Pomona, Calif., convention tours

Reservations are required for all tours and must be made in advance, by Friday, Feb. 24. Use the Tour Registration Form (PDF 17K).

On-site registration: a Custom Leisure Services representative will be available at the tour desk located in the FMCA Information Center (Building 22) to take reservations on a space-available basis.

All tours are subject to change. Tours may be cancelled due to fewer than minimum passengers registered at the cutoff date. Custom Leisure Services reserves the right to cancel a tour due to inclement weather conditions. If Custom Leisure Services cancels a tour, all money will be refunded for that tour.

Note: For tours that occur across the lunch hour, meal costs are "on your own" except for Tour #13.

Get Acquainted and Atmosphere Tours:
Graber Olive House and Joseph Filippi Winery

This tour will begin at the historic Graber's Olive House. More than 110 years ago, the Graber Family began canning olives right here at this location. Today, the equipment is almost the same; they use the same old-fashioned method of canning. You'll get a chance to see how the olives are cured, graded, and canned. You may meet a few of the workers who have been there for more than 50 years. There is a small museum on the grounds that you can visit, and view some of the original tools that are on display.

There also will be time to browse through Graber's two delightful gift shops. Shop for yourself or choose a gift for someone special from a wide variety of products — almonds, wines, dates, salmon, pistachios, dried fruits, preserves, knick-knacks, and, of course, a fine selection of Graber Olives. If you wish to purchase a gift, they will wrap it for you at no cost.

Then it's off to the Joseph Filippi Winery, which is steeped in wine history dating back several generations. You'll stop in to talk and taste the best award-winning wines. Southern California wines have been served at the White House, to the queen of England, and to millions of wine lovers. The Filippi Winery is ever expanding and changing, just like the area that surrounds it; however, urban and industrial growth constantly encroach upon the southern California vineyards. Come to sample the newest wines of the harvest that are aged in tanks and barrels. Talk with the wine experts and winemakers. They will help you to choose a wine that you and your friends will most certainly enjoy. There are also gift baskets and gift boxes as well as wine accessories for that "extra special" purchase.

Price: $25
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 3½ hours

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The Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace

Built at a cost of more than $21 million, the Richard Nixon Museum is the first presidential museum to be constructed and operated entirely without taxpayer funds. Hear Richard Nixon's voice describe his life in the modest farmhouse where he was born in 1913. Still on the same site, the house has been restored and filled with original family furniture. See the priceless gifts of state; watch the famous Nixon-Kennedy TV debates; examine the phone President Nixon used to talk to the Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon; and see the pistol given to the president by Elvis Presley.

You will witness state dinners, holiday celebrations, and other White House events through the eyes of Pat Nixon; visit the first lady's beautiful garden; and stroll among life-size sculptures of world leaders. In short, you will feel as though you were there, where history was made.

Price: $35
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 4½ hours

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The Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace
and Crystal Cathedral Tour

Built at a cost of more than $21 million, The Richard Nixon Museum is the first presidential museum to be constructed and operated entirely without taxpayer funds. Hear Richard Nixon's voice describe his life in the modest farmhouse where he was born in 1913. Still on the same site, the house has been restored and filled with original family furniture. See the priceless gifts of state; watch the famous Nixon-Kennedy TV debates; examine the phone President Nixon used to talk to the Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon; and see the pistol given to the president by Elvis Presley.

You will witness state dinners, holiday celebrations, and other White House events through the eyes of Pat Nixon; visit the first lady's beautiful garden; and stroll among life-size sculptures of world leaders. In short, you will feel as though you were there, where history was made.

The Crystal Cathedral is an all-glass church which began as a dream in the heart and mind of Rev. Robert Schuller, who in the early 1950's started out as a Dutch-reformed pastor in Southern California. Rev. Schuller has since expanded his preaching, and his church's congregation has grown from less than one hundred to more than a thousand. Today his ministry is experienced by millions through national television. Come visit the grounds and beautiful buildings in this serene setting. The statuary and special dedicated Scripture Walk are a "must see" for everyone.

Price: $40
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 6 hours

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Ontario Mills Mall

If you've come all the way to California, why miss out on the largest shopping mall west of the Mississippi? The Ontario Mills Mall has been designed like a broken railroad car with the shopper in mind, and it has special wood floors for those who like to spend several hours shopping.

It is one of the largest entertainment complexes you have ever seen. There are two movie theaters with a total of 52 movie screens along with an Imax Theatre. Surrounding the Ontario Mills Mall are great restaurants for every diet, taste, and budget. The food court itself has more than a dozen different eateries.

Dedicated to the shoppers of the world, it epitomizes the pleasure and excitement people receive from shopping.

Price: $15 or two for $25
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 5 hours

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Los Angeles/Hollywood Highlights Tour

Ride with your tour guide into the Los Angeles and Hollywood communities and learn a little of the history of these areas. You'll enjoy the traditions of California's Mexican heritage with a stop at the oldest street and the city's birthplace in Los Angeles, "Olvera Street." The old Mexican influence still reigns today in southern California. It first began more than 100 years ago with only 19 families. Today the population tops 5 million. You will have a chance to walk amongst the historic buildings where the first church, fire station, hotel, opera house, and the first home are located. On weekends there are strolling mariachi bands along with real Mexican food stands. This is a shopper's delight for tourists. Lots and lots of Mexican arts and crafts can be found here.

As the tour arrives in Hollywood, you'll get an opportunity to see the famous Hollywood Walk of Stars on Hollywood Boulevard. At the Mann's Chinese Theatre you can try to fit your hands and feet into the imprints of famous movie personalities. Next door at the New Kodak Academy Theatre is the permanent home to the Academy Awards ceremonies each year. We also will pass the famous Hollywood and Vine intersection!

As the tour bus leaves the area, it will pass Houdini's lovely Magic Castle home. However, it is not open to the general public, but our tour is always welcome. After this you will travel down the famous Sunset Boulevard on you way to the Farmer's Market for a great lunch were you will discover an authentic outdoor marketplace with 50 different places to eat. There will be many different sights and smells of the Orient, Egypt, Europe, Mexico, and more. You will be able to choose from a variety of foods: Chinese, Italian, Jewish, French, Spanish, Cajun, Japanese, and, of course, American.

Upon returning to the Los Angeles area, you will be able to travel on the very famous "Melrose Place" (Boulevard) and see a new generation and lifestyle of people in this very eclectic neighborhood.

Price: $40 or two for $75
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 6 hours

In case of rain, this tour may be cancelled.

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J. Paul Getty Center and Museum

The J. Paul Getty Center and Museum features memorable works of art, along with peaceful, tranquil gardens and terraces where you can stroll along and enjoy spectacular views of both the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. As you move along the walkways between the pavilions and the balconies, you will experience many changing scenes of the city. An inner courtyard with trees and statuary, along with fountains and reflecting pools, all provide a calm serenity.

With the choice of several buildings to visit, you will enjoy the evolving culture of art. A hands-on display of art technology is provided involving interactive computer use. One of the hallmarks of the Getty Museum is the changing exhibitions of famous artists and their works. There are drawings and paintings by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Renoir, and many other great masters. Throughout the Getty Museum you will notice many beautiful sculptures on display. An expanded museum store offers books of art for all ages as well as games and gifts to suit every taste. And speaking of taste, the Getty Museum has three different types of eating arrangements for those who want a certain type of ambiance while dining. The choice will be yours, of course.

Price: $30
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 6 hours

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Ronald Reagan’s Presidential Library and Museum
and Air Force One Pavilion

You don't need an invitation from the White House to visit the Oval Office. It's right here at Ronald Reagan's Presidential Library and Museum. There is a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, along with a variety of visitor's interactive displays including a re-creation of the cabinet room.

Experience and enjoy the end of the Cold War; see a piece of history when viewing a 3½-ton piece (9.5 feet by 3.5 feet) of the Berlin Wall, which was torn down in 1989 due to the efforts of President Reagan. See what it's like to live in the White House. This museum chronicles the fascinating life of the 40th president of the United States. Find out about Mr. Reagan's early years and his road to the presidency of the United States.

Historical materials consist of more than 50 million pages of documents created or received by President Reagan and his White House staff, along with more than 1.5 million still photographs. There is a "special" Head Of State Gallery that has more than 75,000 gifts received by the president and his first lady, Nancy. Yes, there's even a First Lady's Gallery to visit, too.

Air Force One Pavilion — President Reagan had a dream that one day he'd be able to share Air Force One with the American people. Today, that dream has come true. This national treasure served seven presidents from 1973 to 2001. The pavilion celebrates President Reagan's vision and tells the story of his staggering achievements in promoting peace and democracy around the globe. Also, located in the pavilion is a Johnson-era Marine One helicopter and President Reagan's 1984 parade limousine.

Price: $35
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 6 hours

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Forest Lawn Memorial Park
and the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage

This tour begins with a visit to Forest Lawn Memorial Park. This first true memorial park is renowned for its beauty and art collections. Nearly 1,000 pieces of great sculpture grace Forest Lawn's buildings and grounds. On this narrated tour, you will see and hear about the famous Sacred Trilogy, consisting of "The Last Supper," "The Crucifixion," and "The Resurrection." "The Last Supper" window was created in stained glass from Leonardo da Vinci's original sketches. "The Crucifixion" is the largest religious painting on earth. It was lost to the world for nearly half a century before it was brought to Forest Lawn. "The Resurrection" depicts Christ as he stepped from his tomb.

Gene Autry's interest in the history of the American West and his devotion to preserving its real and imaginary elements led to the creation of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage. At this museum, the west really comes alive! Wherever you look, you'll see artifacts such as paintings by Frederick Remington and Charles M. Russell; Buffalo Bill's saddle; Tom Mix's Stetson hat; and even Annie Oakley's gold pistol. You'll view "Spirits of the West," a 140-foot mural portraying the evolution of the west from early hunters to modern cowboys. In Heritage Theater, you'll see "The Western Legacy," a spectacular film that brings to life the spirit of the American West through the imagineering of Walt Disney studios.

Price: $35
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 6 hours

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Fabric Patch Quilting Trip

On this tour we will visit a premier quilt store where free demos will be held especially for you. The "Fabric Patch" has been listed as one of the top 10 quilting stores in the nation and here it is in our own backyard. It is constantly being mentioned in the American Patchwork Quilting magazine each year. With more than 5,000 bolts of various types of fabrics to choose from for making quilts, the selection seems to be endless.

The owner of the "Fabric Patch" is also the founder of "Road To California," the largest quilt show in Southern California!

Next door is "Phebie's Needle Art." Phebie's and the Fabric Patch work hand-in-hand when it comes to design and materials. It is a fiber arts store with novelty and quality yarn, along with beautiful beading and Brazilian embroidery. This also is known as wearable art. Many quilters purchase items at both shops. Come and join us for the day. You won't regret it. A buffet lunch is included with this tour.

Price: $35
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 5 hours

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Universal Studios and City Walk

A word of Warning! You may have trouble choosing among the many exciting attractions and shows when you spend an extraordinary, unforgettable day at Universal Studios.

The tour will take you behind the scenes to share in the magic of show business. Feel the glamour, glitter, and glitz of being a star. Experience state-of-the-art special effects that are used in many TV shows and movies. You'll also have an opportunity to see the best stunt people in the business who will make you gasp, laugh, and cheer at their amazing skills. Don't miss this good-guys versus bad-guys performance, along with the animal actor's stage show. It's a must see for all animal lovers.

During the hour-long tram ride, you may be held captive by aliens from Star Wars, ride alongside of Jaws, and cross the waters of the Red Sea that Moses parted. An 8.1 earthquake will rattle your teeth and King Kong will probably breathe on you. But don't worry, you will have a chance to escape his grip.

Last, but certainly not least, is a very special tribute to Ms. Lucille Ball. We all love Lucy! Trace the life and career of the world's zaniest redhead. With everything from rare home movies to famous classic shows, you will fall in love with Lucy all over again.

A street festival! Non-stop excitement and non-stop fun! Something to do and see everywhere you look. It all comes to life here. Just outside the gates of Universal Studios is City Walk. It is a newly developed concept by the management of Universal Studios. On this three block-long street, magicians, mimes, artists, craftsman, and musicians along with other types of show people stroll the area performing. There is something for everyone. Shops, specialty stores, restaurants, kiosks, etc. making it a lively, colorful, and exciting place to visit. This is a once-in-a- lifetime "must see" for everyone!

Price: $65
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 8 hours

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