Southern California & Joshua Tree National Park end Palm Springs

8 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Map not provided by operator
Additional images not provided by operator
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
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, r...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • 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.

What's this trip about?

    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.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySanta Ana (CA)
End CityPalm Springs

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

  • North America
  • United States

Attractions

  • California

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

    • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
    • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
    • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
    • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
    • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
    • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
    • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Popular Trips

Itinerary

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 t...

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 ...

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 alon...

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 m...

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 ho...

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

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $3,902
Price per day$488
Last Updated: 6/21/2023

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Insight Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,267
Great
2,886
Average
919
Disappointing
250
Terrible
214
Write a Review

Other Insight Vacations Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2024

Written on

Treasures of Spain Portugal Morocco Small Group

All 3 countries were well visited, but I would have liked to see more of Portugal and perhaps less of Morocco. I did enjoy the whole trip and the Tour Director was ...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2024

Written on

Best of Morocco

Itinerary was comprehensive and felt that we got a good overall feel for Morocco. Fes with the medina, camel in Sahara, the gorges and rugged landscapes, to meeting ...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Insight Vacations

premier
View Profile

As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights of destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brand’s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter Experience®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.

Insight Vacations is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
What they’re known for
Premium worldwide tours for curious travelers who want to get closer to the destination in comfort and style.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Lido House Kimpton Hotel Palomar Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
insightvacations-JVCABDPN17

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >