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A San Diego Neighborhood Exploration from the Heart of the Gaslamp District

Program Number: 20521RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/6/2012 - 9/9/2012; 9/6/2013 - 9/9/2013;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: San Diego, California
Price starting at: $663.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Independent City Discoveries; Independent City Discoveries
Meals: 5; 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Low Fat; Low Salt; Gluten Free    

San Diego’s sun, sand and surf are known worldwide, but the beach and the climate form only a small part of this seaside destination’s allure. Founded as the first California mission, today San Diego is home to nearly 1.5 million residents in an eclectic mix of interesting neighborhoods, an energetic, revitalized Victorian quarter and a venerated oceanographic institute Enjoy rich history and culture in an idyllic climate as you see for yourself what makes San Diego special.




Highlights

• Stay in the heart of the downtown Gaslamp District in historic, four-star splendor at the U.S. Grant with easy access to restaurants and entertainment.
• Join expert led field trips through Old Town; the San Diego Mission; the Hotel Del on Coronado Island; Little Italy and the Gaslamp or “new town” where every building tells a story.
• Choose a museum to visit in fascinating Balboa Park and gain an insight into the Chicano identity reflected in the murals of their "barrio".



Activity Particulars

Walking two miles, stairs, some hills; standing indoors and out; getting on/off a motor coach.




Date Specific Information

9-6-2012

This program coincides with the “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” at the San Diego Natural History Museum (ends on September 9).
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



9-6-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.




San Diego

The oldest city in California, San Diego possesses a rich history in a gorgeous, light-filled setting. Cabrillo National Monument, historic Old Town and the city’s Spanish Mission help to tell the story of San Diego’s past. The city is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches and cross-cultural feel.



Accommodations
Four-star, luxury-collection hotel accommodations in the historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Esther Mitrani

Esther Mitrani was born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, then worked in San Francisco for three years in human resources in high-tech. Missing her home, she return to her native city. Esther has been guiding since 1994, and joined the family business in 2002 as an organizer and tour leader. She is an eager traveler, and she loves sports and languages.
 
Maria Mitrani

Maria Mitrani was born in Italy, then lived in Canada, the United States and France. She finally settled in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, where she has been living since 1976 with her husband and three children. She has a bachelor’s in Italian and art history from the University of California at Berkeley. Since 1985 she has led tours through different parts of Mexico and is a specialized guide for Baja California. She is one of the owners and founders of Andiamo.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Inn at the Park
  San Diego, California 3 nights
 Inn at the Park
Type: Boutique Hotel
  Description: A historic all-suite San Diego boutique hotel located in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood. Central to many attractions and sights, Inn at the Park is a great starting point for your journey in this amazing city. The hotel is located on the edge of Balboa Park West within walking distance to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, the Old Globe Theatre, 15 fine museums, beautiful gardens and acclaimed performing arts venues.
  Contact info: 525 Spruce St
San Diego, CA 92103 USA
phone: 619-291-0999
web: www.shellhospitality.com/en/Inn-at-the-Park/overview
  Room amenities: Each of our 75 suites at Inn at the Park is unique, charming and tastefully decorated. With classic high ceilings and square footage ranging from 524 square feet for our studio king suites to 1,100 square feet in our two bedroom suites—the original floor plan of our 1926 historic site—you will find comfort, peace, and a good night sleep in our Sealy Posturepedic beds with crisp white duvets and fluffy pillows. -Fully stocked kitchens with glassware, plates, utensils, cookware, coffee makers & microwaves -Apartment sized refrigerators, gas stoves and ovens -Dining and sitting areas -Expanded Cable and HBO -Ceiling Fans -Full size irons and ironing boards -Electronic In-room safes -Telephones with voice mail -And priceless historic ambiance!
  Facility amenities: -75 spacious suites featuring classic furnishings -Fully-stocked kitchens with glassware, plates, utensils, cookware, coffee makers & microwaves -Complimentary wireless Internet access In guest rooms and public spaces -Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast served daily on the rooftop -Guest laundry room -Live entertainment at Inn at the Park Restaurant & Piano Bar -Apartment-sized refrigerators, gas stoves and ovens -Two celebrated restaurants: Inn at the Park Restaurant & Piano Bar (street level) and the Top of the Park Penthouse Restaurant (penthouse level) -Located within walking distance to the San Diego, Zoo, the Old Globe Theatre, 15 museums,and more in Balboa Park -Only 15 minutes from San Diego International Airport and 10 minutes from Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner Station
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: approximately $160/night Approximately $160/night. This is a special rate for participants extending their stay up to three nights before/after this program. Please contact Jeffery Owens 619-291-0999 and mention that you will be traveling with Andiamo Tour Mexico/Road Scholar.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: approximately $160/night Approximately $160/night. This is a special rate for participants extending their stay up to three nights before/after this program. Please contact Jeffery Owens 619-291-0999 and mention that you will be traveling with Andiamo Tour Mexico/Road Scholar.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
San Diego. The program will begin al 5:00PM in the lobby for Registration and Orientation followed by the Welcome Dinner. You will be staying at Inn at the Park that night.
  End of Program:
San Diego. The program will end approximately at 10:00AM in the hotel after the closing Lecture. You will be staying at Inn at the Park the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
At an additional rate of $15 per day.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  San Diego, California
  Nearest airport:  San Diego Airport (SAN).
  From End of Program
  Location: San Diego, California
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Hotel Inn at the Park

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
EZ Ride
phone: 619-251-5111
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

approximately $10.00 per person
Prices are subject to change.

 

Travel Time:

 

It's about a 5 minute drive 

   

Private shuttles or taxicabs are the best means of transportation. EZ shuttle with Howard. Please call one day in advance to schedule your pick up from the airport, the bus or train stations, or SAN parking lot.

 

Inn at the Park Hotel

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$12.00 approximately per cab
Prices are subject to change.

 

Travel Time:

 

It's about a 5 minute drive 

   

Taxicabs may be found right outside the airport terminal. It is the easiest transfer method. Same information is applicable for train or bus stations arrivals.

 
Driving Directions
  From I-5 North To: Inn at the Park: 525 Spruce St San Diego, CA 92103 1. Head southwest on Vine St toward Kettner Blvd (417 ft) 2. Continue onto Kettner Blvd (0.7 mi) 3. Turn left onto W Laurel St (0.7 mi) 4. Turn left onto 5th Ave (0.5 mi) 5. Turn right onto Spruce St Destination will be on the right (151 ft)
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Welcome and Orientation. Introduction to San Diego: The Birthplace of California.
(Thursday, September 6)
   
 Afternoon: Arrival and hotel check-in. 5:00PM meet for program registration and orientation.
 Dinner: A savory welcome dinner is offered at the hotel, if available, on the 7th floor with a beautiful view of San Diego.
 Evening: Welcome gathering to receive your program materials, and meet your fellow travelers and group leader. After dinner, join the lecture "San Diego: The Birthplace of California"
   
Accommodations: Inn at the Park
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Tracing the roots: San Diego de Alcala Mission/ Downtown: Gaslamp/ Coronado/ Richard III
(Friday, September 7)

Note: Walking two miles and getting on and off a motorcoach as well as the ferry.



   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Follow San Diego's history from its roots. Begin with San Diego de Alcala Mission, the first California mission founded by Junipero Serra. Continue to the Presidio and stop in Old Town for a guided visit of some of the historical sites.
 Lunch: Taste the Cal-Mex flavor at Casa Guadalajara restaurant.
 Afternoon: Get to know the diverse and thriving "new town", revitalized in the seventies resulting in colorful shopping malls, distinctive skyscrapers and the vibrant historical quarters. The Gaslamp houses Horton Plaza, an outdoor shopping center surrounded by renovated historical buildings and endless restaurants offering savory cuisines from the entire world. Cross the Coronado Bridge to visit the majestic Hotel Del Coronado, a fairy-tale American castle built in Victorian style standing from the 1880's glory years of California. Return to Down Town by ferry to enjoy a scenic view of the bay and Downtown.
 Dinner: On your own.
 Evening: SPECIAL EVENT: “Richard III” at the Old Globe Theater. In Balboa Park attend the performance of RICHARD III by William Shakespeare, one of the most diabolical and outrageous villains in all of literature. A ruthless Machiavellian, the brilliant and power-hungry lord embarks on a bloody campaign to seize and keep the English crown. Shakespeare paints an unforgettable portrait of obsession, seduction, betrayal and a man who would be king.
   
Accommodations: Inn at the Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Visit Balboa Park, home to the famous San Diego Zoo/ Free time to explore the city at your own pace.
(Saturday, September 8)

Note: Walking 2 miles.



   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Explore Balboa Park. Home to over 15 museums, several theaters, the famous San Diego Zoo, the site of two international expositions and landscaped with exotic vegetation, beautiful Balboa Park combines attractive architecture with nature. Take a relaxing walk from the hotel to the park for an outdoor guided visit through some of the most representative buildings and areas.
 Lunch: Your free afternoon and evening begins with lunch on your own. Choose from the many options in the vicinity.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore on your own. Return to your favorite place to visit at your own pace or enjoy new places. San Diego offers endless opportunities for independent exploration: sites such as La Jolla Village and near-by Torrey Pines with reserve, with the rarest native pines in the United States, endless miles of sandy beaches, attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and many museums, or enjoy the life of the Gaslamp quarters. The leader will be available to assist you in planning your day.
 Dinner: On your own. Again, many options for you to choose from.
 Evening: Free evening to explore on your own. Continue your day of independent exploration.
   
Accommodations: Inn at the Park
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: San Diego's future/ Home Sweet Home.
(Sunday, September 9)
   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: After breakfast, end the program with the presentation on "San Diego Today".
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
 
  San Diego, California General Overview
With almost idyllic weather, San Diego offers entertainment for every taste. From numerous museums, nature and beaches, exhibits and events, to a great number of amusement parks, restaurants and night clubs, this city has something for every age. You may review a comprehensive calendar at these San Diego visitor's on-line guides below. For additional information, visit www.sandiego.gov, www.sandiegocoastlife.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


San Diego Then and Now


Author: Nancy Hendrickson


Description: A photographic approach to San Diego history comparing same site, different time period.



San Diego An introduction to the Region


Author: Philip R. Pryde


Description: A historical geography of the natural environments and human development of San Diego County. A tecnical but simple approach.



Walking San Diego


Author: Lonnie Burnstein Hewitt and Barbara Moore


Description: An inviting description of the trails and the wildlife for those who enjoy to explore the parks and the surroundings of the city by foot.



San Diego Legends


Author: Jack Scheffler


Description: Pleasant reading about the events, people and places that made history.



Ramona


Author: Helen Hunt Jackson


Description: A favorite historic love novel set in Southern California in the 1880’s, Ramona is the story of 3 cultures - Indian, Mexican, and Anglo – and their struggle to co-exist.





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