The College of the Canyons Community Education department is offering local residents the chance to venture out of the Santa Clarita Valley and explore some of Southern California’s most popular destinations, with a pair of single-day tours scheduled to take place in November and December.

COC Community Education single-day tours are intended for adult community members of all ages, who are interested in experiencing some of the Los Angeles region’s most famous and culturally significant buildings, plazas, museums, restaurants and historical landmarks, with the help of a knowledgeable and professionally trained tour guide.

All tours are developed and operated by the fully licensed tour operator Good Times Travel, using the company’s fleet of fully equipped luxury motor coaches and staff of professionally trained tour directors.

Single-day tour prices vary according to schedule and destination. However, all trips include round trip transportation from the college’s Valencia campus to the tour’s destination and all admission costs associated with the trip —along with an abundance of sightseeing and photo opportunities.

As the first travel event this semester, COC Community Education is currently taking reservations for its Space Shuttle Endeavour at California Science Center trip on Saturday, Nov. 9, where attendees can see the space shuttle Endeavour up-close and personal.

Before actually viewing the orbiter, guests will start their space shuttle experience with the exhibit “Endeavour: The California Story,” featuring images and artifacts showcasing the shuttle program in which the orbiters were built.

Also included in the exhibit are components that traveled into space with Endeavour, including the galley and tires used during the shuttle’s final mission. Then, see the magnificent Endeavour space shuttle itself!

During the afternoon hours guests will also have an opportunity to explore the Science Center and enjoy admission into an IMAX film, which is included with the cost of the trip.

The cost of the trip is $59 per person, with the chartered motor coach scheduled to depart from the COC Valencia campus promptly at 9 a.m. and return at approximately 4 p.m. that afternoon. Attendees will be responsible for providing their own lunch.

Registration for the Space Shuttle Endeavour at California Science Center single-day tour will close at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6.

“Community Education single-day tours provide wonderful opportunities for the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley to get out of town for the day, and explore some of the cultural treasures of the region,” said Diane Stewart, Dean of Community Education at the college. “This semester we have trips scheduled for science and space exploration fans and all those who enjoy the grandeur and pageantry of traditional holiday season décor.”

This fall, the COC Community Education department will also offer the following single-day tour:

• Sparkles and Treasures at Mission Inn Hotel and Spa — 12:45 to 9:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 — $89 per person

Travel to Riverside for a docent-guided tour of the famed Mission Inn, known nationally for its outdoor display of lights and expansive holiday décor. The Mission Inn was built in 1903 but has recently been restored to its original splendor. Guests will be able to see the Mission Inn’s Court of the Birds, Presidential Lounge, Glenwood Tavern, the Rotunda, the St. Francis Chapel’s ornate Tiffany stained glass and much more on this extensive walking tour. The museum, gardens, and seldom seen corners of the Mission Inn will all be decorated for the holidays, with thousands of beautiful holiday lights and animated displays. Following dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory (included with price of trip) guests will take part in a leisurely walk through one of the surrounding, highly decorated, neighborhoods.

For all trips, passengers are encouraged to arrive on campus at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Return times are approximate.

Single-day parking permits and associated parking instructions will be sent to registered passengers prior to each tour. In addition, passengers should be aware that driver gratuities are not included in the tour price, but are highly encouraged.

For more information, or to register for an upcoming COC Community Education single-day tour please call (661) 362-3300 or visit www.canyons.communityext.net.