Bike along iconic Highway 1 on California’s central coast, from Carmel to Santa Barbara, surrounded by crashing surf, quiet vineyards and rolling hills.
It’s the dream road. Hugging California’s coast at the very edge of the continent. Winding past redwoods, rugged cliffs and crashing Pacific waves. Sea lions, lighthouses, Spanish missions and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Luxury hotels and sun-kissed Santa Ynez Valley vineyards. Coastal scenery that takes your breath away.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Bike along iconic Highway 1 on California’s central coast, surrounded by crashing surf, quiet vineyards and rolling hills
- Behold legendary 17-Mile Drive, dotted with cypress trees and iconic Pebble Beach Golf Course
- Marvel at the beauty of McWay Falls, cascading 80 feet into turquoise ocean waters below
- Taste some of the numerous award-winning wines of the picturesque, vineyard-filled Santa Ynez Valley
ITINERARY
Day 1 Bike world-famous 17-Mile Drive, rolling through dramatic coastline and catching a view of Pebble Beach | Arrive in the storybook town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you can browse art galleries, boutiques and cafés | Visit an 18th-century Spanish colonial mission in this seaside haven.
Day 2 Ride in the shadow of towering coastal redwoods in Big Sur State Park | Pedal the cliff-hugging Cabrillo Highway past wind-torn cypresses | Soak up the bohemian vibe of Big Sur Village | Watch waves crash through a rocky arch as you walk along sandy Pfeiffer Beach.
Day 3 Miles of staggering views greet you on the Big Sur coast | Behold McWay Falls, tumbling down granite cliffs into the sea | Head south through rugged coastline and cattle country, passing Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, whose cove is a hangout for elephant seals | Visit Hearst Castle, where optional tours reveal an astounding 58 bedrooms, 18 sitting rooms and sublime grounds | The call of sea lions invites you to explore the bluffs—you might spot a migrating whale!
Days 4-6 Discover the vineyard-laden Santa Ynez Valley | A pastoral inland route leads to Los Olivos, with Victorian buildings, eclectic artwork and alluring tasting rooms | Get to know the town of Solvang, a dash of Denmark in California | Taste wines and olive oils or visit a lavender farm.
“We have enjoyed previous Backroads trips and this one did not disappoint. Our leaders were personable and knowledgeable. Our lodging was top notch as were our meals. Definitely, put this trip on your “must do” list!!” ~Ann G, Oklahoma City
PREMIERE HOTELS
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TRADEWINDS INN CARMEL |
VENTANA BIG SUR |
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BLUE DOLPHIN INN |
FESS PARKER WINE COUNTRY INN |
The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due.
- From $3,498 pp dbl. occ.
- 6 days / 5 nights (+$1,130 for sgl. occ.)
THIS TRIP IS RATED LEVELS 2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion’s may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
MEALS
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
AVAILABLE BIKE OPTIONS
The key to a stellar day’s ride is a bike that’s perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world!
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BACKROADS TITANIUM BIKES Our custom-built titanium bikes are specially designed for you—and we offer different models for varied terrain so your bike is ideally suited to the region. Our custom-made bikes are included in your trip price. |
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BACKROADS CUSTOM ELECTRIC ASSIST BIKES Wishing for a little extra assistance up those hills? Our custom Backroads Electric-Assist Bike lets you experience the thrill of exploring on two wheels while providing a boost when you want it. We’ve modified a selection of our great Titanium Bikes with the intuitive BionX “pedal-assist” system. |
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SPECIALIZED S-WORKS ROUBAIX & RUBY ($400 rental fee) Ride like a pro with the new top-of-the-line S-Works bike featuring ultrasmooth Shimano Di2 electronic shifting. Faster and smoother than any other bike out there, this race-ready carbon machine delivers phenomenal acceleration and handling in an ultralight, ultrapowerful package—perfect for experienced riders. The Specialized S-Works Ruby is a light, agile speed machine precisely designed for women. You can upgrade to a Specialized S-Works Roubaix or Ruby on your trip. |
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CO-MOTION TORPEDO TANDEM ($400 rental fee) Do you prefer to spin in tandem with your partner? You’ll love the Co-Motion Periscope Torpedo tandem on your Backroads trip. You can upgrade to a Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem on your trip. |
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ALSO INCLUDED:
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
CONTACT VARSITY TRAVEL NOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP!