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L.A.’s Italian Treasures With Local Guide Curt
Today we are joined by professional local guide, Curt, who is a history buff with an expertise on the evolution of Los Angeles and especially loved by our travelers for his charismatic personality and fun stories. Los Angeles is home to the nation’s fifth-largest Italian population, and the Italian presence in the American West pre-dates our nation’s founding and was instrumental in the development of L.A. as one of the world’s great cities. This tour highlights the Italian-inspired treasures around the city and emphasizes the positive influences the Italian culture has had on its architecture, fashion, art, food and cinema. In beautiful Old Pasadena, we’ll visit Pasadena City Hall, an iconic and architecturally significant landmark that pays homage to the 16th century Italian architect Andrea Palladio. You don’t have to travel to Italy to view the great works of Renaissance Masters, but rather visit St. Andrew’s Church – one of the oldest Catholic parishes in L.A. County and an architectural treasure that dates to 1886. The structure features elements dating back to the early days of Christianity in Rome, including a Romanesque bell tower that is visible for miles and is one of Pasadena’s iconic landmarks. The church also houses gorgeous murals like the ones that grace cathedrals in Rome, and a historic 1908 Italian Hall which celebrates the Italian American experience. At the peaceful Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, we’ll view reproductions of artwork of two of Italy’s greatest artists – Leonardo da Vinci’s stunning stained-glass masterpiece of The Last Supper, and Michelangelo’s most famous sculptures – this is the only place in the world where artwork from these legends can be seen together in one location. Enjoy lunch on your own at the San Antonio Winery’s cafeteria-style, Maddalena’s Restaurant – a true gem tucked away in a nondescript industrial area of Los Angeles. It has been serving delicious Italian food in a festive atmosphere for over 100 years! A highlight of the day will be time at leisure to browse Eataly, L.A.’s enormous Italian marketplace. This two-story “temple of la dolce vita” is a massive emporium and true foodie paradise that features all things edible and drinkable Italian! It was inspired by the time-honored Mediterranean marketplaces, where one would wander from stall to stall tasting different specialties, buying ingredients, and talking with the shopkeepers. We’ll enjoy an included Italian sweet treat! Bellissimo!All visits subject to change.
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