Day 1 – Arrive in Southern California – Welcome to beautiful Southern California. Upon arrival, meet your Tour Director and transfer to your hotel for the next five nights, the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, located in the Heart of Orange County. The hotel is just minutes away from world class shopping at South Coast Plaza, golden sand beaches, and Disneyland. The 486 rooms property is a fullservice hotel with many amenities and features 24/7 fitness center, pool, and complimentary
Wi-Fi for your convenience. Orange County, or “The OC” stands out as one of the state’s most iconic destinations featuring manicured beach towns, celebrated theme parks, and incredible shopping all framed by oceanfront towns and luxury yachts. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner to get acquainted with your fellow travelers. Overnight Costa Mesa.
Day 2 – San Diego City Tour – Harbor Cruise – New Year’s Eve – After an included breakfast, travel south to visit San Diego. Enjoy a San Diego City Tour including the historic Gaslamp District, the bustling Embarcadero, Balboa Park, and historic Old Town San Diego. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely San Diego Harbor Cruise featuring views of the San Diego Skyline, Seaport Village, Coronado Bridge, Coronado Island, and sea life along with facts and history about the unique waterfront. Return to your hotel to get ready for a fun-filled in the New Year during your New Year’s Eve Dinner Party. The event will be filled with dining, dancing to live band music, and the games of a “Monte Carlo” style casino. There will be party hats, favors, drawings for prizes, and a champagne toast to ring in the New Year. Overnight Costa Mesa.
Day 3 – San Juan Capistrano – Laguna Beach – Newport Beach – Happy New Year! After an included breakfast, sit back, relax, and explore some of Orange County’s most famous sights and beach towns. First a short ride south brings you to San Juan Capistrano to visit the beautiful Mission San Juan Capistrano, one of the original missions built by the Spanish. Next, travel up the famous Highway 1 for spectacular coastal views. Drive through Dana Point and stop to visit both Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, quaint seaside cities with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. From Newport, a short ride returns you to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. Overnight Costa Mesa.
Day 4 – New Year’s Day – Rose Parade – Get up early this morning for an included breakfast and then it’s off to experience the “parade of all parades” the Tournament of Roses Parade*. Experience reserved grandstand seats for the ultimate in up-close viewing during the parade. After the parade, enjoy an included lunch at famous Lawry’s Restaurant in Beverly Hills. After lunch, embark on a panoramic Hollywood and Beverly Hills tour featuring Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Rodeo Drive. Later return to Costa Mesa and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. Overnight Costa Mesa. *Note: The 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade is moved to Monday, January 2, 2023, as the parade has a “Never on Sunday rule” which dates back to the late 1800’s.
Day 5 – Floats on Display – Nixon Library – After an included breakfast, enjoy the Showcase of Floats where the floral masterpieces are parked in Pasadena, allowing you to further appreciate the design and workmanship that goes into their creation. Walk within a few feet of the floats and see the creativity and detail. Later, visit the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum featuring nearly 70 new exhibits, a replica of President Nixon’s Oval Office, the spectacular First Lady’s Garden, the President’s faithfully restored 1910 birthplace, a replica of the White House East Room, and the flower ringed memorial sites of President and Mrs. Nixon. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner. Overnight Costa Mesa.
Day 6 – Depart for Home – After an included breakfast, fly home filled with wonderful memories of your Rose Parade New Year’s Tour.
Meals: 5B, 1L, 3D