California's Coastal Vistas and Vineyards

Welcome to sunny Santa Monica, home to some of the most stunning beaches and sunsets on the West Coast. Transfer to your stylish hotel, perfectly located for easy access to the haven of shops and attractions like the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers in the evening for an intimate Welcome Dinner. Toast new friendships and enjoy a famous Santa Monica’s sunset.

Head out to Venice this morning, a bohemian paradise famous for its musicians, street performers and iconic beachfront boardwalk. Explore this vibrant neighborhood with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert for a walking tour. Alternatively, choose a bicycle ride and cruise along the beach boardwalk at your leisure. Later, take in the scenery on the Pacific Coast Highway as you travel to Santa Barbara, the American Riviera. Savor every moment of one of the most beautiful drives in the world, stopping en route for a picnic lunch in Malibu. Get acquainted with Santa Barbara as you join your Travel Director for a walking tour. The evening is yours at leisure. Perhaps enjoy the sunset from the rooftop pool of your luxurious hotel?

This morning, immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Chumash, the first people of the area, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. At the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center, meet a local specialist, learn about the tribe’s history and through your visit support the indigenous community. Then indulge your passion for wine, starting with a visit to a renowned Santa Ynez Valley Winery. At lunch, enjoy a delicious tri-tip barbeque, a regional specialty, before arriving in the wine tasting paradise of Los Olivos. With over 30 tasting rooms to choose from, you can take your pick of varieties and settings, from comfy chairs to live music. Return to Santa Barbara, stopping by Los Alamos, a tiny town packed with Old West heritage.

This morning, travel back in time at the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara. Known as “Queen of the Missions” for its exceptional beauty, take a self-guided tour around the magnificent building and grounds. Head out to nearby Montecito and soak up the effortlessly chic vibe of this charismatic town with a walking tour. Home to some of the area's most stunning stretches of coastline, this tucked-away seaside haven is a favorite with celebrities. Take some time to sip a coffee and watch the world go by, or maybe admire stunning views from the surrounding hills, before returning to Santa Barbara.

Say goodbye to Santa Barbara and take the short journey to the coastal city of Ventura. Marvel at nature as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a wildlife cruise through the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. Encompassing 1,470 square miles of ocean waters around the Northern Channel Islands, learn how the sanctuary provides protection for endangered species, habitats and cultural resources. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Ventura at leisure. Maybe admire the Pacific Ocean, city and hillsides from the pier, or stroll its vibrant promenade and beaches?

This morning, learn all about sustainable plants as you join an Ojai Herb Walk and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. With an expert guide, find edible and medicinal plants, all the while surrounded by incredible scenery. Explore the charming town of Ojai, a magnet for meditation and the arts. Maybe wander the mile-long strip of shops and cafes dotting downtown’s Ojai Avenue, or pick up some local handcrafted goods? This afternoon, sample the finest oils at the Ojai Olive Oil Company. Enjoy a tasting and learn about one of the few working examples of permaculture farming in southern California. Toast to your journey with your fellow travelers this evening at a delicious Celebration Dinner.

Before heading to the airport, you have the opportunity this morning to explore the Getty Museum on your own. The museum features the personal collection of J. Paul Getty, who sought to make art more widely available to the public. Here you can admire hundreds of pre-20th-century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, and decorative arts. Arrival at Los Angeles International Airport is at approximately 15:00.