Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur $900
The 9-hour tour down south has many places to explore allowing for lots of options. You'll need to decide where you want to designate most of your time whether it's Monterey, Carmel or the Big Sur section of the tour. Unlike most tour operators, I believe it is senseless to drive all do way to the Monterey Peninsula and not see Big Sur and that is why I let the guest decide what’s most important on this tour.
Historic Monterey is a charming seaside town with its own Fisherman's Wharf and Maritime Museum. Cannery Row is full of great restaurants, shopping, galleries, hotels, wine tastings and of course the world famous Monterey Aquarium. The 17-mile drive is one of the highlights of the day. The drive allows for numerous photo stops including Cypress Point, Seal Rock, Point Joe, China Rock and several world-renowned golf courses including Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, Spyglass and Cypress Point. Pebble Beach Golf Course has a visitor center and you're allowed to check out the clubhouse and dining options overlooking the 18th green. Carmel-by-the-Sea has been a draw for tourist and Hollywood stars alike for decades. Its adorable houses, gorgeous beaches and small but busy downtown shopping will make you want to move in. The most dramatic and personal favorite part of the day is Big Sur. Just minutes south Carmel, Highway 1, PCH, clings to the mountainside as it becomes of the most dramatic and scenic drives in California. Many pull-offs allow for great photo opportunities. There are great lunch options and short hikes that allow you to see some Redwoods and secluded beaches if you choose.
Tour Summary:
8-9 hours
Fisherman’s Wharf/Cannery Row/Aquarium
17-Mile Drive/Pebble Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea/Downtown shopping
Multiple stops along 36 miles to Big Sur
Gallery
Amazing trip to Monterrey and Carmel!
“Eric was a wonderful tour guide! My brother-in-law booked a tour with Eric's VIP Tours to Monterrey and Carmel for my sister and me. It proved to be a great choice. I had never been to California before, and this was a special trip for my birthday. Eric was so knowledgeable and helpful during the entire trip. He picked us up promptly at our hotel, and we began our day's journey. We visited Moss Landing, the Monterrey Aquarium, enjoyed some shopping time in the quaint, little town of Carmel, and drove by all of the lovely homes in Carmel by the Sea. The drive down the coast was breathtaking. Eric was so patient with "the lady who had never seen California and wanted to take a million pictures." He stopped for numerous photos and always knew the best places to take the "perfect" shot. He picked up our lunches for us so that we could save some time and even tried to cater to our tastes in music by playing songs that we enjoyed while we traveled. At the end of a glorious day, he even suggested a restaurant in San Francisco for us to visit. The restaurant was terrific! I would highly recommend Eric as a tour guide to anyone visiting the San Francisco area.
-Jan G docvpi76 Lawrenceville, Georgia
