FLAVORS OF GUADALUPE VALLEY - WINE TOUR – 4 wineries

Join us in this journey to Guadalupe valley, Mexico ’s largest wine producing area. Tour one small, one mid-size and two large wineries to compare flavors and production processes. Enjoy a paella meal accompanied by wine in a terrace surrounded by granite boulders in a Mediterranean landscape while viewing the vineyads. Return to San Diego. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , lunch, winery tours, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

MOVIEMAKING AND LOBSTER IN ROSARITO

Spend a day in Baja California exploring Rosarito and its surroundings. Discover the tricks of movie-making at Foxploration, the new theme park at Fox Studios. Stop for a delicious typical lunch of lobster, tortilla soup, rice, beans, tortillas and beer in Puerto Nuevo. Explore the famous Rosarito Beach Hotel, winding down the day shopping, walking on the beach, or enjoying in a cafe. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , lunch, park entrance, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide

MEET THE KUMIAI OF BAJA CALIFORNIA

Spend a day in an isolated Kumiai native Indian village learning about their culture and traditions. Study the local vegetation and their usage on a walk guided by the commissary of the community. See the people at work creating their well-known willow baskets. Enjoy a hands-on basket making class taught by the local women. Have a carne asada picnic lunch. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego, contribution to the Kumiai community, lunch, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

POSADA AND WOMAN ARTISANS IN ENSENADA

Ensenada has been an inspiration for artists, many of which are women. Visit different workshops, meet the artists and their work: engraving, ceramics, batik, and jewelry. Celebrate Christmas with a traditional Mexican Posada. Begin with a candlelight procession and chant reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem . The feast follows with piñata breaking, typical foods including tamales, and live music for dancing. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , picnic lunch, dinner with music and feast, sweet rolls and coffee, snacks, guide.

DAY OF THE DEAD IN ENSENADA

Travel to Ensenada to participate in Day of the Dead celebrations. Learn about the history and the different forms of celebrating one of Mexico ’s most original and fascinating traditions. Visit a variety of institutions and homes to compare altars dedicated to important Mexican personalities or family members. Walk through a cemetery where people gather to spend time with their loved ones. Taste a typical Day of the Dead meal. Stop in the main street of Ensenada for shopping or relaxing before returning to San Diego . Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego, lunch, contribution to institutions, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks; guide.

RUMOROSA ROCK ART AND TECATE BEER

Cross the border in Tijuana and continue to Tecate. Visit “Cerverceria Cuahutemoc” where world famous Tecate beer is made. Enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by beer in the lush “beer garden”. Continue towards La Rumorosa, and reach “El Vallecito” archeological site to view the “Diablito” and other ancient rock paintings and discuss its religious-mystical importance among the native Indians. Admire the beauty and learn the geology of the lava-capped buttes of the Rumorosa and drive the Cantu down-grade, one of the most spectacular roads of Baja California . Return to Tecate for a walk through the pleasant tree-shaded “Zocalo” to shop or enjoy a coffee before returning to San Diego . Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , lunch, brewery tour, archeological site tour, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

APPRECIATING ARTISTS OF ENSENADA

Join us on an excursion to Ensenada to meet some of our best known artists and their work. Visit three artists in their studios: Estela Hussongs who returned to her native Ensenada after studying and acquiring fame throughout Mexico ; Pedro Peralta, a promoter of the arts at the University of Baja California ; and the brothers Carlos and Miguel De La Torre, important representatives of Mexico ’s border art. In the ex brandy distillery of Santo Tomas winery, now a bohemian restaurant and art gallery, to enjoy a gourmet lunch with wine. (tour can be adapted to a selection of artists in other cities: Tijuana , Rosarito or Tecate) Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , lunch, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

CERRO PRIETO GEOTHERMAL SITE (MEXICALI)

South of Mexicali, at the crown of the Colorado River Delta on the San Andreas Fault , is located Cerro Prieto Geothermal Electric Generating site. This is the Southwest’s most successful geothermal power plant. Its many steam wells are able to generate sufficient electricity to supply local needs and export to the United States . On a special plant tour, look for evidence of activity on the fault. Then, return to Mexicali for a tour of its natural history museum and for dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , lunch, tour of site, museum entrance, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

DIA DEL NIÑO

Bring your children to Ensenada to taste Mexican life, culture, and nature. Visit a typical Mexican market, a tuna cannery, fish market, tortilleria, and an old-fashioned bakery. Walk along the Malecón, a popular family promenade, feed the seals and take a harbor cruise to learn about harbor activities and see a sea lion colony living in the old Catalina Ferry. In honor of Día del Niño, a special day dedicated to children, enjoy a Mexican party with a piñata, food, and fun. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , lunch with party, harbor tour, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

ALAMO’S HISTORIC GOLDEN PAST

While El Alamo is a far cry from its 1889 population of 5,000 during the peak of the gold fever, the town has never been completely abandoned and some of the mines are still operating. Visit a true ghost town and some of the famous mines, the mill, and see simple treasures found by local people. Meet old miners and join them in panning gold. Savor an outdoor lunch in a mortar-filled area used by ancient indigenous people as a workshop to make weapons. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , local bus to the mines, lunch, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

THE TASTE OF MAIZ

Mexicans have been called “los hijos del maiz,” or sons of the corn, because of the importance of corn in their diet and culture. Maiz has been one of the greatest gifts of the indigenous Americans to the world. Learn about the history and importance of this essential grain in Mexican life and the multiple uses of the entire plant as food, beverage, and craft material. Visit a cornfield, a modern tortilleria, participate in a cooking class, and, of course, enjoy the meal!Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , cooking class and meal, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

CHOCOLATE OF MEXICO

Become familiar with one of Mexico’s most important culinary gifts to the world, cacao and learn about its history and uses. Enjoy a cooking class and see Native Indians from Oaxaca prepare chocolate-based recipes such as mole, chocolate paddies, and the traditional hot chocolate. Savor a lunch consisting of a variety of moles, a chocolate dessert and Mexican hot chocolate. Walk through the ranch to see carob trees, a chocolate substitute, and an organic vegetable garden. Buen provecho! End the day with free time to shop before returning to San Diego . Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , cooking class and meal, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

GETTING TO KNOW ENSENADA

Enjoy a full day south of the border in Ensenada . Travel through busy Tijuana and enjoy scenic Highway One to Ensenada . Get to know historical houses and buildings. Wine-taste in Mexico ’s oldest winery, Santo Tomás. Savor lunch in a typical ambience of central Mexico . Continue to La Bufadora, a natural sea spout that sprays water high into the air. Back in Ensenada , stroll along the ocean front promenade Ventana al Mar and shop in Calle Lopez Mateos before returning to San Diego . Price includes bus transportation from San Diego , lunch, wine tour with tasting, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS OF TECATE

Tecate is home to some of the most creative artists in Mexico . Meet artists Salvador Magana, a ceramic professor at the University of Baja California and Alvaro Blancarte, a known painter;. Visit an artistic hand painted tile factory. Experience hands-on pottery making as you admire expert craftsmen at work. See the unique, creative building used as a cultural center. Take a break at the Zocalo’s Café for some refreshments and time to shop. Delight yourself with the art of cooking in a gourmet meal. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , meal, visits to artists, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

APPRECIATING TIJUANA

From a border crossing post to one of Mexico ’s largest cities, Tijuana ’s rapid growth hides many attractions. Join us on a journey to learn about the historical and cultural aspects of this bustling metropolis. Immerse yourself in the city center to follow its growth through some historical buildings and monuments. A special visit is made the impressive cultural center to learn about the history of the peninsula in its visually successful “Museo de las Californias ”. Gastronomy is an important aspect of Tijuana , enjoy a delicious Mexican meal in one of the city’s well-known restaurants. Spend free time to shop. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , lunch, museum entrance, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks; guide.

ENSENADA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS PERFUMED BY WINE

Get to know the highlights of Ensenada in this two days excursion. Begin the festivities visiting three wineries with tour and wine tasting in Mexico ’s largest wine producing area. Enjoy a paella meal accompanied by wine in a terrace surrounded by granite boulders in a Mediterranean landscape. Arrive in Ensenada where time is at leisure to rest or shop before choosing your favorite restaurant for dinner and night life along Calle Lopez Mateos. The following day, after breakfast at the hotel, tour the ex casino Riviera del Pacifico and learn about the past glory of this notorious building. Then drive to the famous “Bufadora”, see the phenomenon, and take advantage of the informal shopping. On the way, stop for tamales. Back in Ensenada spend free time to see the harbor, feed the seals along the new promenade “Ventana al Mar”. Before departing for San Diego , enjoy a farewell meal in a favorite Ensenada restaurant. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , one night comfortable hotel accommodations, Bufadora excursion, wine tours with tasting, three meals, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

SAN QUINTIN BAY AND CATAVIÑA DESERT

Hidden behind the hectic town of San Quintin , the peninsula’s vegetable garden, lies a peaceful bay, the most beautiful of Northern Baja California . Cataviña is a gorgeous section of the Central Sonoran Desert . The three days trip mixes exploration of land, water and changes of vegetation. Drive to Cataviña for a guided walk through a desert garden of cacti, blue fan palms, white boulders and a visit to a small cave with ancient paintings. Experience San Quintín Bay: board a local worker’s bus to drive along the bay, enjoy bird watching, meet local people who farm oysters and visit an oyster farm with tasting, see pristine sand dunes, and drive along a geologically fascinating rugged coast. On the way, visit Santo Tomás winery, the oldest in México, and the Community Museum in San Vicente. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , two nights accommodations, all excursions and visits, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

THE OTHER SIDE OF SAN QUINTIN

Hidden behind the hectic town of San Quintin , the peninsula’s vegetable garden, lies a peaceful bay, the most beautiful of Northern Baja California . Spend a week-end along the bay to get acquainted with its diverse economic activities and natural habitats. Experience San Quintín Bay: board a local worker’s bus to drive along the bay, enjoy bird watching, meet local people who farm oysters and visit an oyster farm with tasting, see pristine sand dunes, and drive along a geologically fascinating rugged coast. Visit a major produce farm and see native indians at work in the fields. On the way, visit Santo Tomás winery, the oldest in México, and the Community Museum in San Vicente. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , one night comfortable accommodation, all excursions and visits, all meals, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

VEGETATION... A DIFFERENT ASPECT OF SAN FELIPE

Explore desert dunes, rock flats and mountains of northern Baja California looking for interesting plants. This region is part of the lower Colorado River section of the Sonoran and is home to a unique variety of desert vegetation able to survive in extreme conditions. Trip includes other events such as a visit to the Cucapá Indian Community Museum , a tour of a local shrimp farm and the adjacent field of edible salicornia ( pickleweed) growing in salty soil, an attractive meal with culinary salicornia dishes, and a Mexican fiesta. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego ,one night comfortable hotel accommodations, all meal, visits, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

EXPLORING BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES (for the three-days tour)

Witness the dramatic changes from Mediterranean to Desert landscape as we drive South of the border with stops for nature walks and local gastronomy. In the midst of Cirio and Cardon gardens, we leave Highway One to reach the cristalline waters of Sea of Cortés in the island-filled Los Angeles Bay . Enjoy the feeling of peace and isolation which the bay inspires. A boat trip among the islands viewing rich local marine life, perhaps even a school of whale sharks, includes a picnic on one of the islands. Learn about the Sea Turtle Research Program through a tour and talk with slide show given by Oceanographer Antonio Reséndiz. Get to know the town’s fishermen as they cook for us the catch of the day on an open pit fire while the tranquil waters of the bay invite us for a night dip. Admire the well organized displays representing a thorough overview of the bay’s natural and social history in the Museo de la Naturaleza y de la Cultura. Join us to explore this bay described as “a magical region of timeless enchantment little touched by man.” Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego , two nights comfortable accommodation, all excursions and visits, all meals, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.

THE HISTORICAL GOLDEN PAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA

Evoke the origin of the state of Baja California through a rustic experience in a visit to its mining centers. Driving eastward from Ensenada into the rolling hills dotted with boulders to reach the historical site of Real del Castillo where the gold fever began and whose prosperity led it to be the capital of Baja California from 1872 to 1882. El Alamo, which followed and surpassed Real del Castillo’s mining fever, is our next exploration. A far cry from its population of 5000, it has never been abandoned and some of the mines are still operating today. Visit the few remaining buildings of each town and take adventuresome rides out to see the open shaft mines and a rustic mill. Pan for gold with prospectors. Among the activities, enjoy lunch in an area with boulders anciently used as a workshop by indigenous people to make weapons, a " vaquero night" in a ranch cooking a lamb over an open fire, listen to mining tales told by descendants of the original prospectors and stay in a true country hotel. Price includes bus transportation to and from San Diego and local workers’bus, rustic hotel accommodation in a rural town, all meals,all excursions and visits, sweet rolls and coffee, bottled water, snacks, guide.