Days 6 Nights 5 Starting Dates April 11, 2010 May 9, 2010 September 5, 2010 October 10, 2010 October 24, 2010 Start City Monterey Nearest Airports San Jose Monterey Activity Level 2-5 Daily Distance Options 30-72 miles Price per person (double occupancy) $1770 Single Occupancy Supplement $472

California Bike Tour — Big Sur Spectacular

A California Pacific Coast Bike Tour on Scenic Highway One

“The greatest meeting of land & sea”

This famous phrase describes Big Sur, the 90-mile stretch of rugged and awesomely beautiful Pacific coastline, bordered by Carmel to the north and San Simeon (Hearst Castle) to the south. Scenic Highway One winds along its length, tucked between the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains and the rocky Pacific Coast.

Big Sur, The Undiscovered Country Way

Cycling the breathtaking coastline of Big Sur might just be the ultimate California bike touring experience, rated a Top Ten Touring Area by Adventure Cyclist Magazine. Such a special place demands a special biking tour, which is what we have in store for up to twelve fortunate guests. It starts with the times of year, Spring and Fall. This is when the weather is ideal for cycling: not too hot, not too cold, not to wet. It's also when the summertime tourists are gone, leaving the roads less traveled. Springtime brings the emerald green hillsides and colorful wildflowers. In Fall, the hills turn a golden brown, and the leaves begin to show their colors.

Then there are the places we choose to visit. We begin right at the beach in Monterey Bay. We make our way through the waterfronts of Monterey and Pacific Grove to the world famous 17-Mile Drive, a fitting start to our trip. No other expanse offers the combination of natural splendor and refined elegance of 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach as this road hugs the dramatic Pacific coastline and delves deep into the 5,000 acre Del Monte Forest.

Tour Scenic Highway One

Highway One takes us along the rugged cliffs and through the coastal forests of Big Sur, where we spend the night under the towering redwoods at the Big Sur Lodge. Then we continue south as we roll past Hearst Castle and on to the charming coastal town of Cambria, loaded with quaint shops and award winning restaurants. From Cambria, we head inland to the bountiful winery region of Paso Robles, where we will spend the night at the relaxing and historic Paso Robles Inn.

Return to Monterey Bay

After our night in Paso Robles, we take a morning ride to a nearby winery, then shuttle back to Monterey Bay, where we began our journey. This completes our circular traverse through the varied terrain that defines Central California. The tour ends on a Friday, so those who wish to can choose to stay another night and enjoy the sights of Monterey Bay (Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey Bay Aquarium, etc.).

The Big Sur region truly is a grand spectacle of natural beauty, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of our favorite places to share with our guests.

NEXT: Daily Itinerary >>