Wednesday, 3/17/2010 - Journey to Cambria
This morning we embark from our departure points for the tranquility of Cambria and California’s Central Coast. We travel by motorcoach to Oxnard to board Amtrak’s California Starlight Train. Here begins our train adventure as you leave your luggage on the motorcoach and board the train for a beautiful ride along the long stretch of coastline not visible from the highway. You are free to move around the train, get lunch from the snack bar or sit in the dining car. Check out the view from the sightseeing dome viewing car or just relax in your seat in the coach car. Upon our arrival in San Luis Obispo, our coach will be waiting totake us the rest of the way to the quaint seaside village of Cambria. Cambria is an artist’s colony nestled in a forest of towering Monterey Pines. It has a leisurely pace and country village atmosphere reminiscent of a small town. We will spend the next two nights at a quaint inn with fireplaces in every room. The inn is located on a spectacular stretch of rugged coastline and just steps away from Moonstone Beach, offering an extraordinary array of tide pools and walk able boardwalks. This evening an included dinner with a choice of entrée at a local favorite.

Thursday, 3/18/2010 - Cambria, Hearst Castle
Today we will tour the seaside community of Cambria and the surrounding coastal area and make a visit to the spectacular Hearst Castle. Following an included breakfast, we embark and take a ride along the ocean with frequent stops to take pictures and soak in the fabulous vistas. A highlight will be a stop to see the elephant seals along the coastline at Piedras Blancas. Time for lunch and shopping in the quaint village of Cambria. This afternoon, take an optional guided tour of Hearst Castle, once the hilltop estate of newspaper publisher, film producer and art collector William Randolph Hearst. You will have the opportunity to investigate the lavish grounds and buildings designed by architect Julia Morgan during her 28 year association with Mr. Hearst. You may choose from one of four tours that highlight different parts of the estate. This evening we’ll travel to San Luis Obispo and take part in the weekly street fair featuring fresh produce for sale, barbecue and other food vendors and entertainment.

Friday, 3/19/2010 - Solvang, Journey Home
Following an included breakfast, our morning departure will provide us with plenty of time to journey along the back roads of the Central Coast as we journey home. The Santa Ynez Valley has long been considered the horse breeder’s Kentucky of the West. We’ll learn about this and pay a visit to a miniature horse ranch with an opportunity to get up-close with these adorable animals. This afternoon time for lunch and browsing in Solvang, America’s famous “Little Denmark.” Quaint old-world architectural styles blend with flower-lined streets to create a very walk-able village. Wonderful shops offer imported European wares and collectibles and the delicious bakeries and restaurants are a delight. Arriving at our drop-off points this evening, we’ll all relish in the memories of our time on the beautiful California Central Coast.