Compare A San Diego Christmas by Road Scholar vs California Panorama by Omega Tours

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!

DAY 1: LOS ANGELES ARRIVAL

Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer independently to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles, or similar

DAY 2: LOS ANGELES > MOJAVE DESERT > LAS VEGAS

Meet your Tour Director and depart for Las Vegas, the glittering “Entertainment Capital of the World,” for non-stop fun, gambling, and world-class entertainment. Your tour stops at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture your photo memory of Las Vegas.

Accommodation at the Luxor Las Vegas, Las Vegas, or similar

DAY 3: LAS VEGAS > DEATH VALLEY > MAMMOTH LAKES/FRESNO

Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/Visitors Center before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for its superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.

Important note: Winter Routing The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).

Accommodation at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes, or Piccadilly Inn, Fresno

DAY 4: MAMMOTH/FRESNO > YOSEMITE > MODESTO

Your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass (please see important note on day 3) into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls, and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in Modesto.

Accommodation at the Doubletree by Hilton Modesto, Modesto, or similar

DAY 5: MODESTO > SAN FRANCISCO

Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).

Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar

DAY 6: SAN FRANCISCO (NAPA VALLEY OPTIONAL)

Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough bread, or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to watch them frolic.

Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and ”Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine-tasting tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).

Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar

DAY 7: SAN FRANCISCO > MONTEREY/ CARMEL > CENTRAL COAST

Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and famous Cannery Row Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries, and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.

Accommodation at the Radisson Santa Maria, Central Coast, or similar

DAY 8: CENTRAL COAST > SANTA BARBARA > SANTA MONICA > LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE

Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, an orientation tour commences to include Hollywood, portions of Beverly Hills, and Century City before arriving in Santa Monica, home to the finish line of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier before departure or arriving at your hotel.