Camellia Forest & Timeless Cultural Masterpieces

Descanso Gardens & Norton Simon Museum

A Celebration of Nature and Artistry

Experience a day where the splendor of nature and the brilliance of human creativity come together in perfect harmony. Your journey begins at Descanso Gardens, a sanctuary of serenity where winding pathways lead you through a breathtaking tapestry of color and fragrance. Lose yourself beneath the dappled canopy of the camellia forest in full bloom, where thousands of blossoms paint the landscape in soft pinks, whites, and reds. Every turn reveals another vista of tranquil ponds, sunlit meadows, and lush botanical displays that awaken the senses and soothe the soul.

From this haven of natural beauty, the day unfolds into a celebration of artistic mastery at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. Within its elegant galleries resides one of the world’s most remarkable private art collections—masterpieces that span centuries and continents. Gaze upon the timeless genius of Rembrandt and Van Gogh, the bold modernity of Picasso and Degas, and the quiet grace of Asian sculptures and artifacts. Each piece tells a story of vision and inspiration, inviting you to see the world through the eyes of its creator.

Whether you’re surrounded by the blooms of Descanso or the brushstrokes of history at the Norton Simon, this is a day that speaks to the heart of beauty itself.
Lunch is available on your own at either venue.

Tour Manager:  *TBD

Activity Level: High

Considerable walking and/or numerous steps involved when visiting the gardens, and some inclines are present. The gardens portion of this tour may be challenging for persons with mobility limitations.

What's Included in the Tour Fare

• Round-trip luxury motor coach transportation from pickup locations throughout San Diego County

• Professional Tour Manager throughout the trip

• Complimentary bottled water and snacks on the coach

• Admission into Descanso Gardens

• Admission to the Norton Simon Museum

What's Not Included in the Tour Fare

• Meals

• Cancellation Protection

• Gratuities for the Tour Manager and driver

Know Before You Go

• You will be spending time outdoors, so we recommend sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.) and comfortable walking shoes.

• At the Norton Simon museum, all umbrellas, backpacks, bags, or purses over 11 x 15 inches must be checked at the Check Room and be retrieved before departing the Museum. Please note that all items brought into the Museum are subject to search. Please leave all non-essential items in the motorcoach. Backpacks, carriers, and purses worn on the back of any size may not be worn in the galleries.

How to Make a Reservation

Making your reservation is easy. Simply click the Book Now button above to select your date and confirm your space online, 24/7. You can also call the DayTripper Tours reservations department at (619) 334-3394 during business hours of M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Smartphones

The Norton Simon Museum has a free audio tour, which you can listen to on your smartphone with headphones or ear buds. Although not necessary to fully enjoy your trip, a personal smartphone can greatly enhance your tour experience. Take high-quality photos, share your experience on social media in real time, search for nearby restaurants and topics of interest, set reminders, and more.

14-Day Cancellation Deadline

• If you purchased the optional Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) prior to the deadline, you can cancel your booking at any time for any reason and you'll receive a full refund of the tour fare.

• If you declined the CPP, you may cancel your reservation fourteen (14) or more days prior to the departure date to receive a refund less a $15 per person cancellation fee. Alternatively, when you cancel your booking fourteen (14) or more days prior to the departure date, you can avoid the cancellation fee by transferring the funds to another tour or a non-refundable voucher, which can be applied to any future excursion booked within one year of the original tour date. Bookings canceled within 14 days of the departure date are nonrefundable and nontransferable for any reason. Name changes on daytrips are always permitted at no additional cost.

* Tour Manager is subject to change without notice.