Download this tour as a PDF document (a more printer friendly presentation)

California Missions   7 Day Itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrival in Los Angeles

Upon arrival in Los Angeles, self transfer to hotel. This evening the group will enjoy a gala wine and cheese reception with tour director. (WR)

 

Day 2: Los Angeles / San Juan Capistrano / Los Angeles

Begin the day by visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and then depart to visit San Juan Capistrano - “the Jewel of the Missions”.  It is believed to be the oldest church in California.  Begin the drive north along the Pacific Coast Highway to Laguna Beach located in the heart of the “California Riviera” to explore the galleries, specialty shops, and boutiques.  Continue to Newport Harbor and explore many landmarks on an enjoyable cruise including the Cannery, the Balboa Pavilion and ferry, Lido Village, and Old Newport.  On the way back to Los Angeles the group will stop at Olvera Street where the evening is free to survey the unique stores, restaurants, and colorful Mexican entertainment.  (BB)

 

Day 3: San Fernando / Solvang

After checkout the group will stop at Hollywood and visit Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Continue to Rodeo Drive, an exclusive shopping district in the heart of Beverly Hills.  Next stop will be the Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana established in 1797, which Pope John Paul II visited in 1987.  This mission offers outstanding examples of Indian and Spanish architecture and exquisite gardens.  Leave Mission Hills to Santa Barbara and visit the Mission Santa Barbara.  Founded in 1786, it is still inhabited by Franciscan friars, and is known as the “Queen of the Missions”.  Conclude the day in Solvang, known as “Little Denmark”, and enjoy a smorgas bord (authentic Danish buffet) in this quaint village.  (BB,D)

 

Day 4: Santa Ines / San Luis Obispo / Carmel

The morning begins with a visit to the Mission Santa Ines.  This still active congregation, founded in 1804, contains early Native American artifacts and relics.  Then continue to the Franciscan Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, often called “the Prince of Missions”.  Here explore the museum chronicling Native American and missionary life from the mission’s beginning in 1772.   Next, arrive in San Simeon and tour the Hearst Castle.  In addition to the one hundred-room mansion, visitors can enjoy “The Enchanted Hill”, a national historic landmark containing a priceless art collection, and views of the Santa Lucia Mountains.  Have your camera ready to capture the beautiful drive north along the Big Sur coastline providing spectacular and dramatic views.  Arrive in Monterey Peninsula and in the evening be taken to Cannery Row, which features restaurants, specialty shops, factory outlet stores, and wine tasting rooms overlooking the Monterey Bay.  (CB)

 

Day 5: San Carlos Borromeo / San Juan Baustista / San Francisco

Today begins with a stop at the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, the final resting place of Father Junipero Serra.  Founded in 1770, it is considered to be one of the state’s most outstanding historic monuments.  Next visit the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a mix of English village, ramshackle beach town, and cosmopolitan shopping district.  The tour continues along the famed 17-Mile Drive, a private community known throughout the work for its natural scenic beauty and affluence. Visit Mission San Juan Bautista. Founded in 1797 it is the largest mission. Resume the trek north driving through the Silicon Valley to San Francisco.  The evening is open to explore the area, including Fishermen’s Wharf, Buena Vista Café, or Club Fugazi.  (AB)

 

Day 6: San Francisco / Mission Dolores / San Francisco

Today the group will take a sightseeing tour of San Francisco beginning with a stop at Mission Dolores.  Founded in 1776, it is the oldest structure in San Francisco, and features decorations from Spain and Mexico.  Continue to Twin Peaks, a 65-acre park overlooking the city.  Visit the Golden Gate Park on the way to Cliff House, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and offshore Sea Rocks.  Following the drive through the wooded Presidio, one of the country's newest national parks, the group will cross the famed Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most awesome man-made structures in the world.  The tour continues to picturesque Sausalito where the group will have time to dine at one of the fine seafood restaurants overlooking the bay and to shop at the stores along Bridgeway.  The group will then board the ferry for the bay crossing which passes within yards of the former island prison of Alcatraz, "the Rock."  Arrive at the Fisherman's Wharf area with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore the waterfront attractions, ride the cable car, the only national landmark on wheels, and shop at the department stores in the Union Square area.  Tonight the group will dine at Swiss Louie’s at Pier 39.  (AB,D)

 

Day 7: San Francisco / Home

Following breakfast, checkout of the hotel. Individuals may have indeed left their hearts in San Francisco but are bound to take home many wonderful memories of the CALIFORNIA MISSIONS TOUR. (AB)

 

Included Highlights:

·   Tour price is Land-Only package

·   Accommodations:  Superior Tourist Class Hotels; 2 nights in Los Angeles, 1 night in Solvang, 1 night in Monterey, 2 nights in San Francisco

·    Meals:  6 Breakfasts (2 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Continental Breakfast (CB), 1 American Breakfast (AB), and 2 American Breakfasts), 2 Dinners (Smorgas bord in Solvang and a Farewell Dinner at Swiss Louie’s at Pier 39) (D), and Welcome Wine & Cheese Reception (WR).

·    Sightseeing:  Full sightseeing and admissions as outlined in the planned itinerary including a tour of the Hearst Castle and the ferry between Sausalito and San Francisco.

Also Included:  Daily Mass, full ground transportation via deluxe motorcoach as outlined in the itinerary, Tour Director to accompany the group throughout the tour (with the exception of the last day/Day 7), luggage handling at the hotels (based on unlimited bags, Driver gratuities, and applicable taxes and tips (except to the Tour Director

 

$1,399.00 Per Person, based on double occupancy, * Land Only
(Add $139 for optional travel insurance)
Call for airfare from your home city.

Hotels are Best Western or similar.
 

2008 Departure Dates: Land Only May 19 to 25........ $1,399.00 June 30 - July 6 ....... $1,399.00 September 22 to 28 ........ $1,399.00

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, Land Only. There are a limited number of single rooms. Single Supplement: $400

 Passenger Reservation Form          Travel Insurance          Terms and Conditions

The Catholic Tour Company    21625 Chagrin Blvd. # 210    Beachwood, Ohio 44122

HOME   -   ABOUT US   -   OUR TOURS   -   CONTACT US