Sunny Southern California

Day 1 – Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - Victoria to Los Angeles – Long Beach

Board a plane this morning to fly to the Golden State of California with its warm, Mediterranean like climate where you will stay at the iconic 1936 British luxury ocean liner The RMS Queen Mary permanently moored at Long Beach. You will have a historical tour recounting her glory days, and a fine dining experience on board the ship with beautiful views of Long Harbor Bay. 

Today’s dinner is included

Day 2 – Wednesday, November 17, 2021 – Long Beach  

This morning, we drive to the magnificent Getty Centre for art, architecture and nature.  With expansive views of the Los Angeles Basin and a museum housing an impressive collection of art by Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne and Rembrandt and countless others, a guided tour of the gardens and architecture will compete for your attention. Next, a short drive brings us to one of the most-filmed locations in Los Angeles – The Santa Monica Pier with sweeping ocean views and wide sandy beaches. Lunch at a quaint café of your choice, shop, ride on the famous 1922 indoor merry-go-round or simply relax with views of the bay and the mountains. History buffs will enjoy a stroll to the 1941 Santa Monica Pier Sign, where the legendary Route 66 reaches the Pacific Ocean. Next, we are off to downtown LA and a famed cobbled street - Olvera Street, considered the birthplace of Los Angeles. Step back in time on an imaginative journey through El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, home to the Pico House, the Avila Adobe and other fascinating remnants of Los Angeles. From a small Spanish farming community to the metropolis it is today, you will be enthralled at what you uncover on this short street. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. 

Today’s breakfast is included

Day 3 – Thursday, November 18, 2021 – Long Beach to San Diego  

We check out of our floating hotel after breakfast and depart on a scenic drive along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway. On our way to San Diego, we will make some interesting short stops and tour the 1776 Mission San Juan Capistrano where you will learn important history about one of the largest missions set up by the Spanish. Arrive this evening at another historic hotel in the heart of San Diego's most vibrant district, The Gaslamp Quarter. The U.S. Grant Hotel was built by Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., son of President Ulysses S. Grant. San Diego voters helped finance the hotel built in 1910 and named it in honour of the president. The hotel has an in-house art gallery that features a $6.5 million collection of distinctive artwork, stunning sculptures, ironwork, murals and paintings.

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 4 – Friday, November 19, 2021 – San Diego  

This morning explore the nation’s largest urban cultural park, Balboa Park as much as you like or as little as you like. With a myriad of museums and theatres you have the opportunity to focus on your special interest.  Wander past the Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings along the pedestrian mall, El Prado, then take in the sublime beauty of the Botanical Building's lily pond or explore the meandering park trails. Later this afternoon we take a short drive to Imperial Beach, the southernmost pier in the state of California built in 1909. Enjoy the sounds, sites and fresh air of the Pacific Ocean. Walk the beach and watch the sunset as you dine on the picturesque and historic pier.  

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included. 

Day 5 – Saturday, November 20, 2021 – San Diego to Palm Springs

After breakfast we leave San Diego for the desert resort city of Palm Springs. Along the way stop and see the Torrey Pines, a rare and endangered pine species growing in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve on one of the wildest stretches of land on the Southern California coast. Later, as we travel inland, view an interesting sight in the barren landscape in Borrego Springs. Not a mirage, but over 130 massive rust-red scrap metal sculptures with many representing the life like creatures that once roamed the land. Prehistoric mammals, historical and imaginative characters, dinosaurs and many more one of a kind works of art by sculptor Ricardo Breceda known as the “Picasso of Steel". Before you arrive Palm Springs, we make a brief stop at California’s largest lake 236 feet below sea level and saltier than the ocean. The dying Salton Sea was created in 1905 when the Colorado River swelled, breached its levees and flooded into the Salton Sink desert valley. For two years the water flowed creating a 15-mile by 35-mile freshwater lake that today is shrinking rapidly. This evening we will have a culinary experience at a downtown restaurant.  

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included 

Day 6 – Sunday, November 21, 2021 – Palm Springs 

Today we visit a living desert of plants and unique animals like porcupines and wart hogs. Try your hand at feeding giraffes or simply soak in the beautiful scenery with garden paths that weave through a stunning landscape of cactus, succulents and flowering plants.  Next, we have a lunch date at the Shields Date Farm.  A family run business since the 1920’s, this farm still grows dates without fertilizers or pesticides in the heart of the “Date Capital of the World”. Enjoy lunch on the patio before touring the farm. This evening is free to take a stroll downtown Palm Springs with its own Walk of Stars with over 400 inductees. Teeming with mid-century modern architecture, storefronts, museums and art galleries you will have plenty to choose from. 

Today’s breakfast and lunch included 

Day 7 – Monday, November 22, 2021 – Palm Springs  

This morning visit an incredible natural desert treasure, The Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua trees look like they came out of the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. Explore the parks complex landscape and unique beauty. This afternoon return to the hotel to rest and relax before dinner this evening at a popular local restaurant and a time to share travel sentiments. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 8 – Tuesday, November 23, 2021 - Palm Springs to Home 

Fly home today after being refreshed with plenty of sun and sea. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

✓  Pick up at your door (Greater Victoria & Vancouver)

✓ Roundtrip airfare to/from Victoria or Vancouver 

✓ Airline baggage fees for one checked bag

✓ 13 Meals

✓ All ground transportation on deluxe charter vehicle

✓ Tour aboard the Queen Mary 

✓ The Getty Centre 

✓ El Pueblo Historical Monument 

✓ Mission San Juan Capistrano 

✓ Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve 

✓ Galleta Meadows Sculptures

✓ Living Desert Zoo

✓ Shields Date Farm

✓ Joshua Tree National Park 

✓ Luggage handling at hotels

✓ All mandatory fees and taxes

✓ Gratuities on included meals

✓ Services of a professional Tour Director

✓ Gratuities for Tour Director & Driver

Hotels: 

Day 1-2 The Queen Mary, Long Beach  

Day 3-4 The US Grant, Luxury Collection, San Diego

Day 5-7 Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs