San Diego, known as “America’s Finest City”, embodies laid-back California culture with its broad, breathtaking beaches, mild temperatures, and world-class attractions. Surround yourself with the “sunny disposition” or friendly atmosphere—thanks in large part to the average of 300 sunny days per year! Discover the historic Gaslamp quarter’s interesting and colorful past and explore the present-day trendy restaurants and shops. Balboa Park flourishes with tropical scented flowers and is home to the San Diego Zoo, world-famous for its animals and global conservation programs, which you may now check off your bucket list! Packed with the best attractions, you’ll also have free time to immerse yourself in world-class cultural experiences, a thriving culinary scene, and the city’s Navy town personality. Escape the cold weather and find yourself smiling in sunny San Diego!
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
PACKAGE INCLUDES
NOTE: This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can be restrictive to motorcoaches, especially in historic areas.
Itinerary
Sun, Feb 7: Fly from Indianapolis to San Diego, California. Upon arrival, enjoy a narrated sightseeing trolley tour of “America’s Finest City” highlighting some of the landmarks and neighborhoods that make San Diego unique, including the Gaslamp Quarter with its many entertainment venues housed in historic buildings, Old Town, and picturesque Coronado Island. Other sights on the tour include Seaport Village, Barrio Logan, Balboa Park, and Little Italy. Following a stop for lunch on your own check in to your Bayview suite at the Embassy Suites Downtown San Diego. The evening is yours to relax or venture out and get acquainted with your surroundings on your first night on the west coast.
Mon, Feb 8: After breakfast included at the hotel, depart for the San Diego Zoo, located in the urban cultural area of Balboa Park. The world-renowned 100-acre zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, many of them rare and endangered, and has a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. You will have plenty of time for exploration! For extra fun, ride the Skyfari Aerial Tram over the treetops or join one of the daily presentations by wildlife care specialists to get a new perspective on the zoo’s residents and how to support their conservation. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and the remainder of the day is at your leisure. An optional excursion will be offered to visit the historic Hotel del Coronado, located across the bay on Coronado Island. (Meals: Breakfast)
Tue, Feb 9: This morning, embark on a private docent-led tour of the USS Midway Museum, a retired aircraft carrier commissioned in 1945. With more than 30 restored aircraft and nearly 10 acres of exhibits and displays, you will go on a unique journey that engages the sights, sounds, and aromas on this symbol of American freedom. Next, board a much smaller boat for a whale watching adventure with live narration from an expert captain and a naturalist! From mid-December through April more than 20,000 gray whales migrate from Alaskan waters to the calving lagoons in Baja California. You may also catch a glimpse of fin whales, humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions and wildlife! After your cruise, enjoy the local cuisine at an included dinner along the water. (B,D)
Wed, Feb 10: Take the day to spend in San Diego as you wish. Get better acquainted with one of the unique neighborhoods you’ve seen or spend time admiring the ocean waves and natural beauty of the beach. Take the trolley or ferry over to Coronado Island on your own and book a walking tour of the legendary hotel, spend some time on the beach, dine, and shop at the boutiques! Explore the landmarks and museums of Balboa Park. Choose to see more of the coastline and purchase a ticket for the Pacific Surfliner Amtrak train, venture over to SeaWorld or just relax and enjoy the California sunshine. Whatever you decide, wrap up your vacation on a high note and take lasting memories home to share with friends and family. (B)
Thu, Feb 11: Check out of the hotel and transfer to the nearby San Diego Airport for your flight home. (B)
Hotels
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown. Enjoy views of both the bay and San Diego skyline from this all-suite hotel. Centrally located downtown, within walking distance of Marina Village and the Gaslamp Quarter. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, microwave • complimentary WiFi Internet access • concierge • restaurant • bar • indoor pool • fitness center.
Pricing
* Subject to change due to fuel surcharge
