“Monterey to Solvang” Big Sur Coastline Tour

This multi-day cycling tour includes many of our favorite rides along the scenic Central Coast of California, including the Monterey Peninsula, the iconic Big Sur Coastline and the Santa Barbara Wine Country.  Your all-inclusive bike tour includes wonderful accommodations, six days of guided cycling, hosted dinners, farm-to-table vineyard lunches & wine tasting, bike rentals, vehicle support and luggage transfers.

Arrive:  Sunday – Monterey, CA
Depart: Saturday– Santa Barbara, CA

7-Day/6-Night Monterey to Santa Barbara Cycling Tour Package includes:

• (1) Night of Accommodations at The Victorian Inn (Monterey, CA) *
• (1) Night of Accommodations at The Big Sur Inn (Big Sur, CA) *
• (1) Night of Accommodations at The Pelican Inn (Cambria, CA) *
• (1) Night of Accommodations at Sycamore Springs Resort & Spa (Avila, CA) *
• (2) Nights of Accommodations at Hotel Corque (Solvang, CA) *
• (1) Guided Afternoon warm-up bike ride upon arrival
• (5) Full Days of Guided Bike Tours with professional tour guides & SAG support.
• Local Professional Tour Guides & Mechanic/ SAG Driver.
• Souvenir water bottles and “SWAG” goodie bag.
• Includes hybrid or entry-level road bike. Option to upgrade to Premium Carbon Road Bike for $200.
• (1) Shuttle Van w/trailer for bike/customer transport, mechanical SAG Support and luggage transfers.
• Electrolytes, bars and nutrition for bike tours, lunch stops.
• (2) Farm-to-table vineyard lunches followed by wine tastings in Santa Ynez.
• (3) Nights of hosted dinners. Recommendations available for nights on own.
• Optional Pickup/Drop-off at Monterey & Santa Barbara Airport

2023 Dates: HWY 1/Big Sur is closed until Summer 2024 due to major slides. Will update tour dates when road re-opens (6-day/5-night)

Trip Price is $ 3,785.00/person; dbl. occupancy.
* rooms double occupancy; for single suppl add $ 895

The Victorian Inn ( victorianinn.com )

Experience the tranquility of a seaside vacation when you stay at our boutique Monterey hotel, the Victorian Inn. Rest in accommodations with in-room marble fireplaces, and private patios, balconies or window seats where you can soak up ocean breezes. Our charming Central Coast property offers oversized guestrooms and suites perfect for couples, families and other groups, with full-sized living rooms, and sleeper sofas. All guests enjoy a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese reception featuring award-winning wines, daily. 

Soak up the serenity of the sea and explore the best of California’s Central Coast when you plan your next escape, from wine tastings, visits to the Monterey Aquarium and beach side weekend getaways.

 The Big Sur Lodge ( bigsurlodge.com )

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is named after John Pfeiffer and his wife Florence who lived in a cabin along the north bank of the Big Sur River beginning in 1884. He was the son of Michael Pfeiffer and Barbara Laquet, who immigrated from France and were amongst the first European settlers in the area. The Pfeiffer home was well known to travelers of the road, and Florence’s cooking was taken advantage of by many looking for some old-fashioned ranch hospitality. Although John was a generous host and graciously invited people to stay for days at a time, it didn’t occur to him to charge for the food or lodgings.

And without another word, in 1908 the Pfeiffer Ranch Resort was born. Florence’s homestyle cooking and rustic accommodations brought in families attracted to the natural beauty of the lodge’s surroundings and the couple’s down-home spirit. Today, Big Sur Lodge sits on that very spot, dedicated to the same hospitality and open-armed welcome so cherished by the original owners.

Pelican Inn & Suites ( pelicansuites.com )

Just off scenic Highway 1 in the picturesque coastal town of Cambria, Pelican Inn & Suites invites guests to unwind in bright, oceanfront accommodations with complimentary Wi-Fi, pampering robes, upscale bath amenities, and complimentary breakfast every morning – now offering mimosas! Located just across the street from the sparkling shores of Moonstone Beach, we offer several Cambria hotel specials, so guests of our Moonstone Beach hotel can simply let go and relax by the ocean. Explore an assortment of nearby attractions, such as the iconic Hearst Castle, the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, and various Paso Robles wineries near Cambria!

Sycamore Springs Resort & Spa ( sycamoresprings.com )

Welcome to Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, an alternative to traditional spa-resort experiences with a uniquely profound and peaceful environment to encourage an enhanced sense of well-being, healthy living, and centered inner-self. Nestled within the Central Coast of California’s pristine Avila Valley, the legendary Sycamore Springs Resort & Spa—located on over 100 wooded acres—is a destination like no other. Since the late 19^th century, the Resort has been a popular retreat and committed to providing a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Our sanctuary provides a variety of rejuvenating amenities and services that allow you to leave stresses and distractions behind while opening the mind and body to pure engagement with our healing atmosphere. The entire resort is inspired by the on-site mineral spring water. These waters provide an authentic mineral spring experience with the power to transform your body and awaken your soul.

Hotel Corque ( hotelcorque.com )

Hotel Corque (pronounced Cork) is a luxury boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the wine country. From the hotel’s rustic but modern design, distinctive décor and courteous staff, Hotel Corque exemplifies the relaxed nature of wine country. Setting the standard in lodging among Solvang luxury boutique hotels, Hotel Corque offers the ultimate in relaxation and comfort. Conveniently located in downtown Solvang, you’re just steps away from enjoying the many bounties of the Santa Ynez Valley.

DAY ONE:  Sunday “Arrival & Warm-Up Bike Ride”

Accommodations: The Victorian Inn (Monterey, CA)

1:00 PM Arrive at The Victorian Inn in Monterey. Meet guides, bike fitting and warm-up bike ride along Monterey Bay Coastal bike path up towards Fort Ord Dunes State Park. 

Route: “Monterey Bay Bike Path”
Distance: 18-25 miles; flat with some gentle rolling hills
Return to Hotel from bike ride. 

Check in to Victorian Inn
Wine & Cheese Hour at hotel
Hosted dinner at Fishwife in Pacific Grove. Shuttle service to/from dinner.

DAY TWO:  Monday, “Monterey to Big Sur + 17-mile Drive”

Accommodations: The Big Sur Lodge (Big Sur, CA)

Breakfast at hotel
Check of hotel
8:30 AM Meet guides in lobby to discuss route.

Route: “Monterey to Big Sur/ 17-Mile Drive”
Distance: Approx. 52 miles; 3,154’ elev. Gain
Level of Difficulty: Moderate with some climbs.
Highlights: Monterey Peninsula & Big Sur Coastline.

Depart on bike path towards 17-mile drive in Carmel/Monterey. This beautiful circuitous ride follows the coast along the Monterey Peninsula past the Pebble Beach Golf Course, a scenic coastline and Ghost Tree Point; a surreal offshore rock outcrop with a Monterey Pine on top.

Our cycling tour will continue along PCH Highway 1 along the Big Sur Coast, with panoramic views of the rugged California Coastline. We will stop at Andrew Molera State Park for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we have a short ride to the town of Big Sur.

Check in to Big Sur Lodge.

Dinner on Your Own in the Big Sur Lodge restaurant. 

DAY THREE:  “Big Sur to Cambria”

 Accommodations: Pelican Inn & Suites (Cambria, CA)

Breakfast at hotel
Check out of hotel
8:30 AM Meet guides in lobby to discuss route

Route: “Big Sur to Ragged Point/Cambria”
Distance: Approx. 51 Miles with 4,200’ elevation gain. Stronger riders can continue on to Cambria (18 add’l miles)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult w/ some climbs.
Highlights: Big Sur Coast, Elephant Seals & vistas of Hearst Castle.

Today we will depart from the Big Sur Lodge to pedal up the two short, but challenging climbs along the Big Sur Coast just outside Pfeiffer State Park. We can choose to either have a late breakfast at Café Kevah, a beautiful restaurant at the top of the first climb (approx. 8 miles from Big Sur), as the fog burns off and reveals the beautiful coastline. The second option is to have breakfast at the Big Sur Lodge and lunch along the coastline at Kirk Creek State Park. 

Our cycling tour will finish at Ragged Point, just north of Cambria. Stronger riders can continue down the coast an additional 18 miles directly to the hotel in Cambria.

Shuttle transfer from Ragged Point to Cambria. We will make a brief stop to see the Elephant Seals at San Simeon on the way.

Check in to Pelican Inn & Suites

Hosted dinner at Robbins Café in Cambria.

 

DAY FOUR: Wednesday “Cambria to Avila Beach”

Accommodations: Sycamore Mineral Spring Resort & Spa

Breakfast at the hotel
Check of hotel
8:30 AM Meet guides in lobby to discuss route.

Route: “Cambria to Avila Beach”
Distance: Approx. 43 miles; 1,500’ elevation gain. Option for additional 20-mile loop.
Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate, rolling hills. 

With your cycling legs back in shape, your ride continues down the Pacific Coast Highway, shortly before meandering through the Morro Bay State Park with great views of the iconic Morro Bay Rock. Enjoy vistas of the Montana de Oro dunes as you pedal along the Los Osos estuary towards the San Luis Obispo Wine Country. Today’s ride finishes atop the pier of Point San Luis. Enjoy an early finish with a soak in the natural mineral hot springs at Sycamore Mineral Spring Resort & Spa, before settling in for the evening.

Check in to Sycamore Mineral Spring Resort & Spa.

Dinner on your own in Avila Beach. Recommendations available.

DAY FIVE: Thursday “Avila Beach to Solvang”

Accommodations: Hotel Corque (Solvang, CA)

Breakfast at the hotel
Check of hotel
8:30 AM Meet guides in lobby to discuss route.

Route: “Avila Beach to Solvang”
Distance: Approx. 66 miles; 2,985’ elevation gain
Level of Difficulty: Moderate with some climbing.
Highlights: Foxen Canyon & Lunch at Vineyard

Our ride departs the hotel and passes through the coastal community of Pismo Beach before heading inland through the farmlands of the Santa Maria Valley. On Foxen Canyon, you will follow the Sisquoc river along rolling grasslands dotted with oak trees, as you gently wind your way through this bucolic canyon. The road is lined with vineyards and grazing land with spectacular views of the San Rafael Mountains. 

We will stop at Zaca Mesa Winery for a wonderful farm-to-table lunch, followed by wine tasting. Zaca Mesa Winery is known for Rhone Varietals, including Syrah and Grenache. 

After lunch we will climb out of the Sisquoc River Valley, and enjoy a rolling descent past vineyards and apple orchards on our way to the quaint Danish village of Solvang.

Check in to Hotel Corque

Hosted dinner at Santa Ynez Kitchen.

DAY SIX: Friday “Happy Canyon Tour w/Fig Mtn Option”

Accommodations: Hotel Corque (Solvang, CA)

Breakfast at the hotel
8:30 AM Meet guides in lobby to discuss route.

Route: “Happy Canyon Tour of Santa Ynez”
Distance: Approx. 38 miles; 2,500’ – option to climb Figueroa Mountain for stronger riders (46-miles; 4,500’ total vertical gain)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate, with a few short climbs.
Highlights: Happy Canyon, farm-to-table vineyard lunch.

We begin the day by leaving Solvang and heading out Happy Canyon, past a scattering of vineyards and rustic horse ranches to the base of Figueroa Mountain. The adventurous few who want to, can continue up the epic 10-mile climb of Figueroa Mountain. Both groups will meet at Beckmen Winery for our signature farm-to-table lunch at a winery followed by wine tasting.  

12:30 PM Farm-to-table picnic lunch & wine tasting at Beckmen Winery. Lunch will be served on a beautiful veranda with views of the vineyard and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Your lunch will consist of fresh fruits, a Mediterranean salad, breads with olives and cheeses served table-side overlooking the vineyard.

The ride continues into Ballard Canyon past grasslands, vineyard land and pastures of long horn cattle and buffalo. 

2:30 PM  Return from tour to Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours storefront in the village of Solvang.

Afternoon free to explore the Santa Barbara Wine Country

Dinner on Own in Santa Ynez. Recommendations available. 

DAY SEVEN: Saturday “Hotel Check Out & Departure”

Breakfast at hotel
Check out of the Hotel Corque
Optional shuttle to Santa Barbara Airport