Welcome to sunny Southern California, the land of dreams, spectacular beaches, art and culture. All this, and more, is yours as you travel to and from the high desert resort community of Palm Springs to America's Finest City, San Diego! You'll spend a relaxing day on Catalina Island and an evening witnessing the pageantry and passion of "The Glory of Easter" inside the world-famous Crystal Cathedral. This is a five-day journey to spectacular Southern California in the springtime!
DAY 1 – Welcome to Southern California, Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Arrive today at the Los Angeles or Orange County airport. Flights should arrive no later than 1:00pm. You'll be met by your Tour Director and transferred to the Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel. A welcome dinner will be at the Anaheim White House, a historical landmark crafted in 1909. (D)
DAY 2 – San Diego - "America's Finest City!", Wednesday, March 24, 2010 After breakfast at the hotel, you'll spend the day in San Diego, known for the best weather anywhere. You'll set sail on a fully narrated mid-morning harbor cruise followed by an afternoon at the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Your admission includes an open-air tram tour to introduce you to the animals. You'll return to Orange County for dinner on your own at the Irvine Spectrum, a dining, shopping and entertainment venue. (B)
DAY 3 – Palm Springs, Thursday, March 25, 2010 After breakfast at the hotel, you'll visit the sunbathed land of Palm Springs. A step on guide will join you for an indepth tour of the city and it's celebrity homes. You'll enjoy lunch at the Palm Springs Hilton Hotel, but the highlight of your afternoon comes as you take your reserved seats for "The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies." This razzle-dazzle, Ziegfield-style variety show has been selling out for more than 15 years. You'll return for dinner at P.J.'s Abbey, Orange County's oldest church still standing, converted into an award winning restaurant. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 – Catalina Island and "The Glory of Easter", Friday, March 26, 2010
Breakfast is served at the hotel, after which you'll board the Catalina Express for a cruise to Avalon, the Mediterranean-style port city on Catalina Island. A scenic tram tour is also included before you spend some time on your own. Upon your return to the mainland, you'll enjoy a farewell dinner at Knott's Berry Farm's famous Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Then you'll attend the evening performance of "The Glory Of Easter" at the Crystal Cathedral, a recreation of the pageantry of Passion Week. (D)
DAY 5 – Homeward Bound, Saturday, March 27. 2010
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll return again to the Crystal Cathedral for a docent led tour of the amazing facility. Then you'll bid farewell to Southern California and head home from Los Angeles or Orange County airports. Flights should not depart before 12:00 noon. (B)