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Discover How Reagan's Personal, Film & Political Life Inspired His Vision of The Shining City

Key 20th Century Moments that Prepared a Nation to Embrace "The Shining City"!

Politicians are known for flowery speech and grandiose ideas that are supposed to inspire the masses. The difference is while President Reagan often referred to "The Shining City" in his political speeches from his earliest days, he focused on building that city every day of his life. His reference to The Shining City in his 1989 Farewell speech from the Oval Office was one of his most poignant references.

Looking back into key points of Ronald Reagan's life in Hollywood is a great place to begin to illustrate several of the most powerful moments in the 20th Century and how different leaders shaped our nation. Picking up from our Freedom Warriors tour, this Patriot Experience will connect dots from Reagan's boyhood & college years as he got his start in Hollywood.

You'll discover key connections that shaped America during the chaotic 60's and 70's including the Space Race, Vietnam and Richard Nixon's presidency. There are many cross connections with Nixon and Reagan in California, and you'll get to experience both Presidential Libraries in the lead up to the crescendo of the end of the Cold War.

These key historical moments will lead us to the special afternoon when you'll be invited to a private tour of Rancho Del Cielo, where Ron & Nancy lived atop the Santa Barbara mountains. The "Western White House" as it was known remains a special place where only invited guests can explore and see how this down-to-earth couple lived. In a fitting end to a special week, you'll also be invited to a special 115th birthday celebration for President Reagan. This is an experience you won't want to miss.

Meet The Shining City Historian Host & Explore Tour Stops!

Dr. Larry Schweikart of The Wild World of History. will lead this Patriot Experience sharing his expertise on Reagan and the 20th Century.

Old Town Monrovia is in the San Gabriel Mountains foothills. Incorporated in 1887, it's the 4th oldest general-law city in California.

Warner Bros. Studios was Ronald Reagan's home for his film making career. It also served as a launching point for his political career.

Santa Barbara, CA Discover exhilarating outdoor adventure to fascinating arts and culture to an incredible variety of local food and wine..

Reagan Ranch Center Located in downtown Santa Barbara, this facility serves as the launching points for our tour events.

The Shining City 6 Day / 5 Night Agenda

Sunday, February 1st:

Arrive in Los Angeles, California

3pm-6pm: Hotel Check in & Registration.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Meet & Greet with fellow team members and welcome dinner with Larry to review the upcoming week.

Monday, February 2nd:

9:00-10:30: Private breakfast with Larry. Get a thorough overview of the week's activities and the first in a series of historical perspectives with Vietnam, the Nixon Presidency and the Cold War.

11:30-3:00: Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum - located on nine acres in Yorba Linda, California, on the original site of President Richard Nixon's birthplace home. We invite you to visit our Permanent Galleries to learn more about the life and times of Richard Nixon. Visit Exhibitions to learn what special exhibitions are open or coming soon.

5:30pm-8:30pm: Free time to enjoy "Old Town Monrovia" followed by a team dinner at one of the historic local restaurants.

Tuesday, February 3rd:

9:30-11:00: Enjoy a Private brunch with Larry who will put into context how the influence of two cultural phenomena impacts 60's & 70's politics, foreign affairs, Vietnam & The COLD War.... Hollywood & the SPACE RACE. This lecture will be a great segue to the Warner Bros & Giffith Observatory tours.

11:30-3:00: Warner Bros VIP Tour - This classics-themed tour focuses on the Golden Age of Film and TV, shot on the iconic backlot from the early days of the Studio through the 1970s. This includes the period when Ronald Reagan was President of the Screen Actors Guild and made numerous films.

3:30-5:00 - Enjoy a late lunch / early dinner with local fare as we prepare to see explore the starts and see the SPACE RACE from a completely different perspective.

5:30-8:00: Griffith Observatory. See space and sunset over the LA Basin from a unique point of view.

Griffith Observatory is southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors may look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

Wednesday, February 4th:

10:30-3:00: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum. Over a five-decade career, Ronald Reagan inspired Americans to exceed their aspirations. His legacy lives on at The Reagan Library through events and exhibits that celebrate his values and determination.

3:30-5:00: Travel from SImi Valley to Santa Barbara and Check in at the Harbor View Inn..

6:00-8:30: Check After checking in and refreshing in your oceanside hotel, meet Dr. Larry for an evening adventure to one of his favorite local restaurants. Larry logged a lot of time in Santa Barbara when he was writing REAGAN - The American President.

Thursday, February 5th

Experience a peaceful Thursday morning on your own sleeping in, exploring Santa Barbara, enjoying a local breakfast joint or just relaxing.

12:00-1:15: Depart Harbor View Inn for the short drive to the Reagan Museum and Gallery. Enjoy a tour of the main gallery area before our departure to the ranch.

1:30-5:00: The Reagan Ranch - Rancho del Cielo was the Reagan's small (688 acres) ranch near Santa Barbara. It was used frequently during the Reagan administration as a vacation home. The ranch is very informal and has no central heating. The President enjoyed working outdoors at the ranch whenever he visited.

A few cows, some dogs and horses roamed freely there. The property also has a small lake where President and Mrs. Reagan canoed. The animals from the ranch and most of the Reagan family pets are buried at Rancho del Cielo.

7:00-9:00: Farewell Team Dinner at another of Larry's favorite restaurants. This will give us an opportunity to review the lessons learned from our week of discovering what President Reagan saw in his mind's eye when he spoke of The Shining City.

Friday, February 6th:

Times TBD: After checking out of the hotel, we'll enjoy a special celebration of President Reagan's 115th birthday at the Ranch Center.

Depart Santa Barbara, California.

Join Larry and Experience the Epic Story of America's Exceptional Past.

Your All-Inclusive Premium Tour Package Includes:

  • Full-Time Escort, Historians & Subject Matter Experts - Our tour guides provide unparalleled knowledge, qualifications and experience
  • Museum & Tour Entrance Fees - Enrich your tour with curated, emotionally moving museum experiences and customized tour events each day
  • First-Class Accommodations - Decompress from the day in private rooms at refined, stylish hotels in every town (free Wi-Fi included)
  • Deluxe Coach for Road Travel - Sit back in first-class comfort, as you enjoy air conditioning and Wi-Fi (one most coaches) in between tour stops
  • Mix of Activity & Relaxation - Patriot Experiences are designed to blend an enjoyable level of activity level to include some walking and time to explore or relax on your own
  • Premium Local Food & Drink - Each day, depending on the schedule, there will be one, two or three meals provided. These will be customized based on location, schedule and guest preferences.

Your All-Inclusive Premium Tour Package DOES NOT Include:

  • Transportation from your point of origin to the first hotel and return from last stop
  • Any events listed as optional may require an extra fee, i.e. Baseball games, etc.
  • Shopping, additional food & drink, activities you choose during free time

Note: Schedules, hotels, speakers and agenda may change based on availability, weather and efforts to maximize value to guests. Some tour locations have limited hotel brands and availability.

LARRY'S OFFER

Reserve Now

2 People / 1 Room

The Shining City

$6,995

Choose $500 per Person Deposit

or

Save $700 with a Single Pre-payment

$1,000
  Deposit for 2  

LARRY'S OFFER

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Solo Traveler

The Shining City

$3,995

Choose a $500 Deposit

or

Save $400 with a Single Pre-payment


If you want to discuss the tour details, call 855-867-3284 or click on the icon below to get your questions answered...


If you are not ready to reserve your tour, register below to stay in the email loop AND get a free copy of Larry's book...

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Take a Look at a Few of Our Past Patriot Experiences ...



WW1 & WW2 European Combat

American Fighter Pilots served in the Lafayette Escadrille prior to the USA joining the fight. Captain Hamilton Coolidge was shot down in 1918 and our team was invited to watch a formal reburial ceremony in a small French town with today's famous 94th Aero Squadron; "Hat in the Ring Gang." The WWI tour included visits to Belau Wood, Verdun and Flanders Field in Belgium.

Our 35 guests joined world class historians in the UK learning D-Day preparations and departed the White Cliffs of Dover to Dunkirk, Dieppe, Bayeux and Normandy. After discovering unique elements of the D-Day Landings, we continued to Paris, Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne and Luxembourg where General Patton is laid to rest.


Marseilles & Corsica WW2 Experience

Most people know of Operation Overlord and the D-Day Landings in Normandy. What is not nearly as well known is the invasion of Southern France which began in August 1945 as Operation Anvil or Dragoon.

Ten guests joined an expert historian who was born and raised in the south of France. We attended multiple historic memorials honoring fallen WW2 P-38 pilots from the 1st & 14th Fighter Groups and retraced their routes of flight with local French pilots. We met living members of the French Resistance and learned how they helped recover an American Ace. We traveled to the island of Corsica to discover where pre-flight invasion planning happened... and sampled amazing local wines!


Sailing into History from Key West

Imagine joining fellow Patriots on a 60 foot sailing yacht. Discover the unknown history of the turbulent times in the Florida Keys and how the establishment of Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas changed America's future.

On this very private experience, 6 guests joined an expert captain and first mate along with a gourmet chef who prepared amazing meals. In between private lectures on history and national security, we enjoyed water sports, swimming and unique Florida wildlife. This is the ultimate combination of relaxation, education and camaraderie!


America's Front Line Warriors

Imagine joining fellow Patriots poolside with members of the Blue Angels and the US Air Force F16 Viper Demo team. Get to know these young warriors and why they choose to protect America.

Meet former special operations warriors who participated in some of America's most secret missions as well as a TOP GUN Instructor who teaches our F22 Raptor pilots to own contested skies. Hear from the Marine who is the focus of an incredible moment in the Vietnam War.


Espionage Experience

Imagine Joining a Team of World-class Surveillance Experts Secretly Tracking the "Spy" Responsible for “Possibly the Worst Intelligence Disaster in US History.*”
* US Department of Justice

Espionage has fascinated Americans… going all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Throughout our history, riveting stories of incredibly brave intelligence operators taking on impossible missions have boggled the mind.


December 7th, 1941 - 80 Years Later

The 80th Commemoration will unfold in the early morning hours of December 7th to mark the start of that fateful day. In1941, the first wave of Japanese aircraft attacked Battleship Row at Pearl Harbor while additional warplanes knocked out air defenses at Oahu military bases including Hickam, Bellows & Wheeler fields.

On your 7-day journey, visit seminal sites of the War, seeing its impact and remnants. Hear from experts on how World War II changed the world and how the attack on Pearl Harbor changed the course of the War.


Northwest Americana Road Trip

There is something very American about road trips. We started this one in Minneapolis, Minnesota and drove squarely into the Badlands of South Dakota. After stopping to see Mt. Rushmore and Devil's Tower of the Wyoming border, we moved into North Dakota and Teddy Roosevelt National Park.

It was a long hot drive in July to Custer's Last Stand in Montana but we had a welcome respite in the mountains of Yellowstone National Park, followed by the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We then drove into Utah and had an amazing visit to a bird sanctuary near the Great Salt Lake. We covered an amazing amount of territory and learned a lot about our amazing heritage!


Churchill Experience in London, England

Sir Winston Churchill’s grand-daughter, Celia Sandys, has agreed to invest a full day with our members leading a historical outing to Chartwell, Sir Winston Churchill’s family home and garden about 20 miles outside of London.  

Celia will travel with us from London to Chartwell and join us for dinner offering extended Q & A to give us an amazing look into one of history’s most remarkable heroes. 


75th D-Day Commemoration Experience in UK & France

JUNE 6, 1944 - The world changed the moment young men stood for freedom and stormed the beaches of Normandy while paratroopers jumped behind enemy lines. 

Until you have crossed the English Channel in the dark, walked in these heroes’ footsteps, looked up at the cliffs imagining the machine gun nests mowing down your comrades… you can’t imagine what freedom is worth. 

Come with us and experience freedom like you never have. 


The Freedom Trail, Boston Harbor Yacht Cruise & Peak Fall Foliage*

Fall in Boston is a special time, at the peak of the exquisite color changes. The nip in the air reminds us of what it must have been like for the Plymouth Colonists and the early Revolutionaries to prepare for Winter. Not only did they fight oppression, they battled the elements. 

Freedom Trail experts led us in the footsteps of America’s Founders. We experienced key places where history was made including the Old North Church, the original State House and the site of the Boston Tea Party.

The 3-hour Boston Harbor cruise on a private yacht combined special speakers, breathtaking scenery and wonderful fellowship.  


Ronald Reagan Experience in Southern California

Dr. Larry Schweikart walked us through the Presidential Library, where he invested countless hours researching his most recent biography, Reagan: The American President

We learned things about the Reagan family few people know. During our time in Southern California, we traveled to the mountaintop Reagan Ranch, a.k.a. "The Western White House, " a special home that Ron & Nancy held dear. While in Santa Barbara at the Reagan Museum Larry gave a great introduction and offered deeper insight into America’s 40th President… and the experiences that prepared him for the presidency. 

We wrapped up the weekend on a VIP backlot, private tour at Warner Brothers Studios where Reagan made his films.

FAQs

What is the purpose of these Patriot Experiences?

The trips are designed to bring American history to life, support the funding of Larry Schweikart’s Torch Film, and inspire future generations through firsthand experiences with historic American sites.

Who is Larry Schweikart and why is he leading these trips?

Larry is a world-class historian and professor, best known for the #1 New York Times best-selling "A Patriot’s History of the United States." His expertise and engaging style bring deep insight to each site visited.

Will I be able to interact with Larry during the trip?

Yes. Larry leads discussions, answers questions, and participates throughout each experience, creating a highly interactive journey.

How does my participation help fund the Torch Film?

Profits from these experiences go directly toward completing the remaining $90,000 needed for the Torch Film, a legacy-driven project being developed in partnership with Angel Studios.

What is the Torch Film and what will it include?

The Torch Film is the first step in a potential multi-season episodic series tracing American history through the eyes of a fictional family, using true historical events. It aims to inspire patriotism and preserve America’s founding values.

Click here to learn more about Angel Studios and the Torch film.

What if the Torch Film doesn’t get picked up by Angel Studios?

The Torch video being produced will position the project for distribution with Angel or other studios. Your participation still directly supports its completion and public release.

What if I want to support the Patriot's Torch, but I can't join any of the tours?

There are a number of options that will be available to support the effort. If you would like more information, you may reach out online by clicking here Contact Us or call toll free at 855-867-3284.

I am a solo traveler. Can I add a roommate?

Yes, if you reserve a solo traveler tour, if there is space available you can upgrade to a 2-person sleeping room and pay the difference.

Are these trips appropriate for all age groups?

Absolutely. These trips are perfect for creating shared memories across generations while passing on the values of American exceptionalism. Generally, young children under the age of ten won't enjoy a trip of this design.

Are transportation, lodging and meals included?

You are responsible to get your tour guests to the start of the tour and home from the end point. Once you are onsite, you will enjoy transportation for every part of the experience.

Your accommodations and most meals listed in the itinerary are covered. There are sometimes when you will have free time to sleep in or explore on your own.

You will also see optional activities in some of the itineraries, like the Red Sox or Padres baseball games that are not included in the pricing because not all guests enjoy those sports. If you choose to join us, there will be an additional ticket fee or you can explore the local area on your own.

How do I reserve my spot?

You can reserve your place with a $500 per person deposit, $1,000 total for any of the four trips, provided space is still available. You may register online on each tour page, schedule a 15-minute Torch Talk, Contact Us via email or call toll free at 855-867-3284.

When is the balance of the tour fee due?

Final payment for The Shining City tour in February 2026 is due 60 days prior to the tour.

Is there a discount if I pay for the trip in a single payment?

Yes. You save 10% with a single payment for any of the trips. You can choose that option at the bottom of each tour page.