ECO-CULTURAL TOURS IN THE SOUTHWEST USA
Customized eco tours for small groups and individualists
In the process of colonization of the USA, the Southwest remained the wildest and most autonomous until the end. Even today the southwestern states of California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico radiate a certain vibe of freedom and independence compared to the rest of the USA. Spectacular National Parks and the deeply touching history of the indigenous peoples have always been a magnet for visitors.
AccessEcoTours puts together meaningful travel alternatives and eco-tours so that visitors may experience the special flair, cultural depth, and wild beauty of the Southwest for themselves. Our tour itineraries are particularly suitable for culturally and ecologically interested travelers. Upon request, most can be adapted to accommodate wheelchair users.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Pick a day activity or choose several tours for a round-trip:
GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
- Urban Murals Hike
- Iconic Houses of Los Angles and their Story
- Hike – Bike – Beach – Wine in various combinations… details coming!
UNIQUE TOURS IN THE SOUTHWEST
LOS ANGELES AREA
Urban Murals Hike
Choose from two meeting points:
- Anaheim (Amtrak Station, resp. Disneyland hotel zone, ca. 10:00 am)
- North Hollywood Station (ca. 11:30 am, depending traffic)
Tour ends at ca. 3:00 pm at the Hollywood/Vine Station, or ca. 4:30 pm at the Anaheim meeting point. Upon request we can add a bonus mural on weekends. Los Angeles is one of the World’s mural art capitals and I found it extremely difficult to pick only a few. Murals and street art speak of the people’s peaceful protest against societal misconduct or suppression on one hand, but it also beautifies grey walls, stairs and corridors. It’s fascinating to “read” the artists’ messages and there is some incredible art out there. We could walk L.A.’s streets for days to catch all of them. But the day has only so many hours, so I picked some of the most iconic vintage murals to start with. I think it’s a great impression for first time visitors. For anyone of you who visits the L.A. area more often and would like to see more art, we can certainly build up on this and put together different routes each time!
As always, I’m happy to accommodate wheelchair users, but I need to know ahead of time in order to arrange for proper transportation. There will be substantial walking, but all on flat ground. Keep in mind that I don’t consolidate groups and all tours are private. (min. 4; max. 12 participants).
The price per person starts at $53 (full group), and includes transportation and guide (English, German, Spanish or French)
Iconic Houses of Los Angeles and their Story
Choose from two meeting points:
- Anaheim (Amtrak Station, resp. Disneyland hotel zone, ca. 10:00 am)
- Vermont/Sunset Station (ca. 11:30 am, depending traffic)
Tour ends at ca. 3:00 pm at the Downtown Santa Monica Station, or ca. 4:30 pm at the Anaheim meeting point. We are starting with the Hollyhock house located within the Barnsdall park in East Hollywood. It’s the first construction by architect Frank Lloyd Wright from 1919, and its truly eclectic style lets one think of the Toltec influenced Mayan site in Chichen Itza. Much of the interior is original, and the Hollyhock House recently became a UNESCO World Heritage. We are passing by the legendary Chateau Marmont (built 1929), before heading on to the spectacular Greystone Mansion (built 1928) in Beverly Hills. It was a gift by a former oil baron, Doheny, to his son and after a tragic murder, the once most expensive home of California was donated to the city. The estate has been scene for many movies, including Ghostbusters, The Witches of Eastwick, Spiderman. Our last stop is the iconic Eames Home in Pacific Palisades, built in 1949 by Ray and Charles Eames. It was designated a national historic landmark in 2006.
There are many steps at Greystone mansion and this tour is not very suitable for wheelchair travelers. Keep in mind that I don’t consolidate groups and all tours are private. (min. 4; max. 12 participants).
The price per person starts at $76 (full group), and includes transportation, all entrance fees, and guide (English, German, Spanish or French)
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
NAPA EXPRESS
11:30 am Pick up at hotel
1:15 pm Lunch
Wine tour & tasting
5:00 pm arrive at hotel
CALISTOGA MUD
9:30 am Pick up at hotel
Mud bath
1:30 pm Lunch
4:30 pm Arrive at hotel
JOHN MUIR HISTORIC SITE
10:00 Pick up at hotel
Explore orchards & House
1:00 pm Picnic
Guided tour
2:30 pm Return hotel East Bay; ca. 3:30 pm hotel San Francisco
POINT REYES SEASHORE
9:00 am Pick up at hotel
Various activities possible: Whale watching (mid December through February); visit lighthouse (308 steps), Miwok village; explore fauna & flora, learn about eco system and San Andreas fault; hike; annual Big Time Festival (7/20/19). Curriculum-based guided tours available for school classes.
Aprx. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
5:30 pm Arrive at hotel
