Days 6 Nights 5 Starting Dates September 12, 2010 October 10, 2010 October 24, 2010 April 10, 2011 May 8, 2011 September 18, 2011 October 9, 2011 Start City Salinas Nearest Airports San Jose (63 mi.) Monterey (17 mi.) 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

Daily Itinerary

 

Day 1: Monterey

Our tour begins in Salinas, home of the famous author John Steinbeck. We meet in front of the Steinbeck Center at 12:30 PM. Today's ride explores the coastline of Monterey Bay and Cannery Row. Dinner tonight in Monterey and lodging at the The Clement Monterey on Cannery Row, right on the water's edge. DISTANCE: 25 miles

Day 2: Monterey to Big Sur

Orientation and daily ride information at breakfast. Bicycle Seventeen Mile Drive to Carmel, Highway 1 past Point Lobos and Carmel Highlands, to Big Sur and the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Lodging at the Big Sur Lodge in the park. Dinner at a nearby restaurant. DISTANCE: 41 miles.

Day 3: Big Sur to Cambria

Breakfast to order at the Big Sur Lodge. Ride Highway 1 from Big Sur towards Cambria, through the tiny coastal hamlets of Lucia, Gorda by the Sea, and Ragged Point. After a brief lunch stop at Ragged Point, we continue south along the coast, past the Piedras Blancas Light Station, the opulent Hearst Castle at San Simeon, and the resting sea elephants on the beaches near Cambria. Lodging at the Burton Inn in Cambria, dinner at a nearby restaurant. DISTANCE: 44-72 miles.

Day 4: Cambria “Rest” Day

We spend another night in Cambria, so today may be used as a rest day after yesterday's long ride. Stroll the quaint shops of Cambria, schedule a massage at a day spa, walk the Moonstone Beach, or take a guided tour of the grand Hearst Castle. Or take a spin on the bike. DISTANCE: 0-25 miles.

Day 5: Cambria to Paso Robles

Continental breakfast at the Burton Inn. Ride away from the coast through the wine region of Paso Robles, spend the afternoon exploring downtown area, relaxing at the hotel, or continue riding through the Wine Country. Lodging at the Hotel Cheval, dinner at a local restaurant. DISTANCE: 38 miles, with longer options.

Day 6: Paso Robles Wine Country

Breakfast to order at a nearby restaurant. Cycle to a nearby winery, return to Paso Robles. Board the Amtrak train from Paso Robles back to Salinas, scheduled to arrive at 6:36 PM. DISTANCE: 36 miles.

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