Whales, Wine & Wonders of Baja Mexico

Day 1.

Depart Sacramento late morning on a short flight to San Diego. This evening includes a welcome cocktail and a trip orientation presented by our Mexican guide. Hilton Bayside Hotel

Day 2.

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Northern Baja California, Mexico, crossing at Tijuana, the world's busiest land border crossing. Visit Tijuana's bustling Mercado Hidalgo before continuing down scenic Highway 1 to Ensenada for lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Highway 1 traveling south through Northern Baja's tomato, strawberry and pepper fields along the way to San Quintin and tonight's Welcome Dinner. Mision Santa Maria Hotel (FB, L, D) 

Day 3.

Continue on Highway 1 to Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, through the Desierto Central de Baja California with its unique desert vegetation. Stop in Catavina along the way for a short walk through this fascinating landscape populated with rock formations and granite boulders to nearby caves to view ancient paintings that offer a glimpse into the indigenous human and animal life that once populated the region. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Guerrero Negro, which will serve as base camp for our next day's whale watching. Hotel TerraSal - 2 nights (FB, L, D) 

Day 4.

Guerrero Negro's nearby lagoon, Ojo de La Liebre, serves as the magnificent Pacific gray whale's first calving stop on the journey from the Bering Strait. Aboard small, non-intrusive boats captained by local guides, experience an up-close encounter with these gentle and curious giants. Have lunch a local restaurant after today's excursion before returning to the hotel. The evening is free for exploration and dinner on your own. (FB, L) 

Day 5.

Return to Ojo de La Liebre, also known as Scammon's Lagoon, for the second time providing additional opportunities to witness these magnificent sea mammals in their natural habitat. Home to more than just our giant friends, the nearby lagoons are teeming with sea life such as dolphins, sea lions and seals, as well as being surrounded by giant osprey nests and frequented by a variety of other migratory birds. Depart to the north for dinner and an overnight in the village of Catavina. Mision Catavina Hotel (FB, L, D) 

Day 6.

This morning continue north to the bustling port city of Ensenada with lunch provided along the way. Upon arrival join you Tour Director for an orientation walk of the festive downtown quarter. This evening is yours to relax or explore the shops, cafes and taquerias this charming town has to offer. Don't miss a visit to Hussong's Catina where the margarita was invented! Cortez Baja Inn - 2 nights (FB, L) 

Day 7.

Relax with free time after breakfast or take an optional tour to La Bufadora, Mexico's version of "Old Faithful," a spectacular marine geyser that shoots seawater up to 100 feet into the air, creating a thunderous sound and a mesmerizing natural display. Continue to the heart of Mexico's premier wine country, the Guadalupe Valley, and its vineyards that nowadays rival those of the Napa Valley in the USA. Here we will visit locally owned and operated winery followed by a festive Farewell Dinner. (FB, D) 

Day 8.

Return to the USA and San Diego International Airport for the late afternoon return to Sacramento. (FB)