HISTORIC MISSIONS OF
CALIFORNIA
May 14 – 22, 2016 ( 9 days )
California’s 21 historic missions recall a rich and fascinating
history. Founded and operated by the Order of Saint Francis of
Assisi with the intent to convert Native Americans to Christianity.
They formed an important part of Spain’s strategy to claim and
colonize North America.
Father Junipero Serra was the first mission president and with the
permission of King Charles III of Spain, he and other Franciscan
priests established a chain of 21 missions, stretching from San
Diego to San Francisco. They were built between 1769 and 1823
along the El Camino Real, “The Royal Road” which linked the
Spanish settlements.
The mission system operated for almost seven decades, before it
collapsed. In 1833, after Mexico won independence from Spain, the
Mexican legislature passed an order to secularize the missions. By
then, foreign diseases had decimated the Native American
population.
Day 01
May 14, Sat:
CANADA – LOS ANGELES
Fly to California – transfer on your own to hotel (if larger group on one flight, we can arrange
transfer). Balance of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Los Angeles. (D)
Day 02
May 15, Sun: LOS ANGELES
Start with tour of downtown Los Angeles, the modern Cathedral and then to the origins of the city,
Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles and Mexican influenced Oliveira Street, time for lunch on own in
the area maybe; then afternoon either visit to the famous Universal Studios ( optional ) / or visit to
Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica/Venice beach area for a different view at the greater
Los Angeles area. (B)
Day 03
May 16, Mon: LOS ANGELES – SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO – LOS ANGELES
After breakfast depart Los Angeles for beautiful San Diego. After a brief orientation tour,
including visits to the naval base and famous Balboa Park, you will enjoy a guided tour of the San
Diego Mission ( Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala ), which holds the distinction of being the
first church built in California. It is also the first of the 21 missions and known as the Mother of all
Missions. It was founded on July 16, 1769 by Blessed Junipero Serra. It was designated as a Minor
Basilica in 1976 by Pope Paul VI. The Mission today is an active Catholic Parish in the Diocese of
San Diego. It was moved to its present location in 1774, the San Diego Mission withstood a
number of earthquakes in its earlier years and stands today as a testimony to the strength of its
“Founding Fathers."
En route to Los Angeles the group will also stop at one of the most famous missions in California ‑
Mission San Juan Capistrano, is often called the "Jewel of the Missions," The seventh mission
founded November 1, 1776, by Fr. Junipero Serra. Previously established by Fr. Fermin Lasuen
October 30, 1775, but abandoned because of Indian unrest at Mission San Diego. Named for St.
John of Capistrano, Italy, a theologian of the 14th century. This site is famous for the annual return
of the swallows on or about March 17th. The original Great Stone Church was started in 1806.
Included will be visits to the Serra Chapel, the only surviving structure said to have been a location
where the soon to be canonized Fr. Serra celebrated Mass.
We also stop and visit the Crystal Cathedral at Garden Grove. The reflective largest glass building
in the world was completed in 1981 and seats 2736 people and its organ is one of the largest
musical instruments in the world. Until 2014 the building has been the principal place of worship
for another denomination which filed for bankruptcy in 2010 and in February 2012 the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Orange purchased the building and its adjacent campus for its new cathedral.
The structure, specially the interior sanctuary, is currently being renovated to accommodate the
Roman Catholic liturgy and is due to re open in 2016, at which time it is expected to be
consecrated and formally renamed Christ Cathedral. – Return to Los Angeles for overnight. (B)
Day 04
May 17, Tue: LOS ANGELES – SAN BUENAVENTURA – SANTA BARBARA
Depart after breakfast for San Buenaventura in Ventura. This was actually the final Mission to be
built during the lifetime of Father Serra. It was first established in 1782. The original building was
destroyed by a fire and the present day church was completed in 1809. It is the only Mission one in
California that contains wooden bells. Continue tour with visit to the Santa Barbara Mission,
known also as the Queen of the Missions. Popular for its beautiful hilltop setting, graceful
architecture and majestic views, it is graced with twin bell towers. Construction of the first part of
the mission was completed in 1795. The facade, modeled after a Roman temple, is most attractive.
It was founded Dec 4, 1786 on the Feast of Sta. Barbara, but destroyed by the Earthquake of 1812.
The present-day church was built by the Chumash Indians 1815-1833. Many examples of early
Mexican art including an 1808 Moorish fountain. We overnight in Santa Barbara. (B,D)
Day 05
May 18, Wed: SANTA BARBARA – SAN LUIS OBISPO – SAN MIGUEL – MONTEREY
The morning will start with a visit to the Mission of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Named after Saint
Louis, Bishop of Toulouse (b. 1274), the mission is simple yet quite lovely. It is widely considered
as the most beautiful of the California Mission system. It is one of only six missions that still rings
its bells regularly today. The mission's lush garden has gnarled grape vines and the original 200
year old olive trees overhead. After ample time here, continue to the Mission of San Miguel
Archangel. It was built between the years of 1816 and 1818 and the interior artwork is especially
interesting. This 1797 mission still serves as a parish church today. Inside are many original
decorations, frescoes and paintings and the vaulted corridor is noted for its arches. Probably the
least spoiled of the Franciscan Missions. Arrive in the late afternoon for a visit to the famous
Hearst Castle. Overnight in Monterey. (B)
Day 06
May 19, Thu: MONTEREY – CARMEL – SANTA CLARA – SAN FRANCISCO
In the morning we spend some time in scenic Monterey and Carmel by the Sea, with lots of
shopping opportunities – after lunch depart for San Francisco. En route, we visit the Santa Clara
Mission. The building that stands today was built in 1928, but before that time, the Mission had at
least four different locations. Named for St.Clare of Assisi, the foundress of the order of the Poor
Clares, it is the namesake of both, the city and the Santa Clara University, which was built around
the mission. This was the first California mission to be named in honor of a woman and the only
one now located on a university campus. Although ruined and rebuilt six times, the settlement was
never abandoned and today it functions as both, a parish church of the Diocese of San Jose and a
university chapel. Arrive in San Francisco for overnight. (B)
Day 07
May 20, Fri:
Day 08
May 21, Sat:
SAN FRANCISCO
After breakfast enjoy a brief orientation tour of San Francisco, including Chinatown, Fisherman's
Wharf, and the Golden Gate Park. Continue the visit with a trip to Mission Dolores, located in San
Francisco also known as Mission San Francisco. It is the oldest building still standing in the city.
Mission Dolores has always had a central place in the religious, civic and cultural life of San
Francisco. Mission San Francisco de Assisi was founded June 29, 1776, under the direction of
father Junipero Serra and is the oldest intact mission in California. Afterwards there will also be
time to explore the city on your own, take a cable car etc …(B)
SAN FRANCISCO – SONOMA/NAPA VALLEY – SAN FRANCISCO
Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and visit to Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma, also
time to enjoy the historic little town and former capital of the state – in the afternoon we visit a
winery in the Napa Valley before returning to San Francisco. (B)
Day 09
May 22, Sun: SAN FRANCISCO – CANADA
Transfer on your own to the airport. Depart for flights to home city. Arrive home same day. (B)
TOUR PRICE:
$3516.00 (based on minimum of 30 paying passengers)
Single Supplement:
$1150.00
Deposit: $300.00 Non-refundable deposit required (to be applied to the balance)
Balance Due by: March 30, 2016
INCLUDED:
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Airfare (Vancouver/Los Angeles/-San Francisco/Vancouver)
Accommodation in Tourist Class hotels ( including breakfast )
Private bus
Guide throughout the tour
Meals ( B,L,D) according to itinerary
City Tour, entrances per itinerary
NOT INCLUDED:
 Taxes/Fuel Surcharges (approximately $126.00)
 Lunches, dinners
 Tips to guide, driver
 Porterage
 Items of personal nature ( drinks/coffee/tea with meals, laundry, etc )
 Insurance
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Items of personal nature (drinks/coffee/tea with meals, laundry, etc.)
Insurance
INSURANCE:
Purchase of Comprehensive Insurance, which covers among other things, Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption,
Excess Hospital & Medical Insurance and Baggage Insurance, is strongly recommended. Be aware that preexisting medical conditions exclusion may apply.
CANCELLATION PENALTIES: If cancellation is made:
Over 45 days before departure
$300
45 – 30 days prior to departure
50%
29 days or less prior to departure
100%
DISCLOSURE
Sampaguita Travel Bureau (1976) Ltd. Is acting as intermediary & agent for suppliers (“principals” identified on
the attached or accompanying documents) in selling services which are not directly supplied by this travel agency
(such as air carriage, hotel, pension, hostels or private house accommodations, ground transportation m meals,
tours, cruises, etc.)
Our Pilgrimage tours are accompanied by a priest. On occasion, perhaps due to sickness or some other reason, the
priest scheduled to accompany the group may not be with us for all or part of the time, in which case we may invite
another priest or use the excellent facilities provided by local chaplains. This would be a ‘minor change’ and we
would not be liable for compensation.
This agency shall not be responsible for any injuries damages or losses caused to any traveler in connection with
terrorist activities, social or labour unrest, mechanical or construction difficulties, diseases, local laws, climactic
conditions, abnormal conditions or developments or any other actions, omissions or conditions outside the travel
agent’s control.
By embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler/s voluntarily assumes all risks involved with such travel, whether
expected or unexpected. The traveler is hereby warned of such risks and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance
coverage against them. Your retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to
the above, and an agreement on your part to convey the contents thereof to your companions or group members.
For Information/Reservations, Contact:
Mrs. Priscilla L. Estrada
Mrs. Cynthia M. Cruz
Sampaguita Travel Bureau
4601 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R6
Tel. (604) 874-9533 Fax. (604)874-7418
Outside Greater Vancouver – 1 888 874-9533
Email: tours@sampaguitatravel.com
B.C.Registration 1090