Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This morning we will have an opportunity to rest, relax, and sleep in before our late morning departure for the San Diego Harbor and embark on a narrated harbor cruise with New Year brunch and frolics. We’ll be able to view the spectacular city skyline while passing by elegant hillside communities, marinas, the Naval Shipyards, and the Naval Air and Submarine Stations.
Brunch:
Aboard the harbor cruise, at reserved tables, we’ll have the New Year’s Day Champagne buffet. Champagne and non-alcoholic drinks are included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Back on shore, we’ll ride along the scenic waterfront. Pass by the landmark “Star of India” that has sailed regularly since its launching in 1863 and by the Midway aircraft carrier, now a museum. The Embarcadero Road continues along the San Di ego Convention Center, a huge construction recreating a sailing ship. A stop is made at Chicano Park, a National Historic Landmark and home to one of the largest collection of outdoor murals in the United States. They were painted by local Chicano (Mexican-American) artists on the pillars and the supports of the San Diego-Coronado bridge. The colorful art work reflects the cultural heritage of the Chicano community where the park is located. We will walk through the park with our Group Leader who will interpret the most representative murals. We then get on the Coronado bridge. Located across the bay from San Diego, Coronado is a semi-island connected to the mainland by the “Silver Strand” and to downtown San Diego by way of the curved, slim, elegant San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Coronado is characterized by fabulous views, palm-lined avenues, a fine wide beach, and the famous Hotel Del Coronado — popularly known as Hotel Del. The lavish wooden Victorian hotel, an American fairytale castle, is the last of its kind still standing on the West Coast. With our Group Leader, we will explore Coronado by motorcoach and on foot. Free time at the hotel for personal independent exploration, including a stroll along the white sand beach if desired. We will return to San Diego at sunset when skyscrapers reflect the sun’s glow onto the calm waters of the bay. Upon our return to the hotel, we will gather one last time as a group in our private room for farewells and a toast to the program during a Happy Hour with heavy snacks, juices, and wine. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Dinner:
This meal is on your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.