2 Centre Holiday San Diego and Palm Springs
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to LA and drive along the stunning coastline to our San Diego hotel in Old Town.
A full-day tour of San Diego and the surrounding area, which will take in Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, Mission Bay, Balboa Park, and the Old Town. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
This morning we visit the world famous San Diego Zoo, with its renowned 100-acre botanical gardens which is home to more than 777 species of 3,200 animals. A guided bus tour covers most of the zoo grounds and aerial trams allow for viewing the animals from a higher altitude. The zoo is classified as a must-see, and one of the world’s finest.
As the Mexican border is just a tram ride away, today our guide will touch on the rich history, traditions, and culture of Mexico, and how it has influenced San Diego and Southern California. Then we’ll take the trolley to the Mission San Diego de Alcala (known as the “Plymouth Rock of the West Coast”) - the first mission founded by the Franciscans in “Upper California”. The road connecting the missions was known as the El Camino Real, or “The Royal Highway”!
There is much to see and do, especially since your hotel is located in Old Town. You may want to return to Balboa Park’s art galleries, museums and restaurants, or to Seaport Village - a charming area with a boardwalk, horse-drawn carriages and an 1890 carousel.
This morning we hop on the trolley in Old Town and ride to the waterfront, where we board a narrated cruise/tour of San Diego Harbour and Shelter Island. On the cruise we will see Point Loma, North Island Naval Station, the Submarine Base, as well as the Coronado Bridge and much more.
Another day at leisure in San Diego.
We leave San Diego, and make our first stop and visit in the quaint historic town of Temecula. The town is in an area known as “Southern California’s Citrus and Wine Country”, as there have been hundreds of award-winning wines produced by the 35 wineries in the area. After some free time in town we’ll visit a winery for a Tour and Tasting, as well as a picnic lunch. After our visit we proceed to Palm Springs.
On our morning guided tour we experience the world of the ‘rich and famous’. Relive Hollywood’s golden era as we pass by the former homes of such stars as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Clark Gable, Bob Hope, Liberace and Frank Sinatra, to name a few. We’ll also enjoy a casual nature hike into the famous Indian Canyon - a lush oasis located within desert scenery. Since the Coachella Valley here is known as the Date Capital, later we will visit a Date Garden!
Today we visit the stunning Joshua Tree National Park - a veritable treasury of wildlife and plants. The wildflowers, palm groves, colourful canyons, surreal geological features, and breathtaking vistas make this one of the world’s richest living museums. Lunch is included. This evening is Palm Springs “Villagefest - a weekly colourful street fair with craft stalls and food stands.
A morning at leisure. Our coach will be on hand to provide shuttles to and from Palm Springs’ renowned downtown district. Or, relax at the hotel, take a swim in the heated pools or use the fitness room. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy an entertaining performance at one of the local theatres.
We visit the Living Desert Museum, where we will enjoy a guided safari tour through this unique wildlife and botanical park. Lunch is included.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - the world’s largest rotating tram car, travels over 2 miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon into the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The tram rotates slowly, offering spectacular vistas of the valley below as it elevates to almost 9000 ft.! Stunning viewpoints, trails, and hikes can be found at the top.
We proceed to Los Angeles, where we’ll first have some free time at the Farmer’s Market. Then on our city tour we’ll pass by famous sights such as Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and more. A walking tour will take us into the heart of Hollywood to see the famous celebrity hand and foot prints on the Walk of Fame, and also Awards Walk - home to the Academy Awards. Tonight is our Farewell Dinner!
We transfer to the LA airport and fly home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
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