137th Tournament of Roses Parade

Day 1

A flight to Burbank and short drive to the west brings you to the epicenter of the Rose Parade-downtown Pasadena. On a Melting Pot Food Tour you'll get to know the city as never before, one tantalizing bite at a time, as you graze through some of the city's most popular and iconic restaurants and sweet spots featuring the cuisines of Venezuela, Mexico, Tibet/Nepal, India, Iran, the Mediterranean region and of course the good old U.S. of A. The slow, narrated walk led by a fascinating local guide will cover 26 blocks (or about 5,000 steps if that's what you prefer to count) over 3 ½ hours. From here you're off to the hotel for a good night's rest. Hilton Hotel Orange County/Costa Mesa - 2 nights (L) 

Day 2

Following breakfast, we're off to the ferry terminal for the ride "26 miles across the sea" to Santa Catalina, "the island of romance." There you'll have free time for personal exploration and lunch, then we'll regroup for a guided tour of the famed Casino before heading back to the mainland. This evening back at the hotel, a Monte Carlo-style New Year's Eve bash is planned including dinner, a champagne toast and party favors. Worried about making it to midnight? Never fear! We'll celebrate each time zone across the country! (FB, D) 

Day 3

Admittedly, it's an early morning as we head out to Colorado Boulevard, the route of the Tournament of Roses parade, to reserved bleacher seating on the grounds of Pasadena City College. There you'll have a prime, unobstructed view of the beloved annual event, now in its 137th year, complete with a souvenir blanket and program. A SoCal barbecue lunch is served before heading back to Burback and your return flight to Sacramento. (FB, L)