A Bella Christmas: Holiday Walking Tour of Little Italy

2210 Columbia St.,San Diego CA 92101

19 December, 2020

Description

Experience the history and gorgeous festive décor of San Diego's vibrant Little Italy neighborhood on an in-person walking tour. Come along with Tour Guide Mark Jacobson to experience the holiday magic of Little Italy on this walking tour. Hear the inspirational stories of local Italian immigrants who labored to build thriving businesses and preserve their culture in this small enclave of our great city. Along the way, Mark will unveil hidden landmarks and regale you with fun facts and interesting tidbits. Learn about Italian holiday traditions and food while enjoying a myriad of festive decorations and lights. Discover special seasonal treats from local establishments, including a visit to one of Little Italy’s most popular Italian bakeries. Witness Little Italy's two stunning Christmas trees, including a permanent 30-foot-tall live tree which stands in the Piazza della Famiglia as well as a 25-foot Venetian faux stained-glass tree that sits over the Piazza Basilone fountain. Visit the city's oldest Italian restaurant, which is still a wildly popular icon in San Diego. See Little Italy's stunning Italian Church, built in 1925 and adorned with Renaissance style frescoes and breathtaking oil paintings. You won’t want to miss this colorful and tasty tour! Please Note: Participants are required to adhere to established health guidelines throughout the tour, including face coverings and physical distancingThis tour is limited to a maximum of 10 peopleEach participant is provided with a sterilized personal listening device, which allows for physical distancing without diminishing the tour guide's narrationParticipants should bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable walking shoes.Participants must be able to stand and walk at a brisk pace for up to 90 minutes. This walking tour is considered unsuitable for persons with mobility restrictions.Minimum of four participants required to operate tour. This tour is presented by Tour Guide Mark Jacobson About Mark: Mark loves to travel and credits his parents with establishing his “wanderlust” at a very young age. “I was taught to appreciate scenery, history and culture during our many family vacations, and for that, I’m thankful.” After receiving a degree in Business Administration, Mark attended travel school in Minneapolis and started working for a local tour company at the age of 23. Since then, he’s had the good fortune to escort many tours throughout the United States, Canada and abroad during 25+ years in the travel industry. “In addition to tour guiding, I’ve worked in reservations, group sales, office management, and as a travel show presenter for various tour companies. I’m well-rounded in terms of experience in the travel industry, which translates nicely into my tour guiding skills.” Mark also loves to cook. He was surrounded by home-cooked food and fresh garden vegetables growing up on his family farm in North Dakota. Here he learned about cooking from his mother who owned and managed several successful local restaurants. “I was always in the kitchen with my Mom, and worked side by side with her at various restaurants. I was learning to cook at a very young age, without even realizing it.” Later in life, Mark rediscovered his passion for food. In 2007 he enrolled in culinary school. “I wanted to combine my love for food with my love for travel.” After graduating culinary school, Mark continues to work both in the travel industry as a tour guide specializing in food-focused tours, and also as a personal chef. “I work hard to exceed my clients expectations. People remember the information you give them as a tour guide, but most of all, they remember how you made them feel. I want everyone to end their tour with a big smile on their face!”