California Coast Custom EXPLORER 6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS TREKTRAVEL.COM 866-464-8735 CALIFORNIA COAST CUSTOM BIG S UR TO S ANTA BARBARA ON T HE PACIFIC COAS T HIGHWAY Cycling the Central Coast offers a week overflowing with all the ingredients for a perfect bicycling vacation: sun, breathtaking coastal views and delicious food and drink. This is true California, with a relaxed vibe and awe-inspiring scenery. The Central Coast overflows with everything that makes California great, from the crash of the surf in Monterey Bay to the vibrant green views along Pebble Beach, to the crisp mornings in small towns overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean. Every night you ll stay in handpicked, unique hotels that capture California style, and every day you ll uncover a new treasure along the Pacific Coast Highway. We ll start our journey in the seaside town of Santa Cruz and make our way to Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera." Don t be surprised if you find yourself breathing in the sea and surf. That is, when the scenery isn t taking that very same breath away. From Custom Rider Type Active / Recreational Hotel Style Explo rer Duration 6 days 5 nights Start End Santa Cruz, Calif ornia Santa Barbara, Calif ornia Dates Dates Coming Soon TRIP WOWS Enjoy the culture and feel of the quintessential West Coast, surf-crazed town of Santa Cruz. Savor fresh, local, seasonal fare and seafood prepared in California s fusion style at restaurants like Schooners Coastal Kitchen and The Lark. Explore some of California's quiet historic towns as you cycle down one of the country's most picturesque coastlines on the iconic Highway 1.
Kick back oceanside as four out of five properties on this trip are located on the water. Visit Hearst Castle and marvel at this impressive monument to many architectural styles. DAILY ITINERARY SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 1 S a nt a C ruz t o Mont e re y Approximately 47 miles with 1,600 Welcome to the Golden State! After everyone has gathered you'll be treated to a taste of California with a brunch featuring local specialties. Next, your guides will ensure you a comfortable fit to your bike and familiarize you with its features. Then it's time to ride! You'll head out of Santa Cruz, past famous surf breaks and farmland, enjoying dramatic views of the coastline and Pacific. The final 15 miles of today's ride takes you onto a bike path which leads to Monterey and your accommodations f or the night, which are perched on Monterey Bay. Take time to enjoy the views from the rooftop jacuzzi and freshen up before getting to know your fellow travelers during a social hour. Your guides will also fill you in on the details of the days ahead and the upcoming rides down the dramatic and picturesque Calif ornia Coast. Af terward a delicious meal of f resh local f ood awaits at Schooners Coastal Kitchen. HOTEL: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa VISIT WEBSIT E Lunch Social Hour Dinner V I E W M E E T I N G A N D D E PA R T I N G I N F O R M A T I O N» V I E W M E E T I N G A N D D E PA R T I N G I N F O R M A T I O N»
Day 2 Mont e re y t o B ig S ur Approximately 44 miles with 2,700 SHORT OPTION: Mont e re y t o C a rm e l R ive r S t a t e B e a c h Approximately 16 miles with 600 TODAY S ACTIV ITY: Fre e m orning t o e xplore Mont e re y This morning you will awaken to the sights and sounds of Monterey in all its coastal glory. After breakfast at the hotel you have some time to explore this famous town as you wish. Two great options are walking down the street to tour the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium or getting up close to marine life in the Bay with a selfguided sea kayaking adventure. Lucky kayakers may be rewarded f or their paddling with a view of harbor seals, sea otters and pelicans in their natural habitat on the dazzling waterf ront of the sanctuary (note that this morning's activities are not included in the trip price). You'll also fuel up at a local bistro of your choosing before reconvening with the group to start the day's ride along the famous 17-Mile Drive to the artists' enclave of Carmel-by-the Sea. Leaving Carmel, the road narrows and sweeping views of the Big Sur coastline come into view. There are several riding distances for you to chose from, so make it your day. This evening relax and revel in the quiet and beautiful surroundings of the rustic Big Sur Lodge, located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. HOTEL: Big Sur Lodge VISIT WEBSIT E Breakfast Dinner Day 3 B ig S ur t o P ie dra s B la nc a s L ight S t a t ion Approximately 60 miles with 5,500 SHORT OPTION: Luc ia t o P ie dra s B la nc a s L ight S t a t ion Approximately 37 miles with 3,330 AV ID OPTION: B ig S ur t o C a m bria Approximately 74 miles with 6,000 The poet Robinson Jeffers wrote that Big Sur is the greatest meeting of land & sea. Today, witness for yourself the views that inspired such a bold claim. As the ride begins, you'll tackle a climb to the community of Post. If you prefer to skip this first ascent, there's a seat in the van with your name on it! Whether you begin from the Lodge or from the town of Lucia, today's riding is spectacular. You'll stop for lunch at Treebones Resort and continue on to Piedras Blancas Light Station just north of San Simeon. You ll be biking long rolling climbs all day the terrain is more challenging than the first part of the trip so feel free to end your ride here. Those who pedal the full distance into Cambria will be rewarded with views of Hearst Castle in the hills to the left and the sounds of elephant seals barking on the beaches. Your home f or the night is the breezy Sand Pebbles Inn on Moonstone Beach. You are on your own this evening to explore the nearby restaurants after checking off today's bucket list ride. HOTEL: Sand Pebbles Inn VISIT WEBSIT E Breakfast Lunch
Day 4 C a m bria t o P ism o B e a c h Approximately 46 miles with 1,750 SHORT OPTION: C a m bria t o Morro B a y Approximately 23 miles with 800 TODAY S ACTIV ITY: G ra nd R oom s Tour a t H e a rst C a st le This morning starts with a tour of the Hearst Castle. Perched on La Questa Encantada, The Enchanted Hill, this amazing palace was designed by architect Julia Morgan f or William Randolph Hearst on his f amily s traditional camp site. This magnif icent estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, walkways and a private zoo commands a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and was a significant upgrade from the Hearst family's original tents and camp fires. You will have a chance to see the most impressive rooms of the Casa Grande, which was inspired by the architecture of Spanish cathedrals. Af ter the tour, you' ll shuttle back to Cambria where you will hop in the saddle and ride south along the Pacific Coast Highway to Morro Bay and Pismo Beach. Today' s route typically enjoys much-appreciated tailwinds and relatively f latter terrain. Tonight your lodging is on the bluffs above Pismo Beach and you are free to enjoy dinner on your own at one of the local restaurants. Take in the sunset from your room overlooking the water or walk down to the beach just steps away to sink your toes in the sand. HOTEL: The Cliffs Resort VISIT WEBSIT E Breakfast Day 5 G ole t a B e a c h t o S a nt a B a rba ra wit h E a st Mount a in D rive L oop Approximately 35 miles with 2,600 SHORT OPTION: G ole t a B e a c h t o S a nt a B a rba ra Approximately 13 miles with 500 Another rewarding day of riding awaits as the anticipation of reaching Santa Barbara builds. Af ter a gorgeous 90-minute shuttle down the coast, you will start your ride just north of Santa Barbara, at Goleta Beach near the University of Calif ornia, Santa Barbara. Your journey today will f ollow a bike path and residential roads that wind through the beautiful homes in Hope Ranch and down Shoreline Drive. After a casual lunch stop at the hotel, you ll decide how to spend the rest of the afternoon. Today's avid ride along East Mountain Drive offers a chance to test your climbing legs as well as stunning views of the ocean and downtown. Or you may choose to end your ride after lunch in order to take advantage of the shopping on Santa Barbara's famous State Street; the wine tasting on the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail; or the chance to walk along the oceanfront path and Stearns Wharf, right across the street from the hotel. This evening you ll walk to Santa Barbara's trendy "Funk Zone" to toast your Pacif ic Coast journey at tonight s f arewell dinner at the acclaimed restaurant The Lark. HOTEL: Hotel Milo VISIT WEBSIT E Breakfast Lunch Social Hour Dinner
Day 6 H ope R a nc h R e t urn Approximately 14 miles with 750 Today sleep in or enjoy a final leisurely spin along the coast to take in more of the beauty and charm of Santa Barbara. The waterfront and bike path are just across the street from the hotel, so perhaps a last relaxing stroll to savor the sights and smells of the Pacific is in order before bidding your final farewells to this stunning coast. Breakfast V I E W M E E T I N G A N D D E PA R T I N G I N F O R M A T I O N» V I E W M E E T I N G A N D D E PA R T I N G I N F O R M A T I O N» WHAT'S INCLUDED For us, the details matter most Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that's how we help you creat e more memories. What's Included 5 nights of accommodation at handpicked hotels Two experienced guides t o provide local knowledge, support, and camaraderie Daily route support with both guides and our support van Daily breakfast, some lunches and dinners Social hour of drinks and hors d'oeuvres Ride a Trek Domane SL 7, Trek's newest Electric-Assist, or a Trek 7.6 FX Hybrid Up to three daily route options on riding days Snacks and drinks for each day's ride Trek Travel Bont rager cycling jersey t o keep Trek Travel water bottles to keep Each bike is equipped with a Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer, flat pack, front and rear Bontrager Flare R lights, a Bont rager saddle and pedals (Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mount ain pedals, caged or flat pedals) All gratuities for drivers, local experts and hospitality staff All luggage t ransfers and t ransport at ion during your t rip A personalized photobook of your trip Entrance fees for all activities, private tours and events Gear Trek Domane SL 7 carbon road bike with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting or Trek 7.6 FX Hybrid bike Trek Electric Assist XM700+ also available in a limited quantity Trek Travel Bont rager cycling jersey t o keep Trek Travel water bottles to keep Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mount ain pedals, caged or flat pedals Bont rager helmet and saddle Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights and a flat pack Garmin Edge 1030 GPS comput er Upgrade your bike to include carbon wheels (+$200) Coupon valued up to $500 off a new Trek Bicycle. Your coupon will be delivered via email prior to your trip. You may bring your own pedals and saddle on the trip. Your guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit. T HANK YOUR GUIDES, BY T IPPING Grat uit ies for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your t rip price. We recommend t ipping 7.5-10% of your t rip price for the guide team. Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst t hemselves. Please t ip your guides at your discret ion, based on t heir level of professionalism, guest care and service.
What s Not Included Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations Lodging before and after the trip Personal it ems purchased during t he t rip Opt ional act ivit ies not scheduled by Trek Travel On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure. Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership.industry standard is for each individual guest to tip the guide team 7.5-10% of the trip price. HOTELS MONT EREY PLAZA HOT EL & S PA M O N TER EY, CALI F O R N I A Relax on the water s edge at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Dramat ically perched over t he Mont erey Bay and locat ed on historic Cannery Row, the Plaza is the perfect place to enjoy the gentle sounds of the surf, the fresh scent of sea air and all of the activities that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer. A recipient of the coveted Forbes Four Star rat ing and Trip Advisor Cert ificat e of Excellence, t he Plaza welcomes you with its warm Mediterranean ambiance and it s legendary personalized service. BIG S UR LODGE B I G SU R, CALI F O R N I A This rustic lodge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, among towering redwoods and oaks. Nestled on the hillside above Highway 1, there are no phones, t elevisions or air condit ioning (which is rarely needed) in these basic but comfort able and spacious rooms. The park, which is the gateway to the Ventana Wilderness, makes for a peaceful st opover on your way from Monterey to Cambria. S AND PEBBLES INN CAM B R I A, CALI F O R N I A The Sand Pebbles Inn offers a spect acular oceanfront locat ion and a relaxing experience for all guests. Located directly on Moonstone Beach, just steps from the water and tide pools, accommodat ions at Sand Pebbles provide all the amenities you could want to enjoy the sights and sounds of coast al California. T HE CLIFFS RES ORT PI SM O B EACH, CALI F O R N I A Nest led halfway bet ween San Francisco and Los Angeles, The Cliffs Resort perches at op bluffs overlooking beautiful pristine beaches. Enjoy t he deck overlooking the ocean, heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and on-site spa. For an evening or early morning stroll on the beach you can walk down a flight of stairs just beyond the pool to sink your toes in the California sand. HOT EL MILO SAN TA B AR B AR A, CALI F O R N I A The colorful grounds of Hot el Milo blend beach-chic décor and classic Spanish Colonial archit ect ure in an enviable wat erfront locat ion. This cozy property is located just a short walk from the Marina, Stearns Wharf, State Street and many other Santa Barbara attractions and activities. Open your windows or sit in the courtyard or a poolside cabana to take in the refreshing sea breeze and t he vibrant at mosphere along the oceanfront of this wonderful city.
MEETING & DEPARTING How To Get There We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-relat ed delays. We recommend that you fly into San Jose Int ernat ional Airport (SJC), which is served by most major airlines. Various shut t le companies offer door-t o-door service or shared ride shuttles from SJC to Santa Cruz. You may contact Sant a Cruz Flyer (831 423 5937; Sant acruzflyer.com); Early Bird Airport Shut t le (831 462 3933; EarlyBirdAirport Shut t le.com) or Santa Cruz Airport Shuttles (831 421 9883; SantaCruzShuttles.com) to set up a charter or book a seat on an existing shuttle. Per person rates vary based on the type of service and the number of people in the party but generally range between $40 and $80 per person. At the conclusion of your trip, we suggest flying home from t he Sant a Barbara Airport (SBA). You will say farewell t o your guides in t he morning at Hot el Milo. Trek Travel will provide a shuttle to the airport, which will leave at 11:00 AM. If you wish to spend some additional time in Santa Barbara you may depart at your leisure and arrange for your own transportation to the airport or to your next destination. Taxis from the hotel to the Santa Barbara Airport cost approximat ely $50. You may contact S R Transportation at 805 708 1403 to prearrange a taxi. Please be sure to mention that you are a guest of Trek Travel. Due to better connections from most major cities, you may alternatively choose to fly out of Los Angeles (LAX) by taking the Santa Barbara Airbus from Santa Barbara to LAX. Visit www.sbairbus.com for more information. Or you may book a private car service to LAX through S R Transportation at 805 708 1403 for approximat ely $200 one way. Again, please be sure to mention that you are a guest of Trek Travel. Meeting Time And Location Chaminade R esort & S pa Santa Cruz, California Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Chaminade Resort & Spa (One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95065) at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. The group will shuttle to a nearby location for a bike fitting and brunch. Please wear your cycling clot hes and have a bag wit h your first day's riding gear (cycling shoes, pedals, helmet, etc., if you have your own) so it will be easily accessible, separat e from your luggage. Aft er your light meal and a round of introductions, you'll begin the day's ride to Monterey. If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (831 646 1700), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. Contact Arrow Luxury Transport at ion (831 646 3175; www.arrowluxurylimo.com) t o book a transfer from Santa Cruz to Monterey. The cost varies depending on group size. From SJC, consider the Monterey Shuttle (831 373 7777; www.mont ereyshut t le.com). The service runs regular depart ures from SJC to points in Monterey and is the most economical option for getting to Monterey. The cost per person is about $40. Take a taxi from the drop-off in Monterey to the hotel. Departing Time And Location S ant a Bar bar a A ir po r t (S BA) Santa Barbara, California You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the Hotel Milo. You ll then shuttle 20 minutes to the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), arriving at approximately 11:20 AM. Please allow adequate connection time to accommodate possible traffic delays. If you prefer to fly out of Los Angeles (LAX) your guides can help arrange transportation to meet the Santa Barbara Airbus for transportation to LAX.
Before: Santa Cruz, California Located on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, the seaside town of Santa Cruz embodies a laid- back, bohemian vibe that is quint essent ial California. Renowned as one of the world s best surfing locat ions, life in Sant a Cruz revolves around t he ocean. If your t ravel plans allow, we encourage you to arrive a few days early to take in the sights and sounds of this not-to-be-missed town. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, t he only original boardwalk amusement park st ill operating on the West Coast; check out the sea life and views from the Wharf; snap photos from Light house Field or Nat ural Bridges State Parks; take a surfing lesson; or cruise t he diverse dining and shopping scene on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz s vibrant downtown. We recommend t he following accommodat ions for your pre-t rip hot el: CH AMIN ADE RESORT & SPA This recent ly renovat ed Spanish mission-st yle resort is locat ed on 300 mount aint op acres t hat overlook Mont erey Bay and offers a peaceful backdrop for easing int o your California vacat ion. The Resort feat ures t wo restaurants, an outdoor pool and hot tub, hiking trails and spa, as well as a fitness center and yoga classes. The Resort is located about 3.5 miles from downtown Santa Cruz and is the pickup location on the first day of your Trek Travel vacation. One Chaminade Lane 831 475 5600 www.chaminade.com ~$300 SANTA CRUZ DREAM INN The Dream Inn, a Joie de Vivre property, is Santa Cruz's upscale boutique hotel. Its oceanfront location on Cowell's Beach, just a few blocks from the Beach Boardwalk and the Wharf, makes it an ideal home base from which to explore the offerings of this eclectic town. Every room has a view of Monterey Bay and features retro-chic styling. Enjoy the on-site pool, spa, and full-service bar overlooking t he wat er. 175 West Cliff Drive 831 426 4330 www.dreaminnsant acruz.com ~$400 WEST CLIFF INN Experience t he blending of modern amenit ies, upscale cust omer service, and the architectural style of a bed and breakfast at this conveniently located inn. This Four Sist ers propert y is perched on a bluff overlooking Cowell's Beach and is wit hin easy walking dist ance of t he Beach Boardwalk and Wharf. Your st ay includes aft ernoon wine and hors d'oeuvres and well as a delight ful breakfast. 174 West Cliff Drive 800 979 0910 www.westcliffinn.com ~$300 THE CAN ARY After: Santa Barbara, California Santa Barbara is a lively cosmopolitan city with plenty of opport unit ies for shopping, night life, and out door recreat ion. Check out the many tasting rooms of the Funk Zone; rent a kayak or stand up paddle board at the Santa Barbara Harbor; walk on the wat erfront pat h along East Beach; or take a day trip to the vineyards and wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley. You can also explore some of sout hern California's ot her coast al cit ies, including Vent ura, Onxard, or the big one, Los Angeles, which is locat ed approximately 90 minutes south of Sant a Barbara. We recommend t he following accommodat ions for your post-trip hotel: Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara and just steps from bustling State Street, The Canary offers beautiful guest rooms with chic, modern st yling. Complet e wit h rooft op pool and fireplace, comfort able bar and elegant restaurant, the open design of this hotel offers a unique, t ranquil backdrop for your t ime in Sant a Barbara. 31 West Carrillo 866 999 5401 www.canarysantabarbara.com ~$450 BELMOND EL ENCANTO Indulge yourself with a stay in a private bungalow at this beautiful and exclusive property. One of only 4 Belmond hotels in the US, El Encanto offers beautiful views of the city and ocean from it's accommodations, lounge, and restaurant. Treat yourself at the full-service spa, walk in the gardens, or simply take in the views from the infinity pool as you relax in classic 1920s st yle. 800 Alvarado Place 805 545 5800 www.belmond.com/el-encant o-sant a- barbara.com ~$500 FESS PARKER S DOUBLE TREE RESORT Come enjoy the paradise of Fess Parker s DoubleTree Resort a dramatic mission-st yle Sant a Barbara hot el on 24 beaut iful beachfront acres. Enjoy the outdoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center or walk across the street to the waterfront bike path or the beach. 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard 805 564 4333 www. FessParkerSant abarbarahot el.com ~$375 * Hotels listed above are loc al properties we love. We do not have spec ial rates available.
FAQS Trip Changes Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience. What are the daily rides like? Rider Type 2&3 Average Daily Mileage 41 Terrain Hilly Average Daily Elevat ion 2,100 ft. On all of our vacat ions, Trek Travel st rives t o find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. California Coast is best suit ed for our Type 2&3 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodat e Type 2 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is varied with rolling hills, at times steep and with strong coastal winds. Some sections of Highway 1 run high above the Big Sur coastline (as you can see from some of the trip photos) so riders who are uncomfortable with heights are likely to find these sections of road to be uncomfortable. See Itinerary for specific daily ride dist ance and elevat ion opt ions. What is the weather going to be like? Lat e spring and early summer usually means mild and pleasant condit ions along California's Cent ral Coast. Expect t emperat ures t o warm during t he day into the upper 60s to low 70s and to drop at night into the low 50s or upper 40s. While the chance for significant precipitation is low this time of year, coast al weat her can oft en bring fog and light precipit at ion, so layers and rain gear are recommended nonet heless. What are the options for a non-rider travel companion? This destination is best suited to guests who want to cycle every day. Because of the terrain and/or remoteness of the hotels and riding routes, there are few, if any, non-riding options available. If a non-rider wants to accompany a rider guest on this trip, they would need to spend many hours in the van and/or at the hotels on the trip. Due to this, we strongly discourage non-riders from this destination. If I book a tour, can I be guaranteed that it will run? If you re going we re going on almost all our t rips. Trips wit h 1 guest booked are guaranteed to run. Select trips like Cross Country, Race and Special Edition trips require a minimum number of guests to run and are not guarant eed unt il t hat number is reached. Cont act your Trip Consult ant for more det ails. In the event that a departure has low enrollment, we will notify guests at 60-90 days before departure to give the option to select a different date with more guest s booked. Please do not reserve airfare before confirming your Trek Travel t rip. What kind of information is provided? When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start you will receive an email containing a trip start meeting location reminder and any last minute information that you will need to know before your trip. Once you arrive at your destination Trek Travel staff will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip and provide you with daily route guides and a detailed map allowing you to ride with complete confidence and independence. What if I have to change or cancel my trip? We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and
below you will find our timeline. If you ever have a question, just give us a call, 866 464 8735. Read our cancellat ion policy. General FAQs Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs sect ion. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip.