Head for the sun with us on this mid-winter warm up in Southern California. San Diego is home to many fine breweries, rich history and a vibrant downtown. The Pacific Surfliner will takes up to Santa Barbara, for more beer and southern Californian culture. Three nights in each city, hospitable brewmasters, great beaches and ample servings culture and history await. In San Diego we'll charter private transportation as we make the ultimate brewery, pub, tasting room crawl. In Santa Barbara we'll cruise the Pacific to view migrating Pacific Gray Whales... a fine, beery escape from the winter doldrums!

Monday, January 19, 2009
Arrive San Diego

Upon arrival in San Diego, transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city, We'll start the trip a locally guided pub crawl/city tour to get acquainted, earn some "culture points" and begin tasting the city's many fine brewed offerings. Tonight we'' celebrate the start of the tour with a brewery welcome dinner. Overnight San Diego.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Big Brewery Day on the Bus

Today we'll board our private bus for an extensive tour of San Dieog's many breweries.We'll meet brewers, have at least one brewery tour, taste beers, eat lunch and enjoy the San Diego beer scene. Overnight San Diego.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Free Day Zoo, optional activities

Today is open for optional activities and spontaneous gatherings. A public transportation pub crawl, or walk along the embarcadero - you decide in this great visitors' city. Overnight San Diego.

Thursday, January 22, 2009
Pacific Surfliner to Santa Barbara

This morning we'll stroll the short distance to the Amtrak station, to board the Pacific Surfliner for our business class ride to Santa Barbara. Upon arrival we'll check in to the hotel, and re-gather for a beer dinner and night on the town. Overnight Santa Barbara.

Friday, January 23, 2009
Whale Watching cruise, lunch on the wharf

Today we'll take a cruise in search of migrating Pacific Gray Whales. After the tour we'll have a seafood/beer lunch on the Wharf. Pub Crawl this afternoon. Evening free. Overnight Santa Barbara.

Saturday, January 24, 2009
Free Day Optional Activities, Farewell dinner

Today is totally free to explore the resort like community of Santa Barbara. Bike, hike, shop, golf.... beer? You decide. Tonight we'll have our farewell dinnner to taost a great trip Overnight Santa Barbara.

Sunday, January 25, 2009
Go home

Return home. Santa Barbara's small airport is served by most major airlines.

Registration Details

Beer Highlights:

San Diego - With a burgeoning beer culture, great year round weather and a host of historic and cultural attractions, this is a great visitors city.

The Pacific Surfliner: Ride in style, often right along the coast, zip through LA and enjoy a scenic tasting room as we travel on Amtrak California's scenic train.

Santa Barbara - The good life is king in Santa Barbara, and we'll dabble in great food, fantastic scenery and the local beers of course.

Good folks to drink with and the rolling tasting room when we travel by private bus!Land Cost:

$1795
per person, double occupancy

$385
single room supplement

Trip Price Includes:

6 nights accommodation in fine, centrally located hotels, travel by private coach, rail and public transportation, brewery visits, beer tastings, entrance fees and tours as outlined in the itinerary, all breakfasts, 3 dinners, 2 lunches, and trip leadership.

Airfare is not included in the trip price. The trip begins on Thursday afternoon in the hotel lobby in Gent.

For Registration Policies & Details: Click Here.

Travel Details:

Air Travel is not included. Travelers are encouraged to use mileage awards, travel outside group dates, or extend their stay to make the most out of the trip. Please contact us to inquire about low fares from your city. Please confirm the trip's operation before purchasing air tickets.

The trip officially begins at the hotel in San Diego, specific details including a map to the hotel, regional information and a detailed will be included with your trip documents, which you'll receive 2 - 3 weeks before the trip.

How we get around: For all included excursions and visits, transportation will be included as well. Within the cities, we will rely on walking and public transportation. Travel between city and city will be done in our private motor coach and/or by rail. 

Please Note:

The overall style of the trip is best suited for somewhat adventurous, beer-loving travelers who want the camaraderie and structure of a tour, as well as the opportunity to explore independently. Planned events and excursions will, for the most part, be informal. Guided touring is generally the exception, though travelers can always rely on the support and assistance of the trip leader.

Please note also, that this itinerary is subject to change based on brewery availability, force majeur, acts of dieties, common sense or bad weather, etc. Some breweries are often unable to commit to hosting groups until a couple of weeks before we arrive. Any substitutions will be as good or better than what we replaced. And don't worry, the beer will be great!