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There's never been a more important time to discover America, and we're here to reconnect you to the joy of travel and give you a new appreciation for your own backyard.
Passionately created by Americans for Americans.
HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCES THAT WILL DELIGHT YOU
Learn about the iconic style of Palm Springs on a design and architecture tour of Palm Springs with Local Specialist, Kurt. A much-needed getaway for movie stars and socialites, the vibrant scene became a mecca for this unique look, and you’ll get to visit houses of design heroes and stars from the era.
Discover Joshua Tree National Park, a natural wonder that is the result of two desert ecosystems, the high Mojave and the low Colorado deserts, coming together. After meeting with a park ranger, you’ll enjoy some time on your own to walk the trails.
Be inspired by the story of California’s first mission, Mission San Diego de Alcala. Built in 1769, the mission is home to a cultural center where visitors can relive the history and traditions of the last 250 years.
Included Distancing and Hygiene Standards
Our new Wellbeing standards, developed with guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC), plus our 24/7 incident response protocols can be found here. You’ll have an always on support team, including a dedicated Wellbeing Director, who’ll stay up to date and quickly adjust behind the scenes to government protocols, leaving you to enjoy your vacation.
Welcome to seaside San Diego where the sunshine is free and the history is rich. San Diego is home to 70 miles of sandy shoreline, outdoor adventures, over a hundred craft breweries and gastronomic delights influenced by its culturally diverse population. Things to do in San Diego include exploring and learning about the rich history of the city while sightseeing; or wandering through the popular Farmers' Market in Little Italy and tasting authentic San Diegan food. Soak up some rays at Coronado Beach, one of San Diego's beaches, before meeting your fellow travelers and Travel Director this evening. Get to know one another over a local pint (or other delicious beverage) and San Diegan starters to kick off your vacation in Southern California.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton
Start your day exploring the diverse and unique neighborhoods during a tour of San Diego with a Local Specialist who will give you the inside scoop - from laid-back Pacific Beach to hipster North Park and bustling Downtown. After learning more about what makes each of these neighborhoods such an integral piece of San Diego, we'll visit another important landmark - California's first Mission, Mission San Diego de Alcala. The mission is home to a cultural center for all visitors to relive the history and traditions of the last 250 years since the mission was constructed in 1769. Later in the afternoon, we'll expand on the history of the missionaries during our Old Town Food and History Walking Tour. Located in the heart of San Diego, Old Town is California's first settlement and home to a quaint atmosphere full of Spanish and Mexican culture. During our walk, you'll enjoy the melodic tunes of local mariachi music while tasting Mexican culinary specialties including a tequila tasting and a demonstration of the art of tortilla making.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
San Diego – Palm Springs
This morning we head up to the coast to La Jolla, a charming seaside village known for its beach-inspired artisans and resident seal population. Spend time on the pier listening to the waves crash against the shore or keeping an eye out for the San Diego wildlife - no matter how you choose to spend your time on this La Jolla visit it is sure to be relaxing and beautiful. Our next stop takes us to Temecula Valley Wine Country. With its Mediterranean-like climate, this region is bursting with rolling hills akin to Tuscany and is home to over 40 wineries growing over 50 grape varietals and olive groves. Famed for their Californian olive oils, we'll visit Temecula Olive Oil Company, a family-owned and operated ranch. They are passionate about sustainable agriculture with their zero-waste operations, along with producing high quality products to enhance daily life, food and health. At the ranch, we will enjoy a private Be My Guest lunch under the shade of the olive trees (weather permitting) paired with olive oil and wine tastings hosted by one of the family members as they share the methods and traditions used on their farm. Afterwards we will continue onward to Palm Springs with a stop for a ride on the Aerial Tramway - the world's largest rotating tram car. Travel over 2.5 miles by tram along the cliffs of Chino Canyon overlooking Mount San Jacinto State Park before you arrive at the Mountain Station with an elevation of 8,516 feet, providing picturesque views of the desert valley below.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 4
Joshua Tree National Park
Known for the twisted, oddball tree from where it gets its name, Joshua Tree National Park is a natural wonder where two desert ecosystems, the high Mojave and the low Colorado deserts come together resulting in unique flora and fauna. Meet with a local park ranger who will give you the background into the park before taking time on your own to walk the trails. Next, we'll head back to Palm Springs where you can enjoy time on your own relaxing by the pool or exploring the quaint town, your Travel Director will be happy to recommend some local favorites for dinner.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
Palm Springs – Orange County
In the mid-twentieth century, Palm Springs became a much-needed getaway for movie stars and socialites to escape the daily hustle and bustle of Hollywood. This vibrant scene resulted in Palm Springs becoming today's mecca for mid-century modern architecture. Today we'll join a Local Specialist, Kurt, for a Mid-Century Modern Architecture and Design Experience where you'll tour houses of design heroes and stars from this era. As we leave the desert, headed for new scenery in Orange County, we'll stop for an iconic west coast lunch, In-N-Out Burger. Not just any location, we're stopping at In-n-Out University. During your visit to the headquarters of California's favorite burger spot, you'll get the inside scoop on the famed "secret menu" from your Travel Director. Then, we continue west for the famed Orange Country beach towns featured throughout literature, films and television. Join a Local Specialist for an introduction to the area as they highlight what makes each beach town so unique, from Laguna Beach's community of artisans and craftsmen to how Huntington Beach earned the nickname of 'Surf City USA.' After our tour, your evening is free as you settle into your seaside hotel.
Crystal Cove State Park, Newport Beach and Balboa Island
On our last full day of this California tour, we will make the most of exploring Orange County. This morning we will travel to the pristine Crystal Cove State Park, one of Orange County's largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore with 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of wilderness. Joined by a Local Specialist, you'll explore the beaches of Orange County, tidepools and the Historic District which features 46 vintage coastal cottages originally built as a seaside colony in the 1930s and 1940s. Later in the afternoon, we'll head to sophisticated and charming Newport Beach - the epitome of California chic. After some time exploring, you can take the ferry over to Balboa Island and enjoy the boutique coastal shops and quaint restaurants. Be sure to try out Balboa Island's two famous desserts the Balboa Bar and Frozen Banana, both dipped in chocolate and covered with your choice of topping. The only fitting way to end such a spectacular day and trip is a dinner together with your fellow travelers and Travel Director as you toast to new memories, new experiences and new friends.
Famed for their California olive oils, the family who owns Temecula Olive Oil Company has invited us for a delicious lunch under the shade of the olive trees (weather permitting).
Discover what makes each of Orange County's famed beach towns so unique, from Laguna Beach's community of artisans to how Huntington Beach earned the nickname of 'Surf City USA'.
Take a walking tour of San Diego's Old Town, California's first settlement, and enjoy a bit of history, Mexican culinary specialities including a tequila tasting and the melodic tunes of mariachi music.
Included distancing and hygiene standards
Trips will operate with a number of empty seats to allow for extra physical distancing.
24/7 support team that have completed all necessary training
On trip standards that meet guidance from local authorities and the World Health Organisation (WHO)
Physical distancing throughout your journey
Sanitization and cleaning
Plus, numerous additional measures to give you peace of mind.
AMERICANS HELPING AMERICANS – YOU’LL MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT TO OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
By traveling domestically, you’ll give back to the local communities, families and businesses we visit. Here are just a few of the examples from this trip:
Supporting Communities
Enjoying lunch under the shade of olive trees does more than just fill you up. Our visit to the family-owned Temecula Olive Oil Company helps preserve their sustainable agriculture efforts and zero-waste operations.
Preserving History
Built in 1769, Mission San Diego de Alcala was California’s first mission and when you visit a donation is made to help continue the preservation of over 250 years of history and tradition.
Protecting Nature
When you travel with us, your documents will be sent to you electronically reducing our impact and the amount of paper consumed. Plus, we’ll plant a tree in your honor through our partner, One Tree Planted.
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PEACE OF MIND PROMISE
Trafalgar is a proud member of The Travel Corporation, the leaders in travel for 100 years and highly solvent
When you’re ready to travel, we’re here for you. Use your Future Travel Credit on one of these ‘Near Not Far Limited Series’ trips and discover America like never before.
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Trip Notes
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Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Double-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.