Thursday, 12/8/2022 - Coastal Train Ride
We set out from our departure points this morning aboard a deluxe motorcoach and travel to downtown Los Angeles’ Union Station to board Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train for a memorable, five-hour rail journey along California’s spectacular coastline and through its fertile valleys to San Luis Obispo. We’ll travel along Point Conception and through Vandenberg Air Force Base where you’ll see the launch complexes and beautiful undeveloped coastline only visible by train. We’ll enjoy an included boxed lunch onboard along with a snack bar selling snacks and drinks. Check out the view from the observation car or just relax in your reclining seat. Upon arrival in San Luis Obispo, we’ll reboard our motorcoach and continue north along the coast to the quaint 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 at the charming Cambria Pines Lodge, the woodsy-chic lodge nestled amongst 25 acres of stunning gardens and a Monterey pine forest. This boutique hotel features spacious rooms that are richly appointed with farmhouse furnishings and modern amenities. The sprawling grounds feature beautiful gardens, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and the Cambria Pines Lodge Restaurant offering a diverse menu of enticing dishes. This time of year, the lodge is decked out in its holiday finest – sure to get you in the spirit for the season! Enjoy the evening at leisure with dinner on your own at the restaurant or at the Cambria Christmas Market, the charming outdoor festival. This annual holiday event draws visitors from all over to the Cambria Pines Lodge to experience a traditional holiday market similar to those found in Germany and Austria where it is known as “Weihnachtsmarkt.” The vendor market of open-air stalls features local merchants selling imported German goods, seasonal gifts along with brats, fresh baked goods and seasonal treats and drinks like Gluhwein – the traditional German hot spiced wine that is sure to keep you cozy while exploring the walk-thru light display that features more than two million lights complete with themed vignettes. 

Friday, 12/9/2022 - Cambria, Hearst Castle
Following an included breakfast, we’ll enjoy a scenic ride along the coast north of Cambria to the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas. This location is one of only a few spots in the world where northern elephant seals can be seen in vast numbers. We’ll continue to William Randolph Hearst State Beach to take a walk along the pier in this protected cove. This afternoon enjoy time at leisure for lunch on your own and browsing in the quaint village of Cambria, featuring eclectic shops, unique boutiques and galleries. This quaint and historic village has a leisurely pace and country village atmosphere reminiscent of a small town. This evening we arrive at Hearst Castle, the National Historic Landmark that sits above the clouds on top of “The Enchanted Hill.” Discover why the holiday season was an exceptionally festive time for William Randolph Hearst and his guests while on a docent-guided, Holiday Twilight Tour, the special seasonal nighttime tour that showcases abundant holiday decorations. Your knowledgeable guide will share stories of holiday festivities during the estate’s heyday while touring the grounds, Casa del Sol guest house and the grand social rooms of Casa Grande – beautifully decorated for the holidays. Note this 75-minute tour includes a total of 190 stairs (both up and down) along a 2/3-mile route. We'll then enjoy an included dinner with choice of entree at Linn’s Restaurant, the Cambria icon and locals’ favorite that’s known for its contemporary comfort food classics like meatloaf and chicken pot pie. But be sure to save room for what they’re most famous for – warm olallieberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! 

Saturday, 12/10/2022 - Solvang & Journey Home
Following an included breakfast, we’ll travel south to the Santa Ynez Valley and the quaint Danish town of Solvang, known as America’s famous “Little Denmark.” This time of year, the quaint old-world architectural styles and flower-lined streets are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Enjoy time at leisure to browse the wonderful shops that offer imported European wares and collectibles with lunch on your own in the delicious restaurants. For a true taste of Danish culture, sample the delicious pastries offered by Solvang’s authentic local bakeries. We continue south to our drop-off points, arriving this evening with many fond memories of our holiday getaway to the Central Coast.

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.