California
May
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
3 Days, May 28th - 30th Sold Out / WaitlistFeaturing the ancient giants, alpine meadows, and the Canyon of Kings.
June
The Castle, the Ocean and the Inn
4 Days, June 3rd - 6th Sold Out / WaitlistFeaturing Hearst Castle & the Apple Farm Inn
Ships & Space
3 Days, June 22nd - 24thThere’s always A LOT going on in Southern California! When NASA recently retired its fleet of Space Shuttles, the California Science Center in Los Angeles became the new home of the Endeavour. When Northern California lost its bid to hold on to the Battleship USS Iowa, formally a long-time resident of the “mothball fleet” near Benicia, it was San Pedro that became its new home. Visit these historic ships on a NEW itinerary to Southern California.
Lassen National Park & Burney Falls
3 Days, June 23rd - 25thFeaturing the natural beauty of the Feather River Canyon.
July
Crater Lake & the Umpqua National Scenic Byway
5 Days, July 3rd - 7thFeaturing natural scenic wonder and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
August
Broadway Pops in the Pines
2 Days, August 8th - 9thTravel into the mountains to a rustic setting and enjoy the sounds of a full symphony orchestra, playing the familiar sounds of Broadway. The Bear Valley Music Festival offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the wonderful sound of music high in the hills, surrounded by mountains and pines, from your seating within the covered tent. This year the orchestra is excited to be under the new musical direction of Maestro Michael Morgan, Music Director of the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. Travel to the festival along historic Hwy 49 and the designated Scenic Byway Highway 4; continuing home along Hwy 49 and visiting some of the little towns along the way.
“Gems, Gardens, and The Pageant of the Masters”
3 Days, August 25th - 27thThe Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters is one of the cultural highlights of the year in Southern California. At each performance,actors on stage recreate famous works of art in three dimensions. It’s impossible to do justice to the event in a description here but trust us when we say you will be amazed by the lifelike presentation.
Back to Back at the Hollywood Bowl
3 Days, August 31st - September 2ndAn exciting opportunity to see two shows at the fabulous Hollywood Bowl! First, composer John Williams conducts several pieces from his famous film compositions, aided in narration by actress Julie Andrews. Second, The Big Picture: A Night at the Oscars features the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra playing the music from several famous movies while the scenes appear on the big screen.
September
Santa Cruzin’ and The Follies
3 Days, September 11th - 13thTake in the Santa Cruz Follies show. The show is performed by a cast of those aged 55 or better. This year’s theme is “Those Magical Musical Memories.” A ride on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk Carousel will leave you smiling and feeling like a kid again as you reach for the brass ring!
Breakfast is included each morning at the Dream Inn, your oceanfront home for two nights. Also included is dinner at the famous Shadowbrook Restaurant, one of the area’s finest dining establishments. Lunch and wine tasting at Wente Vineyards will conclude this dreamy trip to the ocean.
October
Mendocino’s Colorful Coast
4 Days, October 1st - 4thExplore the wonderful communities of Mendocino and Ft. Bragg at the best time of year to visit – after the summer crowds have long gone! Enjoy lunch and a visit to the Mendocino County Historic Museum in Willits on your way to the Harbor Lite Lodge in Ft. Bragg. With private balconies, nestled above Noyo Harbor, it’s a fine location for three nights with breakfast included daily.
Discover the village of Mendocino with a morning visit to the historic Kelley House followed by an optional docent-guided walk. Lunch is included at the popular Café Beaujolais, known for its delicious regional cuisine. Spend an afternoon discovering the unique shops of Mendocino or visit MacKerricher State Park for a ranger-guided tour of the boardwalk to the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Visit Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse and Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, the only public gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
End your trip with a little nostalgia – the view from the restored rail cars of the California Western Railroad, aka the “Skunk Train,” is pretty much unchanged since the route opened 127 years ago: towering trees, deer drinking from the Noyo River, an isolated fisherman’s cabin peeking from the forest. A steam engine delivers you half-way and an enclosed motor-car provides passage to Willits.
All Around California by Rail
6 Days, October 5th - 10thExplore the Golden State by scenic rail adventure! Featuring four trips by train including a stretch of the Coast Starlight route by private railcar, SuperCoach III follows you throughout the tour so no need to worry about getting your luggage on or off the train! Limited to 32 passengers.
Catalina Island Getaway
4 Days, October 6th - 9thOur annual escape to the island “26 miles across the sea” features three nights at the Pavilion Lodge, in the center of Avalon on the harbor. Enjoy a tour and spectacular Sunday Brunch aboard the Queen Mary, moored in Long Beach. Travel aboard the Catalina Express ferry to Catalina Island. At the hotel, enjoy a wine reception each night and a continental breakfast each morning.
Our itinerary includes several adventures on the island as well as plenty of free time to enjoy activities on your own. Included in the package is a behind-the-scenes tour of Catalina’s famous Ballroom and Casino Building. Get a look at the underwater world surrounding the island by semi-submersible. Additionally, view Avalon and its beautiful harbor from high above on the Inland Motor Tour: follow the island’s original stagecoach route aboard a specially designed bus and visit the Catalina Fox Island Habitat and the Nature Conservancy Center. A final night dinner is included at the Avalon Grill on the water, just steps from your hotel.
A mid-morning return to the mainland by ferry allows you time for lunch in Long Beach prior to your late afternoon flight back to Sacramento.
November
Luxury in La Jolla
4 Days, November 1st - 4thIt was May of 2012 when we last went to this beautiful Southern California city. Isn’t it about time we go again? This short regional trip will get us out of the cold of autumn and into a warm, sunny destination which is a Sports Leisure favorite. We’ll spend three nights and four days in and around La Jolla, a hilly seaside hamlet and one of San Diego’s most affluent communities. We’ll dine at its most renowned restaurants, enjoy Sunday Brunch on San Diego Bay and shop in La Jolla Village.
We’ll be staying at The Embassy Suites in La Jolla the entire time, so that means you unpack once. The hotel offers a made-to-order breakfast each morning (with an omelet station!) and its popular cocktail hour (they call it the Manager’s Reception) every evening. We’ll be sure to get you back each day in time for you to enjoy this feature. Won’t you come and join us?
Bishop, Laughlin & Las Vegas by SuperCoach III
6 Days, November 10th - 15thEnjoy the views en route to the south shore of Lake Tahoe. View breathtaking Topock Gorge, only accessible by river, featuring volcanic rock faces, enchanting emerald waters, ancient Indian petroglyphs, and desert wildlife.
December
Take the Train (or Plane) to the Rose Parade
3 Days, December 30th - January 1stThe most comfortable rail excursion you have ever taken is waiting to deliver you to the nation’s premier New Year’s Day event, the 125th Tournament of Roses Parade. Experience personal attentive service aboard your private railcar, the Silver Lariat escorted by Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, as the farms of the coastal valley give way to the stunning California coastline. Not interested in the journey by private railcar? A limited number of ten seats are available for those who would like to fly both ways!
New Year’s Eve at Harris Ranch
2 Days, December 31st - January 1stWe have found a great New Year’s Eve Party for you! Located in the heart of the Central Valley, the Harris Ranch Inn is famous for its warm hospitality. Each year the Inn hosts a wonderful dinner party to bring in the New Year, and this year, you’re invited! Last year thirty Sports Leisure Travelers went down and we had a blast! Upon your arrival at this delightful California hacienda-styled hotel you will enjoy wine and welcoming appetizers delivered to your guest room, as you prepare for an evening of elegance and fine dining.
