Compare Cradle of the Grey Whale: Baja California Uncovered by Audley Travel vs Southern California & Joshua Tree National Park end Palm Springs by Insight Vacations

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Trip	Cradle of the Grey Whale: Baja California Uncovered by Audley Travel 5 \| Excellent 3574 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Customize	Southern California & Joshua Tree National Park end Palm Springs by Insight Vacations 5 \| Excellent 10770 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve

Duration	14 days	8 days
Price From	$ 5,554	$ 3,902
Price Per Day	$ 397	$ 488
Highlights	N/A	Choose between two carefully selected activities San Diego: Commissioned eight days after WWII, Midway was the longest service aircraft carrier in the 20th century. Explore the decks and listen to tales from her pilots. Venture below deck to learn all about life in the galley and engine rooms. San Diego: The view of both San Diego’s skyline and waters whilst on a harbor cruise is spectacular and brings the city’s history to life. Look out for the Navy ships that are usually dotted around on the water, highlighting the city’s naval presence. : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests). : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches. : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols. : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day. : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues. Newport Beach: Join your fellow travelers for a savory 3-course welcome dinner with wine. San Diego: San Diego’s culinary scene is burgeoning these days. Known for its emphasis on great seafood, local wines, craft breweries and incredible southwest flavors, thanks to its proximity to Mexico. Palm Springs: Dine at a local restaurant in Downtown Palm Springs. The affluent and diverse population here has attracted dozens of locally owned restaurants, featuring everything from iconic steakhouses to authentic Mexican cuisine. Dining Summary: 3 Dinner with Wine (DW), 6 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch (L) Balboa Island: Explore this quaint harborside community with your Travel Director. A man-made treasure, Balboa Island is home to some of the most expensive homes in California. A walk along the pier offers glorious views of the hillside, town and ocean. Huntington Beach: Huntington Beach is known as “Surf City USA’ and every year hosts the “U.S. Open of Surfing”, the world’s largest surfing competition. This fascinating museum is dedicated to Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku, who popularized the sport. Browse a fascinating collection of memorabilia, including some of surfing history’s most significant artifacts. Crystal Cove: Crystal Cove offers sand, surf, rocky reefs, ridges and canyons, with over three miles of beach and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness. Be sure to wander around the intriguing historic district dotted with 46 rustic coastal cottages that date back to the 1930s. San Diego: The views of the ocean are simply breathtaking as you travel south to San Diego. Sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Southern California. San Diego: The location of the first European settlement in California, Old Town San Diego is full of historic sites and reconstructed buildings. Be sure to visit the 1825 Casa de Estudillo, one of the finest haciendas in the state. Or drop into the Wells Fargo Museum to admire a rare original stagecoach. San Diego: Join your Travel Director and learn about the Gaslamp Quarter, dating back to 1850. Visit the vast Balboa Park which houses no less than 16 museums, numerous gardens, the Old Globe outdoor Theatre, and San Diego Zoo. Finish with a trip over the Coronado Bridge and a walk through the legendary Hotel Del Coronado. Julian: Be transported back in history in the charming town of Julian. A vibrant example of a California frontier town, with pioneer store fronts, historic sites and mines, Julian first became a mining camp when gold was discovered there in 1869. The entire township is now a Designated Historical District. Borrego Springs: Get a close look at the works of artist and welder Ricardo Breceda, who has curated a fascinating collection of rust metal sculptures in the town of Borrego Springs. This amazing site is home to nearly 200 pieces with Elephants, sloths, camels, raptors, horses, and tortoise sculptures all represented. Anza Borrego State Park: Located within the Colorado Desert, California’s largest state park includes dramatic badlands, cool palm oases, twisting slot canyons and cactus-studded slopes. Start your visit at the fascinating Visitor's Center, built underground for cooling efficiency. Anza Borrego State Park: Enjoy a tasty picnic lunch before you take a moderate hike along the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. A you walk through the palm tree groves and waterfalls, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and migrating birds. Some 80 species use the canyon as a watering stop on their flight through the desert. Anza Borrego State Park: Stretching from the town of Borrego Springs to the Salton Sea, this desolate county road offers some of the most scenic views of Anza Borrego, including the stunning Borrego Badlands. Joshua Tree National Park: Named for the region’s twisted bristled Joshua trees, the park combines two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado. Home to a fascinating variety of plants and animals, the park is larger than the state of Rhode Island. Lose yourself in rich cultural history, surreal geological features and unique vegetation. Palm Springs: Join your Travel Director for a sightseeing tour featuring the city's residential mid-century architecture. Architects such as Donald Wexler built homes featuring Southern California Modernism (a lot of steel, a lot of glass) that were popular with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Marilyn Monroe. San Diego: Commissioned eight days after WWII, Midway was the longest service aircraft carrier in the 20th century. Explore the decks and listen to tales from her pilots. Venture below deck to learn all about life in the galley and engine rooms. San Diego: The view of both San Diego’s skyline and waters whilst on a harbor cruise is spectacular and brings the city’s history to life. Look out for the Navy ships that are usually dotted around on the water, highlighting the city’s naval presence. Thermal: Meet Saralyn Delk, (to date) the only female date ranch owner/farmer in America. Regulus Date Ranch is a biodynamic and organic boutique date farm producing arguably the finest Medjool dates in the state. Take a journey through the groves as Saralyn treats you to some dates straight off the tree. Learn how roosters and abandoned feral cats work in tandem to rid the grounds of bugs, gophers, rats, and other pests that would normally destroy the crops.
Trip Style	Private guided tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Premium	Premium
Physical Level	2- Easy	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Nature & Wildlife National Parks	Cultural 50 plus Education / Learning
Countries Visited	United States Bolivia	United States
Cities and Attractions	California La Paz Mexico City	California
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	No
Activities	Hiking History Snorkeling Whale watching	Culture Historic sightseeing
Meals Included	N/A	N/A
Description	Boat excursions to spot whales and dolphins in pristine lagoons. Day trip to Espíritu Santo Island to spot a number of bird species as well as observe and snorkel with the playful sea lions. Exploring the Sierra de San Francisco, a mountain range with a diverse flora, rugged canyon scenery and prehistoric rock art.	Explore Southern California’s sublime golden beaches and deserts on a 7-Day Limited-Edition Tour. Traveling with a maximum of just 17 fellow guests and begin your journey in stylish Newport Beach. Discover 1930’s beach life at Crystal Cove State Park and stroll Balboa Island’s pier. Soak up stunning coastal views on board the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego, revel in the sights, sounds and flavors of the Old Town. With Your-Choice Sightseeing options that include a self-guided tour of the USS Midway or a relaxing harbor cruise in the blue waters of San Diego. Swap the bustle of the city for the calm of nature and walk amongst metal dinosaurs, learn about organic farming and see the beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Joshua Tree National Park. This intimate tour will leave you simply enchanted by Southern California, incorporating destinations and experiences not available to larger groups.

Itinerary: Cradle of the Grey Whale: Baja California Uncovered

Day 1 : Mexico City

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Mexico City. Upon arrival make your way to the nearby airport hotel in preparation for your journey to Baja California tomorrow.

Day 2 : La Paz

This morning fly to La Paz, one of the gateways to beautiful Baja California. You have the afternoon at leisure to relax and recover. This evening meet the rest of your group for dinner and an introduction to the days ahead.

Day 3 : La Paz

Today you could relax at your own leisure. Alternatively you have a choice of excursions. Spend time exploring some national parks or go swimming with whale sharks.

Day 4 : Loreto

Travel to the port of López Mateos on Magdalena Bay for your first whale watching excursion. Continue on to Loreto, with stops at Baja's own "Monument Valley" and at the spectacular drop-off of the Sierra de la Giganta into the Sea of Cortez.

Day 5 : San Ignacio

Today you leave Loreto for San Ignacio, taking in many attractions along the way. Hike through volcanic scenery to a giant column of cacti, and perhaps swim in Conception Bay. A little further north you'll see the historic mining town of French origin, Santa Rosalía, where you will visit the metal church designed by Gustav Eiffel. Later, hike against the backdrop of Tres Vírgenes volcanoes before reaching picturesque San Ignacio.

Day 6 : San Ignacio

Travel to the San Ignacio lagoon, where you will embark on your second amazing boat trip to look for the grey whales. This is the smallest lagoon to find the whales and is often a memorable experience,

Day 7 : San Ignacio

Today you will explore the Sierra San Francisco, a diverse canyon landscape of endemic flora and prehistoric rock art.

Day 8 : San Ignacio

Travel by road to Guerrero Negro today. En route to the wharf you'll enjoy an interesting tour of the world's largest "open sky" salt works, before embarking on a whale watching trip on Scammon's Lagoon.

Day 9 : Loreto

Begin the journey back to Loreto, visiting an old Jesuit mission en-route as well as taking a hike at the base of the spectacular Tres Virgenes volcanoes.

Day 10 : Loreto

Having covered a lot of ground, today has been built in for you to choose what you would like to do. You may wish to simply relax at your hotel, or walk along the Malecon and explore Loreto. Alternatively, you could book an excursion to Isla Coronado, or visit the Oasis and Mission of San Javier.

Day 11 : La Paz

Your morning will start with a short walking tour of Loreto, where you will visit the mission church and mission museum. In the afternoon you will return to La Paz.

Day 12 : La Paz

Today you will visit a series of stunning secluded beaches and bays, surrounded by mangroves. Your guide will take you on a little known path right along the edge between mountain, desert and mangroves, to an otherwise inaccessible beach. On this nature walk you will have the chance to see some of the many bird species native to the area.

Day 13 : International return flight

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mexico City followed by onward international departure.

Day 14 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

Itinerary: Southern California & Joshua Tree National Park end Palm Springs

Day 1: Arrive Newport Beach

With beautiful beaches, superb scenery and stunning sunsets, the coastal city of Newport Beach embodies the true spirit and beauty of Southern California. Your airport transfer will take you to your waterfront hotel, Lido House. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Lido House

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Orange County Beach Sightseeing

Join your Travel Director for a walking tour of Balboa Island this morning. After a ferry ride, stroll the pier for magnificent views and enjoy the Balboa Fun Zone, made famous in the TV program "Arrested Development". Enjoy stunning coastal views as you drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to the surfing mecca of Huntington Beach. Immerse yourself in “Surf City USA” at the intriguing International Surfing Museum. Oddly enough, the museum was founded several decades ago by a woman who has never surfed. Later, enjoy some time at Crystal Cove State Park, one of Orange County's most scenic and pristine stretches of beach and ocean. After some free time at Laguna Beach, return to Newport Beach where the rest of the day is leisurely yours.

Lido House

Breakfast

Day 3: Orange County To San Diego Via Scenic Amtrak Train

Start the day with stunning ocean views on board the scenic Amtrak train to San Diego, "America's Finest City". Then spend the afternoon exploring the famous Old Town. Dating back to 1769 it is California's oldest settlement and today is still considered the heart of San Diego. This evening is then yours to explore the Downtown dining scene. From the trendy Gaslamp Quarter to oceanfront Seaport Village to Little Italy, you won't have any problem finding a restaurant tonight.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar

Breakfast

Day 4: San Diego Sightseeing

Your Travel Director will lead you on a tour of some of the city's iconic sites this morning, including the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and Coronado Island. This afternoon, explore San Diego with Insight Choice. Choose to visit to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier along with an audio guided tour. Or alternatively, choose to take a one-hour boat cruise to tour the spectacular harbor. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant and taste the flavors that are making San Diego one of the newest foodie cities in America.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Visit Anza Borrego State Park

Step back in time in Julian, a small Gold Rush community dating back to the 1870s and taste their famous apple pies. Next travel to Borrega Springs and enter the fascinating world of artist and welder Ricardo Breceda. See his astonishing metal animal sculptures that mark the way to Anza Borrego State Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park then lace up your hiking boots for a hike along the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. Look out for bighorn sheep and birds, before indulging in more amazing views as you travel the Borrego Salton Scenic Seaway. The evening is at your leisure in Palm Springs.

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Thermal and Joshua Tree National Park

This morning we take a short drive to the agricultural town of Thermal and discover the world of Medjool dates, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Saralyn Delk, owner and farmer at the Regulus Date Ranch, taste dates straight from the trees and see for yourself how good the biodynamic and organic produce tastes. This afternoon, visit the vast Joshua Tree National Park. Explore the visitor’s center and enjoy a moderate hike, keeping an eye out wildlife. Toast your travels this evening, along with your travel companions, at a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant in Downtown Palm Springs.

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: Farewell Southern California

This morning, make the most of your last hours in Palm Springs and join your Travel Director for sightseeing tour highlighting the city's residential architecture. A transfer will take you to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), arriving at approximately 11:00 AM.

Breakfast

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