GTT
17132 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone: 714-848-1255
info@goodtimestravel.com
California’s Mission Trail Tour Series Mission
San Buenaventura & Animal Sanctuary
Activity Level
Activity Level 3
The fifth tour on our California’s Mission Trail Tour Series, takes us to Ventura’s historic and charming downtown district to visit Mission San Buenaventura, named for Saint Bonaventure – hence Ventura’s nickname, “city of good fortune.” Founded by Saint Junipero Serra in 1782 it was the most successful and influential of the California Missions founded by Saint Serra. While it had been planned as the third in the chain of 21 Missions founded by Saint Serra, it was destined to be the ninth and the last one founded during his lifetime, and one of only six he personally dedicated. A docent-guided tour will showcase the Mission Basilica’s architecture, artifacts and art including paintings, tapestries and statues highlighted by a Vatican-licensed marble cast of Michelangelo’s 1498 masterpiece, Pieta, that was installed in 2018. The Mission Gardens feature a life-size statue of Saint Serra, a fountain with colorful man-made mosaic tile, an olive press and the settling tank that was part of the aqueduct system that carried water to the Mission from the nearby mountains. Enjoy time at leisure browsing the Mission Museum and the gift shop which offers a wide variety of devotional, gift, seasonal and collectible items for sale as well as items related to the history of the Mission and the California Missions in general. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch on your own and browsing along downtown Ventura’s charming Main Street that features a variety of eateries, shops, boutiques and galleries. This afternoon we’ll travel to Chatsworth and visit Kindred Spirits Care Farm, an animal sanctuary that is home to a variety of rescued farm animals that now live in harmony with nature. On a guided tour of this 7-acre ranch, learn about the permaculture gardens and the variety of loveable animals that came here as rescues. Enjoy time at leisure to chat with a chicken, tango with a turkey, rub a pig belly, run with the emus or just relax in the shade of a 500-year-old oak tree and watch the fish and tortoise in the koi pond. You’ll be provided with carrots so you can feed the horses, goats, sheep, alpacas and turtles! This tour involves moderate walking over uneven terrain.
To ensure a healthy and enjoyable travel experience for our guests, this tour will operate with additional health and safety measures in place.
Thank you for your patience while we process this...