 78 year old, wooden-framed roller coaster and 85 year old, elegant carousel, before making our way to the beach side hotel that is tonight's home.
Day 3: Carmel: If the surf cooperates, a pre-breakfast (or post, if you wish) wave-riding session is the perfect refresher before starting off on our casual cruise through the farmlands of Monterey Bay. After a picnic lunch at Dennis the Menace Park, we start at Monterey's Lovers' Point for a ride along the famous 17 Mile Drive into quaint Carmel.
Day 4: Monterey Bay This is a day of freedom, enabling you to take advantage of some of the activities uniquely available in the Monterey Bay region, such as a visit to the standard-setting Monterey Bay Aquarium, a hike above the Carmel Highlands area, or visits to some of the locale's obscure yet fine wineries.
Day 5: Big Sur Valley: It's back on the bikes to ride the first half of the awe-inducing Big Sur roller coaster, from Carmel Highlands to the Big Sur Valley. Euphoria evaporates one's worldly concerns when riding this rugged coastline into the naturally resplendent valley. Then enjoy fine dining at one of the most spectacularly situated restaurants in the world.
Day 6: Pfeiffer Falls: We proceed down the coast through the second part of this ongoing splendor towards Julia Pfeiffer Falls State Park, where we rest our legs and eat lunch before heading down for a night of camping or staying at a cliffside inn along this magnificent coast.We offer a drive and hike of nearby Cone Peak, which at three miles inland elevates to over 5000' for an incredible 360 degree view.
Day 7: Cambria: The rolling photo-op continues as we explore the third part of this remarkable stretch of geophysical drama. We visit Sand Dollar Beach (Surf check!), a sandy anomaly in context with the craggy terrain that dominates for miles to the north and south. From there, we continue past the appropriately named Ragged Point (lunch), before heading down and in to San Simeon, where we have the opportunity to tour the famously opulent Hearst Castle. Next we finish our voyage by riding on to old town Cambria and our awaiting Bed and Breakfast.
Day 8: San Francisco: Transport back to SFO or further south or as pre-arranged.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Inclusions & highlights:
* All lodging in seaside inns
* 5 dinners & breakfasts, and 2 lunches
* All tour transfers, including meeting and departure at your hotel
* Daily private van support, including luggage transfer
* Bike Rental, route notes, maps and accessories
* Knowledgeable guide(s)
* Appropriate toys for available activities (boogie boards, Frisbees, etc.)
* Coastal Redwoods
* Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel/Pebble Beach 17 Mile Drive, Hearst Castle
* Kayaking Monterey Bay's Elkhorn Slough
* Pt. Lobos and the Big Sur valley
* Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Pfeiffer Falls State Park
* Cone Peak, Sandollar Beach/ Jade Cove
* 100+ miles of pristine coastal drama
Also see tour packages in:
USA
California
Bicycle Touring
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
