PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet which we'll review during our orientation session before dinner.

ORIENTATION: Begins before dinner. We'll have an overview of the program ahead and review the up-to-date schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.

Menus are contracted for the program and are designed to offer balanced, healthy meals for the participants.

Enjoy the remainder of the evening getting to know your fellow participants and discovering what you share beyond a love of lifelong learning.

The instructor traces the history of Orange County from its ranching and farming roots into the sprawling, urban society of today.

FIELD TRIP: Laguna Beach

The group will ride shuttle buses while in Laguna Beach for the day and have an opportunity to meet and talk with local artists and observe them in their intimate spaces.

California Scenario was designed in 1980 by Isamu Noguchi, a renowned Japanese American sculptor and landscape architect. Also known as Noguchi Gardens, it is one of the most important outdoor sculpture gardens in the country. The engaging garden retreat occupies more than 1-1/2 acres and combines stone, sculpture, water, metal, earth and vegetation in a remarkable interpretation of our Southern California environment.

Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Birthplace of Orange County, was founded more than two hundred years ago. Today it is a monument to California's multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage.

The Los Rios District lies directly across the railroad tracks and is the oldest neighborhood in California. The forty homes that remain here include three original adobe structures. The Montanez, the Rios, and the Silvas are all that remain of the adobes that housed the builders of the mission and the mission ranch workers in the late 1700's and early 1800's.

Enjoy a guided walk of the Museum's special exhibit, 'Fabergé: Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars' which opened June 23 2012.

Discover the spectacular designs of Peter Carl Fabergé, the master goldsmith and legendary jeweler still celebrated for his inventive designs and meticulous craftsmanship, through a special exhibition.

Afterwards, conduct a self-guided exploration of the museum's permanent exhibits including First Californians featuring Native American art and artifacts; Vision of the Shaman featuring Pre Columbian art from Mexico; Central and South America; and Ancient Arts of China: A 5000 Year Legacy.

The instructor will present a history of the Pageant of the Masters, with a behind-the-scenes-view of how the illusions are produced that highlights past objects featured in former pageants.

Gain insight into the artists whose masterpieces capture and enhance the Pageant's theme.

FIELD TRIP: Irvine Museum

The Irvine Museum is the only museum in California dedicated to the preservation and display of California Impressionism or Plein-Air paintings, an art style that flourished in California from 1890 to 1930.

Take a docent-led tour of the Festival of Arts, a juried art show representing a complete spectrum of art media. You will also receive a private visit to the Irvine Bowl for a historical overview of the Pageant.

There are two restaurants on the grounds—the Tivoli Terrace Restaurant, a full-service, garden dining experience with live music, overlooking the art exhibit, and Gina’s “Alfresco”, offering a diversified menu with items such as Pizzetta which are freshly baked, 6” individual pizzas; various salads; grilled Italian-style sandwiches; and subs. Advanced reservations are necessary for Tivoli Terrace (949-494-9650 or www.tivoliterrace.com).

Tivoli Too, located on the Art-A-Fair Festival grounds (free admission with Festival of Arts ticket) at 777 Laguna Canyon Rd., offers gourmet dinners in a pleasant outdoor dining area. Reservations are recommended by calling 949-494-6044. Other Laguna Beach restaurants are within walking distance of the Festival of Arts grounds.

If making dinner reservations, please be aware that we are scheduled for a 4:00PM docent walk of the Festival of Arts and a 30-45 min presentation in the Irvine Bowl starting at 5:30PM. The Pageant begins promptly at 8:30 PM nightly.

The Pageant of the Masters is the most incredible artistic event in Southern California. Every summer, since 1932, audiences have packed the outdoor amphitheater to witness the “living pictures” spectacle. Watch as artists magically transform live actors and intricate sets into remarkable re-creations of magnificent works of art. The 90 minute program is accompanied by a full orchestra, original score and live narration.

This is a time to share your thoughts and feelings about the Pageant with other group members before you depart the program.

HOTEL CHECK OUT: This concludes the program. We hope you have enjoyed our Pageant of the Masters program and will join us for other rewarding adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!