Compare The Beauty of Yosemite and the Joy of Watercolor by Road Scholar vs Best of California 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Oakhurst D Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
Activity note: Lodge check-in from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in Lyles Dining Hall to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. We'll enjoy our get-acquainted social hour that includes drinks and appetizers.

Dinner: At Lyles Dining Hall, we will enjoy a buffet of rotating entrees, sides, salads, vegetables, and desserts. Coffee, tea, water, juice included.

Evening: 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. Field trips off site will be by shuttle. Field trips to and from Yosemite are around 35 miles each way on country roads. Classes will be held in Lower Lyles West or the chapel, a short walk from Lyles. Please note this is not an active outdoor program: however this and the field tip on Day 5 may include walks/hikes of varying lengths to enhance and illustrate the subjects being taught. If mobility is an issue, please contact the coordinator for further information. Periods in the daily 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 then enjoy a short, award-winning video from the National Park Service about Yosemite National Park. The balance of the evening is left free to relax after our day's journey.

Day 2
First Water Coloring Class
Oakhurst B,L,D Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
Activity note: Minimal walking around campus.

Breakfast: At Lyles Dining Hall, we will enjoy a buffet of rotating breakfast items like eggs, hot/cold cereals, fruit, toast or muffins, yogurt, and granola. Coffee, tea, water, juice included.

Morning: After breakfast, we will enjoy our first water coloring class with our instructor, getting acquainted with our equipment and subjects.

Lunch: At Lyles Dining Hall, we will enjoy a buffet meal that may include a sandwich bar or a hot entrée. Other offerings include a homemade soup of the day and salad bar, along with a dessert. Coffee, tea, water, juice included.

Afternoon: Our class continues, as we paint to our heart's content under the guidance of our expert instructor.

Dinner: Dining hall buffet.

Evening: We will enjoy an evening presentation from a local expert, which could range from a live animal presentation, living history performance, musical or artistic guests, or lectures on human and cultural history of the area.

Day 3
Yosemite National Park, Lesson in the Park
Oakhurst B,L,D Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
Activity note: Getting on/off shuttle. Approximately 60 miles, 3 hours of riding today on country roads. Walking approximately 1 mile.

Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.

Morning: After packing lunch, we will board the shuttle for Yosemite Valley, departing by 8:00 a.m. We will first stop Tunnel View, with that famous first glimpse of Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, and Cathedral Rocks. As we view the woodlands through the conifer forest, we’ll drop down into the glacially-carved valley of Yosemite to visit Sentinel Bridge and Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Lunch: In Yosemite Valley, we will enjoy a sack lunch we packed this morning, consisting of sandwiches, chips, fruit, and other snacks. Water included.

Afternoon: We will enjoy a painting lesson in the park with the help of our instructor. The shuttle departs for ECCO by 3:00 p.m.

Dinner: Dining hall buffet.

Evening: We will enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.

Day 4
Yosemite National Park, Free Time
Oakhurst B,L,D Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
Activity note: Getting on/off shuttle. Approximately 60 miles, 3 hours of riding today on country roads. Walking approximately 1 mile.

Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.

Morning: After packing lunch, we will board the shuttle for Yosemite Valley, departing by 8:00 a.m. Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. For those who wish, bring your painting supplies and enjoy the opportunity to capture Yosemite's beauty in watercolors.

Lunch: Yosemite sack lunch.

Afternoon: More free time in the park. Feel free to keep painting or visit Yosemite Valley. The shuttle will depart for ECCO by 3:00 p.m.

Dinner: Dining hall buffet.

Evening: We will enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.

Day 5
More Painting in Yosemite
Oakhurst B,L,D Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
Activity note: Getting on/off shuttle. Approximately 60 miles, 3 hours of riding today on country roads. Walking approximately 1 mile.

Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.

Morning: After packing lunch, we will board the shuttle for our third day of exploration in Yosemite, with departure at 8:00 a.m. We’ll enjoy the varying landscapes and historic structures as subjects for our painting.

Lunch: Yosemite sack lunch.

Afternoon: We will resume our exploration of Yosemite. Our shuttle will depart no later than 3:30 p.m.

Dinner: Dining hall buffet.

Evening: We will enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.

Day 6
Program Concludes
Oakhurst B,L
Activity note: Lodge check-out by 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.

Morning: We will enjoy our last class of the week.

Lunch: Dining hall buffet. This concludes our program.

Afternoon: 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 another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: Welcome to San Diego

After your arrival at San Diego Airport, you are transferred to your hotel on the downtown waterfront. Perhaps take a walk along the bay before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: San Diego Sightseeing

Discover America’s finest city as you embark on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. Journey through the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego and Balboa Park, one of North America’s most iconic urban parks. Admire its lush and landscaped gardens in bloom thanks to the year-round pleasant weather. Finally, stroll among the atmospheric old and historic adobe ranch homes of the Old Town State Historical Park. Glimpse into the 19th-century colonial life and perhaps try some authentic Mexican flavours at one of the popular eateries.This afternoon, board the Pacific Surfliner and enjoy far-reaching ocean views as the train hugs the coast. Travel through Orange County to the Mission Modern-style Union Station in Los Angeles.

Day 3: Los Angeles Sightseeing

An exciting day awaits as you set out to explore lively Los Angeles. Ride on the landmark Angel’s Flight funicular for a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia. Continue to the Los Angeles Theatre, inspired by French Baroque architecture, for a private guided tour. It has been closed to the public since 1994 but was once one of the grand movie palaces of the Broadway District. In legendary Hollywood, take your photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and stroll along the Walk of Fame. Look for the hand- and footprints of cinema’s greatest celebrities at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood’s most sought-after theatre for movie premieres. In the afternoon, explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, a captivating experience about the history and artistry of motorized transportation. Alternatively, head to the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and take a deep dive into the history of filmmaking. Another option is to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a fantastic collection of artworks from ancient times to modern day. To top off your perfect day, dine at Nick and Stef’s, an outstanding steak house in Downtown LA.

Day 4: Train Journey to the American Riviera

Return to the Union Station and board your Pacific Surfliner train. Travel through the valleys around Los Angeles before arriving at the coast where the shoreline wraps around to Santa Barbara. Spend time on State Street, a palm tree-lined avenue of shops and eateries before you further explore Santa Barbara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, one of the original 21 California Missions founded by Spanish Franciscans. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll through the Botanical Gardens and learn about California’s diverse native plants.

Day 5: Paso Robles Wine Country Relaxed Start

Join your Amtrak rail journey one more time and soak up sweeping ocean views as you ride along the coast to San Luis Obispo. Later, arrive to Paso Robles in the heart of wine country and spend time at the City Park and explore its boutiques, cafes and art galleries. In the afternoon visit the Eberle Winery for a tour of the vineyard and the unique underground caves. Born out of necessity to store more wine barrels, the caves provide the perfect backdrop for a tasting of a selection of excellent local wines.Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a Farm-to-Table dinner at Thomas Hill Organics—a 10 acre collaborative supporting local agriculture with a focus on fresh, organic and straight-from-the-earth ingredients.

Day 6: Giant Sequoias

Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop at the Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 mature sequoias and admire these gigantic trees. The oldest tree in the Grove is the Grizzly Giant, which dates back around 3000 years and stands 209 feet (64 metres) tall.

Day 7: Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start

Join a park ranger and embark on a guided tram tour of the Yosemite Valley floor. You are surrounded by unspoilt nature as you take in the most iconic sights of the park. Get up close to the magnificent Yosemite Falls that cascade from a height of 2,425 feet (739 metres). See the Half Dome, a rock formation with a distinct shape, and El Capitan, a granite rock monolith rising 3000 feet (914 metres) above the valley floor. Take in the spectacular scenery from Tunnel View, encompassing towering mountains, dense forests and the Bridalveil Falls. Spend the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps join an activity and explore further by renting a bike, going on a hike or visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery.

Day 8: On to San Francisco

Travel towards the coast, cross the Bay Bridge and arrive in buzzing San Francisco. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf, once home to the city’s colourful fishing fleet and today a popular district full of restaurants, cafes and shops. This afternoon, join your Travel Director for a stroll across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of California, then continue on a short drive to the quaint town of Sausalito. Enjoy some leisure time before taking the ferry back to San Francisco, passing the infamous Alcatraz Island.

Day 9: San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start

This morning, venture across the road and to the Ferry Building and shop around at one of America’s most famous farmers markets. Browse the stalls offering organic produce, flowers and regional artisan specialties such as breads, cheeses, and jams. On your city sightseeing tour, journey past lively Union Square and vast Golden Gate Park. Travel through the SoMa District and Mission Bay to see the incredible growth and urbanization the city has experienced in recent years. Join your Travel Director for a culinary exploration of the Mission District. Sample local flavors in the area best known for creative ice cream parlours, craft doughnut shops, independent cafes and the best Mexican bites. Visit Balmy Alley and see the most concentrated collection of urban murals in the city.Tonight, toast to your travels at a local restaurant at your Celebration Dinner.

Day 10: Farewell California

After breakfast, you are transferred to San Francisco Airport where your journey comes to an end.