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    Santa Barbara, Solvang and Hearst Castle Day Trip from Los Angeles
    By: Empire Vacations Day Tours
    114 reviews

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    €156.60
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    2 travellers
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    Highlights
      What to Expect
      Get a sense for the amazing scenery and incredible history just beyond the urban center of Los Angeles during this 12-hour day trip to visit Santa Barbara, the magnificent Hearst Castle and much more. It's a great way to go beyond the typical tourist hot spots in Los Angeles and San Francisco for a unique look at the diverse attractions of California.

      Start your trip in the morning, leaving from either the Los Angeles Farmers Market or the Four Points by Sheraton in Culver City. Head north by coach along the jaw-dropping California coastline, making your first stop of the day in the town of Solvang. This quiet hamlet, situated in the Santa Ynes Valley and originally founded by Danish settlers, played a key role in the iconic film Sideways. Admire the city’s unique Danish-inspired architecture and Little Mermaid monument, based on the story by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The statue is a reproduction of a similar public artwork in Copenhagen. Don't forget to stop by Solvang’s tasty Danish bakeries and Danish-themed shops before leaving town.

      Continue your trip at the renowned Hearst Castle. Your memorable visit to the estate of William Randolph Hearst takes you on an in-depth visit inside the luxurious home of this renowned media magnate. Once a frequent hotspot for Hollywood’s elite, Hearst Castle is packed with a floor-to-ceiling collection of artwork and antiquities that spans the globe. Check out Greek pottery that dates from 800 BC alongside priceless oriental rugs and elegant statues. In Hearst’s heyday of the 1920s and 1930s, invitations to this estate were a hot commodity, so be sure to document your visit to prove to others you were there.

      Proceed next to Santa Barbara. When you arrive in town, head to the city’s Old Mission, a religious structure that helped give the city its name. You’ll also hear from your guide about the role these Spanish settlements played in the founding of the state of California. Then check out Santa Barbara’s harbor and explore its sublime beaches.

      After finishing your excursion in Santa Barbara, continue back along the coast as you return to Los Angeles. It’s a laid-back, scenic way to end your wonderful day along California’s incredible diverse coastal areas.
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      Important Information
      Departure Point
      Los Angeles Farmers Market or Four Points Sheraton Culver City

      (specific departure locations provided on voucher)
      Departure Time
      6:30am Departure – Los Angeles Farmers Market
      7:00am Departure – Four Points Sheraton Culver City
      Duration
      11h
      Return Details
      Returns to original departure point at approximately 7pm
      Inclusions
      • Professional tour guide
      • Transportation by 15-passenger van or a full-sized bus
      • Sightseeing in Santa Barbara and Solvang
      Exclusions
      • Hotel pickup and drop-off
      • Gratuities
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      Additional Info
      • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      • Not wheelchair accessible
      • For tours with fewer guests, vans may be substituted
      • Tours can be bilingual/multilingual as they are offered in many different languages
      • Children under the age of 2 are free, please advise at time of booking if infant is traveling
      • Tour of Mission Santa Barbara is not guaranteed
      • Stroller accessible
      • Service animals allowed
      • Near public transportation
      • Infant seats available
      • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
      Cancellation Policy
      For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
      Reviews (114)
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      1 - 5 of 8 reviews
      Reviewed 28 April 2019 via mobile
      Time of your life

      Depart north up the spectacular California Coast stopping in Santa Barbara. Continue to Solvang, a quaint Danish community to browse in the local shops. Stopping in San Francisco, you cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and around the notorious Alcatraz Island, hope there is no...More

      Thank Gary M
      Reviewed 6 December 2018
      Informative and entertaining trip

      Thoroughly enjoyable trip with an informative and entertaining guide/driver. A lot to do in one day, but relaxing journey home to recover.

      Date of experience: December 2018
      1  Thank David L
      Reviewed 1 October 2018
      Amazing

      It was such a long tour, yet it went by so fast. There was so much to see that I wish it lasted even longer. Solvang was an awesome little town and the view from Hearst Castle was worth it alone! I recommend this tour...More

      Date of experience: September 2018
      4  Thank Gregory H
      Reviewed 7 August 2018
      Too Much

      This is an arduous itinerary that short changes each stop along the way. Too much time on the bus. Rent a car and take your time enjoying these places and their surrounds over two or three days.

      Date of experience: July 2018
      7  Thank LovesRestaurants2014
      Reviewed 12 July 2018
      Awesome Trip

      I loved this tour and our tour guide Giovanni was very knowledgeable about every stop along the tour we made and he made sure we were comfortable on the tour. We even had time to tour an extra site on the tour. This tour is...More

      Date of experience: July 2018
      5  Thank tipobserver
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      Questions & Answers
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      Afroza S
      17 January 2019|
      AnswerShow all 2 answers
      Response from Gregory H | Reviewed this property |
      You can pack a meal to take with you. There are some bakeries in Solvang which I recommend trying. There is a small cafeteria before you go on the tour at Hearst Castle. We also stopped at a gas station on the way back. It's... More
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      MerrinSunil
      25 October 2018|
      Answer
      Response from Peter R | Reviewed this property |
      There is also a tour on Saturdays if you look at the web sites
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      ARTHUR M
      2 September 2018|
      Answer
      Response from Peter R | Reviewed this property |
      You usually start at 2 places and the place I suggest that you use is 4 points Sheraton Culver City as there is a shopping mall opposite where you can leave your car. I am not sure of the cost for parking the car there and... More
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      Key Details
      • Duration: 11h
      • Mobile Ticket Accepted
      • Instant confirmation
      • Languages Offered: English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish
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