Big Sur, California
"CALIFORNIA SAGA: BIG SUR"
...Cashmere hills filled with evergreens
Flowin' from the clouds down to meet the sea
With the granite cliff as a referee
Crimson sunsets and golden dawns
Mother deer with their newborn fawns
Under Big Sur skies and that's where I belong...
7 Nights / 8 Days
An escape to the great outdoors brings you closer to life's simple pleasures. Reconnect with the outdoors in style. Be warmed by the camaraderie around the campfire, gaze at the brilliance of stars and wake to the aromas of a fireside breakfast. Discover breathtaking landscapes as you cruise the California Coast in a classic VW camper van!
On this October tour we meander North from VSW Headquarters in Costa Mesa with overnight stops at Carpenteria, San Simeon (at the base of Hearst Castle), Fernwood Campground in the heart of Big Sur, Bassetti Vineyards in Cambria, and final surprise location in the Santa Barbara area.
Slow travel with experienced Vdub guides and hosts Diamond D and Vintage Bill, owners of Vintage Surfari Wagons — pioneers of the #vanlife movement.
DAY 1 :: Depart Costa Mesa after a light but refreshing nosh, Cruise Highway 1 through Malibu stopping at Vintage Grocers for lunch and a leg stretch, with Carpinteria State Beach as our final evening destination.
DAY 2 :: San Simeon :: Our final evening destination by way of Morro Bay, and Cambria.
DAY 3, 4 & 5 :: Fernwood Campground :: Our final destination by way of Highwway #1 along the Big Sur coastline. We’ll set up camp here for 3 nights and explore Big Sur — Nepenthe, Ventana, hidden beaches, and cocktails in the creek!
DAY 6 :: Cambria :: Bassetti Vineyard and camping on the vineyard. Farm to Table Dinner (Optional $90 per person) accompanied by Bassetti’s award winning wines.
DAY 7 :: Santa Ynez Valley :: Final evening spent on a Lavender Farm.
DAY 8 :: Highway 1 south costal cruise, returning to Costa Mesa early evening.
JOURNEY DETAILS
WHEN: Your adventure embarks from Vintage Surfari Wagons in Costa Mesa, CA on the morning of Monday, October 10th at 8:30 am and will be returning from Santa Barbara early evening, Monday, October 17th.
COST:
• Single Occupancy: $2880 USD
• Double Occupancy: $1920 USD (per person)
• Extra Travelers (up to 2 per bus): $80 USD (per person per day)
• Tag-along Buses: $1280 USD (+$80 USD/day for each additional traveler)
• Kids 10 Years And Younger Travel Free
auto insurance not included
WHAT'S INCLUDED: Provided in the cost is an 8 day rental of a classic VW Camper Van, bedding pack, down duvet, camp chairs, kitchen galley kit, firewood, camp fees, travel snack box, 3 impressive evening meals, 3 robust breakfasts, campfire goodies, and a smattering of signature cocktails, all lovingly fabricated by our VSW crew. One nights stay at The Bassetti Vineyard. Oh and of course, your very own bus whisperer Vintage Bill. He'll be more than happy to answer any and all VDub queries, but most importantly he'll keep us all rolling on down the road.
MEALTIMES/PROVISIONS: Menus will reflect a healthy California cuisine. We will sample wines from the regions that we are passing through.
A communal grill and camp kitchen will be available for all bus participants to use while we are on the road. In addition, all of our vans have on board galley style kitchens and are fully stocked with all the gear you’ll need to cook and eat with.
We'll make stops strategically along our route so that everyone can purchase personal provisions.
Spontaneously we tend to gather together for restaurant meals along our route. These meals are voluntary and not included so please be prepared to reimburse if a group check is tabulated.
OPTIONS: If you'd like to add more nights to your journey just ask, or if you have your own bus and want to join in let us know. We aim to please and nothing is out of the question. We'll also be adding the option of a Farm to Table dinner paired with award wining wines at Bassetti Vineyards. This option is priced at $90 dollars per person and will be hosted by the Bassetti’s on the vineyard.
MOVING FORWARD:
Deposit to hold a reservation is 50% of the tour cost
Balance is to be paid in full 60 days prior to the departure date
CANCELLATIONS:
More than 60 days from tour departure date: 50% of Deposit
Less than 60 days from tour departure date: 100% of Tour Cost
If we can fill your space cancelled prior to more than 30 days before the trip departure date a full refund will be given minus a $250 handling fee. Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain medical/trip insurance.
In the case of a natural disaster we will transfer your deposit or entire tour cost to a voucher for future travel. The voucher can be used for self drive or group tour bookings and is non-refundable.
CONTACT US: Speak to one of our guides first. Send us an email and we will schedule a phone call.
Your personal camp tour guide Mr. Vintage Bill and his lovely assistant Diamond D
Guest camp chef Mr. Eddie Caraeff and his lovely assistant Diamond D
NEAREST AIRPORT: John Wayne International Airport (SNA) is only 15 minutes away from VSW headquarters in Costa Mesa! If you'd rather land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you'll be about 50 minutes away (depending on traffic). There are several shuttle options from both airports, in addition Uber and Lyft are available. Please check with us and we can recommend the best option.
NEEDED: VW freaks n' fanciers like YOU!