Friends of the Camarillo Library

Tours

The Friends offers a variety of tours for the enjoyment and education of our members. Local trips include theater performances, museums, wine tours, and gardens. Trips throughout the United States and Canada are available during the year. Overseas tours to Europe, Africa, South America, Australia and Asia are also offered. Trip brochures can be found in the Friends bookstore. Some of the advantages of Friends tours are:

• A tour director and local guide are provided for each tour.

• Friends members receive a monthly Amigos newsletter with details on future tours.

• Friends members receive a discount.

• Transportation is provided from the Camarillo Library for each trip.

• Chance to meet new friends, especially if you are new to the area.

• Great for people who are single.

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2020 Local Tours

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Apr 4: Hamilton 
  Hamilton Update
May 8: Disney Concert Hall -
  Sondheim 90th Bday Cancelled

May 31: Tibbies Flyer

Jun 25: Norton Simon Museum
  & Gene Autry Museum Flyer
Jun 28: Hamilton Flyer

Jul 22: Lotusland Flyer
Aug 8: Hamilton Flyer

Sep 5: Hollywood Bowl Flyer

Sep 26: Glendale Theatre -
  Brigadoon 

Oct 4: Hamilton

Oct 14-17: Wonder Valley - 3
  Nights  Flyer1       Flyer2

Oct 22: Mystery Tour

Nov 19: East Meets West

Dec 3: Holiday Moonlight
  Forest

Dec 13: "Tibbies" 

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2020 Extended Tours

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Apr 26 - May 2: Southern
  Charm - Savannah and
  Charleston

May 18-28: Classic Danube River

  Cruise with Oberammergau
  Passion Play
Jul 24 - Aug 1: French Canada
Oct 2-9: Upstate New York
Nov 4-17: Spain & Portugal

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2021 Extended Tours

Feb 24 - Mar 17: New Zealand

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For more information about local tours, please contact Helen Andrews between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm at (805) 482-5269.
 

For more information about our extended tours, please contact Ginny Wooten at (805) 889-9752 or Carol Yung at (805) 987-5952.

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Always include your name, phone number, and the date of the tour that you are calling about.

Additional details for upcoming tours are listed below. Dates for slide presentations and trip document distributions (for extended trips) are also shown. More information is added as it becomes available.

Complete itineraries are posted on the bulletin board in the Bookstore prior to trip.
Flyers are available in the Bookstore.

HAMILTON An American Musical***

WAS Saturday, April 4, 2020

NOW Sunday, October 4, 2020

$175 members, $190 non-members

Board at 9:45 a.m.; Depart at 10:00 a.m.; Return 6:30 p.m.

Today we travel to the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood for a matinee performance of Hamilton.
This award-winning musical biography of Alexander Hamilton written by Lin- Manuel Miranda is about taking your shot, speaking your mind, and turning the world upside down. Join George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, King George, Eliza Hamilton, and lifelong Hamilton friend and foe Aaron Burr as they all attend this revolutionary tale of America’s fiery past, told through the sounds of the ever-changing nation we’ve become. 

Tour includes orchestra seats and time for lunch on your own at L.A.’s Farmers Market and The Grove shopping complex.

Deadline: SOLD OUT
***Effective Friday, March 20, 2020, the April Hamilton trip has been RESCHEDULED. All participants who were booked for the April 4th show are being notified, and are being offered the October 4th date or a complete refund.

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SLIDE PRESENTATION - Community Room

Tuesday, May 5, 2020
1:00 p.m. Exploring New Zealand
1:30 p.m. Document presentation for Oberammergau

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WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL  CANCELLED

Friday, May 8, 2020

$150 members, $165 non-members

Board at 3:15 p.m.; Depart at 3:30 p.m.; Return 11:30 p.m.

Disney's Sunday in the Park with George

We celebrate Stephen Sondheim’s 90th birthday with this new, Dudamel-conducted production of one of the greatest-ever works of musical theater. In it, deeply touching truths about the agonies and ecstasies of the creative process are exposed through events in the life of French painter Georges Seurat.
Sondheim’s acclaimed musical was nominated for an astounding ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This stunning masterpiece, merges past and present into beautiful, poignant truths about life, love and the creation of art.
Our evening: Time to enjoy pre-show music and complimentary drinks at the Walt Disney Concert Hall’s Blue-Ribbon Garden. (Starting at 6:30pm)
Make dinner reservations at the many neighboring restaurants or stay on site and enjoy the dining offerings. Join Curt and Anh at Grand Central Market for over twenty food stalls and take the Angel’s Flight up to Grand Street for a casual walk back to the Concert Hall.
Tour includes terrace seating and deluxe motorcoach.

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TIBBIES DINNER THEATER  

Sunday, May 31, 2020

$140 members, $155 non-members

Board at 11:30 a.m.; Depart at 11:45 a.m.; Return 8:00 p.m.

Celebrating the Greatest Family Acts of All Time! 

WE ARE FAMILY is the newest musical revue creation by Todd and Jennifer Vigiletti. From the Doobie Brothers to the Pointer Sisters and the Osmonds to the Judds, this show features the hottest musical numbers from the most famous family acts of all time. Whether you grew up in the 1950’s listening to the Everly Brothers or the Righteous Brothers, or you're a free spirit of the 1970’s who loved the Jackson Five or the Mamas and the Papas, this show is for you!
The City of Fontana renovated the 1937 Fontana theatre for Six and half million dollars creating Tibbies’ Center Stage theater. The theatre maintains its original 1930’s charm while housing today’s best production technology. Tonight, you will enjoy this fantastic high-energy performance with an extravagant dining experience.
Enjoy an included three-course early dinner (served at 2:30 p.m.) with choice of entrée (prime rib of beef, salmon dill beurre blanc, chicken Florentine or vegetable lasagna) includes a delicious dessert, soda tea or coffee– all served by your professional singing and dancing wait staff.

Deadline: April 30, 2020
 

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NORTON SIMON & AUTRY MUSEUMS  

Thursday, June 25, 2020

$125 members, $140 non-members

Board at 8:45 a.m.; Depart at 9:00 a.m.; Return 5:30 p.m.

Today we’ll travel to two of California’s prized museums, the priceless Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena and the remarkable Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park.
The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a thirty-year period, industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an astonishing collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. Approximately 1,000 works from the permanent collection of 12,000 objects are on view in the Norton Simon Museum’s galleries and sculpture garden throughout the year. This fantastic museum is rich in Rembrandts, Goyas, Degas, Van Goghs and Picassos as well as Southeast Asian artworks dated 100 BC.
Next, we will stop for an included buffet lunch with multiple choices of entrées at local favorite. Mijares Mexican Restaurant. Here the Mexican culinary traditions are far older than the 1920’s landmark itself, featuring recipes passed down through generations of the Mijares family. Fresh ground salsas and tortillas made with volcanic stone tools are served alongside tasty favorites like the tostadas and marinated steak fajitas. Enjoy these filling and time-tested meals while soaking in the welcoming family-style atmosphere.
After lunch it is time to discover the art, history, and cultures of the American West with a docent-guided tour at the Autry Museum of the American West. This 36,000- square foot complex features over 500,000 works of art and artifacts from the American frontier. Part of the museum is dedicated to Western film memorabilia, from the pistols used by Steve McQueen to a replica movie set of an Old Western town with storefronts. The heart of the collection are priceless artifacts from the Old West including engraved golden pistols owned by Annie Oakley, an extensive saddle display, a mail stage coach from 1855, Smith & Wesson revolvers, pioneer portraits, cowboy hats, buckskin jackets and more, Western lore aside, the Autry also celebrates contemporary art designed by todays Masters of the American West.

Deadline: May 25, 2020

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HAMILTON An American Musical

Sunday, June 28, 2020

$175 members, $190 non-members

Board at 9:45 a.m.; Depart at 10:00 a.m.; Return 6:30 p.m.

Today we travel to the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood for a matinee performance of Hamilton.
This award-winning musical biography of Alexander Hamilton written by Lin- Manuel Miranda is about taking your shot, speaking your mind, and turning the world upside down. Join George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, King George, Eliza Hamilton, and lifelong Hamilton friend and foe Aaron Burr as they all attend this revolutionary tale of America’s fiery past, told through the sounds of the ever-changing nation we’ve become. 

Tour includes orchestra seats and time for lunch on your own at L.A.’s Farmers Market and The Grove shopping complex.

Deadline: May 28, 2020

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LOTUSLAND

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

$135 members, $150 non-members

Board at 8:45 a.m.; Depart at 90:00 a.m.; Return 4:30 p.m.

Lotusland is a globally renowned (and locally treasured) 37-acre estate and botanic garden situated in the foothills of Montecito, California. Today we will witness the largest renovation of any garden in Lotusland’s history. After 11 years and $6 million, Lotusland has reopened its beloved Japanese garden. Today, the Japanese Garden is wheelchair friendly, boasting new entrances, new gently sloped pathways, and wide spring blossom and Japanese maple walks. The reflecting pond has been revived along with a new arch bridge and a Karensansui dry garden. It is home to more than 3,000 different plants from around the world. The estate gardens were created by Madame Ganna Walska, who owned the property from 1941 until her death in 1984. The fascinating life and career of Madame Ganna Walska culminated with 43 years of designing unusual display gardens with exotic plants will be covered on our “Docent lead” walking tour.
For lunch we will stop in the heart of Santa Barbara at Paseo Nuevo and State Street. This outdoor shopping destination, offers national retailers, specialty shops, restaurants, sunny Spanish-style architecture, and beautiful courtyards.
On our Journey home we will stop at a beautiful 3+ acre botanical nursery that has eleven garden vignettes that provide an around-the- world sampling of plants that thrive in our coastal environment. They include Asian, Australian, California Native, Central/South American, Grassland, Mediterranean, Native Wetland Bioswale, Perennial/Cottage, South African, Succulent, and Tropical themes.

Deadline: June 22, 2020

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HAMILTON An American Musical

Saturday, August 8, 2020

$175 members, $190 non-members

Board at 9:45 a.m.; Depart at 10:00 a.m.; Return 6:30 p.m.

Today we travel to the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood for a matinee performance of Hamilton.
This award-winning musical biography of Alexander Hamilton written by Lin- Manuel Miranda is about taking your shot, speaking your mind, and turning the world upside down. Join George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, King George, Eliza Hamilton, and lifelong Hamilton friend and foe Aaron Burr as they all attend this revolutionary tale of America’s fiery past, told through the sounds of the ever-changing nation we’ve become. 

Tour includes orchestra seats and time for lunch on your own at L.A.’s Farmers Market and The Grove shopping complex.

Deadline: July 8, 2020

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WONDER VALLEY RANCH RESORT

Wednesday - Saturday, October 14-17, 2020

$995 double occupancy, $1195 single occupancy

Board at 8:45 a.m.; Depart at 9:00 a.m.; Return 5:00 p.m.

On our four-day getaway we’ll unpack once and enjoy a leisurely stay at the Wonder Valley Ranch Resort. During your stay all your meals are included along with a nightly hosted “happy hour,” nightly original entertainment and a variety of outdoor activities, including canoeing, fishing, table games, horseback riding (additional fee) and more. Our included day trips feature a visit to the largest trees on Earth at Kings Canyon National Park, as well as a day trip to the Fresno Fruit Trail – a collection of local family farms, orchards and packing houses amongst the fruit-filled countryside in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley. On this day we will eat at a family-style Basque restaurant for lunch and also go on a guided tour of one-of-a-kind underground gardens.

Tour Highlights:
Visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park to see the largest living things on Earth – the giant sequoias – highlighted by the General Grant Tree.
Explore the Fresno County Fruit Trail through California’s agricultural heartland with visits to local family farms to learn about growing and harvesting, and of course, sample the fruit. Visit Fresno for a family-style Basque lunch and a guided tour of Forestiere Gardens, one-of-a-kind underground gardens.
Stay three nights at an inclusive western-style resort nestled on 75 acres in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills.
Tour Inclusions:
3 Nights deluxe hotel accommodations with portage
8 Meals: 3 dinners, 2 lunches, 3 breakfasts
Services of a professional Tour Guides Curtis & Anh Tucker Comprehensive sightseeing with a local guide admissions per itinerary
Transportation aboard a deluxe touring motor coach.
Day 1 – Wed, Oct. 14th-From the Camarillo Library we’ll travel by deluxe motor coach into California’s Central Valley following a morning rest stop and a stop for lunch on your own. Soon we’ll arrive at the 75-acre all-inclusive western-style Wonder Valley Ranch Resort. The resort offers a wide variety of activities including a swimming pool, spa, a lake for fishing and canoeing, tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoe pits, pool tables, horseback riding (additional fee) and much more.
Upon our arrival in the afternoon we’ll enjoy a historic tour of the ranch followed by a nightly hosted “happy hour.” Following a delicious ranch buffet dinner, we’ll gather around the campfire with a singing cowboy and enjoy a horse-drawn hayride for spectacular views of the night sky. (Dinner)
Day 2 – Thur, Oct. 15th – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Tour and lunch at General Grant Grove Restaurant
Following breakfast this morning we’ll board the motor coach with our local guide for an unforgettable tour of two of our nation’s most spectacular national parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Sequoia National Park, is our nation’s second-oldest national park – established in the 1890’s to protect the giant Sequoia Trees. A highlight will surely be the General Grant Tree, which is one of the largest trees in the world. We will take a guided Grant Grove Trail walk where you will find trees that can measure 270 feet tall and 36 feet in diameter, with trunks weighing about 1,400 tons and an estimated age of 2,500 years. We’ll make a stop at the Visitors Center and gift shop before traveling into Kings Canyon. Enjoy a buffet lunch at General Grant Grove Restaurant. Upon our return to the resort, take time to enjoy the resort amenities before our “happy hour” and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 - Fri, Oct. 16th – Fruit & Farm Tour- Forestiere Underground Gardens- Basque Lunch
Following breakfast this morning we’ll board the motor coach with our resort guide for sightseeing along The Central Valley. Located in the shadow of the vast Sierra Nevada mountains, the Central Valley has been blessed with the perfect combination of sun, soil, and water to produce an abundant variety of crops. We’ll travel amongst citrus groves, vineyards, apple, plum, peach, and walnut orchards. Along the Trail we’ll make stops at several family farms to learn about growing, harvesting, and production and of course try samples... We will stop in Fresno and eat at a family-style Basque restaurant and go on a guided tour of Forestiere Gardens – this one-of-a-kind underground garden is a public jewel. For 40 years Baldasare Forestiere carved the tunnels and crossed the vines and trees to achieve the perfect mix of light and dark, fruit and flowers, and has to be seen to be believed. We return to the resort later in the afternoon to relax, enjoy the hosted “happy hour,” dinner and original entertainment this evening.
(Breakfast - Lunch – Dinner)
Day 4 -Sat, Oct. 17th - Journey Home
Enjoy breakfast this morning before we begin our journey home. As we head south, we’ll make several surprise sightseeing stops along the way and a stop for lunch on your own. We’ll arrive back to our drop-off points this evening with the scent of blossoms, the visions of California’s Central Valley and the fun had at the Wonder Valley Ranch Resort forever engrained into our minds. – (Breakfast)

Deadline: September 14, 2020

HOLLYWOOD BOWL - John Williams Maestro of the Movies 2020

Saturday, September 5, 2020

$150 members, $165 non-members

Board at 3:30 p.m.; Depart at 3:45 p.m.; Return 12:00 a.m.

Active and brilliant as ever at the young age of 88, five-time Oscar-winning (out of an astounding 51 nominations) and 24-time Grammy-winning film composer and world-renowned conductor John Williams is nothing short of a timeless American treasure. We can’t imagine the multi-generational Star Wars films, our decades of Steven Spielberg blockbusters (from Jaws and E.T. to Jurassic Park), the Harry Potter series or classics like Superman without his triumphant scores. When the summer season at the Hollywood Bowl begins to wind down around Labor Day it can only mean one thing: it’s time for the annual celebration of the music of film composer John Williams. Maestro of the Movies: The Music of John Williams will be performed, Saturday September 5th at the Hollywood Bowl. It’s the one guaranteed series of the year when families bond at the venue. When Williams’ rousing music holds court, the crowd demographic shifts from all adults to both grownups and kids, and the parents are as likely to wave the colorful lightsabers during the Star Wars pieces as their children.

Deadline: August 5, 2020

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GLENDALE CENTER THEATRE - BRIGADOON

Saturday, September 26, 2020

$125 members, $140 non-members

Board at 10:30 a.m.; Depart at 10:45 a.m.; Return 6:30 p.m.

Brigadoon is the heartfelt musical with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, and music by Frederick Loewe. It features two American tourists who stumble upon Brigadoon, a mysterious Scottish village that appears for only one day every 100 years. Songs from the musical, such as "Almost Like Being in Love", have become standards Presented at the Glendale Centre Theatre, where the intimate, theatre-in-the-round style seating literally wraps you in the experience, making you part of the action. 
Prior to the matinee show, enjoy an included lunch with choice of entrée and dessert (prime rib/turkey sandwich or cobb salad with CC Brown Hot Fudge Sundae) at the historic Tam O’Shanter Inn, a charming replica of a cozy Scottish Inn owned by the Lawry’s family.

Deadline: August 26, 2020

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