"Rush to the Golden State" convention tours

GET ACQUAINTED LOCAL ATMOSPHERE TOUR GRABER OLIVE HOUSE AND PLANES OF FAME MUSEUM

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, and 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.

The Planes Of Fame Museum was founded in 1973 to recognize the importance of preserving WWII aircraft at a time when most of these planes were being cut up into scrap metal. Although the United States alone produced more than 300,000 military aircraft during WWII, most of these were destroyed at the end of the war and many types disappeared entirely. A number of aircraft on display at the museum are sole surviving examples of their particular type.

This museum collection spans the history of manned flight from the Chanute Hang Glider of 1896 to the space age. Of particular pride is its collection of Japanese aircraft, which is currently the largest of its type in the world. This is a "living history" museum, where the aircraft are not only preserved, but are also kept flying. In sharing this collection with the general public, these warbirds are flown regularly. Of the 60 aircraft here, 25 are still flyable. These airplanes are from an era of times gone by, but they're still around for you to view. You can expect to see aircraft under restoration and also those that have already been restored.

Price: $35
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 4 hours

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RICHARD NIXON'S PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM AND CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL

Built at a cost of more than $21 million, The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and 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. 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 and his son's teachings are 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: $45
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 6 hours

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GET ACQUAINTED LOCAL ATMOSPHERE TOUR GRABER OLIVE HOUSE AND GALLEANO 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, and 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 Galleano Winery, which is steeped in wine history dating back several generations. You'll stop in to talk and to taste the best award-winning wines. Southern California wines have been served in the White House, to the queen of England, and to millions of wine lovers. 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: $35
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 4 hours

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PIRATES ADVENTURE DINNER SHOW

The Pirate's Dinner Adventure is a dinner show attraction that puts you and your family right in the middle of all of the swashbuckling action. A new breed of pirates have set sail in Southern California. Bringing local citizens and visitors a high seas adventure the likes of which hasn't been seen on the West Coast since Privateer Captain Hippolyte Bouchard set fire to Monterey, raided Santa Barbara, and pillaged Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1818.
At Pirate's Dinner Adventure, guests are entertained with an astonishing display of special-effects wizardry, aerial artistry, swashbuckling sword play, dynamic duels, and daring-do; a classic opportunity to interact in the adventure; and a sumptuous dining experience. This will be an adventure with non-stop action that you will never forget.

A Pirate's feast is included: tossed fresh garden salad, Treasure's Chicken, Buccaneer Beef, or Garlic Shrimp with scallops served with garlic butter sauce. With your choice of rice or roasted potatoes, and mixed vegetables. Dessert is apple cobbler a la mode served with vanilla ice cream.

Price: $65 or two for $125
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 4½ hours

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MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER SHOW

The year is 1093 A.D., and you are the guest of the royal family inside a European-style castle. Gaze in awe at noble young knights on horseback as they perform incredible feats of skill for your entertainment. You'll feast on a sumptuous four-course meal, watch spectacular horsemanship, and cheer for your knight of the realm as he competes in games of skill, swordfights, and authentic jousting matches. Perhaps you'll be tossed a lovely carnation or even be chosen as the Queen of Love and Beauty. Only one knight is the champion ... perhaps it will be you!

The splendor, the pageantry, and the romance of a time long remembered come to life at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.

Dinner will include light appetizers, fresh vegetable soup, whole roasted chicken, spare ribs, herb-basted potato, two rounds of beer, wine cocktails, or soft drinks. Also included are pastries of the castle and a steaming flagon of coffee.

Price: $65 or two for $125
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 4½ hours

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RONALD REAGAN'S PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & 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 3.5-ton piece (9.5 feet by 3.5 feet) of the Berlin Wall, which was torn down in 1989 thanks in part 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.

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

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LOS ANGELES AND 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. Los Angeles 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 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 is the Kodak Academy Theatre, which is now 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. Although it is not open to the general public, our tour is always welcome. After this you will travel down the famous Sunset Boulevard on your way to the Farmer's Market for a great lunch on your own where 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 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

Note: In case of rain, this tour may be cancelled.

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PETERSEN'S AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM AND MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE

Rediscover the automobile, from race cars to the classics, Petersen's Automotive Museum. Be transported back in time. There may be a bridge to the 21st century, but there's also an automobile on that bridge. From "memory lane" to the "fast lane," this automotive museum showcases more than 200 vehicles at any one time. It is the largest and most innovative automobile museum in the world.

In addition, there is an extensive two-wheel exhibit that portrays the history of the Harley- Davidson with vintage and custom Harley's. You also will be able to enjoy a special collection of Harley memorabilia. So, all you two-wheeler or four-wheeler enthusiasts, start revving up your engines. Vroomm! Vroomm!

The Museum of Tolerance is a very special place that has been dedicated to the actual preservation of history, including the history of World War II and its repercussions within a whole culture. The Museum of Tolerance/ Simon Wiesenthal Center focuses on two separate themes through its unique interactive exhibits: Racism and Prejudice in America and the history of the Holocaust. Each visitor has unprecedented access to the history of World War II and the Holocaust through its many different hands-on work stations. Since its inception more than 25 year ago, it has emerged as a leading organization of human rights. This is not an ordinary museum. This is a piece of history.

Price: $45
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 6 hours

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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, which involves 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: $35
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 6 hours

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UNIVERSAL STUDIO 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 Jaws, and cross the waters of the Red Sea that Moses parted. A magnitude 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 still 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.

City Walk is a newly developed concept by the management of Universal Studios. It was designed to attract both local and international travelers. On this four-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., make it a lively, colorful, and exciting place to visit. This is a once -in-a-lifetime "must see" for everyone!

Price: $75
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 7 hours

Note: In case of rain, this tour may be cancelled.

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HUNTINGTON LIBRARY & GARDENS

The Huntington Library & Gardens is a research and educational center set amidst 120 acres of breathtaking gardens. Three art galleries and a library showcase magnificent collections of paintings, sculptures, rare books, manuscripts, and decorative arts. The botanical collection features more than 14,000 different species of plants.

A private, nonprofit institution, The Huntington was founded in 1919 by railroad and real estate developer Henry Edwards Huntington and opened to the public in 1928.

Highlights of the collection include the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales (c.1410), a Gutenberg Bible (c.1455), Thomas Gainsborough's masterpiece The Blue Boy (c. 1770), Sir Thomas Lawrence's Pinkie (1794), Edward Hopper's The Long Leg, Rogier van der Weyden's Madonna and Child (15th century), the spectacular 12-acre desert garden, the serenely beautiful Japanese garden, the camellia gardens, and much more.

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

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"QUILT IN A DAY" SHOP VISIT

From the minute you step inside this quaint shop for quilters, your eyes will begin to sparkle. This is the famous Eleanor Burns' place where she tapes her quilting videos for P.B.S. She has been with P.B.S. for more than 15 years. During that time she has given many exhibitions, lectures, and classes on quilting while traveling around the country. Today you may get to see Ms. Burns. The quilting industry refers to her as the "Queen of Quilting."
Her store carries approximately 8000 bolts of fabric along with those "must-have" notions that we're always looking for. Over the last 30 years Ms. Burns has written more than 70 books on quilting. Plus she publishes patterns and designs by other quilters. Quilt In A Day store was established here in Southern California area more than 25 years ago. You will find something for yourself and for every quilter on your list.

Price: $45
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 6½ hours

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NBC STUDIO TOUR

When visiting here, you will learn about the rich history of the very first television network. You'll experience the magic of the production of America's favorite programs as you take part in this N.B.C. Studio tour. This tour is an onstage look at exactly what's happening on the very day that you visit. You will be able to step behind the scenes to see (subject to availability) "The Tonight Show" and "Days Of Our Lives" set. Also, you should know that "Access Hollywood" is filmed there, too. What's your favorite? You may see a star or two in the studios where they work. Who knows? You could be walking in the footsteps where Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, and countless legendary performers who over the years, have worked their magic at N.B.C.

You'll be able to get a scoop on all the factors that work together to create the finished product that becomes a television show. There also will be a display by the wardrobe department, including "special" costumes, make-up, hair styles (wigs, of course), etc., along with a look at the set and prop construction department. This is a real "behind the scenes" tour for everyone.

Price: $45
Minimum: 25 passengers
Tour duration: 6 hours

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