The missions that comprise California's historic mission trail are all located on the El Camino Real (The Royal Road). Missionaries, colonists and soldiers traveled its dusty stretches. It served as the north-south stagecoach route after California became a state in 1850.

Day 1 - Arrive San Francisco
A welcome get acquainted dinner is planned to meet with your professional historian-guide. Two nights accommodations in the San Francisco area. (D)

Day 2 - San Francisco de Asis
Mission Dolores on a site selected by Juan Bautista de Anza, the first mission church was a 50-foot long log and mud structure that was eventually moved to higher ground, adjacent to Lake Dolores which gives it its second name, Mission Dolores. Dedicated to Saint Francis by Father Serra in 1776, today the mission sits in the heart of San Francisco and is the oldest building in the city. Much of the original church interior is intact and the guilded reredos and colorful wall paintings are good examples of early California art. Enjoy the remainder of your day exploring the "city by the bay". Overnight: Tuscan Inn.

Day 3 - Depart San Francisco 
Visit to San Antonio de Padua Mission. Proceed to Santa Barbara stopping in Solvan and Mission Inez. Overnight: Peppertree Inn, Santa Barbara. (D)

Day 4 - Santa Barbara Mission
Founded in 1786, the "Queen of the Missions" was the first to be christened by Father Lasuen, and has continuously served as a parish church for the local population since its founding. Patterned after an ancient Latin chapel in pre-Christian Rome, its twin bell towers and Doric facade present an imposing impression of strength. Located on a hilltop overlooking the city, the mission provides a spectacular view of the ocean. The museum contains a vast store of historical material and displays many original items. In the afternoon stop at the Ronald Reagan Library. Within the library's museum are photographs and memorabilia of President Reagan's life and gifts of state received during his administration. Overnight: Sportsman Lodge, Los Angeles. (CB, L)

Day 5 - Mission San Gabriel Archangel
Founded in 1771 by Junipero Serra, this fortress-like structure with five-foot thick walls and narrow windows is a design not found in any other mission. Located nine miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at one time it covered several hundred thousand acres. The winery, kitchen gardens and graveyard are still intact and the museum exhibits old books, Indian paintings and parchments. (CB, L)

Day 6 - Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum 
Located in Griffith Park. This museum uses arty, artifacts and audiovisual materials to present the history of America's westward movement and its depiction on the big and small screens. We'll take a beautiful drive to San Luis Obispo and visit Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Overnight: Royal Oak Inn. (CB,D)

Day 7 - Hearst Castle
Stunning Highway # 1 coastal drive to Monterey, and dinner at Bubba Gump's. The highlight is our visit to San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, founded by Father Serra in 1770 on Pentecost Sunday, this mission was considered to be his favorite, and both he and Father Lasuen are buried here. Set against the sea and mountains 115 miles south of San Francisco, this beautiful mission presents the complete quadrangle courtyard typical of mission architecture. The gardens include culinary and medicinal herbs, citrus and olive trees, roses, Mexican sage and bougainvillea. (CB,D)

Day 8 - San Juan Bautista
The 15th mission, was founded by Father Lasuen in 1797. Musical arts were taught here and the mission owned many instruments, which the Indians readily took to. Father Tapis taught the Indians to read music as well as play it. Some of the parchments with colored notations still survive and the reredos behind the altar is so well-preserved that the paint is still brilliant. Afternoon departures from San Francisco after lunch at a great Mexican restaurant. (CB,L)

Package Includes: 1st Class accommodations for seven nights, 4 evening meals, 
5 Continental Breakfasts, 3 lunches, Professional Historian Tour Guide, Luggage handling (1 suitcase per person), All admission fees & entrance fees & taxes, All gratuities for driver, guides & skycaps

Begins and ends in San Francisco