TRAVEL DESTINATIONS - CALIFORNIA MISSIONS

In the 16th century, Spain was concerned that both Russia, approaching from Alaska, and the British, from the East, were encroaching on their territory Alta (Upper) California. To protect themselves, King Phillip III ordered the establishment of a series of Catholic Missions along the coast for the purpose of converting the native inhabitants into loyal Catholics and providing a protected path for settlers and supplies up the coast from Mexico and Baja California.

The Jesuits, who had previously settled in the area and established their own missions were replaced by the Franciscans who were far more sensitive to the King's secular ambitions and Father Junipero Serra and put in charge. The twenty-one missions would end up spanning 650 miles with each mission placed at no more than one day's journey from the one next to it.

The first mission in the chain was founded near San Diego Bay in 1679. Due to the belligerence of some of the Indians the mission was moved six miles inland and placed adjacent to a presidio for protection - it was Mission San Diego de Alcala. The restored church seen today was not completed until 1813.

Strategically, key missions were to be placed at major bays - ports for shipping - along the coast and included Monterey Bay and San Francisco. To connect these, other missions were planned including Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo and San Juan Capistrano. The Central Valley area was also perceived as important because of the large populations of Native Americans living there and so, additional missions were planned; including Santa Inez, San Miguel, San Jose and Sonoma.

Beginning in the 1830's, the Missions were secularized and their vast property holdings dispersed. The missions fell in disrepair - some due to fire and others due to earthquakes. But, by the 1950's, all of the missions had been taken over by various organizations and restored to the point that they have become major California destinations. Some remain active and continue to host church services and other events.

Over the years, California Tour Consultants has orchestrated a number of group tours centering on the California Mission theme. Primarily for religious groups, these customized tours have included private masses, docent tours and historical tours of the missions.

Please contact us for additional information or if you may have a group interested in such a program.

Mission San Carlos Borroméo de Carmelo was Father Junipero's second mission and headquarters
Mission San Juan Bautista (St.John the Baptist) was the fifteenth mission and located in the middle of the San Juan Valley in 1797
Bell tower of Mission San Juan Bautista
Padre Fountain in Garden

California Missions Sample Itinerary

First Day The group will arrive San Diego's Lindbergh Field in the early afternoon and will be met by its CTC Tour Director. San Diego is one of the few cities in the continental United States with the true flavor of a tropical resort. The village that developed around a Spanish mission is now the third largest city on the Pacific Coast.

After skycaps assist with the group's bags, tour members will board a deluxe motorcoach for an abbreviated sightseeing tour of San Diego. The tour begins with a drive to Pt. Loma where a stop will be made at the Cabrillo Monument which features commanding views of the Pacific Ocean, the harbor, and San Diego skyline. At Cabrillo Monument, dedicated to the discovery of the west coast in 1542, individuals may get a glimpse of the Pacific Gray whales migrating north between Baja and Alaska.

After the drive through Mission Bay, a beautiful 4600 acre aquatic playground with miles of sandy beaches, rolling park lands, and shoreside resorts, the tour continues to Balboa Park, one of the city's most famous and beautiful attractions. Established in 1868 and covering 1400 acres, it is the oldest and one of the largest city parks in the country and features seven museums along its main drive, a world-famous zoo, the Old Globe Theater, and numerous other spots of beauty and interest. Following the drive along the Embarcadero, the waterfront, the tour continues to San Diego's downtown district with its historic Gaslamp District, a 16 block historic district that features restored Victorian structures illustrating life in downtown San Diego during the late 1800's.

Then it is off to Old Town, the birthplace of California and today a state historical landmark which recreates the setting and atmosphere of the Mexican and early-American periods. The group will check-in here at the Hacienda Hotel, a distinctive and charming hotel where the warmth and charm of San Diego's colorful past are blended with continental hospitality and elegance. Following pre-registered check-in at the hotel individuals will have time to relax and settle in.

Tonight the group will enjoy a gala welcome dinner at one of the Mexican restaurants at Old Town's Bazaar del Mundo, a fascinating complex of international shops and restaurants located in a lovely garden setting surrounded by Mexican-style buildings.

Second Day Following breakfast at the hotel the group will visit nearby Presidio Park, called the "Plymouth Rock of the Pacific." Here the group will visit the Junipero Serra Museum which overlooks the spot where the Spanish Franciscan missionary, Father Junipero Serra, established California's first mission in 1769. Housed in a stately mission-style building, the museum exhibits showcase belongings of the native Americans, Spanish, and Mexican people who inhabited the first non-native settlement on the west coast.

Afterwards the tour continues to the Mission San Diego de Alcala, the "Mother of the California Missions", the first link in a chain of 21 missions founded by the Spanish missionary Father Serra. (The Spanish pilgrims lead by Father Serra spaced their colonial missions at one day intervals by horseback along El Camino Real, the Royal Road that stretched north through California from Mexico.) Moved to its present site from Presidio Hill in 1774, the mission in its heyday served as headquarters for a 50,000 acre empire of vineyards, orchards, vegetable and grain crops, and more than 30,000 head of live-stock, all tended by more than 1000 Indian converts. Despite a long history of Indian attacks, earthquakes, military occupation, neglect and decay, some of the adobe walls and roof beams of the original mission buildings can be still seen. The impressive campanile alongside the church has become a symbol of the entire chain of 21 California missions. At the Mission Basilica, mass is held regularly in this still active Catholic parish.

The group will then have lunch in La Jolla, Spanish for "the jewel," a chic and beautiful hideaway just north of San Diego which overlooks the Pacific. It has retained the charm of a small, beachside town characterized by its rugged coastline, its sparkling waters, miles of sandy beaches, and upscale shops and restaurants.

After lunch the group will drive through Mission Bay, a beautiful 4600 acre aquatic playground with miles of sandy beaches, rolling park lands, and shoreside resorts. Upon arrival at San Diego's Embarcadero the group will take a one-hour harbor excursion, one of the better ways to view the city. The boat will weave through the sheltered and tranquil harbor while a guide describes the area's sights and landmarks. While cruising the harbor individuals will view the city skyline and get a close look at U.S. Navy aircraft at Coronado, nuclear submarines, huge aircraft carriers, sleek destroyers, and merchant vessels from all of the world, including the oldest merchant ship afloat, the Star of India.

The group will then return to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. The tour director will be at the group's disposal and will make recommendations about local dining spots and evening entertainment. Many individuals will want to enjoy one of the wonderful restaurants in Old Town. Others may prefer to ride the trolley to downtown San Diego for a seafood dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the harbor. The serious shoppers will want to head for Horton Plaza, a fashionable shopping, restaurant, and entertainment complex.

Third Day After breakfast and checkout of the Hacienda Hotel the group will take the short drive to Oceanside, a coastal community located in northern San Diego County, where the group will visit the Mission San Luis Rey, "the King of the Missions". Located a few miles inland and founded in 1798, it is the largest of the Spanish missions and is one of the most impressive architecturally.

Then it is off to the fabled mission city of San Juan Capistrano, where legend has it the swallows arrive promptly on March 19th and depart October 23rd each year, the date of the death of the patron saint of the mission, St. John of Capistrano. The Mission, built in 1776, is a living example of Spanish and early California history. "The Jewel of the Missions" is known throughout the world and is one of California's most treasured historic, religious, and cultural landmarks. Having survived the rigors of neglect and time the modest mission chapel is believed to be the oldest church in California. The lovely grounds feature flower bordered paths with ivy and rose-covered walls. Members of the group may stroll through more than 10 acres of historic grounds, retracing the steps of Franciscan padres, the native Americans and Spanish soldiers who worked and prayed here.

The group will then travel north along the Pacific Coast Highway and make a stop at Laguna Beach, a magnificent seaside resort. With its hills and cliffs, sandy beaches, and beautiful coastline, Laguna Beach is located in the heart of the "California Riviera" and and is world-renowned for its artistic heritage, its fine shopping and dining, and its magnificent setting overlooking the Pacific. Here members of the group will be free to explore the area's art galleries, specialty shops, and fashionable boutiques. From Gallery Row in North Laguna to downtown's tree-lined Forest Avenue and quaint storefronts lining the south coast, Laguna Beach offers haute couture to trendy casual wear, fine European antiques to artistic works of art in a friendly, village setting overlooking the ocean.

The last leg of today's drive will conclude in Los Angeles with dropoff at the Wilshire Grand, a contemporary-style highrise hotel located in downtown LA.

The evening is free. Tour members may want to dine at one of the area's trendy restaurants, attend the symphony at the new symphony hall, see a show, or dance the night away at a popular nightspot.

Fourth Day Following checkout of the hotel the group will first make a stop at the new Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles.

The group will then drive to Hollywood, a symbol of fame, fortune, and fantasy, to visit Grauman's Chinese Theater (now called Mann's), billed as the "King of Theaters" when it opened in 1927. Whenever a movie premiered here, the stars embedded their hand and footprints in cement in the courtyard in front of this celebrated theater. Here tour members will have a chance to view the signatures of their favorite celebrities from past to present imprinted in the cement and to take the Hollywood Walk of Fame where bronze medallions studding the sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard commemorate immortals of film, television, recording and radio. Next door is the impressive Hollywood & Highland, a shopping and entertainment complex housing the Kodak Theatre, new home to the Academy Awards. A great view of the Hollywood sign can be enjoyed from the upper level.

Afterwards the group will make a stop at Rodeo Drive, an exclusive shopping district in the heart of Beverly Hills that caters to the "stars" and "international jet-set." This is the West Coast home of high fashion and the birthplace of that internationally sought-after "California look."

The drive north continues past Oxnard and Ventura to Santa Barbara, a spectacular Southern California coastal community known as the American Riviera. Formerly the site of the Western White House, Santa Barbara is noted for its lovely Spanish architecture and historic Spanish mission.

Upon arrival the group will visit the Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786 and still inhabited by Franciscan friars, it is the tenth of the California missions. Its beautiful setting, unique twin bell towers, and lovely facade have earned it the title "Queen of the Missions." Its architectural design, differing from the standard mission simplicity, incorporates many Moorish and classical elements. Santa Barbara's residents embraced the church's distinctive look as the town grew in the 1920's and 1930's and incorporated red roof tiles, thick stucco walls, arches, and outdoor arcades into the design of the town's new buildings.

Afterwards the group will be taken to downtown Santa Barbara for a walking tour of the historic landmarks that distinguish the area. The "red tile walking tour" begins at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Completed in 1929, this magnificent Spanish-Moorish structure is one of the most beautiful buildings in the U.S. Tropical gardens and spacious lawns surround the offices and courtrooms. The group will then walk along State Street with its trendy restaurants, specialty shops, and boutiques. Other spots of interest covered during the course of the walking tour include historic adobes, beautiful gardens and plazas, and celebrated museums.

After check-in at the Peppertree Inn and time to relax and settle in, the group will be taken to Stearns Wharf, the oldest operating wharf on the West Coast. Once part-owned by Hollywood legend Jimmy Cagney, this Santa Barbara landmark overlooks the ocean and features beautiful views of the yacht harbor and mountains. Here the group will dine at the Harbor, a popular restaurant known for its fine cuisine and its beautiful views.

Fifth Day This morning the group will head for Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley to visit the Mission Santa Ines. Founded in 1804, this perfectly restored mission is the oldest structure in the area.The main building contains early Native American artifacts and relics once belonging to the missionaries. Like many other missions, Santa Ines still maintains an active congregation.

Afterwards individuals will have time to explore Solvang, better known as "Little Denmark", a charming village which has developed into a veritable corner of Denmark itself. Its Danish heritage is preserved architecturally with authentic windmills, gas streetlights, and thatched roofs. The shops are full of goods from Denmark, and tour members will not want to miss the freshly baked pastries that the area is famous for.

Then it is off to the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded in 1772. California's fifth mission, often called "the Prince of Missions" remains one of the prettiest and most interesting in the Franciscan chain. The red tiled roof was first used here after the original thatched roofs repeatedly fell to hostile Native American's burning arrows. The former padres' quarters are an excellent museum chronicling both Native American and missionary life through all eras of the mission's use.

Upon arrival in San Simeon the group will tour the magnificent Hearst Castle. Built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, its 123 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and luxurious guest houses provide an ornate setting for the hundred-room mansion where heads of state, motion picture stars, and other international celebrities were entertained. A national historic landmark, 'The Enchanted Hill' contains a priceless art collection, a magnificent palatial estate, and beautiful views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the majestic Pacific Ocean.

The group will then checkin at the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort with the rest of the day at leisure. Individuals may want to take a stroll along the beach at sunset and then dine at one of the restaurants in nearby Cambria, a charming artist's colony.

Sixth Day This morning the drive continues north on cliff-hanging highway one along the overwhelmingly beautiful Big Sur coastline. California's scenic coastal highway is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. There are few places where land and sea meet as dramatically as in Big Sur country, where the thundering surf and rocky cliffs crash head-on. Serpentine highway 1 tightropes the cliffs of Big Sur, a land of stunning precipices and frenzied nature that plunges 4000 feet from peak tops to boulder-strewn surf. During the course of the journey several photo stops will be made.

Upon arrival at the beautiful Monterey Peninsula the group will visit the quaint and charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a simple yet sophisticated shopper's paradise. This one square mile community attracts millions of visitors each year to its peculiar mix of English village, ramshackle beach town, and cosmopolitan shopping district. Individuals will want to dine at one of the restaurants and see some of the art galleries and stores.

A stop will then be made at the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, the final resting place of Father Junipero Serra. Founded in 1770, one of the original 13 Spanish missions in California, it is considered to be one of the state's most outstanding historic monuments. The dome, bell towers, and exterior have a Moorish influence, and its magnificent stateliness has been recaptured from careful restoration. The mission grounds, featuring colorful gardens, are absolutely spectacular.

The group will then take the famed 17-Mile Drive, a private community known throughout the world for its natural scenic beauty and affluence. The drive affords an insiders view of sheltered coves that are home to sea lions, seals, and otters. Groves of cypress and pine shelter free-roaming deer. A protrusion of rare grasses, shrubs and wildflowers in a rainbow of color flourishes along the length of the drive. During the course of the driving tour the group will make featured stops at Bird and Seal Rocks, the Lone Cypress, and the Lodge at Pebble Beach, among numerous other points of natural beauty and interest.

The tour will conclude in the late afternoon at the Carmel Mission Inn, conveniently located next to the Barnyard Shopping complex.

This evening the group will be taken to Cannery Row in Monterey, immortalized by the author John Steinbeck, for dinner at the Fish Hopper Restaurant. While watching the never ending water show of playful harbor seals, soaring seagulls, and an occassional sea otter, tour members will dine on fine seafood featuring the harvests of the sea.

Following the meal individuals can enjoy the wine tasting rooms, the specialty shops, factory outlet stores, and nightspots at Cannery Row before the group heads back to the hotel.

Seventh Day Today the group will drive through the Salinas Valley, the artichoke capital of the world and the salad bowl of America, to the Mission San Juan Bautista. Founded in 1797, it is the largest church in the mission chain and the only one still in service since its founding. Inside the church's three aisle plan and large altar inspired many Native Americans to convert, thus creating one of the largest congregations in all of California. The museum contains many musical instruments and transcriptions.

Tour members will then have time to tour the San Juan Bautista State Historic Park and have lunch in town.

The group will then drive north through Silicon Valley where many of the country's high tech and computer companies are located, to San Francisco. Upon arrival the group will take a sightseeing tour of San Francisco, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The tour begins with a stop at Twin Peaks, a 65 acre park overlooking the city that is known for its breathtaking views of the entire Bay area. Next is Golden Gate Park, certainly one of the largest and most spectacular metropolitan parks in the country. The group will then drive to that venerable city landmark, the Cliff House, which overlooks the majestic Pacific Ocean and offshore Sea Rocks. Following the drive through the wooded Presidio, one of the country's newest national parks, the group will make a stop at the famed Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most awesome man-made structures in the world.

After driving past the Palace of Fine Arts and the restored Victorians along fashionable Union Street the tour will conclude in the late afternoon at the Warwick Regis, a charming boutique-style hotel located just off Union Square.

Some individuals tonight may want to simply purchase some sourdough bread, clam chowder, and cracked crab at Fisherman's Wharf. Others will want to dine at one of the ethnic restaurants in the city that feature superb Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, French, and Greek cuisine or dine at one of the city's celebrated . Members of the group looking for after-dinner entertainment will want to visit the Buena Vista Cafe for an Irish Coffee, watch "Beach Blanket Babylon" at the Club Fugazi, attend the theater or symphony, or dance the night away at a popular nightclub.

Eighth Day Today's tour begins with a stop at Mission Dolores. Founded in 1776, it was the sixth of 21 missions established by the Franciscan fathers in California. It is the oldest structure in San Francisco, with four-foot thick adobe walls. The altar and decorations are from Spain and Mexico; alongside the mission is a garden and cemetery where many pioneers are buried.

Afterwards the group will cross the Golden Gate Bridge and make a photo stop at Vista Point which offers commanding views of the distant cityscape and beautiful bay.

Then it is off to Muir Woods, a national monument featuring ancient and towering redwood trees. In size, antiquity, and awe-inspiring grandeur, there are no other living things in the world that can compare with the impressive California redwoods.

The tour will then continue along the Panoramic Highway past a colorful houseboat community to picturesque and charming Sausalito where members of the group will have time to shop at the stores along Bridgeway, to dine at one of the fine seafood restaurants overlooking the bay, to explore the numerous yacht clubs and marinas, and to just relax in this spectacular setting.

The group will then board the ferry for the bay crossing which passes within yards of the former island prison of Alcatraz, "the Rock." During the course of the bay cruise individuals can enjoy the refreshing bay air, the graceful flight of colorful seagulls, and take-in views of the city's landmarks.

Midafternoon arrival at the Fisherman's Wharf area where individuals will have a choice of remaining at the wharf area on own or returning to the hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Those staying at the waterfront attractions will want to explore Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, the Cannery, Aquatic Park, and Ghirardelli Square and return to the hotel at leisure via cablecar, the only national landmark on wheels. Those members of the group returning to the hotel may want to shop at the department stores in the Union Square area which include Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom's, and Gump's.

This evening the group will enjoy a farewell dinner at Cityscapes, an elegant skyroom at the Hilton that is known for its excellent cuisine and its absolutely beautiful views of the Bay Area.

Ninth Day Following breakfast and checkout of the hotel the group will transfer to San Francisco International Airport for the journey home. Individuals may have indeed left their hearts in San Francisco but are bound to take home many wonderful memories of the CALIFORNIA MISSIONS TOUR.