| Today we escape to Malibu and savor two of its most famous and legendary landmarks. First, enjoy an included brunch with a choice of entrée (lobster roll, fish & chips, cheeseburger or kale Caesar salad with New England clam chowder) that you’ll select on the day of departure, and dessert at the legendary Gladstones. This historic beachside icon features a relaxed ambiance and consistently receives an “Editor’s Pick” from Sunset Magazine. Founded in 1972, Gladstones restaurant has been a symbol of Los Angeles and the Southern California lifestyle for nearly half a century. Owned by former L.A. Mayor Richard J. Riordan, this classic establishment has stood the test of time, outlived trends, and set the bar for quality and warmth. This afternoon, we continue to the Getty Villa Museum, the gorgeous estate built by oil magnate J. Paul Getty to resemble a Roman country home in Herculaneum, Italy. Step into the ancient world at this one-of-a-kind destination perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Pacific Palisades and offering ancient Greek and Roman art, tranquil gardens, and ocean breezes. The Getty Villa is home to an incredible collection of antiquities from the ancient world – here you can explore 4,000 years of ancient art, from the Stone Age to the final days of the Roman Empire. On display for a limited time, The Gold Emperor from Aventicum, featuring a nearly life-size gold bust of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius found at Aventicum (present-day Avenches, Switzerland). Made by hammering a single sheet of gold, it blends Roman traditions with that of a local Celtic tribe known as the Helvetii. One of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries of recent times, the bust is presented with other objects from the site, providing a view of a provincial capital and the importance of imperial imagery in territories beyond Rome. Enjoy approximately three hours at leisure to explore up to 1,200 works on display in the newly refurbished and reimagined galleries and stroll through the garden featuring a reflecting pool, colonnaded walkways, and views of the Pacific Ocean. While free docent-guided tours of the museum may be available, you can download the free GettyGuide app to your favorite device and bring your own headphones to enjoy a free audio-guided tour of the galleries, architecture and outdoor spaces. |