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Trip	A San Diego Christmas by Road Scholar 4.5 \| Great 285 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Customize	Southern California & Joshua Tree National Park end Santa Ana by Insight Vacations 5 \| Excellent 10947 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve

Duration	8 days	8 days
Price From	$ 2,799	$ 3,902
Price Per Day	$ 350	$ 488
Highlights	Dine in historical Old Town, awe at Point Loma's strategic view and enjoy a harbor cruise in San Diego Bay Experience the museums, art centers and Moorish architecture of Balboa Park and see the famous zoo lit up for the holidays Follow the coast to the cliffs of La Jolla for an expert led behind the scenes visit to the Birch Aquarium and share the Christmas spirit by celebrating a Posada event with the Mexican community	Choose between two carefully selected activities San Diego: Commissioned eight days after WWII, Midway was the longest service aircraft carrier in the 20th century. Explore the decks and listen to tales from her pilots. Venture below deck to learn all about life in the galley and engine rooms. San Diego: The view of both San Diego’s skyline and waters whilst on a harbor cruise is spectacular and brings the city’s history to life. Look out for the Navy ships that are usually dotted around on the water, highlighting the city’s naval presence. : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests). : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches. : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols. : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day. : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues. Newport Beach: Join your fellow travelers for a savory 3-course welcome dinner with wine. San Diego: San Diego’s culinary scene is burgeoning these days. Known for its emphasis on great seafood, local wines, craft breweries and incredible southwest flavors, thanks to its proximity to Mexico. Palm Springs: Dine at a local restaurant in Downtown Palm Springs. The affluent and diverse population here has attracted dozens of locally owned restaurants, featuring everything from iconic steakhouses to authentic Mexican cuisine. Dining Summary: 3 Dinner with Wine (DW), 6 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch (L) Balboa Island: Explore this quaint harborside community with your Travel Director. A man-made treasure, Balboa Island is home to some of the most expensive homes in California. A walk along the pier offers glorious views of the hillside, town and ocean. Huntington Beach: Huntington Beach is known as “Surf City USA’ and every year hosts the “U.S. Open of Surfing”, the world’s largest surfing competition. This fascinating museum is dedicated to Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku, who popularized the sport. Browse a fascinating collection of memorabilia, including some of surfing history’s most significant artifacts. Crystal Cove: Crystal Cove offers sand, surf, rocky reefs, ridges and canyons, with over three miles of beach and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness. Be sure to wander around the intriguing historic district dotted with 46 rustic coastal cottages that date back to the 1930s. San Diego: The views of the ocean are simply breathtaking as you travel south to San Diego. Sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Southern California. San Diego: The location of the first European settlement in California, Old Town San Diego is full of historic sites and reconstructed buildings. Be sure to visit the 1825 Casa de Estudillo, one of the finest haciendas in the state. Or drop into the Wells Fargo Museum to admire a rare original stagecoach. San Diego: Join your Travel Director and learn about the Gaslamp Quarter, dating back to 1850. Visit the vast Balboa Park which houses no less than 16 museums, numerous gardens, the Old Globe outdoor Theatre, and San Diego Zoo. Finish with a trip over the Coronado Bridge and a walk through the legendary Hotel Del Coronado. Julian: Be transported back in history in the charming town of Julian. A vibrant example of a California frontier town, with pioneer store fronts, historic sites and mines, Julian first became a mining camp when gold was discovered there in 1869. The entire township is now a Designated Historical District. Borrego Springs: Get a close look at the works of artist and welder Ricardo Breceda, who has curated a fascinating collection of rust metal sculptures in the town of Borrego Springs. This amazing site is home to nearly 200 pieces with Elephants, sloths, camels, raptors, horses, and tortoise sculptures all represented. Anza Borrego State Park: Located within the Colorado Desert, California’s largest state park includes dramatic badlands, cool palm oases, twisting slot canyons and cactus-studded slopes. Start your visit at the fascinating Visitor's Center, built underground for cooling efficiency. Anza Borrego State Park: Enjoy a tasty picnic lunch before you take a moderate hike along the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. A you walk through the palm tree groves and waterfalls, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and migrating birds. Some 80 species use the canyon as a watering stop on their flight through the desert. Anza Borrego State Park: Stretching from the town of Borrego Springs to the Salton Sea, this desolate county road offers some of the most scenic views of Anza Borrego, including the stunning Borrego Badlands. Joshua Tree National Park: Named for the region’s twisted bristled Joshua trees, the park combines two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado. Home to a fascinating variety of plants and animals, the park is larger than the state of Rhode Island. Lose yourself in rich cultural history, surreal geological features and unique vegetation. Palm Springs: Join your Travel Director for a sightseeing tour featuring the city's residential mid-century architecture. Architects such as Donald Wexler built homes featuring Southern California Modernism (a lot of steel, a lot of glass) that were popular with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Marilyn Monroe. San Diego: Commissioned eight days after WWII, Midway was the longest service aircraft carrier in the 20th century. Explore the decks and listen to tales from her pilots. Venture below deck to learn all about life in the galley and engine rooms. San Diego: The view of both San Diego’s skyline and waters whilst on a harbor cruise is spectacular and brings the city’s history to life. Look out for the Navy ships that are usually dotted around on the water, highlighting the city’s naval presence. Thermal: Meet Saralyn Delk, (to date) the only female date ranch owner/farmer in America. Regulus Date Ranch is a biodynamic and organic boutique date farm producing arguably the finest Medjool dates in the state. Take a journey through the groves as Saralyn treats you to some dates straight off the tree. Learn how roosters and abandoned feral cats work in tandem to rid the grounds of bugs, gophers, rats, and other pests that would normally destroy the crops.
Trip Style	Small group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Premium
Physical Level	0- Wheelchair accessible	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	50 plus Education / Learning	Cultural 50 plus Education / Learning
Countries Visited	United States	United States
Cities and Attractions	California	California
Flights & Transport	Airfare included	No
Activities	N/A	Culture Historic sightseeing
Meals Included	17 Meals 7 Breakfasts 1 Brunch 4 Lunches 5 Dinners The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Salt	N/A
Description	Celebrate Christmas like a San Diegan as you take in a carol performance, explore local missions and enjoy a traditional Christmas brunch at architecturally sublime Hotel Del Coronado.	Explore Southern California’s sublime golden beaches and deserts on a 7-Day Limited-Edition Tour. Traveling with a maximum of just 17 fellow guests and begin your journey in stylish Newport Beach. Discover 1930’s beach life at Crystal Cove State Park and stroll Balboa Island’s pier. Soak up stunning coastal views on board the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego, revel in the sights, sounds and flavors of the Old Town. With Your-Choice Sightseeing options that include a self-guided tour of the USS Midway or a relaxing harbor cruise in the blue waters of San Diego. Swap the bustle of the city for the calm of nature and walk amongst metal dinosaurs, learn about organic farming and see the beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Joshua Tree National Park. This intimate tour will leave you simply enchanted by Southern California, incorporating destinations and experiences not available to larger groups.

Itinerary: A San Diego Christmas

Day 1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
San Diego, California D The US Grant Hotel
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar private meeting room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will also serve as our Study Leader for all field trips and deliver educational content unless specified otherwise. Transportation will be via private motorcoach. At the hotel, our private meeting room will serve as our space for lectures and meeting points. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will gather for an informal reception with wine and snacks. Then, during a walking exploration of the US Grant hotel led by a member of the hotel staff, we will discover niches, artwork, and learn about its enthralling history.

Dinner: In the hotel’s elegant dining room, the Grant Grill, we will have a plated meal ordered from a select menu; a nonalcoholic drink is included, other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 2
San Diego Mission, Presidio Park, Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego, California B,L The US Grant Hotel
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1.5 miles; paved and cobblestone streets.

Breakfast: In a private section of the hotel’s restaurant, have what you like from the breakfast buffet with choices such as eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruit, sweet rolls, milk, orange juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will be joined by a historian from the San Diego Historical Society (SDHS) for an introduction to the city’s history. This morning’s lecture will set the stage for our field trips today. We will then set out on a journey to sites where the city was founded beginning with San Diego de Alcala Mission. With our Group Leader, we will explore the mission and its on-site museum. Established by the Franciscan missionary Father Junipero Serra in 1769, San Diego de Alcala was the first of 21 California missions. We will then ride to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. On the way, we will stop at the top of Presidio Hill for views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. As the site of the original fortifications, residents chose to live in the Presidio for protection from potential Native American attacks but moved to the base of the hill as time passed.

Lunch: At a lively restaurant in Old Town, we will have a plated meal featuring traditional Mexican cuisine with iced tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: With our Group Leader, we will stroll through Old Town, the original site of San Diego where the population grew until Mexico granted it the status of “pueblo” or chartered town. We will visit some of the most important historical buildings from that era including the stately Casa Estudillo on the main plaza; Sibley Stables, home to a collection of stagecoaches; the rustic jail; and San Diego’s first schoolhouse. Old Town San Diego remained the heart of the city until the 1860s when Alonzo Horton promoted development closer to the shore, the area that became the current downtown known as the Gaslamp Quarter. Returning to downtown via motorcoach, we will be joined by a local expert for a walk to become acquainted with the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s downtown since 1860. Declared a National Historic District, it is now filled with restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, galleries — and gas lamps! — as well as spicy stories and tales of haunted houses. We will also visit the Gaslamp Quarter Museum located in one of the area's first houses and the adjacent Horton Grand Hotel.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Our hotel's location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter offers a wide array of restaurant choices.

Evening: At leisure. You might like to attend a performance from current offerings, enjoy Happy Hour at the hotel with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.

Day 3
Balboa Park Museums, San Diego Zoo
San Diego, California B,D The US Grant Hotel
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking approximately 1/2 mile in Balboa Park; walking at museums and zoo according to personal preference.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: With our SDHS historian, we will learn about the development of Balboa Park, built to host the 1915 Exposition. Today it is America’s largest urban cultural park, its 1,200 acres filled with exotic vegetation, 17 museums, theaters, art centers, exquisite Moorish architecture, and a world-famous zoo. We will then board our motorcoach and set out with our Group Leader to become familiar with El Prado, the heart of the park. The remainder of the morning is free to explore on your own, to see and do what interests you most.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Balboa Park. You might have a relaxed meal in a lovely garden restaurant or a sandwich on the go between museum visits.

Afternoon: We will regroup at a designated time and place and visit the San Diego Zoo, regarded as one of the best in the world. We will ride to the front gate of the park to board the narrated bus, included in our tickets, to get an overview of the zoo. You are then welcome to continue exploring on your own: either on foot, on the hop-on/hop-off Kangaroo Express Bus, or the Skyfari aerial tram, also included. We’ll then gather by the big Christmas tree, where bell ringers and caroling will enliven the tree-lighting ceremony. After the event, we will ride to dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Dinner: In a lively Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp, we’ll have a family-style 3-course meal with beverage choices of soft drinks, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: The motorcoach will return to the hotel after dinner. If you wish, you may stay in the Gaslamp on your own and return independently by walking or taxi.

Day 4
U.S. Navy & San Diego, La Jolla & Aquarium, N. Pacific Coast
San Diego, California B,L,D The US Grant Hotel
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1/2 mile; paved, smooth sidewalks with slight inclines in La Jolla. At aquarium, standing up to 1 hour with periods of slow walking.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: In the final lecture from our SDHS historian, we will discuss the establishment of the U.S. Navy and its importance in the growth of San Diego. We will then hop aboard our motorcoach and drive along the scenic Pacific Coast north of downtown, past Mission Bay and popular Pacific Beach, to reach the exclusive La Jolla community where we will visit the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Birch Aquarium. At the aquarium, a member of the education department staff will present a lecture followed by an expert-led exploration of the Aquarium that exhibits more than 60 environments.

Lunch: At the Birch Aquarium Café, lunch will include soup and a half-sandwich, a cookie, small juice, and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Next, we will ride into La Jolla and set out for a nature walk with our Group Leader along the famous coves that will take us to nearby Seal Beach, protected by cliffs and part of a marine reserve. We will pace along the shore to observe seals and sea lions, each occupying a distinct cove, and see cormorants nesting on the cliffs. The afternoon will come to a close with a drive up to the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial where we will have a magnificent 360-degree view of San Diego and an opportunity to watch the sunset. We’ll then drive through neighborhoods where many homes are decorated with holiday lights. We’ll have commentary as we ride, then continue to the San Diego waterfront for dinner.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, in a private section with a view of San Diego Bay, we’ll have a plated meal ordered from a select menu plus a nonalcoholic drink; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: After driving back to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Day 5
Mexican-American Community, Cabrillo Monument, Waterfront
San Diego, California B,L,D The US Grant Hotel
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1.5 miles; paved, smooth sidewalks with slight inclines.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: To gain deeper insights into the city’s large Hispanic community, an instructor on Chicano Studies will join us to discuss Mexican-American history and culture. We will then ride to the dramatic tip of Point Loma peninsula and the Cabrillo National Monument, named in honor of the famed explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who landed on this point in 1542. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will take us through the historic museum and to Old Point Loma Lighthouse, one of the original eight lighthouses on the West Coast, restored and refurnished to reflect what life was like in the 1800s. Moving on to the Hispanic Quarter known as Barrio Logan, we’ll gather at the Chicano Community Center for a Mexican posada — a Christmas celebration that includes songs, simple re-enactments, a piñata, and a traditional meal. To act on the Christmas spirit of giving, needy children of the “barrio” (community) with their parents are invited to share in the lunch and in the fun, singing and breaking the piñata together with Road Scholars.

Lunch: At the Community Center, we will enjoy a traditional posada meal featuring tamales, chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers), beans, rice, and more, all prepared by a Mexican cook, plus hot champurrado (chocolate-based beverage), soft drinks, water.

Afternoon: Across from the Community Center is Chicano Park, a National Historic Landmark and home to one of the largest collection of outdoor murals in the United States. They were painted by local Chicano (Mexican-American) artists on the pillars and the supports of the San Diego-Coronado bridge. The colorful art work reflects the cultural heritage of the Chicano community where the park is located. We will walk through the park with our Group Leader who will interpret the most representative murals. The return drive will take us along the waterfront, passing by the San Diego Convention Center, a huge construction recreating a sailing ship. We will make a brief stop at Seaport Village for some independent exploration time. This pleasant area boasts a number of restaurants and shops with a scenic park surrounded by water on three sides. Before returning to the hotel, we will walk with our Group Leader to Horton Plaza Park, a public plaza that has been beautifully developed, including a restored landmark fountain from 1910. The adjacent Horton Plaza Mall is known for its bright colors, interesting architecture, and the 1907 Jessop’s Street Clock. We’ll have some time at the hotel to freshen up and relax before driving to dinner.

Dinner: At a well-known seafood restaurant on the waterfront, next to the Bob Hope Memorial and the Midway Aircraft Carrier, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal ordered from a select menu with beverage choices of soft drinks, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: After driving back to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Day 6
Little Italy, Harbor Cruise, Museum, Christmas Frolics
San Diego, California B,L,D The US Grant Hotel
Activity note: Getting on/off a boat. Standing up to 1 hour at Maritime Museum.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will gather for a relaxed discussion with our Group Leader on Christmas traditions around the world and through the ages. We’ll then depart for Little Italy, a neighborhood established by Italian fishermen who began an important tuna fishing industry in San Diego. With our Group Leader, we will stroll along the main street to become oriented with the area. Brief free time for independent exploration. You might like to visit one of the many coffee shops for a cup of genuine Italian espresso, or a gelato. Next, we will drive to San Diego Harbor and embark on a narrated harbor cruise. We’ll be able to view the spectacular city skyline while passing by elegant hillside communities, marinas, the Naval Shipyards, and the Naval Air and Submarine Stations.

Lunch: Aboard the boat, we’ll have a buffet lunch including cold cuts with garnishes, desserts, sodas, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Back on shore, we’ll take a stroll along the boardwalk to reach the Maritime Museum, where a docent will lead our exploration. Since 1948, the San Diego Maritime Museum has displayed the largest collection of historic sea vessels in the U.S. including the landmark “Star of India” that has sailed regularly since its launching in 1863. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and prepare for an evening of Christmas Eve festivities. We’ll then gather in our private room of the hotel for wine and juice. A quartet of gifted singers in costume will sing carols just for our Road Scholar group.

Dinner: In the hotel’s elegant dining room, we’ll have a special plated 4-course tasting menu with beverage choices of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy the evening as you like!

Day 7
Coronado Island, Hotel Del Brunch, Happy Hour
San Diego, California B,BR The US Grant Hotel
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1/2 mile, with opportunities to stroll along the stunning beach on your own.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: This morning we will have an opportunity to rest, relax, and sleep in before our late morning departure for Coronado. Located across the bay from San Diego, Coronado is a semi-island connected to the mainland by the “Silver Strand” and to downtown San Diego by way of the curved, slim, elegant San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Coronado is characterized by fabulous views, palm-lined avenues, a fine wide beach, and the famous Hotel Del Coronado — popularly known as Hotel Del — an American fairytale castle. With our Group Leader, we will explore by motorcoach and on foot. Our first stop is at the Ferry Landing plaza facing the beautiful San Diego skyline. We’ll drive across the island along fashionable Orange Avenue to reach the Hotel Del. Boasting a history filled with famous celebrities, the lavish wooden Victorian hotel is the last of its kind still standing on the West Coast. We’ll take a short walk to learn about the many historical events that earned the hotel its fame.

Brunch: In the celebrated historic Victorian Crown Room of the Hotel Del, we’ll delight in a festive Christmas brunch decked with all the trimmings.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. As we immerse ourselves in the ambiance of this iconic hotel, we’ll be able to wander amongst its many halls, the gardens, or along the white sand beach. We will return to San Diego at sunset when skyscrapers reflect the sun’s glow onto the calm waters of the bay. Upon our return to the hotel, we will gather one last time as a group in our private room for farewells and a toast to the program during a Happy Hour with snacks, juices, and wine. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

Dinner: If you’re still hungry, this meal is on your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 8
Program Concludes
San Diego, California B
Activity note: Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Itinerary: Southern California & Joshua Tree National Park end Santa Ana

Day 1: Arrive Newport Beach

With beautiful beaches, superb scenery and stunning sunsets, the coastal city of Newport Beach embodies the true spirit and beauty of Southern California. Your airport transfer will take you to your waterfront hotel, Lido House. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Lido House

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Orange County Beach Sightseeing

Join your Travel Director for a walking tour of Balboa Island this morning. After a ferry ride, stroll the pier for magnificent views and enjoy the Balboa Fun Zone, made famous in the TV program "Arrested Development". Enjoy stunning coastal views as you drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to the surfing mecca of Huntington Beach. Immerse yourself in “Surf City USA” at the intriguing International Surfing Museum. Oddly enough, the museum was founded several decades ago by a woman who has never surfed. Later, enjoy some time at Crystal Cove State Park, one of Orange County's most scenic and pristine stretches of beach and ocean. After some free time at Laguna Beach, return to Newport Beach where the rest of the day is leisurely yours.

Lido House

Breakfast

Day 3: Orange County To San Diego Via Scenic Amtrak Train

Start the day with stunning ocean views on board the scenic Amtrak train to San Diego, "America's Finest City". Then spend the afternoon exploring the famous Old Town. Dating back to 1769 it is California's oldest settlement and today is still considered the heart of San Diego. This evening is then yours to explore the Downtown dining scene. From the trendy Gaslamp Quarter to oceanfront Seaport Village to Little Italy, you won't have any problem finding a restaurant tonight.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar

Breakfast

Day 4: San Diego Sightseeing

Your Travel Director will lead you on a tour of some of the city's iconic sites this morning, including the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and Coronado Island. This afternoon, explore San Diego with Insight Choice. Choose to visit to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier along with an audio guided tour. Or alternatively, choose to take a one-hour boat cruise to tour the spectacular harbor. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant and taste the flavors that are making San Diego one of the newest foodie cities in America.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Visit Anza Borrego State Park

Step back in time in Julian, a small Gold Rush community dating back to the 1870s and taste their famous apple pies. Next travel to Borrega Springs and enter the fascinating world of artist and welder Ricardo Breceda. See his astonishing metal animal sculptures that mark the way to Anza Borrego State Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park then lace up your hiking boots for a hike along the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. Look out for bighorn sheep and birds, before indulging in more amazing views as you travel the Borrego Salton Scenic Seaway. The evening is at your leisure in Palm Springs.

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Thermal and Joshua Tree National Park

This morning we take a short drive to the agricultural town of Thermal and discover the world of Medjool dates, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Saralyn Delk, owner and farmer at the Regulus Date Ranch, taste dates straight from the trees and see for yourself how good the biodynamic and organic produce tastes. This afternoon, visit the vast Joshua Tree National Park. Explore the visitor’s center and enjoy a moderate hike, keeping an eye out wildlife. Toast your travels this evening, along with your travel companions, at a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant in Downtown Palm Springs.

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: Farewell Southern California

This morning, make the most of your last hours in Palm Springs and join your Travel Director for sightseeing tour highlighting the city's residential architecture. A transfer will take you to John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA), arriving at approximately 1:30 PM.

Breakfast