9,249 Active Members • 52,293 Members Since 1979
Over 600 Attend SLV’s Annual Preview Day, Record Sales Follow A near capacity crowd of over 600 people were a part of our annual Tour & Vacation Preview Day, held Saturday, September 17th at the Red Lion Inn. Those Travelers, and the nearly 8,000 active travelers who received their catalog the following week, created a cascade of reservations which nearly overwhelmed our staff and our phone system. Previous sales records, just set in 2015, were shattered. Some tours filled almost immediately. Pure Michigan, a combination of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and a visit to legendary Mackinac Island, sold out in four days. The first departure for Spring Training went so fast a second date was added. The ever popular Laguna Pageant of the Masters sold 75% of its 80 seats on two departures
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
NOV/DEC | VOL. 38 | NO. 2
2016
in the first week. Now a third departure date is being added. The Chuck Evans Memorial Santa Claus Scholarship, named for a former SLV staff member, was awarded to Eloise Fassler, the granddaughter of Travel Club Member Betty Fassler. The $10 admission fees were donated to charity: Bev’s Angel Project (Christmas gifts for kids in need), The Mustard Seed School (Loaves and Fishes school for homeless children) and The Sacramento Valley National Cemetery Wreath Project (to put holiday wreathes on the graves on our fallen soldiers). Each of our charities received over $1,500. In addition, those in attendance were asked a variety of questions about traveling with SLV in our Traveler Feedback. For more on that part of the program, see Mark’s Just One Man’s Opinion column on page 2.
Just One Man’s Opinion............................ 2 Clayton Place............................................ 3 The Customers Always Write................. 4-5 The Human Side....................................... 5 Day Trips & Theatre Outings.................. 6-7 New Vacations & Getaways................. 8-12 Barber Pole............................................. 13 Tour Calendar..................................... 14-23 Teasers.................................................... 23 Coupons and Tour Updates......Back Cover HHHHHHHHHHHH Editor...................................Mark Hoffmann Executive Editor ................... Kevin Murphy Staff Writers............. P. Hansen, R. Goodge, S. Angeletti & C. Whitehead, D. Anderson Contributing Photographer.......C. Galloway
Captions: (top) Chris and Ramona regale the audience during one of the many breakout sessions at Preview Day; (middle) Jim Pelley, the newest member of our team, used his comedic background to introduce the staff, including Joey, Patty and Patricia; (bottom) those in attendance shared their opinions on a variety of travel questions and got the results of the vote immediately.
9812 Old Winery Place, Suite 1 • Sacramento, CA 95827 • (916) 361-2051 • Toll-Free (800) 951-5556 • www.sportsleisure.com • CA Travel #2011549-40
Just One Man’s Opinion by Mark Hoffmann SUCCESS STORIES—A SpECIAl AdvERTISIng SECTIOn
Breaking Records
Wow. Amazing. Overwhelming. Exhausting. Those were some of the words I would have used to describe the atmosphere in the Sports Leisure office in the first few weeks after our annual Tour & Vacation Preview Day. If you had a hard time getting through, spent a few extra minutes on hold or sat in our lobby for a bit, we thank you for your patience and understanding. Because of the terrific response to our catalog of new SportS LeiSure VacationS trips, our ability to serve you was stretched to the max. Please allow me a few lines at the beginning of these ramblings to thank my staff. They not only work hard building the 106 trips and creating the catalog, they handled Preview Day with professionalism and then manned the office phones and the front desk. The calls just kept coming and coming. Without the dedicated help of our entire team, we would have collapsed from the weight of the activity. But May, Donnie, Michael, Donna, Liz, Bob and the tour planners stayed late night after night, well past closing time some days, making sure all of your travel requests were entered into the system. I am in awe of the job they did. Without my team, I am dead in the water. Hard working people who really care about the travel products we sell. I appreciate them. 9812 old Winery place, Sacramento, ca 95827 (916) 361-2051 www.sportsleisure.com • travelguysradio.com
wants to see Hamilton when it arrives in San Francisco next spring (those two comparisons give us an idea of ticket demand for Hamilton… very, very high… an update on the show can be found in The Barber Pole on page 13). When we first asked 5 years ago how many of you had an email address, the answer was 80%. Asked now, it is 92%. Continuing with technology, we asked if you have ever used the Internet on a bus or in a hotel. Answers: About 1/3 use it on the bus, about 60% have used it in a hotel. A similar 62% consider it an important amenity while traveling. We asked questions about cell phone etiquette on the coach. 60% said no calls on the bus, 30% said ask travelers to limit the number/length of their calls, 10% said they didn’t see a problem. 60% said it was good policy to remind/ask those watching a program or video on their phone/iPad to use headphones (also see The Barber Pole for an update on this item). The question was posed, “Would you prefer to pick up your bag on the way into the hotel, bypassing luggage service?” A solid 65% said no, they want baggage service. About 20% said they would consider handing their own bag if the “terrain” allowed for easy passage, the remainder (15%) said they would prefer to handle their own bags on tour. Twenty-six percent of SLV Travelers already have TSA Pre-Check and almost 40% of those in attendance at Preview Day said they were considering getting it. A quarter of our voters have been on a cruise (ocean 19%, river 6%) in the last year; and only 11% said “water isn’t my thing.” We found out that when you aren’t traveling with Sports Leisure, your favorite choices are Grand Circle, Collette, Tauck and Road Scholars, in that order. 32% of you surprised us and said Princess was your favorite cruise line, 29% said Holland America, which previously had been a clear number one. Lastly, a slight majority of 55% said they would consider a red eye (overnight) flight
After working in the Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District, Mark Hoffmann founded Sports Leisure Vacations out of his Fulton Avenue apartment in 1979. Though Mark admits to ‘just sort of happening into it”, he found his niche in the retail tour business, enabling folks to achieve their travel dreams. Given the fact that Mark and his staff strive to exceed customer wants, they’ve been most successful in serving a niche of mature travelers, often those who need a little extra consideration. Sports Leisure Vacations assembles and operates custom tours and vacations of one to fifteen days in length, and can accommodate a wide variety of travel interests. Check out the website to see an amazing array of travel options. The company culture has centered around refusing to put profits ahead of service, and a mantra: “We love our travelers and they love us back.” It’s working- not only is the company thriving in its 32nd year, but community support and acknowledgement have resulted, including a prestigious award for contributions to the Arts from the Sacramento Arts and Business Council. For twenty years Sports Leisure has been an underwriter of KVIE Public Television. VP Clayton Whitehead has served on the KVIE Board and Mark was president of the National Tour Association in 2000. Mark and Tom Romano host the Travel Guys on KFBK, Sundays 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
j a n ua r y 2 0 11 s a c m a g . c o m
Traveler Feedback One of my favorite sessions at Tour Preview Day is the Traveler Feedback. We did it for the third time this year, giving everyone in the audience a voting machine, asking questions on the big screen, collecting and tabulating the votes electronically, so they could see the answers immediately. The results: we found that over a quarter of those present went to see Beautiful with us, and that almost 60% of the audience
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Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
for a trip if the fare was lower and travel was on a non-stop flight. I admit I was surprised at that number. 20% said they would consider it if the fare was lower, even if it wasn’t a non-stop flight. So that’s 3/4 of those responding who would take a red eye flight. In fairness, 13% of those attending answered the question about red-eye flights under the response “Are you kidding? A red-eye to go on vacation?” (A few people suggested the 6am flights we take now are practically red eyes, because you have to get up at 2am!) The numbers here are based on the audience responses, from the 600 attendees at Tour Preview Day. Thanks to everyone who participated. We learned a lot about what you like and don’t like. In the January newsletter, you’ll find out about our new quarterly Owner’s Luncheons, where we buy your lunch, you tell us where you want to go and how you want to get there. Details in the January newsletter. You can always drop me a note, at Markslt@aol.com, if you have a comment, compliment, or a concern. HHHHHHHH
The Last words: Congratulations to Bill & Beverly Sjurson, who celebrated their 73rd Wedding Anniversary on October 4. As member Joyce Moss said, “Can you imagine 73 years with the same person?” If you know Bev and Bill, you know they are pretty much attached at the hip. Congratulations to you both! Goodbye to Harriett Orchard. My dear friend passed in late September. If you ever sat and talked to Harriett, you would have known she had a wonderful story to share about her life. She and her companion Art Smith were fixtures on our Spring Training trip for years. I will truly miss her smile. Farewell, my friend. And so it goes…
Mark Hoffmann, CTP Owner/Founder
Clayton Place Hello Friends: Horse-racing fanatics and casual observers, alike, were restless after American Pharoah won the Kentucky Derby in 2015. Sure, they always keep a keen eye on the Derby winner as he (or occasionally she) progresses through the three jewels of the Triple Crown, but Pharoah was different. Really different. So it was two weeks later as he munched on hay, seemingly unaware of what was happening later that day at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course. Could he accomplish what had not been achieved in 37 years? The minutes ticked by soooo veeeery sloooowly. Gray clouds overhead sent
Photo credit: Jimmy McCue
forth occasional spits of rain while still grayer skies loomed at the horizon, emitting occasional rumbles of thunder and flashes of distant lightning. The singular thought on anyone’s mind was which would come first, the race or storm? The horses paraded up the track. Wait. They entered the starting gate one by one. Wait. At precisely the same moment, both the gates and heavens opened. The horses and rain mingled to form a blur. Or were the horses just that fast? Two short minutes later, American Pharoah crossed the finish line, seemingly undaunted by the muddy track. He was certainly unhindered by the competition. No other horse even came close. How do I know all this? Because I was there! As the rain came down, I could not help but remember my last Kentucky Derby which offered up similar race day weather. Most of our seats were under cover that year, thankfully, but all was not well. Patrons whose seats were out in the open flooded (pun intended!) into our area. Ushers and security disappeared. All a person could do was hold onto their little piece of real estate and pray for the rain to stop! I smiled as I surveyed the facility in Baltimore. In my immediate surrounds I enjoyed a glass of wine and a hot cup of
soup – a perfect elixir to combat the rain. Earlier in the day a hearty luncheon had been served. Wide screen televisions gave us relevant commentary, seating was comfortable, the race viewing area ample, and the bar offering complimentary beer and wine stayed open all day. People both looked and acted like ladies and gentlemen. My tent, known as the Turfside Terrace, was not inundated with others when the rain started because security procedures and staff remained in place. My thoughts were confirmed: The Preakness absolutely IS an experience my travelers would love! Fans of American history will be equally impressed with a visit to Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay Region. Ft. McHenry, where Francis Scott Key witnessed a tattered Star Spangled Banner “by the dawn’s early light,” is there, as is the birthplace of the great Babe Ruth. World-class attractions highlight exhibits from finned (National Aquarium) to funky (The American Visionary Art Museum). And did I mention the crab cakes? Nothing beats the sweet meat from a Chesapeake “bluie.” I’ve even planned a day in the country to visit a horse farm and more fully explore Maryland’s important contributions to equine culture. And our downtown hotel puts you in the center of everything, located only two blocks off Baltimore’s popular Inner Harbor! Read the complete day-by-day itinerary on page 17 of our 2017 Dream Book or online at www.sportsleisure.com. Our order for Preakness tickets must be finalized in the next few weeks. Once that happens there will be room for no more. Don’t let The Preakness pass you by. Call today to confirm your seat! “Your Tour Guy,”
Photo credit: Jimmy McCue
Clayton Whitehead, CTP Vice President (See Blueberry Photographic Socienty winner on page 23) Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
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The Customers Always Write Hello Mark, I would like to thank you and Scott for allowing me the pleasure to drive for Sports Leisure recently. It was a fun trip, Scott and the group were awesome to work with. I look forward to being considered with any future trips you may have with Arrow Stage Lines Phoenix. Take care, Douglas Dennis
valley. I was thinking of a time period (3-4 days?) that would allow for the drive through Tuolumne Pass before the snows close the route; also the southern area of Wawona. Thank you for the nice trips and vacations you work so hard to put together. I’m looking forward to traveling with you all to Sedona in the fall… Best regards, Kitty Hightower
From the Internet: I have a suggestion. Why can’t people have the option of flying one way or taking the bus both ways (on a tour)? Of course pay the difference. I know of people including myself who don’t fly. I know of another company who does allow the option of flying part of the trip or taking the train. Of course there is a price difference. But people have a choice. One of the trips you offer has bus one way and flying the other way. So why have the bus travel empty one way, people can pay to fill up the bus. OR they can fly. Rita Sterling
From the internet: As a very thin person, “people of size” (love that term) often choose to sit by me on public transportation.. It is very uncomfortable because the absence of an arm rest between us makes for unwelcome physical contact on occasion. I welcome your new guidelines. I wish the airlines adhered more strictly with their guidelines in this matter. Another subject. The Fine Print. Why should I make reservations before I am allowed to read the fine print? The fine print is important to me and can determine whether or not I will actually make a reservation. At least, the fine print should be available online or in print on request for those who do not have internet service. Believe me, there are still people who are not on the internet. Unsigned
Hello Mark or Clayton: I’m a recent newcomer to SLV; have enjoyed several day trips, Giants games, and the trip to Death Valley earlier this year. FUN, FUN, FUN!!! My comment here has to do with the Giants games; I label this as a comment because I am quite certain that there is no remedy to my dilemma. I noticed that our seats this year were moved over an entire section from last year; along with a $25 increase in ticket prices. Nevertheless, it sure was a disappointment that the seats were in a less desirable location. I just abhor sitting in the outfield; especially at an increased cost. I do understand that ticket prices are out of your control and found it admirable that the trip cost increased only by the amount of the ticket. Of course, it goes without saying that SLV must make a profit on the trips you offer. I also wondered if there might be consideration in the future given to a Yosemite trip that included a longer period of time than the current 2-day visit. It’s a HUGE park with so much more to see besides the
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Dear Mark, Bravo for your policy on travelers of size. It’s a reality we are forced to face and your delicate and firm approach to this problem is appreciated. I say bravo because many businesses are reluctant to face this weight problem, thus making complaints on-going. How very generous to even offer a refund should the tour have unsold seats. The word is responsibility as you’ve stated even in that problem of late payments. Thank you for these policies that make travel best for all concerned. Frances Kakugawa Dear Chris, Just a note to compliment your outstanding leadership on the Leavenworth trip. You paid attention to details and our safety while guiding us on a delightful fun experience.
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
I appreciated your help with my staying in Seattle for my family visit. Thank you so very much. Wishing you the very best, Lydia Baskin P.S. We also enjoyed the “add-ons” during the trip – you planned well with Charlie. Dear Mark, I just want to tell you what a fabulous job Scott Angeletti did on our Paul Gaugin Tahiti cruise in August! No one could have better taken care of the situations that arose as well as he did – all the while being most helpful and thoughtful to each of us. What a wonderful and most competent person he is – and he helped greatly to make the trip a really even more fabulous adventure. Unsigned Sports Leisure Vacations To Management, Recently my wife and I were on a tour of the National Parks of the Southwest with Scott Angeletti as our tour guide. During the trip some of our group experienced serious medical issues – myself included. It was very comforting to see our tour guide, Scott, immediately confront the situation with a calm, cool and collected manner. It is a tribute to your travel organization to have such a competent guide that can deal with such a contingency. Sincerely, George and Sofia Suffal Continued on page 5
If you have a comment, suggestion or tour idea, we invite you to drop us a line. Due to space limitations, not all letters can be printed (others may be edited). Mail to: Sports Leisure Vacations Attn: Mark/Clayton 9812 Old Winery Place, Suite 1 Sacramento, CA 95827 Or e-mail Mark or Clayton at: markslt@aol.com clayton.whitehead@sportsleisure.com
The Human Side Learn, Laugh, Reflect The Facts of Life from Grandma & Grandpa
replied, because “Grandma said that dinner will be ready in just a couple secs.”
An 8-year-old girl went to her grandfather, who was working in the yard and asked, “Grandpa, what is couple sex?” The grandfather was surprised that she would ask such a question, but decided that if she’s old enough to know to ask the question, then she’s old enough to get a straight answer. Reminding himself to leave nothing out, he proceeded to tell her all about human reproduction and the joys and responsibilities of intercourse. When he finished explaining the little girl was staring at him with her mouth hanging open and eyes wide in amazement. Seeing the look on her face, her grandfather asked, “Why did you ask this question, honey?” The little girl
Six year old Billy was staying with his grandmother for a few days. He’d been playing outside with the other kids, when he came into the house and asked her, “Grandma, what’s it called when two people sleep in the same bedroom and one is on top of the other?” She was a little surprised, but she decided to be forthright. “Well, dear, it’s called sexual intercourse. “Thanks Grandma,” said little Billy and he went back outside to pay with the other kids. A few minutes later he came in and said, “Grandma it’s not called sexual intercourse. It’s called Bunk Beds and Jimmy’s Mom wants to talk to you!
The Customers Always Write Con’t from pg. 4 Mark, Frank and I had a great time in Portland. Your familiarity with folks and places made the visit fun and interesting. And, yes we loved every morsel of food and drink. Until we meet again. Frank and Joyce Nein Dear Mr. Whitehead, On behalf of Bev’s Angel Project, I would like to thank you for your generous donation. Because of you, we are able to continue to serve under privileged children and families in the Sacramento area throughout the year and the upcoming holiday season. Thank you for investing in our organization and in the families we serve. Your generous gift will go to good use at local elementary schools, organizations, women and children shelters and churches in low income areas of Sacramento. We look forward to reporting to you on our progress. Again, thank you again for your commitment to bringing this spirit of change to our neighborhood. Your generosity is invaluable to Bev’s Angel Project. Sincerely, Patricia E. Johnson, Vice President
HHHHHHHH
Umm… Where Did My House Go? You have probably seen the TV shows about “tiny houses.” This new style of residence is a home about 300 square feet in total area and is your living room, bedroom, kitchen and toilet all in one. The people who have them love them for their cost and efficiency but apparently when you leave, they need to be locked up and locked down. Malinda Crichton is a woman from Sacramento, CA who lives in a tiny house. She took her dog for a walk recently and when she returned she discovered that she had been robbed… of her entire house. While she was out, her tiny house was hauled away. Since it’s hard to hide a tiny house, Malinda’s home was eventually found a few blocks away. Apparently it was too heavy for four drunken guys to carry very far.
An Update on an Old Friend Mark – On our recent GHOST TOUR OF NEVADA, I showed you a photo of one of your past travelers. You asked me to send you her photo so that you could include it in the next newsletter. When I moved to Sacramento 30 years ago, two of my neighbors told me of their travels with Sports Leisure; I especially remember a MYSTERY TRIP TO FOUR CORNERS. Well, it took me a while to go on
my first trip, but I finally did and now I am a “Gold Member”. My neighbors were sisters, BETTY KATSURAS and ROSE P. MACINTOSH, living at Henry Way and 47th Street. Betty, the younger sister, passed away in 2000 and Rose eventually moved to San Antonio, TX because her son lived there. Rose just turned a chipper, sharp-as-a-tack 107 years young and says “I simply LOVE PEOPLE.” Her birthday wish from last year was to be on TV and the local station obliged by doing a story and interview with Rose and the photo below is from that presentation with Rose at 106. If ROSE was still living here in Sacramento, I know she would still be traveling with Sports Leisure for sure! I plan to attend her 110th Birthday Celebration on September 15, 2019!!! If you remember or traveled with Rose, I’m sure she would love to hear from you; say “Her neighbor in Sacramento, Doug, sent you.” ROSE P. MACINTOSH SUITE 79-A @ “Brookdale at Hollywood Park” 16911 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78232-2244
(Photo by ABC, KSAT CH 12 San Antonio, 15SEP2015. [They misspelled her last name]. “Rose at 106”).
“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” Sacramento Theater Company, downtown Sunday, February 12 A lovable comedy and a Lasagna Dinner. Includes a ticket to the 7pm curtain and 5:30pm dinner. No transportation provided. $45 (it’s a benefit performance for a community group)
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
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Day Trips & Theatre Outings Christmas Shopping in the City Tuesday, December 6 or 13 Join our annual trip to downtown San Francisco to browse, shop, or just enjoy the festive window displays and store decorations. Lunch is at your leisure in Union Square with an optional shuttle in the afternoon to Pier 39 before returning home to Sacramento. $83
Christmas Lights in San Francisco New De
partu
re Date Ad Wed., Dec. 7, Mon., Dec. ded! 12, or Fri., Dec. 16 Another annual trip welcomes Christmas with a narrated tour of the city dressed up and decorated in celebration of the holidays. With visits to Union Street, Civic Center, Union Square, Financial District, Nob Hill, and the Embarcadero, the bright and colorful lights of the skyline, bridges, and city, will put you in the spirit of this festive season. An early dinner is included at Fog Harbor Restaurant. $129
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
New De part Date Ad ure ded!
The Cow Palace, SF Saturday, December 10 or 17 This one-of-a-kind holiday adventure into Victorian London is an elaborate party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 120,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and Christmas shops. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. Shop for unique Christmas gifts and enjoy lunch at your leisure. $95
Beach Blanket Babylon for the Holidays Club Fugazi, San Francisco Sunday, December 11 or 18 San Francisco’s longest-running staged comedy show pokes fun at everyone – politicians, celebrities and other folks in the public eye. The holidays present even more
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opportunity for irreverence! The songs are hilarious, the dancing wonderful, and the hats are really, really big! Reserved seats are upstairs (no elevator) in the center balcony. Lunch included at Viva Italian Restaurant prior to the 2pm matinee. $163
Brunch with Brubeck Sunday, January 8 When presenting jazz artist Dave Brubeck with a Kennedy Center Honor in 2009, President Obama said, “In order to understand America, you have to understand jazz, and in order to understand jazz, you have to understand Dave Brubeck. Journey to Stockton, Dave’s hometown, to the Haggin Museum for the West Coast’s first viewing of “Dave Brubeck, Jazz Ambassador.” As a pianist, bandleader, and composer, Dave Brubeck created a body of music that was bold and accessible. The exhibition highlights his 70-year career and other facets of his life such as his impact as a performer, family man, and civil rights activist. Champagne Brunch is included en route to the exhibit at Woodbridge Crossing. $126
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Thursday, January 12 After a two-and-a-half year closure for expansion, MOMA is open again! Its collection contains over 33,000 works of painting, sculpture, photography, design, architecture, and media arts. Enjoy a docentled tour followed by free time to explore the expanded galleries and new exhibits. Lunch is on your own in the museum café. Limited space! $113
The King: Music of Elvis At the Gallo Center Saturday, January 14 Cabaret star Lee Lessack returns to the Gallo with three other musicians to perform 32 of Elvis’ greatest hits. This is a tribute to the music, not a show as an Elvis impersonator. Dinner at the Canal Street Grille is included before the 8pm performance. $169
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
“Read My Pins” The Madeline Albright Collection & The Brothers Le Nain Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco Thursday, January 19 “Read My Pins” presents more than 200 pins and brooches from the personal collection of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. These pins became instruments by which Albright applied both pressure and humor in negations as she represented the U.S. on the international stage. Also at the Legion, another major exhibit features “The Brothers Le Nain: Painters of 17th Century France.” More than 50 paintings from international lenders highlight the full range of the Le Nains’ artistry of landscapes, portraits, devotional paintings, altar pieces, and images of peasants for which they are well known. An audio guide is included for the exhibit. An optional shuttle will be available to the de Young Museum in the afternoon to enjoy its collection and exhibit Frank Stella: A Retrospective. 55 large-scale pieces including paintings and three-dimensional sculptures highlight his diversity of dynamic works. This special exhibit can be included with surcharge payable at entrance. Lunch is on your own at either of the museum cafes. $98
Finding Neverland Orpheum Theatre, SF Wednesday, January 25 or February 1 The magic of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. These Wednesday trips include
a snack box lunch served on the coach, orchestra seating for the 2pm matinee, and a no–host dinner stop at Pier 39 directly after the show. $171
Comic Strippers For the gals who just want to have an evening of fun! Gallo Center, Modesto Friday, February 3 Enjoy the antics of Canadian performers as they parody a fictitious troupe of male strippers… they try to be sexy but everything they do ends up funny instead! There is no extreme nudity. Dinner is at the Canal Street Grille prior to the 8pm show. $157
Midtown Men Gallo Center, Modesto Saturday, February 4 Four stars from the original “Jersey Boys” cast celebrate the music of the 60’s. After dinner at the Canal Street Grille, enjoy the music of The Beatles, The Rascals, Motown and the Four Seasons amongst others during this 8pm show. $178
Rent Golden Gate Theatre, SF Saturday, February 11 This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, Rent follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters – love. The Saturday trip includes lunch-on-yourown in Union Square, orchestra seating and a return following the 2pm show. $179
Great American Songbook Featuring the Santa Rosa Symphony Sunday, February 19 Ann Hampton joins the Santa Rosa Symphony for an afternoon of the timeless music of Gershwin, Kern, Sondheim, and Cole Porter. An early lunch is included at Dempsey’s before the pre-concert talk and 3pm performance. $173
Chinese New Year in San Francisco Saturday, February 25 or Sunday, March 5 In celebration of Chinese New Year, we return to the Buddha’s Universal Church in San Francisco for this year’s production of Will Auntie Face Justice? Presented in both English and Cantonese, the ongoing drama of Peony, her innocent baby, Golden Pearl’s jealousy, and the fateful schemes of “Auntie” come to a series finale of the Ming Family. With colorful costumes, music, dance, and playful monkeys, the show is always an entertaining and pleasant day away in the city. A family-style lunch is included at the Cathay House Restaurant with some time to stroll historic Grant Street in the heart of Chinatown before the 2pm performance. Return to Sacramento immediately following the show. $118
fresh and lavish floral arrangements inspired by paintings and works of the permanent collection. Lunch is on your own at either of the museum cafes. $119
Masters of Soul Gallo Center, Modesto Friday, March 31 A tribute to the look and sound made famous by the great Motown stars: Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Lou Rawls, Barry White, and The Commodores amongst others. Enjoy an evening of the Motown magic with dinner included at the Canal Street Grille prior to the 8pm show. $157
Country Legends in Concert
Sierra Repertory Theatre, Sonora Sunday, February 26 Follow the antics of Delores as she transitions from showgirl to the singing nun on the run in this hilarious story of one small group of nuns trying to save their convent and community. Lunch is included at the City Hotel prior to the 3pm matinee. $149
Featuring the Santa Rosa Symphony Sunday, April 23 The pops series at the Luther Burbank Center goes country as the symphony and friends pay tribute to the greatest stars of country music. It is an afternoon of songs by famed singers and songwriters like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, and Hank Williams. An early lunch is included at Dempsey’s before the pre-concert talk and 3pm performance. $173
Monet: The Early Years & Bouquets to Art
Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience
Fine Art Museums of San Francisco Wednesday, March 15 Begin the day at the Legion of Honor with the first United States exhibit devoted to Monet: The Early Years. Through approximately sixty paintings, the exhibition marks the artist’s development during his early interest in painting and interplay of light. These formative years of development before impressionism include paintings gathered from the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and other public and private collections worldwide. An audio guide is included for your enjoyment of the exhibit. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park for Bouquets to Art 2017. This annual and very popular event features galleries of
Gallo Center, Modesto Tuesday, May 2 The premiere Buddy Holly interpreter, Billy McGuigan, breathes new life into Holly’s music in this electrifying performance. An early dinner is included at the Canal Street Grille prior to the 7:30pm performance. $161
Sister Act
DooWop Project An evening of tight harmonies Gallo Center, Modesto Saturday, June 10 Starring performers from “Jersey Boys” and “Motown,” this show traces the evolution of guys singing tight harmonies on the street corner to today’s biggest radio hits. Dinner is included at the Canal Street Grille prior to the 8pm show. $161
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
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New Vacations & Getaways Hollywood in Jeopardy? 3 Days • March 6-8
H Highlights H • Stay at the iconic Los Angeles Intercontinental Hotel • Participate as an audience member at tapings of the Dr. Phil Show and Jeopardy!** • Enjoy a guided walking and motorcoach tour of historic Los Angeles and Hollywood • Take a guided walking tour of famed Sony Studios and Paramount Pictures • Enjoy 3 lunches at historic LA eateries • Door-to-door airport service • Services of a Sports Leisure Vacations Tour Director • 1500/1700 Gold Passport Points 1. After a short flight to Burbank, enjoy lunch at Philippe’s, home of the original French Dip sandwich. Tour the heart of Los Angeles and Hollywood with a local guide. Check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Los Angeles Intercontinental Hotel – 2 nights (L) 2. This morning, take a guided walking tour of Sony Studios and dine with the “locals” in the studio Marketplace. After lunch, participate as an audience member on Jeopardy! In the late afternoon, return to the hotel or have the driver drop you off on Rodeo Drive to enjoy the evening and dinner at your leisure. (L) 3. Begin today with a tour of Paramount Pictures, then participate as an audience member in a taping of the Dr. Phil Show. The topic is a surprise right up to the start of the show! After the taping, have lunch at Lucy’s El Adobe Café, across the street from the studio lot. Take an early evening flight from Burbank back home. (L) $1475 p.p./dbl.occ., $1685 single $ave $35 until December 20* **All dates and times for the TV show tapings are subject to change at the producer’s sole discretion. If this should occur, an alternate activity will be provided but may require a modest supplement.
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You are the star during our visit to Hollywood!
The Hall of Fame & SF Giants Roadtrip Visit Cooperstown and see the Giants in Cincinnati & New York City 7 Days • May 5-11
H Highlights H • Stay 2 nights in Cincinnati and see the Giants and Reds at The Great American Ball Park • Stay 2 nights at the beautiful Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown and visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame • Stay 2 nights in New York City and see the Giants play the Mets at Citi Field • Multiple meals, touring in Cincinnati and New York City • Roundtrip airfare included • Door-to-door airport service • Fully escorted by a Sports Leisure Tour Director In 2017, our long distance baseball tour will include the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown along with accommodations at the grand Otesaga Hotel. We are still waiting for the Major League teams to finalize the date and time schedules so we’re not quite ready to put a price on this trip, but you are welcome to call and place your name on the Hall of Fame Priority List. A visit to
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
the Hall of Fame and the picturesque village of Cooperstown is very special – just ask anyone who has been there. It’s a baseball fan’s dream come true! Prices available after December 1
Happy Birthday Canada! Celebrate the Sesquicentennial of our neighbor to the North 7 Days • July 18-24
H Highlights H • 2 nights Ottawa, Canada’s Capital City • See the House of Parliament, Changing of the Guard and Northern Lights • 3 nights Québec City during Rendezvous 2017 • Québec City tour, riverfront festival and fireworks! • Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and Montmorency Falls • Montréal tour including Notre-Dame Cathedral • 12 meals: 6 full breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners including lunch served in Québec’s Hôtel du Parliament • Roundtrip air to Ottawa/from Montréal • Door-to-door airport service • 3650/4150 Gold Passport Points 1. Away to Ottawa, Canada’s understated
Capital City. Our historic accommodations are well-located in the heart of downtown and the shadow of Parliament Hill. Lord Elgin Hotel – 2 nights (D) 2. Your tour around Ottawa includes a to visit the Houses of Parliament during the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony. Next, learn the important role both officers and horses play in the history and safety of the country at the RCMP Stables. After lunch, the Canadian Museum of History offers a look at milestones in the country’s 150 years of confederation. After dark don’t miss Northern Lights, a spectacular sound and light show broadcast on Parliament’s striking façade. (FB,L) 3. Explore the Canadian countryside as you train across la belle province, arriving in Québec City in the late afternoon. You’re just in time for dinner and entertainment at a real sugar shack, Erabliére le Chemin du Roy – a meal fit for a king! Hilton Hotel Québec – 3 nights (FB,D) 4. Canada’s most impressive birthday celebration is Rendez-vous 2017, a Tall Ships Regatta on the St. Lawrence River, and you’ll be there for the spectacle as 40 ships converge upon the province! Tour the city in the morning, starting with breakfast served within the hallowed walls of the Hôtel du Parliament (Québec’s national assembly building). The walking tour continues to the Citadelle and ends in Old Town where you can remain to explore visiting ships and the festival atmosphere along the river to complete your day. (FB) 5. The Cathedral of Sainte-Anne-deBeaupré and majestic Montmorency Falls are only a short drive from Québec. Visit the shrine, then view the falls via cable car to the top. You’ll also visit the Copper Art Studio showcasing the work of artist Albert Gilles, whose masterpieces adorn Ste. Anne. A family member will be there to help you craft an objet d’art of your own. In the evening, cross over to Isle de Orleans for dinner and a stunning view of Québec City’s spectacular musical fireworks show. (FB,L,D) 6. At midday, the tall ships depart Québec in a procession you won’t want to miss. Then you’re off by motorcoach to Québec’s most cosmopolitan city, Montréal. Your farewell dinner at the popular Restaurant du Vieux
Port offers up a final taste of gastronomie canadienne-française. Germain Hotel (FB,D) 7. Holy sites, Olympic venues, history and culture – all with a decidedly French flair – are yours to discover on a guided morning sightseeing tour. The interior of Notre-Dame Basilica is breathtaking – the perfect place to end a perfect Canadian adventure. (FB) $3605 p.p./dbl.occ., $4115 single $ave $150 until December 20* This vacation requires a valid passport!
Postcards from Puget Sound 4 Days • September 11-14
H Highlights H • Visit charming seaside communities • Enjoy excellent Pacific Northwest cuisine • Seaplane flight over the San Juan Islands • Roundtrip air to/from Seattle • Door-to-door airport service • 9 meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners • 2150/2400 Gold Passport Points Take in the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest by land, air, and sea! Idyllic coastal towns, artist enclaves, boutique shopping and upscale cuisine showcase the best of the San Juan Islands. 1. Fly to Seattle and travel to Mukilteo. Lunch is at Ivar’s, famous for clam chowder! Visit the historic lighthouse before boarding the Washington State Ferry headed for Whidbey Island. Langley is your first stop to shop, with an included gift card, for all
things chocolate at a boutique dedicated to its aromatic qualities. We will treat you to chocolate truffles at Sweet Mona’s. An early dinner is en route to your hotel. Best Western – Oak Harbor. (L,D) 2. Depart with a local guide and learn of Eby’s Landing, the end of the Oregon Trail. Visit Admiralty Head Lighthouse on the grounds of Fort Casey, dating back to the Civil War. Stop in La Conner for an included lunch with time to stroll the main street shops. In Anacortes, the gorgeous Majestic Inn is your home for the next two nights. Get an overview of the town’s history at a local museum prior to check-in. A farm-to-table dinner at the 5th Street Bistro, located in your hotel, is yours to enjoy at leisure. The Majestic Inn – 2 nights (B,L,D) 3. Sail through the San Juan Islands’ picturesque scenery to Friday Harbor. Upon arrival, tour the island. Have you ever heard of the Pig War? This was a real skirmish (sort of) between American and British forces. Visit an alpaca farm, taste lavender-infused vanilla ice cream and take a seaplane to go flightseeing over the island archipelago. Lunch is in Roche Harbor at the Madrona Grill. If you thought the morning sail was beautiful, just wait until you see it at sunset. Breathtaking! (FB,L) 4. In Everett, home of Boeing, learn about the company’s storied history and groundbreaking technology during the Future of Flight tour. At the assembly plant for the 787 Dreamliner, see the assembly
Sunsets in the San Juan Islands stay with you for a lifetime Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
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British Columbia Bear Experience Featuring the Knight Inlet Lodge and Grizzly Bear viewing 6 Days • October 4-9
H Highlights H
VIA Rail’s Canadian pulls into Banff with the picturesque Rockies in the background
process for yourself! Snohomish is your lunch stop with time to browse the eclectic antique shops before an early evening flight. (FB,L) $2135 p.p./dbl.occ., $2390 single $ave $75 until December 20*
Canada Coast to Coast by Rail Featuring three train adventures spanning the Great White North! 9 Days • September 22-30
H Highlights H • Halifax: 2 nights near the wharf with local sightseeing to include the city’s Citadel and Peggy’s Cove • Montreál: an overnight stay with a city tour with lunch in Old Montreál • Toronto: a city tour with dinner from high atop famous CN Tower • Experience VIA Rail’s best service and scenery with accommodations aboard the Ocean from Halifax to Montreál, the Corridor from Montreál to Toronto and the world-famous Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver • Stunning scenery: from the dramatic eastern coast, the lakes of Ontario, the wide-open spaces of the Prairie Provinces and the dramatic Canadian Rockies • Roundtrip airfare to Halifax/from Vancouver • Door-to-door airport service
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• Fully escorted by a Sports Leisure Tour Director A tour we offer only once every few years, this is your chance to discover the beautiful spaces of Canada, from coast to coast. Accommodations aboard VIA Rail are similar to those found on Amtrak with meals included on most trains. This tour already has a Priority Notification List. Those on the list will be notified first and be provided a complete day-by-day itinerary. Not yet on the list? Please contact our office today! Prices available after December 1. This vacation requires a valid passport!
• 3 nights at the Knight Inlet remote floating wilderness lodge in a comfortable room with private washroom and shower • 2½ days of guided wildlife viewing, including watching grizzly bears from nearby viewing platforms • Marine wildlife viewing excursions as weather allows • Seaplane from/to Campbell River • Interpretive rainforest walk in the Kwalate Valley or a walk above the clouds • Roundtrip airfare to/from Vancouver • 12 meals: 1 breakfast, 4 full breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners • Door-to-door airport service • 5750/7000 Gold Passport Points This is truly an incredible opportunity and a must on your bucket list if you are a nature enthusiast! Our 2016 group of adventurers didn’t want to leave! Knight Inlet is home to one of the largest concentrations of Grizzly Bears in British Columbia. With ample seafood and other food sources, these Grizzlies are magnificent! We will be visiting during the fall salmon run so we will be walking out to viewing platforms in order to see the bears filling up on fresh
How close can you get to the Grizzlies? Pretty darn close!
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
salmon. Bring your cameras and binoculars for spectacular viewing! This is a Sports Leisure Vacations exclusive, as we are the only tour operator with the premier fall viewing season availability! Please note: The Knight Inlet Lodge is a remote floating lodge in the wilderness accessible only by seaplane or boat; and many activities include climbing into marine vessels, walking through water and on uneven surfaces. For these reasons, you must be in stable physical condition, with good mobility. We do not recommend this tour for travelers with serious mobility issues. If you have questions or concerns, talk with Ramona before booking. Space is limited, with only 4 rooms available for single occupancy. 1. Arrive in Vancouver in time to catch the ferry for an afternoon crossing of Georgia Strait. Arrive in Campbell River in the early evening and settle into your room. Campbell River Comfort Inn 2-4. A morning seaplane flight delivers you to deep into Knight Inlet for three full days of immersion into the lives of British Columbia wildlife. Naturalists are on hand for all your questions, to direct your viewing experiences, and to provide evening interpretive programs. Activities may include (weather permitting) excursions into Johnstone Strait for marine wildlife viewing; Bald Eagle and other bird life viewing; a rainforest walk; and of course, daily excursions out by either boat or foot to watch the Grizzlies. Daily schedules are arranged with optimum wildlife viewing in mind. Check out Knight Inlet Lodge on Facebook for weekly photos and updates; you will want to be there! Accommodations include modest yet comfortable rooms featuring queen-sized beds with private washroom and shower. The dining room features bountiful fresh and local ingredients prepared in West Coast cuisine-style, with daily specials, fine wines (included) and decadent desserts. (They will try to accommodate most dietary preferences, with advance notice. Please advise at the time of making your reservations if you have restrictions.) Knight Inlet Lodge – 3 nights (1B, 2FB, 3L, 3D) 5. Say goodbye to the lodge and
The colors of New England provide a beautiful landscape
wilderness as the seaplane arrives to return you to Vancouver Island. We will spend the night in Nanaimo. For the adventurous, go out and walk this harborside town in search of the perfect Nanaimo Bar (this is a local sweet, not an adult beverage establishment!). Coast Bastion Hotel (FB,L) 6. The morning ferry returns us to the mainland in time for a scatter lunch along the waterfront in Steveson. We will have an early evening flight home. (FB) $5750 p.p./dbl.occ., $6985 single $ave $200 until December 20* This vacation requires a valid passport!
New England Fall Foliage Spectacular Leaf peeping in Vermont, New Hampshire and along the coast of Maine 7 Days • October 9-15
H Highlights H • 3 nights at the Basin Harbor Resort on Lake Champlain • 1 night Loon Mountain Resort • 2 nights Portland, Maine • 12 meals: 6 full breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners including the Café Lafayette Dinner Train and a real Maine “lobstah suppah” • Rock of Ages, Shelburne Museum and Montpelier • Mount Washington Cog Railway • Loon Mountain Aerial Tram and Norlands Living History Center
• Roundtrip airfare to Burlington/from Portland or Boston • Door-to-door airport transportation 1. Fly to Burlington, VT where it’s just a short drive to Basin Harbor Resort on the shore of picturesque Lake Champlain. Whether you select the main lodge (option for single travelers) or a lakeview cabin, you’re guaranteed to rest well in this magical place! Basin Harbor Resort – 3 nights (D) 2. See the largest granite quarry in the world, the Rock of Ages, along with its stateof-the-art factory to Meet the Masters, a behind-the-scenes experience with granite sculptors who will demonstrate the creative process from models to the final stone creation. Next you’ll visit the nation’s smallest state capital, Montpelier, with a population under 8,000. Have you ever heard of Sugar on Snow? It’s the Vermont term for heated maple syrup drizzled over shaved ice. It is heavenly, and Morse Farm still serves it up the old-fashioned way – with sour pickles! (FB,D) 3. The morning includes a visit to “New England’s Smithsonian,” the Shelburne Museum. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore and enjoy your lakeside paradise, followed by a special 6-course dinner including wine pairings for a memorable farewell to Basin Harbor. (FB,D) 4. The beauty of the mountains and the thrill of ascending the Northeast’s highest peak are just as enchanting today as they were in 1869 when the world’s first
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
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mountain-climbing cog railroad opened on NH’s Mount Washington. You’ll amaze in the 3-mile-long trestle and the steepest railroad tracks in North America as you ascend to the 6,288-foot summit for breathtaking views. The Café Lafayette Dinner Train awaits your arrival with beautifully restored railcars, sunset over fall colors, and a two-hour culinary experience you’ll long remember. Loon Mountain Resort (FB,D) 5. Ascend Loon Mountain with an aerial tram ride to the top for spectacular views. Travel the famed Kancamagus Highway, a designated American Scenic Byway for its rich history and aesthetic beauty. Your final destination is Portland, ME which you’ll explore with a local guide. Your hotel is located in the Old Port district, a vibrant area home to numerous boutiques, cafés and bistros. Holiday Inn – 2 nights (FB) 6. Spend the day exploring the countryside with stops at Ricker Hills Apple Orchard and Norlands Living History Center, a late 1800s working farm where you’ll have lunch and participate in an entertaining program. This evening, a traditional Maine “lobstah suppah.” (They may talk funny in Maine, but the lobsters are mouth-watering!) (FB,L,D) 7. After breakfast depart for the airport and your return flight home from Portland, ME, or Boston’s Logan Airport. (FB) Prices available in a few weeks. Make sure your name is on the Priority Notification List to guarantee your seat!
Italy… That’s Amore Three of the world’s greatest cities – Rome, Florence & Venice – are yours to discover! 9 Days (7 Nights) • October 22-30
H Highlights H • 2 nights each – Venice & Florence; 3 nights Rome • See the Doges’ Palace and St. Marks’s Square in Venice • Explore Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery & beautiful Dromo • Witness Rome’s ancient monuments from the Forum to the Colosseum • Tour Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica & the Sistine Chapel • Visit the Medieval hill town of Assisi • 14 meals: Daily full breakfast, 1 lunch, 6 dinners • Services of a Sports Leisure Tour Director and a certified Italian Guide • Roundtrip airfare to Venice/from Rome • Door-to-door airport transportation 1-2. Depart for Marco Polo Airport located just outside Venice. Built on 118 separate islands bound together by a seemingly endless number of bridges and canals, this auto-free city is truly like none other. Starhotels Splendid Venice – 2 nights (In-flight meals, D) 3. Discover Venice on a walking tour featuring Piazza San Marco and St. Mark’s Basilica, then pay a visit to Doges’ Palace – the official residence of the rulers of Venice in the Middle Ages. Experience the city by gondola in the afternoon. (FB,D)
4. Onward to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, with a wine-tasting lunch en route. If you’ve read The Agony and the Ecstasy you know the special role this city played in the life of Michelangelo. So it’s fitting to begin with a visit to The Academy, home to David, widely considered his finest sculpture. Hotel Baglioni Firenze – 2 nights (FB,L) 5. A walking tour through the city center of Florence will highlight the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and the Church of the Holy Cross, Michelangelo’s final resting place. Further explore this culturally rich city with an afternoon guided tour of Italy’s most famous art museum, the Uffizi Gallery, showcasing the world’s finest Renaissance masterpieces. (FB,D) 6. Climb the crooked streets of the Medieval hill town of Assisi to her crowning jewel, the 13th-Century Basilica de San Francesco honoring California’s Patron Saint. Onward to Rome, “The Eternal City.” Hotel Quirinale Roma – 3 nights (FB,D) 7. Embark on a guided walking tour featuring Roman landmarks from ancient to modern. You’ll see the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus and Piazza Venezia, and tour the massive Colosseum. (FB,D) 8. Visit the country-within-a-country when you cross the border into Vatican City, the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. Tour the Vatican’s vast collection of art and antiquities, followed by the breathtaking beauty of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s most revered work. A walk through St. Peter’s Basilica is sure to humble and inspire. In the evening, say arrividerci at a gala Farewell Dinner held in your honor. (FB,D) 9. A flight from Leonardo da Vinci Airport, an hour’s drive outside Rome, brings your Italian adventure to a close. (FB, In-flight meals) Prices available in a few weeks. Make sure your name is on the Priority Notification List to guarantee your seat! This vacation requires a valid passport!
office hours:
Is this what comes to mind when you think of Venice?
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Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
9:00am – 4:30pm MON. thru FRI. Closed weekends & major holidays CLOSED TUES. 12:00pm – 1:15pm
The Barber Pole, or Once Over Lightly Hamilton Update Our theater contacts in San Francisco have advised us we should know something by the end of December. We expect to have access to tickets. We have been told they may cost upwards of $200 (a $200 ticket price would mean a trip price of $280). We don’t know if that means orchestra seating for $200, or rear mezzanine. As soon as we get word, we will notify our membership in two ways. First, everyone on the By Invitation Only list will get an email with details. If you aren’t already registered, go to www.sportsleisure.com. Right in the middle of the homepage is a link to By Invitation Only. Click on the link and leave your name and email address. You will get an email asking you to confirm your addition to the list. Click to confirm and that’s it. Anytime there is a “between newsletter” announcement about a popular trip, you will find out about it by way of By Invitation Only. Second, we will announce ticket availability on The Travel Guys Radio Show, heard Sundays from 3-4pm, on KFBK, 1530AM/93.1FM.
TSA Pre-Check Update A number of our travelers have taken the time to go and get their TSA Pre-Check number. There is a cost ($85 for five years) and you must fill out an application and then go to a TSA office to be positively identified and fingerprinted. The in-person appointment can be pre-scheduled, and should not take more than 15 minutes. You can find more information (including an excellent Frequently Asked Questions section) at www.tsa.gov. One thing to be aware of: Just because you have the TSA number and clearance, does not mean you will get Pre-Check every single time. There is still a random element to the program. Plus, some smaller airports may not offer TSA at non-peak times or at all. Some offer “TSA light,” which allows you to leave your shoes on. Some travelers are designated “TSA PreCheck” without a number. You receive the TSA “line pass” based on what your airline knows about you. Again, it is random and
those without a Known Traveler Number (the TSA designation) will not find themselves in the Pre-Check line with any regularity, especially now that more people are paying for the service. If you have any questions about TSA Pre-Check or just security in general, we suggest the website above, or you can contact Michael Downer of our staff for assistance.
How Do I Get A Better Seat on the Airplane? This question comes up often. There are a variety of ways to avoid the back of the plane. Warning: Most of them cost money. All of them cost money and/or miles. On United, Delta and American, you can purchase a coach upgrade. They are called different names, Economy Plus, Comfort Class, etc., but they all come with extra legroom and the guarantee of the window or aisle seat you covet. They cost roughly $100 per person to go across the country, each way. To upgrade your seats, simply call our office and ask for Michael. He can tell you what is available, the cost and other details. In most cases, the upgrades cannot be confirmed until 30 days prior to departure, because they are part of a group ticket block. On Southwest, you are stuck. Southwest sells a “line jump” for $15 each way, but they cannot be purchased from a group ticket block. You can check in for a Southwest flight 24 hours prior to departure. You should know that Michael has multiple computer screens open and hits the button exactly 24 hours in advance to the minute, to get you the very best boarding numbers available. On Alaska and Hawaiian, there are no upgraded coach seats for sale to the public. If you are an elite level Alaska flyer, there are some options. International carriers have some upgraded coach seats. Be sure to ask about upgrades when you register for a tour. Even if they cannot be confirmed then, knowing you wish to be upgraded will help us when the time comes. There is one other upgrade option, First Class. Outright purchase of a seat in first
class isn’t as expensive as it once was. Michael can check on it if you wish. You can also use frequent flyer miles to upgrade (based on availability for miles upgrades, which is getting harder). You may sometimes see our Tour Directors in premium seating. Some, like Mark and Clayton, fly so often their status puts them on a list for courtesy upgrades on a particular airline if all the seats up front are not sold. We put our TDs in the front of the coach section whenever possible, so they are off the plane and can direct you (to a connection or baggage claim) if needed. Still have questions? Michael Downer is your go-to guy for airlines seating questions of any kind. Michael works M-T-TH-F until 2:30pm in the afternoon, or he is frequently the extra staff member on duty in the wee hours of the morning at the airport.
Changes to our Citrus Heights/Roseville Stop In late August, Office Depot asked us to move from our stop at I-80 and Madison. The folks at Raley’s Antelope gave us permission to park there, so that is our replacement stop. Park near the street, away from stores. We apologize for any inconvenience, and kindly remind our travelers that we don’t own parking lots, and our travelers haven’t been willing to pay for parking, so we are at the mercy of those who will let us use their lot. When management changes, we are often asked to move on.
Cell Phone/Video Courtesy on the Coach As the number of people using electronic devices on the bus grows, some have asked us if there are any rules/protocols/courtesies which should be observed. The answer is yes, there are. If you are listening to music, watching a program or catching a sporting event on the radio, you should always have ear plugs. It is not appropriate to “broadcast” what you are listening to with the entire coach. Your Tour Director will ask you to turn down (or off) your device if you do not have ear buds of some type.
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
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The Tour Calendar (Previously Announced) Miracle on 34th Street Eldorado Hotel & Casino, Reno 2 Days • December 1-2 A holiday classic from the writer of the musical theater classic The Music Man! Single mother, Doris Walker, doesn’t want her six-year old daughter Susan’s head filled with romantic notions. Their neighbor Fred Gailey tries to woo Doris by charming Susan and taking her to see Santa Claus at Macy’s, where Doris works. Doris is not impressed, but when it turns out Macy’s Santa may in fact be the real Kris Kringle, a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynical hearts. Filled with such beloved songs as “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” this joyous, heart-warming musical is pure family entertainment. Stay overnight at the Silver Legacy Casino Resort with a buffet dinner included prior to the show. There is a $45 credit per person for those not attending the dinner/show. Stop at John Ascauga’s Nugget for some casino play before heading home. 225/250 Gold Passport Points with dinner/show, 200/225 without dinner/show $225 p.p./dbl.occ., $250 single $180 p.p./dbl.occ., $205 single without dinner/show
Winter in Yellowstone 7 Days • February 10-16 Only one seat remains at press time. Please see page 10 of the tour catalog or visit us online for details. $3585 p.p./dbl.occ., $4090 single
Take the Snow Train to Reno
New De part Date Ad ure ded!
All aboard Amtrak’s California Zephyr for the Sierra Nevada 2 Days • February 7-8, 14-15 or March 7-8 Our traditional train/coach overnighters to Reno. Why ride the train to Reno and take the coach back? Because the return train originates in Chicago, and with winter weather a possibility crossing the plains, the train doesn’t always arrive in Reno anywhere close to on time. So we take the train one way, returning by SuperCoach, which we can
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Scottsdale Stadium, home of the SF Giants, just one of several intimate fields in the Cactus League
be pretty sure will be on time. The package includes overnight accommodations at the Silver Legacy, Amtrak fare, gourmet box lunch on board and casino bonuses. $279 p.p./dbl.occ., $309 single Add door-to-door service for $80 p.p.
Desert Beauty: Anza-Borrego and Joshua Tree National Park Springtime wildflowers, majestic landscapes, and splendid beauty 4 Days • March 7-10 Find a full description on page 12 of the catalog. This is Ramona’s newest adventure. Fly to San Diego and overnight in a Marriott Hotel, then head to the desert for two nights at the Aqua Caliente Casino Resort in Rancho Mirage. Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego State Park, the quaint town of Julian and the Indian Canyons of Aqua Caliente are all part of the itinerary, which includes air and 3 lunches. $1675 p.p./dbl.occ., $1875 single
A Gentle Reminder… When sending correspondence to our office regarding a daytrip or tour, please remember to reference your reservation number. Sometimes it’s hard to match up checks, menu selections, etc. without this valuable piece of information. Thanks!
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
24th Annual Spring Training in Arizona 4 nights in a luxurious Marriott Hotel, ballgames every day 5 Days • March 16-20 (added departure)
H Highlights H • 4 nights at the Phoenix Airport Marriott • Tickets to 5 Cactus League games, schedule announced in January • Lunch en suite or on the patio for one game • Baseball Banquet, featuring a former or current player, coach, broadcaster or umpire (Umpire Ted Barrett was our speaker in 2016) • A fabulous Sunday Brunch at the historic Wrigley Mansion • 8 meals, including a full buffet breakfast each morning, airfare, door-to-door service • Tour Directors: Mark and/or Chris $2275 p.p./dbl.occ., $2565 single
The New Colorful Coast St. Augustine, Savannah, Charleston and so much in-between! 7 Days • March 10-16 One seat remains at press time. Please refer to page 16 in the catalog or go online for details. Tour Director: Clayton Whitehead. $3065 p.p./dbl.occ., $3445 single
California’s Marvelous Missions
Ireland’s Castles, Manor Houses and Gardens
Celebrate the history and beauty of The Golden State along the Camino Real 6 Days • March 21-26
Featuring accommodations that are truly fit for a king (or queen)! 9 Days/7 Nights • April 2-10
H Highlights H
H Highlights H
• Visit 11 of California’s Missions and the Junípero Serra Museum, full description on page 24 of the catalog • Travel Southern California’s scenic coast aboard Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner • Experience lunch waterside at Ventura Harbor • 2 nights in Solvang at the intimate Hotel Corque • Tour the Santa Inés Valley with a local guide • Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Dolce Hayes Mansion • Door-to-door service, one-way flight to San Diego • 12 meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 full breakfasts, 1 brunch, 3 lunches, 3 dinners • Tour Director: Chris Galloway $2335 p.p./dbl.occ., $2655 single
• All accommodations in centuries-old castles and manor houses, full details on page 28 of the catalog • Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens • Kilkenny Castle, Hook Head Lighthouse and Waterford Crystal • Dublin City Tour and the Book of Kells • Belleek Pottery and the walled city of Derry • Slieve League, the Ulster American Folk Park and Irish Tweed • 14 meals: Full Irish breakfast and dinner daily • Roundtrip air to/from Dublin, door-to-door airport service • Tour Director: Clayton Whitehead $5330 p.p./dbl.occ., $6320 single 15 double and 5 single rooms available! This vacation requires a valid passport!
Simply Solvang and Santa Barbara
Springtime in Monterey
Featuring the very best of California’s Central Coast 5 Days • March 27-31
H Highlights H • Enjoy a comfortable ride to the Central Coast with a short flight home, avoid a long bus day, full details on page 15 of the catalog • Tour the Santa Barbara Mission, County Courthouse and The Reagan Ranch Center • Catamaran Cocktail Cruise in the Santa Barbara Harbor • Visit the new National Disaster Search Dog Foundation • One way air return from Southern California • 7 meals: 2 full breakfasts, 1 brunch, 2 lunches, 2 dinners • Door-to-door service • Tour Director: Chris Galloway $2050 p.p./dbl.occ., $2355 single $ave $20 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
Featuring a tour of Filoli Mansion and Gardens 3 Days • April 9-11
H Highlights H
• Enjoy lunch in Half Moon Bay and at the historic Steinbeck House • Discover the Salinas Valley during an agricultural tour • Door-to-door service to and from the Sports Leisure office, travel in comfort by deluxe motorcoach • 5 meals: 2 breakfast, 3 lunches $1135 p.p./dbl.occ., $1285 single
On the Central Coast Oceanfront accommodations in Avila Beach and the Oceano Melodrama 4 Days • April 24-27
H Highlights H • Stay 3 nights at the scenic Avila Lighthouse Suites, full tour description on page 21 of the catalog • Attend the Great American Melodrama in Oceano • Ride an historic trolley to Point San Luis Lighthouse • Tour San Luis Obispo, the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande • Door-to-door service to the Sports Leisure office • 7 meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches • Tour Director: Scott Angeletti $1385 p.p./dbl.occ., $1645 single Proud members of the
• Explore 17-Mile drive on a guided tour, full details on page 14 of the catalog • Meet undersea life at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Learn about agricultural practices during a visit to Mission Santa Barbara, the Queen of the Missions. Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
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New York City – Behind Broadway and The Bronx Featuring two nights of Broadway theatre and a pops concert at Carnegie Hall 6 Days • April 27 – May 2
H Highlights H • 5 nights at the Marriott Marquis Times Square, New York’s best location • 3 nights of entertainment – 2 Broadway shows (one we select [Sunset Boulevard starring Glenn Close] and one you choose – an exclusive SLV feature); plus a pops concert at Carnegie Hall • A Day Downtown – Wall Street, Federal Hall, the 9/11 Memorial/Museum/ Observation Deck (all 3 experiences included) • A Day in The Bronx – stop in at a police and a fire station and meet the first responders, lunch in The Bronx, with a variety of stops in “Little Italy” • Behind Broadway – visit a rehearsal hall and learn how a show comes together, meet Broadway performers, dine with a theater reviewer (Peter Filichia) – fun and educational • Free day to visit Ellis and Liberty Islands, museums, shops, etc. • Roundtrip air to/from NYC, door-to-door airport transfers • 6 meals: 1 brunch, 2 lunches, 3 dinners • Tour Directors: Mark & Chris $3725 p.p./dbl.occ., $4230 single $ave $75 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
optional spa services available • Door-to-door service • 5 meals: 2 full breakfasts, 1 brunch, 2 lunches • Services of a Sports Leisure Vacations Tour Director • 1050/1200 Gold Passport Points $1035 p.p./dbl.occ., $1200 single
Croatia by Land and Sea Venice, Italy; Slovenia; Croatia and a private seven-day Adriatic cruise 16 Days • May 13-28 This is our second trip to Croatia. The first two years ago was a success and our return visit will be just a bit better.
H Highlights H • Private deluxe yacht with only 19 cabins, find the full description on page 29 of the catalog • Walking tour of Venice • Lake Bled cruise and Vogel Gondola • Predjama Castle and Lipizzaner Horse Farm • See spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park • Roundtrip airfare to Venice, from Dubrovnik • Door-to-door airport service • 25 meals: 14 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners • Tour Director: Scott Angeletti
• Gold Passport Points based on cabin category Prices starting at: $6550 p.p./dbl.occ, $7850 single, $ave $100 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20 This vacation requires a valid passport!
Kauai and Maui – The Best of Hawaii 4 nights on each island, flightseeing on Kauai, foodie tours 9 Days • May 16-24 Not your ordinary Hawaii tour. Visits to two islands with a variety of exclusive attractions and dining experiences. You’ve never on a Hawaiian vacation like this one. (Unless you’ve been with Sports Leisure to the islands before!) Find a full description on pages 26-27 of the catalog. Tour Director(s): Mark and/or Chris.
H Highlights H • 2 four-night stays on Maui and Kauai, minimal packing & unpacking • Fantastic LOCAL food experiences: Aunty Liliko’i’s Passion Fruit, the Kauai Cookie Company, Steelgrass Chocolate Farm, and the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm • Private flightseeing over the incredibly beautiful Na Pali Coast & Waimea Canyon on Kauai • Unique shopping experiences at the
Beautiful Bodega Bay Featuring Ft. Ross & Armstrong State Parks 3 Days • April 30 – May 2
H Highlights H • Travel through Sonoma County to Santa Rosa for brunch at a Sports Leisure favorite, the Flamingo Hotel • Tour historic Fort Ross, one of the first European settlements in Northern California • Explore the ancient giants of Armstrong Woods with a docent-led tour • Lunch at The Tides, a Sonoma coast landmark • 2 nights at the Bodega Lodge & Spa overlooking Dorian State Beach, with
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The Happy Cruisers of our last tour to Croatia aboard our private yacht, m/v Infinity
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
Salty Wahine, Kauai Coffee, and the Hali-male General Store • Dine at Plantation Gardens at Poipu Beach, enjoy a farm-to-fork demo and luncheon at O’o Farms • Traditional Hawaiian cultural entertainment at U’lalena with dinner in Lahaina • Roundtrip air to Kauai/from Maui plus one-way from Kauai to Maui • 17 meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners • Door-to-door airport service • 4800/5600 Gold Passport Points $4795 p.p./dbl.occ., $5585 single $ave $150 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
The Preakness Stakes Take your seat for the second leg of the Triple Crown 5 Days • May 18-22
H Highlights H • Accommodations at the hip new Hotel RL in downtown Baltimore, full tour description on page 17 of the catalog • Experience The Preakness Stakes from the exclusive seating in Turfside Terrace • Visit Ft. McHenry, Babe Ruth Birthplace, National Aquarium, Geppi’s Entertainment and American Visionary Art Museums • Spend a day in Horse (and Crab) Country on the Eastern Shore • Roundtrip air to/from Baltimore • Door-to-door airport service • 9 meals: 4 continental breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner • Tour Director: Clayton Whitehead $3340 p.p./dbl.occ., $3705 single $ave $75 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
The doors are open to you in Chimayo, along with many other sights in New Mexico
Gang – holed up on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley. Located in the Sierra foothills outside of Fresno, enjoy fine hospitality as you take in the rich history and the leisurely activities offered by the resort. On day two, take a trip into Sequoia & Kings Canyon Nat’l Park. See the Giant Redwoods and the roaring waters of the canyon. One of our most often overlooked national park adventures, but perhaps one of the best. Tour Director: Ramona Goodge (who once worked in Sequoia National Park), all 7 meals included. $1150 p.p./dbl.occ., $1220 single $ave $25 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
Featuring natural beauty and western hospitality 3 Days • May 29-31 Find the full tour description on page 30 of the catalog. Wonder Valley has a long and colorful history: from the traditions of the Yokuts, the Native Americans who called the valley home, to the days of the Dalton
Skamania Lodge, Gateway to the Columbia River Gorge Getaway to a beautiful retreat, nestled near the Columbia and the Cascade Mountains 4 Days • May 30 – June 2 A brand new tour, featuring a mountain lodge with easy walking paths and wonderful accommodations. Day sightseeing trips, evenings on the giant porch by the fire. Tour Director: Mark Hoffmann, see page 5 of the catalog for full details.
H Highlights H
The Stories of Santa Fe and Taos Perfect blend of history, culture, art, shopping and dining! 4 Days • May 29 – June 1
H Highlights H
Wonder Valley, Kings Canyon and The Sequoias
$1725 p.p./dbl.occ., $1960 single $ave $35 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
• 3 nights in the city center of Santa Fe • Discover Santa Fe’s Palace of the Governors on a guided tour • Visit Chimayo, Taos and the Taos Pueblo • Enjoy shopping in Madrid, New Mexico • Roundtrip air to/from Albuquerque, • Door-to-door service • 6 meals: 3 full breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner • Tour Director: Chris Galloway
• 3 nights at Skamania Lodge, just off the Columbia River Gorge at the foot of the Cascades, lots of onsite activities, or just relax and enjoy the view • Ride the Mt. Hood Railroad • Visit the Maryhill Museum of Art and the Stonehenge Memorial • “Meet the Raptors” show at the lodge • Optional zipline (additional charge) and guided nature walks (free) • 8 meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner, roundtrip air to/from Portland • Door-to-door airport service $1625 p.p./dbl.occ., $1815 single $ave $50 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
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Alaska: Wildlife and Glaciers, a Land Package Two nights inside Denali National Park and the coastal town of Valdez 7 Days • June 4-10 We have two different Alaska offerings next year, this one by land and the second, leaving a week later, is a cruise package. Both are outstanding, just depends on what you are looking for. Tour Director: Scott Angeletti, find details on page 32 of the catalog.
H Highlights H • Cruise Prince William Sound on a Wildlife & Glacier Cruise • Ride the Alaska Railroad with Gold Star service from Denali to Anchorage • Discover the local wildlife on a bus tour in Denali National Park • Stay at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge • Scenic drives, Thompson Pass & Keystone Canyon • Roundtrip airfare to Valdez/from Anchorage, door-to-door service • 13 Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners $5550 p.p./dbl.occ., $6160 single $ave $100 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
38th Annual SLV Anniversary Tour – Portland Roses and Oregon’s Coast
• Buggy ride over the sand dunes in Florence • Lincoln City and Tillamook • Roundtrip air to/from Portland, door-todoor airport service • 10 meals: 1 full breakfast, 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners • Tour Directors: Mark & Clayton $1995 p.p./dbl.occ., $2230 single
Glacier Discovery Cruise in Alaska Travel in comfort aboard Holland America’s m/v Noordam 9 Days • June 10-18
H Highlights H • Pre-cruise overnight stay in Anchorage at the Hilton Hotel • Bon Voyage Dinner in Anchorage • Visit with the animals of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • All meals included on board the m/v Noordam • Prices include all transfers, port taxes • Roundtrip air to Anchorage/from Vancouver, door-to-door airport service • Fully escorted by a Sports Leisure Tour Director Inside cabins start at $3145 p.p./dbl.occ., $4150 single Outside Cabins start at $3495 p.p./dbl.occ., $4945 single
$ave $50 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20 This vacation requires a valid passport! Combine our Alaska land tour and Holland America cruise into a once-in-a-lifetime visit to The Last Frontier! Call for pricing.
Ferries, Islands and Towns of Old Cape Cod Martha’s Vineyard, two nights in Provincetown, two nights Nantucket 7 Days • June 17-23 Only 4 seats remain at press time, see full tour details on page 46 of the catalog.
H Highlights H • Ferry rides from Boston to Provincetown, Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard, then on to Nantucket • Overnight Boston, 2 nights Provincetown on the Cape, overnight Hyannis, 2 nights Nantucket • Guided tours of Provincetown, Cape Cod Nat’l Seashore, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard • An evening of theater in Provincetown • Visit Chatham, home of many a sea captain • See the Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, John F. Kennedy Museum in Hyannis – 2017 will be the 100th anniversary of his birth • Free time to browse shops and galleries
Featuring covered, reserved seating for the Grand Floral Parade 5 Days • June 9-13 Join Clayton and Mark on this special regional tour to celebrate Sports Leisure’s 38th birthday. See the spectacular Portland Rose Parade, with the comfort of indoor seating; then head to Newport for an extended stay in one of our favorite destinations and hotels!
H Highlights H • Overnight in Portland with tours designed to experience the city like a local • Portland Rose Festival’s Grand Floral Parade and Rose Show • 3 nights oceanfront at Newport’s Elizabeth Street Inn • Marine cruise, lighthouse and the Oregon Aquarium in/around Newport
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Quaint and unassuming Nantucket, your home for two nights
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
• Door-to-door airport service and airfare • 13 meals: breakfast each morning, 2 lunches, 5 dinners, including a lobster feast • Tour Directors: Chris & Mark $3710 p.p./dbl.occ., $4125 single
The Best of the Dakotas: From the Grasslands to the Black Hills Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse 8 Days • June 20-27
H Highlights H • Relive the passion and excitement of the Western Expansion with the Medora Musical • Get a sense of the wide open plains of North Dakota, with roaming herds of buffalo and wild horses during your visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park • Experience the grandeur of Crazy Horse National Monument as you stand on the carving, viewing the lands of his people • Visit Mt. Rushmore, both during the day and at night, for a patriotic tribute to the United States • Thrill to the beauty of the Black Hills as you ride in jeeps across the hills – this is truly the where buffalo roam and antelope play • Roundtrip airfare to Bismarck/from Rapid City • Door-to-door service • 13 meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 full breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners • Tour Director: Ramona Goodge $3760 p.p./dbl.occ., $4220 single $ave $50 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
Kenya Wildlife Safari A once-in-a-lifetime look at the world’s most naturally diverse continent 13 Days • June 24 – July 6 At press time, only 2 seats remain in our capacity of 18. Please see page 41 of the catalog, go online or call our for a complete itinerary. $7895 p.p./dbl.occ., $8445 single This vacation requires a valid passport!
We need more people: The Big Trees get bigger every year!
Crater Lake & the Umpqua National Scenic Byway Featuring natural scenic wonder in Oregon 6 Days • July 3-8
H Highlights H • Guided rim tour of Crater Lake National Park with lunch at Crater Lake Lodge, catalog page 39 • Independence Day Fireworks in Roseburg • Up close animal encounters at Wildlife Safari • Hellgate Jet Boat tour • Visit the charming town of Ashland • Optional (extra cost) performance at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival • Door-to-door service • 10 meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner • Tour Director: Scott Angeletti $1725 p.p./dbl.occ., $1995 single $ave $25 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
Ferries and Towns of Puget Sound Spend a few days riding ferries and exploring quirky small towns, the ultimate “just for fun” trip 3 Days • July 9-11
H Highlights H • 4 ferry rides on Puget Sound, including the longest route, Seattle to Bremerton • Visit the villages of Poulsbo, Port
Townsend, Sequim, Port Gamble, Mukilteo and Langley as you make your way around the sound • Guided tour in Poulsbo, learn about the town’s Norwegian heritage • 2 nights Clearwater Casino Resort in Suquamish – gaming for those who enjoy it, beautiful views for those who don’t • Explore the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park • Roundtrip air to Seattle • Door-to-door airport service • 5 meals, including Sunday Brunch in Seattle • Tour Director: Mark or Chris $1495 p.p./dbl.occ., $1675 single
Spectacular Redwoods and the Oregon Coast Featuring the Oregon Coast Music Festival 6 Days • July 23-28
H Highlights H • Travel along the Avenue of the Giants with a local guide and historian, see the full description on page 42 • Walk through the ancient groves in Prairie Creek State Park, Redwood National and State Parks, Humboldt State Park • Enjoy 2 nights of comfort and beauty with oceanview rooms in Brookings • Ride the historic Mail Boats of the Rogue River • Enjoy the sounds of the 39th Annual Oregon Music Festival • Bayview rooms in Coos Bay at The Mill
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Washington’s Masterpiece, The Olympic Peninsula Featuring Ocean Shores, Lake Quinault and the Hoh Rainforest 4 Days • September 4-7
H Highlights H
After High Tea at the iconic Empress Hotel, stroll Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour
• Long sandy beaches, rugged sea stacks, fresh crab and spectacular views of the Oregon coastline • Door-to-door transportation, unique one way by motorcoach with return by air from Coos Bay • 11 meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 full breakfast, 1 brunch, 3 lunches, 2 dinners $2755 p.p./dbl.occ., $3125 single $ave $100 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
Vancouver and Victoria The very best of British Columbia 6 Days • August 1-6
H Highlights H • Enjoy High Tea at the Empress Hotel, see the complete description on page 37 of the catalog • Explore famed Butchart Gardens with lunch in the original family home • Experience a double-decker bus tour of Victoria and city tour of Vancouver • Be awed by an outstanding fireworks display over English Bay • Travel by ferry to Vancouver Island • Roundtrip airfare to Vancouver/from Victoria • Door-to-door service • 7 meals: 1 high tea, 5 lunches, 1 dinner • Tour Director: Chris Galloway $2620 p.p./dbl.occ., $2990 single This vacation requires a valid passport!
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Laguna Beach and The Pageant of the Masters Art comes to life at one of the world’s most unique festivals 3 Days • August 6-8 or August 20-22 Amazingly, already 60 of the 84 available spaces on the two departures are already booked! Unprecedented for a short tour this far in advance. But what it means is you must consider booking soon or not be able to go with us next year. No wonder it’s so popular. Patricia Hansen has nurtured this trip for many years, adding pieces to create a complete pageant experience. There are two great lunches away from the pageant, at Las Brisas and on a yacht off Newport Harbor, both pretty classy. Speaking of pretty classy, you’ll stay two nights at the Marriott Newport Hotel. At the pageant, you’ll dine, tour, watch, listen and learn. Because we’ve included a guided tour, dinner, a speaker the following morning and of course tickets to California’s most unique cultural pageant. We encourage you to see the video from the 2016 trip online at www.sportsleisure. com, click on California trips and scroll down to the Laguna departures, then click on the “watch video” link. Page 12 in the catalog. Don’t wait too long. $1395 p.p./dbl.occ., $1575 single
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
• Sleep with the peaceful sound of ocean waves at Ocean Shores, see the complete description on page 44 of the catalog • Let your imagination run wild as you stroll through a temperate rainforest • Stand high above the Strait of San Juan De Fuca – you’ll feel like you are on top of the world at Hurricane Ridge • Ride the Bainbridge Ferry and take in one of the best views of Seattle • Stay at Lake Quinault Lodge, in lakeview rooms, nestled in the rainforest • Roundtrip airfare to/from Seattle • Door-to-door airport service • 6 meals: 1 breakfast, 1 full breakfast, 3 lunches, 1 dinner • Tour Director: Ramona Goodge $2005 p.p./dbl.occ., $2265 single $ave $60 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks The Ultimate Natural Experience in Montana and Wyoming – Our Premier Park tour of 2017 9 Days • September 6-14 Trips with accommodations within or so close to the parks, covering such a magnificent array of natural scenery, don’t come along often. This trip isn’t inexpensive, but consider the length and the number of places visited and we think you will agree it offers solid value. Plus, with three 2-night stays, we believe the pace of the tour is excellent. See page 36 of the catalog for the detailed, day-by-day itinerary.
H Highlights H • Explore Grand Teton National Park by coach and Snake River float trip • Yellowstone National Park unveiled: Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, Midway Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pots and local wildlife • Lake cruises plus Going-to-the-Sun Road
by Jammer Car in Glacier National Park • Tour the Smokejumpers Base in Missoula • Lunch at the Lake Hotel in Yellowstone • Discover Native American and Jesuit histories at St. Ignatius Mission • Roundtrip airfare to Jackson, WY/from Kalispell, MT; • 15 meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners • Tour Director: Scott Angeletti $5195 p.p./dbl.occ., $6170 single $ave $175 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
Chicago: Your Kind of Town 5 Days • September 21-25 Chris Galloway is the latest Sports Leisure staff member to fall in love with The Windy City. Join him on this “city adventure.” Stay 4 nights at the Embassy Suites, just off The Magnificent Mile downtown. From the views atop the Hancock Building to the Polish Museum and the Polish dinner that goes with it, to the magnificent collection at the Art Institute and the 32,000 “friends in residence” at Shedd Aquarium, you won’t run out of great things to do. (Plus, Chris knows all the important secrets, like where the Magnolia Bakery is and how to get that famous Garrett’s Popcorn. See, the important stuff.) A better description is on page 17 of the catalog, or check online. Or bother Chris next time you see him. $2565 p.p./dbl.occ., $2940 single $ave $50 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
Land Without Limits: British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin Ramona’s newest adventure to the interior of British Columbia 7 Days • September 22-28
H Highlights H • Spend 2 nights in comfort and luxury surrounded by the beauty of the Chilcotin Mountains at the Echo Valley Ranch, complete itinerary found on page 45 of the catalog • Step into the Gold Rush at Barkerville Historic Town and Park, with living history characters, and storytellers. Ride the stagecoach, visit with craftsmen, and
There’s no better way to see the architecture of Chicago than by river cruise
enjoy the show. • Participate in a cooking demonstration, ride horseback through the wilderness, relax with a Thai massage at the Echo Valley Ranch • Visit a First Nation site – Xats’ull Heritage Village; and a Gold Rush-era site – Hat Creek • Dine next to the Fraser River, doze next to the South Thompson River • Roundtrip airfare to Vancouver/from Kamloops in addition to air between Vancouver and Prince George • Door-to-door airport service • 11 meals: 3 full breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners • Tour Director: Ramona Goodge $3990 p.p./dbl.occ., $4330 single This vacation requires a valid passport!
Canyons and Monuments Featuring Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly and Lake Powell 7 Days • October 3-9
H Highlights H • Discover Lake Powell on a scenic boat cruise and in the air by helicopter, stay two nights at the Lake Powell Resort – find the complete itinerary online or on page 49 of the catalog • Learn about famous Antelope Canyon on a guided tour • Explore Monument Valley & Canyon de Chelly by four-wheeled drive vehicles,
stay at famous Goulding’s Lodge overnight, Native American tour of the canyon, a memorable experience • Roundtrip air to/from Phoenix • Door-to-door service • Tour Director: Scott Angeletti • 13 meals: 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches $3205 p.p./dbl.occ., $3585 single $ave $125 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
The Albuquerque Int’l Balloon Fiesta Featuring reserved upgraded seating in the Chasers Lounge – this trip fills early 4 Days • October 11-14
H Highlights H • Stay 3 nights at the Drury Inn & Suites with daily breakfasts and evening hospitality, find the complete itinerary on pages 30-31 in the catalog • 4 balloon events including Balloon Glow, Special Shapes and Mass Ascensions • Upgraded seating in the Chasers Lounge • Guided tour of the Abruzzo International Balloon Museum • Presentation at the Turquoise Museum • Roundtrip air to Albuquerque • Door-to-door airport service • 7 meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches,1 dinner • Tour Director: Scott Angeletti $1960 p.p./dbl.occ., $2235 single $ave $40 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
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Darlene and Lynette strike a pose on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville
Autumn in Appalachia, Asheville to Nashville
Key West, Miami and The Everglades
The Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains in Fall majesty 8 Days • October 23-30
Featuring Key Largo and 4 nights in Key West 7 Days • January 20-26, 2018
H Highlights H
H Highlights H
• Feel the thrill during a tour of Charlotte Motor Speedway, read the itinerary on page 25 of the catalog • Travel through the scenic wonder of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains • Sample flavored moonshine at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery • Spend a day at Dollywood Theme Park • Experience a behind-the-scenes-tour of The Grand Ole Opry and attend the show • Roundtrip airfare to Charlotte/from Nashville • Door-to-door service • 14 meals: 7 full breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners • Tour Director: Chris Galloway $3960 p.p./dbl.occ., $4370 single $ave $40 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
• Florida Everglades, air boats and alligators • History – the Hemingway Home, The Aquarium and Truman’s “Little White
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House,” Old Town Trolley island tour • Exclusive lunch on private Sunset Key • “Taste of Key West” food tour by trolley; sample local culinary treats (including Key Lime Pie, Conch Fritters, Cuban Sandwiches) • Sunset at Mallory Square meet one of the street performers for a closer look at his craft • Day cruise on an authentic clipper ship (optional), visit the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory • Cabaret Dinner Show at La Te Da; lunch at Hemingway’s Sloppy Joe’s, a local landmark • Overnight Ft. Lauderdale – Miami city tour featuring South Beach and Coral Gables; overnight in Key Largo; 4 nights Key West • Tour the Turtle Hospital in the Keys • Roundtrip air to Ft. Lauderdale/from Key West • 14 meals, door-to-door airport service • Tour Directors: Mark & Chris Key West has become one of our most popular destinations with our annual tour selling out every year, months ahead of departure. Key West is a pedestrian-friendly destination, and because of that we walk to many attractions. During your extended stay in Key West, your accommodations are in the very best location in town, at the historic
Service with a smile: Mark serves Cuban sandwiches to our travelers during a foodie tour in Key West
Sports Leisure Vacations / July – August 2016
OTOGRA PH P UEBERR Y BL
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La Concha Crowne Plaza. The hotel is a landmarked building and it’s right in the middle of famous Duval Street, allowing you to make the most of your free time in town, because you can walk to just about everything. Restaurants and shops are close and best of all, your breakfast is included every morning! We do not recommend this tour for travelers with serious mobility issues. $3895 p.p./dbl.occ., $4450 single $ave $125 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
Not Enough Interest at This Time Cruising Around Cape Horn & South America Treasures of Thailand Royal India
Cruising the (NEW) Panama Canal
Plenty of Interest, and Announced in This Newsletter
Travel in comfort aboard Holland America’s m/v Westerdam 17 Days • February 3-19, 2018
H Highlights H • Pre-cruise overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Plantation • Bon Voyage Dinner at Texas de Brazil Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale • All meals included on board the m/v Westerdam • Prices include all transfers, port taxes • Roundtrip air to Ft. Lauderdale/from San Diego • Door-to-door airport service • Fully escorted by a Sports Leisure Tour Director Inside cabins start at $4095 p.p./dbl.occ., $5610 single Outside cabins start at $4370 p.p./dbl.occ., $6090 single, $ave $125 for Early Registration/Payment by December 20
Remembering our friends… We pause to remember those of our traveling family who will be traveling with the wings of angles from now on. Until we meet again… Harriett Orchard Nikki Johnson Jean Voris Mary Engstrom Mary Jane Simons Edna Watt Marvin Peixoto Graham Gilbertson Catherine Vollmer Nat Keisz Jayne Witt
Teaser Update In the annual catalog, we asked you to give us your thoughts on ten different proposed destinations. Based on your response, here is an update on all ten.
This month’s BPS winning photo was a true team effort. Congratulations to Marcia Amant and Beverly Williams… and a passing prairie dog… for a great photo of Blueberry living it up in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Things to Know Before You Go: Airfare: On all trips where air travel is indicated, airfares are included in the listed prices. Home Pick-up: Our exclusive home pick-up is included on all trips listed here of three days or longer. Sacramento Limousines and their partners provide transportation to/ from the airport, Sacramento’s Amtrak station or the Sports Leisure Vacations office. Meals: Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for a break down of the included breakfasts, brunches, lunches and dinners. *Early Registration/Payment Discounts: Trips with this note after the price indicate there is a discount available for Early Registration and Payment. Please refer to the back page of the newsletter for more details on Early Registration/Payment Discounts. The Fine Print: Our Special Tour & Vacation Notes brochure contains the answers to many often-asked questions. A copy is sent with your reservations. Sports Leisure online: You are invited to visit our website at www.sportsleisure.com for more information on any tour listed here, or call our office and we will be happy to send you a detailed itinerary.
Because of the heavy response, these trips have become a reality. Check the New Tours section of the newsletter. If you previously put your name on one of these tour lists, you should have already received an update by mail or will soon. Canada Coast to Coast by Rail Wildlife Viewing in British Columbia Italy… That’s Amore! New England Fall Foliage Spectacular
Plenty of Interest, Watch the December/January newsletter for details Christmas Markets Aboard the American Queen Add your name to the list for this trip if you like. Just as soon as we can secure a price on airfare, you will be able to register. Those desiring upgraded, balcony rooms are advised to register early for the best selection.
Still Under Consideration Enough interest that perhaps these destinations will be added to the schedule sometime soon. Feel free to call and add your name to the Priority Notification List. Get Your Kicks on Route 66 Ice Magic Festival in the Canadian Rockies
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LLC
9812 Old Winery Place, Suite 1 Sacramento, CA 95827 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
EARLY PAYMENT Di$count Coupon Early Registration Payment Di$counts listed here expire on Tuesday, December 20, 2016; or may be withdrawn when 50% of the available space has been reserved. To receive the discount, you must pay in full within ten days of registration. If you accept this option, the monies paid, including the cost of Cancellation Protection, are returned to you in full if you cancel more than 60 days prior to departure for US and Canadian tours or 75 days prior for International tours, regardless of the reason for cancellation. Within the time limits noted above, restrictions on refunds apply. See the Special Vacation Notes & Information brochure for complete details. Mar. – Hollywood in Jeopardy? – $ave $35 Mar. – Simply Santa Barbara & Solvang – $ave $20 Apr. – NYC: Behind Broadway & The Bronx – $ave $75 May – Croatia by Land and Sea – $ave $100 May – Kauai and Maui: The Best of Hawaii – $ave $150 May – The Preakness Stakes – $ave $75 May – Wonder Valley, Kings Canyon and Sequoia – $ave $25 May – The Stories of Santa Fe and Taos – $ave $35 May – Skamania Lodge, Columbia River Gorge – $ave $50 Jun. – Alaska: Wildlife & Glaciers – $ave $100 Jun. – Glacier Discovery Cruise in Alaska – $ave $50 Jun. – The Best of the Black Hills – $ave $50 July – Happy Birthday Canada! – $ave $150 Jul. – Crater Lake & the Umpqua Scenic Byway – $ave $25 Jul. – Spectacular Redwoods & the Oregon Coast – $ave $100 Aug. – Washington’s Masterpiece: Olympic Peninsula – $ave $60 Sep. – Postcards from Puget Sound – $ave $75 Sep. – Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks – $ave $175 Sep. – Chicago: Your Kind of Town – $ave $50 Oct. – British Columbia Bear Experience – $ave $200 Oct. – Canyons & Monuments – $ave $125 Oct. – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – $ave $40 Oct. – Autumn in Appalachia, Asheville to Nashville – $ave $40 Jan. 2018 – Key West, Miami & Everglades – $ave $125 Feb. 2018 – Cruising the (New) Panama Canal – $ave $125
VALUABLE Coupon $ave $10–$40 per person on Cancellation Protection Valid only when used with the adjacent coupon on the tours listed. Your savings depend on the double-occupancy price of the tour. $ave $10 on tours priced from $451-$800, $ave $20 on tours priced from $801-$2250, $ave $30 on tours priced from $2251-$3500, $ave $40 on tours priced at $3501 or more. The regular cost of this protection is $15-$295, depending on the tour price. To receive the above discounts, you must pay in full within ten days of registration and purchase the protection at the time you pay for your tour. Within 60/75 days of departure (see adjoining coupon), coverage is limited to verified medical emergencies. Please refer to the Special Vacation Notes & Information brochure for details, or call our office.
TOUR UPDATE… A brief list of tours which are sold out, or have only a limited amount of space (10 or fewer seats, number in parenthesis) remaining. Day trips are not listed.
Sold-Out Tours (waiting list available) The Ritz & Fairmont at Christmas Christmas Lights Mystery Christmas in Solvang & Santa Barbara Rose Parade & New Year’s in Vienna Sailing the (New) Panama Canal – 2017 Winter at the Ahwahnee Hotel The New Colorful Coast Alaska’s Aurora Borealis
Take the Sunset Limited to NOLA New Orleans… and All the Jazz The Great American Mystery Tour Moab & Arches National Parks Memorial Day in Washington DC Mystery Tours Are Okay, Eh? Pure Michigan, Mackinac & The U.P. Oktoberfest & Canadian Thanksgiving
Limited Space (10 or fewer seats) Wayne Newton (4) Key West, Miami & The Everglades (1) Winter in Yellowstone (1) Take the Snow Train to Reno – Feb. (4) Spring Training in Arizona (Mar. 9-13) (1) California Missions (1) Castles of Ireland (4) Safari in Kenya (2)