Travel Packages All Inclusive from our Advisors
We recognize that vacations are not just an investment, but often the highlights of our lives, and we take that responsibility seriously. We want to ensure you have the best vacation experience. Interested in a job in travel? Click here to learn: How to Become a Travel Agent
Few places in the U.S. are as opulent as the Hearst Castle, which publisher William Randolph Hearst built in 1919 in the hills above San Simeon, California. It is roughly the halfway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Outfitted with imported treasures from around the world (ancient Greek vases, Italian tapestries, Oriental carpets), the palatial mansion and grounds became—and still are—symbols for ostentation. Free San Simeon Vacation Package Quote
Your Pauls Valley Travel Agent Near Me!
Playa del Carmen Based Travel Agent
Luxury Travel Advisor specializing in Europe, Mexico, Caribbean and Hawaii
In fact, Hearst Castle was the model for the mansion Xanadu in Orson Welles' movie Citizen Kane, which is a thinly veiled portrait of Hearst.
Only in recent years has the estate's architect, Julia Morgan, begun to receive her due as a pioneer in a field previously reserved for men. She worked for Hearst for 27 years, continually adapting the building to fit his ever-changing wishes. (Morgan reportedly even designed the ceilings to be adjustable in the event he wanted them higher or lower.) It could be argued that Hearst's robber-baron tastes occasionally nudged the architect's hand a little too much. Witness, for example, the outdoor Neptune Pool, a pseudo-Greco-Roman folly that is the very definition of gaudy.
Run by California State Parks, there are four separate tours, each focusing on a different part of the grounds. Seeing all four tours in one day is best left to those with the hardiest constitutions. If you can settle for less, Tour 1 is the best option. Make reservations well in advance; many visitors arrive without them and are dismayed to be turned away at the gates, especially during the popular summer season.
If you're in the area at the proper time (Friday and Saturday nights September-December and March-May), you can see the castle on an evening tour. Docents in 1930s clothing pretend to be the guests and staff at one of Hearst's cocktail parties. Those on the tour can wander through the elaborate rooms as the actors sip martinis, work on puzzles and socialize in grand fashion.
Those who don't want to spring for any of the tours can wander the museum at the base of the hill for no charge. Toll-free 800-444-4445. http://hearstcastle.org.
Few places in the U.S. are as opulent as the Hearst Castle, which publisher William Randolph Hearst built in 1919 in the hills above San Simeon, California. It is roughly the halfway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Outfitted with imported treasures from around the world (ancient Greek vases, Italian tapestries, Oriental carpets), the palatial mansion and grounds became—and still are—symbols for ostentation.
In fact, Hearst Castle was the model for the mansion Xanadu in Orson Welles' movie Citizen Kane, which is a thinly veiled portrait of Hearst.
Only in recent years has the estate's architect, Julia Morgan, begun to receive her due as a pioneer in a field previously reserved for men. She worked for Hearst for 27 years, continually adapting the building to fit his ever-changing wishes. (Morgan reportedly even designed the ceilings to be adjustable in the event he wanted them higher or lower.) It could be argued that Hearst's robber-baron tastes occasionally nudged the architect's hand a little too much. Witness, for example, the outdoor Neptune Pool, a pseudo-Greco-Roman folly that is the very definition of gaudy.
Run by California State Parks, there are four separate tours, each focusing on a different part of the grounds. Seeing all four tours in one day is best left to those with the hardiest constitutions. If you can settle for less, Tour 1 is the best option. Make reservations well in advance; many visitors arrive without them and are dismayed to be turned away at the gates, especially during the popular summer season.
If you're in the area at the proper time (Friday and Saturday nights September-December and March-May), you can see the castle on an evening tour. Docents in 1930s clothing pretend to be the guests and staff at one of Hearst's cocktail parties. Those on the tour can wander through the elaborate rooms as the actors sip martinis, work on puzzles and socialize in grand fashion.
Those who don't want to spring for any of the tours can wander the museum at the base of the hill for no charge. Toll-free 800-444-4445. http://hearstcastle.org.
Vincent Vacations - Authorized San Simeon Vacation Planner
Questions? Call us at
1 (888) 976-0061
For Groups of 10
or more rooms, or 8 or more Cabins, please use of Group Form
Click Here for our Group Department
Vincent Vacations is an award winning travel agency. We serve clients all over the US.
Learn more about:
How to become a travel agent!
We are an IATAN, CLIA, ASTA, IATA Accrediated Travel Agency
See all awards & certificates.
Click on a location below to learn more. We recognize that vacations are not just an investment, but often the highlights of our lives, and we take that responsibility seriously. We want to ensure you have the best experience.
All of these are signs that you are a great fit to become an independent travel agent, and turn your love of travel from passion into profit!
Learn MoreOur motto at Vincent Vacations is, we go so you know! We want to ensure you have the BEST experience, whether it's a river cruise, or a corporate group incentive trip, we want to ensure your vacation is a success.
Many of our travel agents have been in travel since 2002! With Vincent Vacations, all travel components are taken care of - this includes accommodations, air, transfers, tours, activities, insurance, contracts, EVERYTHING.
Destination weddings, Anniversaries, vow renewals, honeymoons, engagements, elopements, retie the knot, babymoons, proposal trips and more
Corporate group retreats and incentive trips, seniors-only river cruises, friends & family getaways, special group anniversary celebrations and more
All-inclusive resorts, Hawaii, cruises, Europe, African Safaris, exotic Fiji and the islands, there are so many travel options for families
Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Lines, Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Resorts, Aulani, Universal, MyDisneyExperience, Disney Genie, characters dining, and more
We know Europe! Paris, London, Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Swiss Alps, Prague, Amsterdam, Venice, Athens, Vienna, Madrid, let's go!
Ocean cruising, river cruising, yacht charters, expeditions, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Viking, Lindblad, there are so many options when it comes to cruising
We create custom travel itineraries and trips, and we know travel - Whether it's Universal, river cruises, safaris, yacht charters, Australia, Thailand and more!
Get A Free QuoteWe serve customers all across the USA
Debt free and in business since 2013. Vincent Vacations has agents in Dallas, Kansas City, Houston, Shreveport, Little Rock, Roswell, Oklahoma City and more locations.
Travel agents can help save time and stress by doing the research and handling all your bookings for you. An experience travel agent is best at finding great deals and packages, as well as providing you with helpful information and tips. They can also help you plan special activities and experiences that you may not have thought of on your own. All in all, using a travel agent can be a great way to make sure you get the most out of your trip.
In travel since 2002, and in business since 2013, our travel team serves clients all over the US! Planning a vacation away from home takes a great team. We have taken the time to build a team of dedicated, smart, hard-working personnel who are each committed to excellence and service. We work side-by-side, creating and ensuring INCREDIBLE vacation experiences for you and your group. Our store front in-office team, and our travel consultant independent contractors, work all around the US.
In business since 2013, we are your #1 source for travel!
Free Vacation Package Quote
