Santa Barbara - The American Riviera
Including Hearst Castle
October 14 - October 19, 2026
Santa Barbara - The American Riviera
October 14 - October 19, 2026Highlights
- Visit Magnificent Hearst Castle .
- Explore the Danish City of Solvang
- Delve into Santa Barbara
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for things to see and do
- And More... See itinerary for details
Itinerary
Wednesday, 14 October 2026: Arrive Santa Barbara; Welcome Meeting; Welcome Dinner (B,D)
Schedule your arrival into Santa Barbara no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. The tour begins at 5:30pm in the lobby of our hotel. We will make introductions and then enjoy dinner together to get better acquainted. Overnight Santa Barbara - 2 nights
Thursday, 15 October 2026: Trolley Tour; Mission Santa Barbara; Sunset Cruise (B,L)
We begin our discovery of the beauty and history of Santa Barbara with a tour on an open-air trolley car. Among other highlights, we will view the Santa Barbara Courthouse (circa 1929) which is a prime example of the city's adoption of Spanish Colonial architecture, as well as Stearns Wharf (circa 1872), the oldest working wood wharf in California. This afternoon, we explore magnificent Old Mission Santa Barbara, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” established by the Spanish Franciscans in 1786. This evening, we'll take a sunset cruise which sets sail from Stearns Wharf. Watch the sun as it sinks into the horizon during golden hour along Santa Barbara’s coastline where the Santa Ynez mountains meet the sea.
Friday, 16 October 2026: Danish City of Solvang; Vineyard Visit & Tasting (B,O)
We journey together to the charming town of Solvang, known as the "Danish Capital of America." Solvang is a sun-soaked slice of Scandinavian culture. You will have a bit of free time here to do as you wish; perhaps indulge in an authentic Danish pastry, stroll through the village and admire the old-world European architecture, or find the perfect souvenir at a variety of charming boutiques and shops. This afternoon, we will visit a local winery for a tasting. This area of California is the one of the most compelling wine destinations in the US right now; the region's wines are among the most diverse and original in the world. We continue on to San Luis Obispo. Overnight San Luis Opispo - 2 nights
Saturday, 17 October 2026: Hearst Castle (B)
Today we drive north to experience the sublime and magical Hearst Castle, a California State Park. Designed by California architect Julia Morgan in 1947 for businessman and newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, this historic estate perched on top of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean features more than 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens. We will gather in the grand social room on the ground floor of Casa Grande just as W. R. Hearst’s guests did for decades; see the outdoor Neptune Pool, famous for its sweeping colonnades and Italian relief sculptures; and visit the Roman Pool, a tiled indoor pool decorated with eight statues of Roman gods, goddesses and heroes. We return to our hotel late this afternoon.
Sunday, 18 October 2026: Return to Santa Barbara; Free Afternoon; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Today we return to sunny Santa Barbara. You could explore more of pedestrian-friendly State Street, visit the botanical garden, grab a bite to eat at La Super-Rica (reportedly one of Julia Child's favorite places to eat in Santa Barbara!), or simply relax on the beach. Tonight, we will gather together for our Farewell Dinner. Overnight Santa Barbara Airport area - 1 night
Monday, 19 October 2026: Return Home
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Schedule your departure at your convenience. Your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
Santa Barbara - The American Riviera
October 14 - October 19, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$3,033.00Single Room
$3,995.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full, Accepting Standbys
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages other than coffee, tea & still water unless otherwise noted
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Friday, 17 Apr 2026: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Thursday, 16 Jul 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Sunday, 30 Aug 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Sunday, 30 Aug 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Santa Barbara - The American Riviera
October 14 - October 19, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
When searching for flights for this trip, be sure to search "Multi-city" or "Multiple Destinations." For comparison, you may also want to search for one-way fares.
Arrival Airport: SBA - Santa Barbara, CA (Santa Barbara Municipal Airport)
Arrival Date: Wednesday, October 14. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local taxi or shuttle. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: SBA - Santa Barbara, CA (Santa Barbara Municipal Airport)
Departure Date: Monday, October 19th. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader will assist in coordinating ride sharing.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Santa Barbara: Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara
San Luis Obipso: Courtyard by Marriott San Luis Obispo -Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara: Best Western Plus South Coast Inn
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$303.00 Roomshare pp $563.00 Single Occupancy
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Santa Barbara - The American Riviera
October 14 - October 19, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
- 60% Easy
- 40% Moderate (Extensive walking; Hearst Castle visit includes approximately 140 steps, both up and down, and 2/3-mile walk; one long travel day)
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general the temperature, rainfall and humidity levels vary based on the time of the year. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You May Want—
- Smart-casual wear if you'd like to dress up a bit for dinners
- Jacket/sweater for the cool mornings and evenings or the unusually brisk day
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
We will be using the WTT coach on this tour. The luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations and the requirement that travelers manage their belongings.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- You may bring one suitcase and a day pack or shoulder bag to keep with you in the coach.
- Maximum suitcase size: 22-24 inches in height. This is the size of bag that fits into the overhead bins of aircraft. Suitcases larger than this will not fit properly in the WTT coach; don't bring them.
- The weight of your bag should not exceed 30 pounds as you will need to lift it into the coach luggage compartment.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach and load it on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Santa Barbara - The American Riviera
October 14 - October 19, 2026STANDBY REQUEST FORM
1)There is no obligation to take the tour if you submit a standby request. 2)If an opening occurs, WTT will email you based on the room-type available. 3)WTT membership is not required to go on standby, however we do notify our members ahead of non-members.
Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.