| For the third tour on our California’s Mission Trail Tour Series, we’ll explore the birthplace of Orange County in San Juan Capistrano. Every corner of the city flaunts historic charm, nowhere more than the Los Rios Historic District. This charming district is the oldest neighborhood in California and recaptures the tranquility of the slower pace of life that existed here in the late 1800s. We’ll enjoy an included early tea lunch at a family-run tea house serving a traditional afternoon tea that features a variety of loose-leaf teas, finger sandwiches and a variety of desserts including their famous currant scones with raspberry preserves. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a docent-guided tour of Mission San Juan Capistrano. Known as the “Jewel of the California Missions,” it was founded more than 200 years ago by Saint Junipero Serra as the 7th of the 9 missions he established. See the beautiful museum rooms, gardens and the ruins of the “Great Stone Church,” a renowned architectural wonder. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon browsing the antique shops and galleries in downtown San Juan Capistrano, as well as the enchanting streets in the Los Rios District which are filled with historic homes and original adobe structures shaded by willow trees and bougainvillea. |