Apple Farm Inn & Hearst Castle Holiday

Day 1 – Solvang, San Luis Obispo

We set out from our departure points this morning for the tranquility of California’s Central Coast. We’ll travel by deluxe motorcoach to the quaint Danish town of Solvang, known as one of the most “Christmassy Small Towns in America.” Enjoy time at leisure with lunch on your own in this very walkable village that is in the midst of their month-long, Julefest celebration extraordinare! Delight in the old-world architecture, windmills and gaslights, all beautifully decorated for Christmas. Explore more than 100 one-of-a-kind shops including high-end boutiques, European imports, art galleries and bakeries selling fresh-made Danish Aebleskivers, shortbread cookies and kringles! We’ll continue north to San Luis Obispo and arrive at the charming Apple Farm Inn to begin a two-night stay. Nestled by San Luis Obispo Creek and surrounded by rolling hills, this Victorian-style “wine country inn” is situated amongst a lush, quiet garden setting. The inn blends rustic country charm of yesteryear with modern elegance and features large cozy rooms with a fireplace and seating nook, a heated pool and a restaurant on-site. This time of year, the entire property is decked out in its holiday finest including Christmas trees, lights, gifts, and charming decorations. After enjoying the inn’s complimentary wine reception, enjoy dinner on your own at one of the nearby restaurants or take advantage of motorcoach transportation to downtown San Luis Obispo’s Farmers’ Market and street faire (weather permitting). Enjoy time at leisure strolling amongst four blocks filled with just-picked produce for sale, local restaurants selling barbecued specialties and entertaining local performers. This one-night-a-week event is undoubtedly one of the most treasured events on the Central Coast and has a long history of bringing locals and visitors together to eat, shop, listen to music and connect amongst this historic community.

Day 2 – Cambria, Hearst Castle

This morning we’ll travel south to Avila Beach and enjoy the breathtaking ocean views as we travel along Lighthouse Road to Point San Luis Lighthouse. Known as the “Jewel of the Central Coast,” this historic light station built in 1890 boasts dramatic views stretching from Avila Beach south to Vandenberg Space Force Base. Learn what life was like for the Lighthouse Keeper and his family as we tour the grounds, the beautifully restored lighthouse, the horn house, and see the lustrous original Fresnel lens. We’ll then enjoy an included lunch at this restored sentinel of the sea that is adorned with Christmas decorations. After time at leisure back at the Inn, late this afternoon we’ll travel north along picturesque Highway 1 to Cambria and enjoy an included dinner with choice of entrée at Linn’s Restaurant, the Cambria icon and locals’ favorite known for their contemporary comfort food classics like meatloaf and chicken pot pie. But be sure to save room for what they’re most famous for – warm olallieberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! This evening we’ll continue to Hearst Castle, the National Historic Landmark that sits above the clouds on top of “The Enchanted Hill.” Discover why the holiday season was an exceptionally festive time for William Randolph Hearst and his guests while on a docent-guided, Holiday Twilight Tour, the seasonal evening holiday tour that showcases the Castle in a different light. Your knowledgeable guide will share stories of holiday festivities during the estate’s heyday while touring the grounds, the Casa del Sol guest house and the grand social rooms of Casa Grande – beautifully decorated for the holidays. Note this 75-minute walking tour includes a total of 190 stairs (both up and down) along a 2/3-mile route. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 – Santa Ynez Valley, Journey Home

This morning we’ll travel south to the Santa Ynez Valley – the heart of Santa Barbara “Wine Country.” Blanketed with fertile vineyards and fruitful farms due in part to the region’s temperate weather, the Santa Ynez Valley is about as picturesque as it gets – small, historic towns surrounded by rolling hills with vineyards and horse ranches. We’ll travel the backroads to Lompoc and visit La Purísima Mission State Park. Founded in 1787 as the 11th of 21 Franciscan Missions, the La Purísima Mission is the most completely restored California mission, with ten of the original buildings fully restored and furnished. Experience California’s early heritage and get a glimpse of what life was like here in the 1820s when the residents engaged in weaving, pottery making, candle making, blacksmithing, livestock production, and leather work. This afternoon we’ll enjoy an included lunch and wine tasting at an award-winning Santa Ynez winery that features an idyllic setting. We’ll continue south to Southern California and return to our drop-off points this evening with many fond memories of our holiday getaway to the Central Coast and the Apple Farm Inn. (Breakfast, Lunch)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.