Join VERANDA for a backstage pass to California’s bespoke gardens, mid-century architecture, local art, craft, and natural beauty. This six-day field trip includes time to explore Palm Springs, Pasadena, and Santa Barbara. Your journey begins in Palm Springs, with opportunities to get behind the scenes and inside some of the private homes in Hollywood’s playground. Ascend the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon for a welcome reception and dinner; visit Sunnylands desert art garden; and tour Frey House II, a hillside landmark perched part way up the San Jacinto mountains. Continue to Santa Barbara through Pasadena where you will enjoy lunch in one of the world’s largest classical style Chinese gardens and tour the historic Gamble House. Then, spend three days in America’s Riviera where you will sip mimosas alongside a Master Rosarian in Lotusland; enjoy a magical morning on a private ranch learning hosting and cooking tips with Frances Schultz; and take an exclusive tour of the Raoul Textiles factory.
November 8-13, 2022
California, US
View and download the Gardens of the Golden State brochure here. For additional details or to book Gardens of the Golden State, call 855-890-5298 or click here.
Trip highlights include:
– Visit the enchanted gardens of Palm Springs, Pasadena, and Santa Barbara, including Sunnylands, Huntington Gardens, and Lotusland – where you will meet with Master Rosarian Dan Bifano, who has designed gardens for Barbra Streisand and Oprah Winfrey.
– Explore mid-century modern design in Palm Springs and then enjoy a reception inside an iconic home, plus a private dinner atop the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
– Retreat to a historic date plantation in a desert oasis.
– Cooking demonstration and hosting tips from author Frances Schultz at her ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley followed by a wine-tasting experience at Andrew Murray Vineyards, featured in the movie Sideways.
– Tour of the vibrant fabrics and expert craftsmanship at Raoul Textiles, followed by a private reception in the shop and garden.
The Itinerary
Day 1
– Arrivals at leisure to Triada Palm in the Palm Springs Movie Colony District
– Ascend along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon in the world’s largest rotating tram car for a welcome reception and dinner overlooking Palm Springs.
– Included Meal: Dinner
Day 2
– Meet with public affairs staff at Sunnylands this morning to learn about the property’s storied history, hosting national and international leaders, before exploring the 15-acre garden
– Enjoy lunch at Shields Date Garden, a historic date planation and Biblical Garden. You’ll meet with the owner, learn gardening tips for desert climates, and indulge in a date shake while watching a private screening of “Romance and Sex Life of the Date”
– Embark on an exclusive architectural tour of Palm Springs, observing how the homes reflect the dramatic geography of the mountainous surroundings
– Enjoy a light reception in a private home that emerges from the surrounding boulders and mountain landscape
– Included Meals: Lunch & Reception
Day 3
– Depart the desert of Palm Springs this morning for the beaches of Santa Barbara
– Stop en route at the expansive Huntington Gardens
– Meet with a gardener, then enjoy a private tour of the beloved Japanese Garden, featuring koi-filled ponds and a historic Japanese House
– Gather as a group for lunch in the heart of Huntington’s Chinese Garden then continue to the nearby Gamble House, a craftsman-style home that showcases architecture as fine art
– Settle into your Santa Barbara hotel, Hotel Californian
– Evening at leisure
– Included Meals: Lunch
Day 4
– Exclusive tour of Raoul Textiles' factory
– Meet with Master Rosarian Dan Bifano at Lotusland, Polish opera singer Madame Ganna Walska’s private estate, and tour the gardens
– Evening at leisure
– Included Meals: Lunch
Day 5
– Spend an enchanted morning at the rustic and elegant Rancho la Zaca, offering expansive views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, as your host Frances Schultz welcomes you into her home
– Continue to nearby Andrew Murray Vineyards for a tour, tasting, and an opportunity to meet with Andrew
– Head to Clairmont Lavender Farm, where you will have an opportunity to observe (and smell!) the process of making lavender oil
– Return to the hotel to refresh before enjoying a final celebratory meal as a group
– Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner & Reception
Day 6
– Departures at leisure
Lodging
Triada Palm is located in the heart of Palm Springs’ Movie Colony District, surrounded by stunning scenery of the San Jacinto Mountains. This Spanish-style hacienda features two outdoor pools, fitness center, and on-site restaurant with poolside seating and outdoor dining with a view. The boutique property reflects the area's eclectic mix of vintage Hollywood glamour and contemporary charm.
Hotel Californian is a five-star luxury property in the celebrated American Riviera. The hotel’s spacious rooms feature Spanish colonial revival architecture with Moroccan influences and custom furnishings. The property offers multiple on-site restaurants and bars, stunning views, a full-service spa, and fitness center with personal trainers.
Pricing
$6,050/person based on double occupancy
$7,800/person based on single occupancy
Booking & Details
View and download the Gardens of the Golden State brochure here. For additional details or to book Gardens of the Golden State, call 855-890-5298 or click here.
**Book with confidence. VERANDA and our travel partner, Academic Travel Abroad, are offering lenient cancellation policies during this unprecedented time. The health and safety of our travelers is our #1 priority and we are committed to upholding the highest safety standards while offering world-class hospitality.**
NOTE: Space is limited to 25 guests. Travelers to handle costs and logistics associated with airfare, airport transfers, meals, and activities that are not outlined in the above itinerary. Trip to be arranged by a third party operator: Academic Travel Abroad. Itinerary is preliminary and subject to change.
