If I am bringing an infant or very young child, do I need a ticket for them?
Children are most certainly welcome on the tour. Infants or young children under the age of 5 do not need tickets if they will not be participating in the tastings. Please let Virgin Experience Gifts know if you will be attending with an infant or young child at the time of booking.
How much food is served on the tour?
There are 7 stops for food tastings plus a stop for 'sensory' tasting on the tour. Some of the tastes are bite size, and others are more ample. For most people, there is enough food that lunch afterwards is not necessary.
You will taste foods from a variety of establishments including ethnic eateries (Middle Eastern, Indian and Oaxacan), a Swedish gelato counter, and an artisan chocolatier. You will also stop for Lebanese style falafel and an olive oil tasting and tutorial.
Please let us know if anyone in your group has a dietary restriction (i.e., vegetarian, nut allergy, etc.) at the time of booking. With enough advance notice, the tour guide can usually accommodate special requests.
Are there any beverages served on the tour?
Water is served at most of the locations we visit; no other beverages are included. You are advised to bring along your own bottle of water, especially if it is a warm day or evening. There are also places to purchase water and other beverages along the tour route.
There are no wine tastings or other alcoholic beverages served on this tour. Each tour participant (daytime and evening) is entitled to a discount to use on their own at Heritage Wine Company (a wine bar) at the end of the tour or on another day of their choosing.
Is the tour wheelchair and/or stroller accessible?
Yes, all of the establishments on the tour are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Should I give the guide a tip?
Tipping tour guides is customary in the industry, especially if you had a great time and wish to recognize the guide for a job well done. An $8 tip per guest is appreciated.
Why would an L.A. local take this tour?
Unless you live in the immediate neighborhood of this tour, chances are good that you may not be familiar with what's new and different since your last visit to the area. We think locals will find a food tasting tour to be a fun and novel alternative to the usual leisurely lunch, and locals just might find a few new favorite haunts along the way. And unless you are a history or architecture buff, chances are good you will learn stuff you never knew (but always wanted to know) about Pasadena.
How far do we walk? Is it a fast-paced tour?
You will walk approximately 1 1/4 miles on flat ground (no hills or inclines) in a complete loop around Old Pasadena. You are strongly encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. You'll walk at a comfortably slow pace with frequent stops most of the way and occasional opportunities to briefly sit down.
Do we just walk around and sample food?
Not at all! Aside from sampling delicious food from a variety of food establishments along the way, you will also get a fun history lesson about some of Pasadena's more colorful residents and why this neighborhood is known as Old Pasadena. The tour guide will also point out and discuss architecturally significant buildings in the neighborhood, discuss noteworthy restaurants and entertainment venues, and lead guests through hidden alleys and passageways that look just as they did 100 years ago.
What happens if it rains?
The tours are held rain or shine. While rain is a rare occurrence in Southern California, it does rain occasionally. In instances of heavy rain or local flooding, you may be notified that the tour for that date and time is cancelled, and you would be able to reschedule your tickets, receive credit for a future tour or receive Virgin Experience Gifts credit for another experience.
How should I dress?
Casual and comfortable is key. If you are sun sensitive, it is strongly recommended that you bring a hat or a parasol and sunscreen, as the sun is almost always shining in Pasadena. Also keep in mind that this area can get very warm (90-100 degrees) during the summer months. You will be on your feet the majority of the three hours during the tour, so please wear comfortable walking shoes. Also keep in mind the tour is about 1 1/4 miles in length.
