Central Coast Scarecrows, Wineries & Wild Horses

Day 1 – Santa Ynez Valley, Cambria (Sunday, October 25)

From our departure points this morning we’ll settle into our deluxe motorcoach for a scenic journey toward California’s majestic Central Coast. Our first destination is the Santa Ynez Valley, the emerald heart of Santa Barbara “Wine Country.” This region is a tapestry of fertile vineyards and sun-drenched orchards, where small, historic towns are surrounded by rolling hills and sprawling horse ranches. To celebrate the harvest season, we’ll enjoy an included lunch and wine tasting at an award-winning estate set against an idyllic pastoral backdrop. This afternoon, we’ll continue north and follow the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) to the enchanting seaside village of Cambria – the artists’ colony nestled in a forest of towering Monterey Pines along a craggy stretch of California coastline. We’ll enjoy a two-night stay in a charming boutique inn featuring cozy fireplace rooms with a coastal décor and a driftwood-inspired design. This oceanfront gem sits directly on Cambria’s Moonstone Beach, recently voted one of the “10 Best Beaches in California” by the readers of USA Today. This spectacular stretch of coastline offers an easily accessible beach with driftwood and collectable shells and rocks, tide pools, a walkable bluff-top boardwalk and a spectacular vantage point for memorable sunsets. Motorcoach transportation is available this evening to Cambria’s historic East Village, where you can enjoy dinner on your own at a delightful array of local restaurants. (Lunch)

Day 2 – Paso Robles Wine Country, Cambria (Monday, October 26)

Following an included breakfast, we’ll travel along the scenic backroads and through the rolling hills of Paso Robles. Known for its unique microclimate of warm days and cooling coastal breezes, this region provides the perfect terroir for world-class vineyards and olive groves. We’ll begin at a charming boutique olive farm, where a guided stroll among the trees reveals the delicate journey from harvest to bottle. You’ll then sharpen your palate during an expert-led olive oil tasting, discovering the nuanced flavors and textures that define premium California olive oil. The Paso Robles Wine Country is home to the oldest grapes in California – the vines were planted by Franciscan monks as they made their way north on El Camino Real in the late 1700s. With over 200 wineries today, besides being the fastest growing wine region in the state, it is celebrated as a premier destination for bold Rhône-style varietals and innovative blends. We’ll experience this excellence first-hand with an included lunch and wine tasting at a picturesque estate that perfectly captures the spirit of the Central Coast. We return to Cambria with the afternoon at leisure – ideal for beachcombing on Moonstone Beach or exploring the village’s historic architecture and local galleries. This time of year the town hosts the annual Cambria Scarecrow Festival. Celebrating its 18th year, this beloved tradition that fills the seaside village with hundreds of whimsical, hand-crafted scarecrows, was named “One of the Nation’s Top 10 Autumn Festivals” by USA Today and “One of the Top 10 Scarecrow Festivals in the U.S. and Canada” by the Travel Channel. This evening, motorcoach transportation is available from the hotel into town to enjoy dinner on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3 – Wild Horse Sanctuary, Journey Home (Tuesday, October 27)

After an included breakfast, we’ll visit the Avila Valley Barn, a small, family farm where a variety of pumpkins and winter squash are grown on-site. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase, and we’ll safely stow your selections for the journey home. The rustic farm store is filled with fresh produce, gourds and variety of local items while friendly farm animals await your affection. This afternoon we’ll enjoy an included lunch at a 1,500-acre wild horse sanctuary. This sprawling haven is home to nearly 400 wild horses and 29 burros, all living in protected freedom. During a short, guided walking tour of the sanctuary you’ll gain a rare glimpse into the social dynamics of the herd, observing how these magnificent creatures maintain the natural behaviors they exhibit in the wild. We’ll meet some of the resident mustangs and learn about the tireless dedication required to preserve the habitat and heritage of America’s wild horses. We’ll continue south this afternoon, returning to our drop-off points this evening with many fond memories of our autumn escape to the Central Coast. (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.