Picture yourself cruising through miles of orchards in full bloom, soaking in the breathtaking beauty of pink and white blossoms stretching as far as the eye can see. The Cruise is more than just a drive—it’s a celebration of Modesto’s charm, with artsy adventures, delicious local eats, and family-friendly fun at every turn. Slow down, breathe deep, and let nature do the heavy lifting. Ready to see what makes California’s almond season so magical? 🌸✨

Don’t wait too long—the blossoms are only in full bloom for a few short weeks each spring, making this a limited-time experience you won’t want to miss! Start your planning for Almond Blossom Cruise season now – browse through our links, check out a preview of the Wayfarer audio tour,  book your hotel room, and keep an eye out for all of our exciting updates coming soon!

Preview of the Wayfarer audio tour!

Step into the “Snow of the Valley” and transform a fleeting moment into a timeless masterpiece. This exclusive Almond Blossom Cruise experience invites you to the private, breathtaking orchards of Zinc House Farms in Escalon. Against a backdrop of endless white-and-pink blossoms, you’ll spend an immersive afternoon capturing the light, texture, and soul of the orchards through the rich, vibrant medium of oil.

The Artist & Mentor

Guided by master artist Edem Elesh, you will explore the sophisticated world of en plein air (outdoor) painting. Known for translating the raw energy of nature into evocative compositions, Edem provides personalized mentorship tailored to your journey. Whether you are picking up a brush for the first time or are a seasoned artist refining your technique, you’ll learn to master color theory and the dance of shifting natural light.

An Inclusive, All-In Experience

Forget the stress of packing a studio; we provide the magic for you. We handle every detail—from professional-grade oil sets and palettes to canvas pads—allowing you to focus entirely on the scent of the blossoms and the fluid movement of color on your canvas.

Your Experience Includes:

A Full Artist Kit: All professional oil mediums, palettes, and canvases are provided.

Expert Instruction: Personalized, 1-on-1 coaching from Edem Elesh.

Exclusive Orchard Access: Private entry to the picturesque grounds of Zinc House Farms.

Your Personal Legacy: A completed painting to take home as a memory of the 2026 bloom.

🎨 Registration Open NOW! Spaces are strictly limited to maintain an intimate, high-quality learning environment.

Ready to leave the keys behind and toast to the bloom? New for the 2026 season, the Buzz Bus is the ultimate “adults-only” way to experience the magic of the orchards. Imagine a golden-hour journey where you don’t have to worry about the driving or the timing—just the views, the wine, and the company.

Hop aboard our luxury coach for a guided sunset tour that winds through miles of pink and white blossoms, stopping at three of the region’s premier tasting locations. It’s a safe, social, and sophisticated way to immerse yourself in Modesto’s local beauty and bounty.

Included in this Package:

• The Buzz Bus Tour: A fully guided luxury coach experience featuring incredible orchard views and three curated wine-tasting stops. (Valid on March 7th).

• The “Hands-Free” Culinary Swag Bag: Receive a custom swag bag upon boarding, including a wearable wine glass holder for effortless mingling, a detailed itinerary, and exclusive local vouchers worth over $200.

• Digital Sneak Peek: Get instant access to an exclusive “Sneak Peek” Reel that shows you exactly what the bus looks like and where you’re headed, so you can start the excitement before you even arrive.

Securing your Buzz Bus Experience is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Select: Pick your favorite Modesto hotel and stay dates (ensure you include March 7th!).

2. Tickets: Choose the number of Buzz Bus tickets you’ll need for your group.

3. Add to Cart: Confirm your details and get ready for a sunset you’ll never forget.

Purchase NOW!

**Important Note: This package will only be available on March 7th

Relax in style as you cruise through the almond blossoms on a luxury coach. This 4.5-hour journey hits all the highlights: almond butter milkshakes at Roberts Ferry Gourmet, the majestic Knights Ferry Covered Bridge, and farm-fresh gouda at Oakdale Cheese Factory.

Stroll through the blossoms at Rodin Farms, then finish with an olive oil tasting at Sciabica California Olive Oil, the nation’s oldest and most awarded producer. Your swag bag includes snacks and exclusive discounts, because why not treat yourself? This tour is everything you love about the Almond Blossom Cruise—minus the driving.

Tour will cover:

1. You’ll be met by the Almond Blossom Cruiser Coach in the parking lot of Sciabica Olive Oil.
2. Once you start the ‘cruise’ (get on the road) the audio tour will begin with a celebrity welcome and provide you with stories, education about almonds (80% of the world’s almonds are grown in the Central Valley), some regional history, stories about home-town here George Lucas and even how the Legend of Zorro was born here near Modesto! 
3. The first stop will be at Roberts Ferry Gourmet, home of the world-famous almond butter milkshake (and you’ll get one on us!). Here you will walk the orchards, visit the ranch stand and be able to visit the Roberts Ferry Covered Bridge.
4. From Roberts Ferry, you’ll cruise through miles and miles of orchards along the way to Knights Ferry Bridge on the Stanislaus River. This scenic park is home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi. At this you can order lunch to be ready at the next stop.
5. Next comes a stop Oakdale Cheese Factory home of the nation’s #1 Gouda Cheese; watch live cheesemaking, shop at the country store, feed the farm animals and koi fish, or grab a fresh grilled cheese sandwich on the porch!
6. From Oakdale, your cruise through more orchards while listening to stories about the region on the way to Rodin Farms. This is one of only two orchards on this cruise, where you can walk amongst the blooms, get the perfect IG shot or add to your family album! Rodin is one of the most diverse farm stands in the region.
7. The last stop on your tour will be for an Olive Oil tasting at Sciabica California Olive Oil, the nation’s oldest operating olive oil producer. For those who like craft breweries, you’ll be able to try some of Sciabica’s Track 424 Brewery or visit the gift shop!

Purchase NOW!

**Important Note: This package will only be available on February 28th and March 7th

This isn’t just a hotel stay—it’s your front-row seat to California’s most magical season. We’ve curated the Almond Joy Package to ensure your visit is filled with flavor, stories, and wonder. Whether you want a celebrity-led digital tour through the orchards or a cozy audiobook to listen to by the fireplace, the magic of 160,000 acres of blossoms is at your fingertips.

From feeding farm animals at the cheese factory to snapping the perfect “IG moment” in a sea of pink petals, your cruise through the countryside is just the beginning.

Package includes:

Your Choice of Storyteller: Choose (1) One Wayfarer Mobile Tour for turn-by-turn orchard navigation OR (1) One Almond Blossom Audiobook to keep in your permanent Audible library.

(1) Blossom Swag Bag: A welcome gift filled with local nuts, sweets, and keepsake swag.

The Golden Ticket: A voucher for over $200.00 in local savings. Enjoy everything from wine tastings and artisan candles to the famous Almond Butter Milkshake.

Purchase NOW!

Securing your Almond Joy is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Select: Pick your favorite Modesto hotel and your spring stay dates.

2. Add: Look for the Almond Joy Package and click “Add to Cart.”

3. Check Your Inbox: We’ll email your instructions so you can start dreaming of the blossoms immediately.

You will find free Maps, Almond Activity Guides, Coloring Books, and more at our California Welcome Center, along with a smiling face to help you make the most of your ‘Cruise’!

Producing 80% of the world’s supply, California almonds make their way to almond lovers in over 90 countries worldwide. And the biggest almond lovers are right here in the U.S., where over 30% of almonds grown in California each year are consumed.