Central Coast Lighthouses, Redwoods & Rails

Day 1 – Coastal Train Ride, Monterey (Sunday, September 13)

From our departure points this morning we’ll travel aboard a deluxe motorcoach to downtown Los Angeles’ historic Union Station. All aboard Amtrak’s renowned Coast Starlight train for a spectacular, five-hour rail journey along California’s dramatic coastline and through its fertile valleys. We’ll travel along Point Conception and through Vandenberg Space Force Base, offering views of launch complexes and pristine, undeveloped coastline only visible by train. Enjoy an included boxed lunch onboard, with additional snacks and drinks available for purchase in the snack bar. Relax in your reclining seat or check out the view from the Observation Car (all group seats and observation car seats are located on the upper level of the train with stairs required), featuring floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows providing unparalleled views. Upon arrival in San Luis Obispo, we’ll reboard our motorcoach and continue north to the Monterey Peninsula where we’ll enjoy a two-night stay at the Portola Hotel & Spa, a AAA Four Diamond bayfront hotel adjacent to Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf in Old Monterey. Enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. (Lunch)

Day 2 – Big Sur Scenic Highway (Monday, September 14)

After an included breakfast at the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach and head south along one of the most breathtaking stretches of coastline on Earth! This iconic stretch of Highway 1 – called the Big Sur Scenic Highway – is famously described as “the face of Earth as the Creator intended it to look.” As we travel south along this legendary highway – with the rugged peaks of the imposing Santa Lucia Mountain on one side and the sea-sprayed, rocky Pacific on the other – every curve reveals a spectacular new vista of craggy canyons, unspoiled shorelines, and historic lighthouses. It’s a drive that will truly take your breath away! We’ll cross the famed Bixby Bridge and take in views of Point Sur Lighthouse before arriving in the heart of Big Sur. At Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park we’ll enjoy time at leisure for an included picnic lunch and serene stroll beneath the towering coast redwoods. This vibrant but secluded sanctuary also features ancient oaks, sycamores, maples and willows, alongside open meadows and abundant wildlife. This afternoon we’ll stop at a stunning overlook where it’s possible to see the iconic McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall cascading onto a pristine beach in an enchanting cove. We return to Monterey with the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3 – 17-Mile Drive, Carmel, Cambria (Tuesday, September 15)

Following an included breakfast at the hotel, we’ll join a local guide for a immersive exploration of the Monterey Peninsula. Wrapped by the Pacific Ocean on three sides, the Monterey Peninsula is often described as “the greatest meeting of land and sea.” For centuries, artists, poets, explorers and novelists have been drawn to the rugged beauty here – from the crashing surf to the towering redwoods to the unspoiled wildlife. On this in-depth driving tour, we’ll wind our way through the storied streets of historic Old Monterey and Cannery Row before heading into the coastal beauty of Pacific Grove. We’ll travel along world-famous 17-Mile Drive, an enchanting route that weaves through mystical forests and along dramatic cliffs, offering glimpses of snow-white beaches. Along the way, we’ll encounter spectacular sights like the iconic Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, celebrity homes and the legendary fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links. This afternoon we’ll arrive in the “fairytale” village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Enjoy time at leisure to wander its hidden courtyards, browse its high-end galleries and enjoy lunch on your own in one of its great eateries. This afternoon we’ll travel south along El Camino Real (US-101) to Cambria – the storied artists’ colony nestled within a forest of towering Monterey pines along a craggy stretch of the Central Coast. We’ll enjoy a two-night stay at a charming oceanfront inn, featuring boutique guest rooms with cozy fireplaces, a heated pool and relaxing spa. The inn is perfectly situated on Cambria’s famous Moonstone Beach, a spectacular stretch of rugged coastline known for its intricate tide pools, scenic bluff-top boardwalk and front-row seats to unforgettable sunsets. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure among the diverse collection of restaurants found in Cambria’s quaint and historic East Village. (Breakfast)

Day 4 – Piedras Blancas Light Station, Cambria (Wednesday, September 16)

After an included breakfast at a locals’ favorite, we’ll travel north to Piedras Blancas Light Station, perched on a rugged windswept point just north of San Simeon. A guided visit to this historic landmark offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era and a peaceful escape from the modern world. First illuminated in 1875 to protect mariners from the treacherous shoreline, the station continues to cast its guiding beam across the rocky California coast to this day. Our journey continues north along Highway 1 to the Ragged Point Inn, a landmark destination famously known for its “Million Dollar View” of the plunging cliffs and vast Pacific horizon. After soaking in the scenery, we’ll return south for an afternoon at leisure. Relax at our charming inn, take a revitalizing stroll along the Moonstone Beach boardwalk, or explore the historic village of Cambria. The village is a treasure trove of early California architecture, featuring eclectic art galleries, boutique shops, and curated antique stores. This evening we’ll gather for an included dinner with choice of entrée at a celebrated locals’ favorite. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 – Point San Luis Lighthouse, Journey Home (Thursday, September 17)

Following an included breakfast at a locals’ favorite, we’ll begin our journey south. In Avila Beach we’ll enjoy the breathtaking ocean vistas as we travel along Lighthouse Road to Point San Luis Lighthouse. Often called the “Jewel of the Central Coast,” this historic 1890 light station offers dramatic panoramic views stretching from the shores of Avila Beach all the way south to Vandenberg Space Force Base. We’ll step back in time to discover what life was like for the lighthouse keeper and his family while touring the meticulously restored grounds, the lighthouse itself, and the original fog signal building. A true highlight is the chance to see the lustrous, original Fresnel lens up close. After our tour, we’ll enjoy an included lunch at this beautifully restored sentinel of the sea. This afternoon, we’ll continue south, returning to our drop-off points this evening with fond memories of California’s timeless Central Coast and its coastal wonders, at a delightful time of year. (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.