Cure the winter blues as you embark on a journey to Southern California. The colorful town of Palm Springs is a desert oasis with mid-century architecture and 60’s glamour that will take you to another time. We’ll check into our hotel in downtown Palm Springs and get to know our fellow travelers as we enjoy tonight’s welcome dinner. Meals: D

This morning we set out to enjoy a tour of Joshua Tree National Park. This unique park has adapted to the harsh desert climate and is the perfect habitat for ancient Joshua trees. Watch for wildlife and take in the panoramic views of the Coachella Valley as we explore some of the park’s 700,000 acres and enjoy a picnic lunch. We’ll return to Palm Springs tonight and board the Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car. Enjoy the spectacular vistas of the valley floor as we travel to the top of Mount San Jacinto for dinner. Meals: B, L, D

This morning we’ll board our deluxe motorcoach for a driving tour of Palm Springs. Our local guide will share stories of the town’s famous residents and introduce us to the history of how Palm Springs was transformed into a playground for the stars. Complete the tour with a visit to the fascinating Palm springs Air Museum, home of the world's largest collection of flyable aircrafts spanning from WWII to the Global War on Terror. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps you want to relax by the pool or stroll along Palm Canyon Drive and look into the many shops and art galleries. Meals: B

We say goodbye to Palm Springs this morning as we travel west along the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway and visit the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. We’ll stop for lunch in Temecula and visit a local vineyard. Continue on to San Diego and check into our hotel for the next three nights, where we will be just steps away from hundreds of restaurants and shops. Meals: B, L

This morning, a local guide will join us to explore San Diego. We’ll drive by Petco Park, home of the Padres baseball club, tour San Diego’s distinct neighborhoods, and visit Coronado Island for a view of the San Diego skyline. Our tour ends at Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park. You’ll have the afternoon to explore the park’s major museums, performing arts venues, beautiful gardens, or the San Diego Zoo at your leisure. Meals: B

This morning we’ll drive along the waterfront to Cabrillo National Monument. Walk to Old Point Loma Lighthouse or watch for migrating Pacific gray whales from one of the many overlooks. Enjoy lunch on your own in Old Town, the first permanent Spanish settlement in California and home to several historic and cultural sights. After lunch, we’ll explore the floating USS Midway Museum and learn about the 225,000 sailors who have served on this vessel. We’ll take in the magic of San Diego from the water this evening as we enjoy a memorable dinner cruise along the San Diego Harbor. Meals: B, D

The day has come for us to say “see you next time” to our fellow travelers. After breakfast, we’ll depart for the airport and our flight home. Meals: B