Rose Parade & Los Angeles Tour - December 2024 Departure

Experience the spectacular stagecraft and creativity of the Rose Parade, the perfect way to ring in the new year. There is plenty to do in the City of Angels in the days leading up to the Rose Parade, from watching the sun set over the Pacific to taking a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Join in the excitement of the Rose Parade Tours by taking a behind-the-scenes look at the floats. It’s a flurry of activity in the Rose Parade Event Tent, where dedicated teams are putting the final touches on the massive flower-covered floats. YMT guests are also invited to a private event with the Tournament of Roses Committee. Learn the history and traditions of the parade from the legendary White Suiters, the exclusive team of volunteers who make the parade possible.

When it’s finally time for the parade, you’ll be front and center for all the fun. YMT’s grandstand seats line the central stretch of the parade route. Watch jubilant marching bands, equestrian units, the celebrity Grand Marshal, and the world’s most elaborate floats pass by from some of the best seats in the house. What a way to welcome the new year!

Add-Ons

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Take a behind-the-scenes look at how movie magic is made!

Getty Villa Museum with Lunch

Visit a true “LA Highlight”: the stunning Getty Villa, followed by lunch!

Rose Parade & Los Angeles Tour

Tour Starts:

Los Angeles, California

Tour Ends:

Los Angeles, California

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Day 1

Arrive in Los Angeles

Welcome to LA! If you booked your flight with YMT, a representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After an informative briefing on the days ahead, you are free to enjoy the evening. Take advantage of our free shuttle to nearby Manhattan Beach for dinner on your own or a sunset stroll along the Strand. This walking path sandwiched between posh mansions and white sand beaches is frequented by surfers, professional volleyball players, and celebrities.

Sonesta LAX or similar

Day 2

Exclusive Behind the Scenes Rose Parade Tour

This morning, you’re in for a real treat with YMT’s exclusive float viewing event. On this amazing tour held in Pasadena, you’ll go behind the scenes to see the floats and flowers up close, with plenty of time to talk to the White Suiters, the Rose Parade volunteers clad in bright white uniforms. If you’d like to join one of our optional tours, you’ll proceed directly to the tours from the float-viewing event. Later in the evening, learn the history and traditions of the Rose Parade during a presentation hosted by the Tournament of Roses Committee. This private event back at your hotel includes a delicious dinner. (B, D)

Sonesta LAX or similar

Add-On: Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Add-On: Getty Villa Museum with lunch

Day 3

Los Angeles City Tour

Today we take a guided tour of Los Angeles, Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills, seeing many of the highlights of the City of Angels. View the iconic metal curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in the bustling, revitalized heart of downtown Los Angeles. Many of your favorite films and shows are shot in this lively neighborhood, so keep your eyes peeled for familiar sights!

In Hollywood, you’ll see the ornate TCL Chinese Theatre, a legendary movie palace built in 1927 where the hand and footprints of Hollywood Royalty line the street.

Check out the Dolby Theatre, the annual home of the Academy Awards, and stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame where stars and creative visionaries from across the entertainment industry are immortalized on this legendary stretch of Hollywood’s busiest thoroughfare.

Your tour also includes Beverly Hills, the exclusive enclave for Los Angeles’ wealthiest, with high-end shopping, and the finest restaurants. Will you see a Real Housewife dining on crudités? An actor picking up a new outfit? Anything is possible in this city where dreams come true.  (B)

Sonesta LAX or similar

Day 4

Tournament of Roses Parade

Witness the Tournament of Roses Parade! Watch in wonder from your reserved grandstand seats as the floats covered in millions of leaves and fragrant petals pass by. See elegant equestrian units stride down Colorado Boulevard to the sound of marching bands from around the country. “America’s New Year’s Celebration” is an event that you’ll love even more after experiencing it in person! (B)

Sonesta LAX or similar

Day 5

Post-Parade Float Viewing

The day after the Rose Parade offers a chance to see the floats up close. Examine the fantastic floral masterpieces at your own pace along the Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards in Pasadena. Marvel at the design and workmanship that went into each one, and learn more about the process from the tournament volunteers, the “White Suiters”. (B)

Sonesta LAX or similar

Day 6

Depart for Home

Today your Rose Parade & Los Angeles vacation comes to an end. You’ll depart for home with new friends and lasting memories of a spectacular experience. (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

FAQs

Add-Ons

Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour

See how movie magic is made on this tour that takes you behind the scenes of the world-famous Warner Bros. lot in Hollywood. This Studio Tour brings you closer than ever to the entertainment you love. You’ll explore one of the busiest working studios in Los Angeles with an expert Tour Guide. See what goes into your favorite films and television on this enthralling tour of the studio that has been entertaining the world for nearly 100 years.

You’re sure to recognize some of the locations used by everyone from Alfred Hitchcock to Gilmore Girls. Walk in the footsteps of Hollywood legends on the backlot. See an interactive soundstage, the famous fountain and Central Perk from Friends, sets from The Big Bang Theory, exhibits on DC Superheroes and Harry Potter, and much more. After your guided tour take time visit the Central Perk Cafe for a late lunch on your own (at an additional cost).

Inclusions

• 1 hour guided tour
• 2 hours free time for shopping

Duration:  Approx. 4-4.5 Hours (Morning)

Activity Level: Moderate

Price: $109 USD (2025)

Getty Villa Museum with Lunch

Visit a true “LA Highlight”: the stunning Getty Villa! The Getty Villa is well known for its architecture, gardens, and views overlooking Los Angeles. A recreation of the Roman Villa dei Papiri, a grand country residence, that was buried after the eruption of Mount. Vesuvius, the Getty Villa is an architectural delight. Visit the galleries or walk along the open courtyard; each area within is specially designed to complement the works on display.

Inclusions

• Brief guided orientation tour of the complex
• Self-guided tour through the galleries of the center
• Take time to visit the lovely garden for those amazing views overlooking the Pacific
• Lunch included – choice of veggie, house-roasted turkey, or smoked ham on an artisan bread; served with local greens, Lark Farm tomato with mayo and mustard on the side; accompanied with potato chips, chocolate chip cookie, and choice of soft drink or bottled water. Select at time of booking.

Note: This tour cannot be booked in conjunction with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour visit as timings for both tours overlap.

Duration: Approx. 5-5.5 Hours (Morning)

Activity Level: Easy

Price: $69 USD