Convention 2008 Tour Plans

Mark your calendars—scenery, shopping, and more await you during Convention 2008! In addition to attending convention events, catching up with old friends and making new ones, and enjoying a luxurious stay at the Fairmont San Jose, you can make the most of your trip to one of the world's most beautiful regions with our array of convention tours. From the California coast to the unique neighborhoods of San Jose and San Francisco, these tours will give you the full California experience. You may sign up for one or all of them on your convention registration form. Click on the links below or scroll down to learn about each tour.

California Coastal Excursion
Thursday, July 10
9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Livermore Valley Wine Tour
Friday, July 11
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Winchester Mystery House Tour & Santana Row
Monday, July 14
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Two-Night California Dreamin’ Tour: Majestic Muir Woods, Sausalito, and San Francisco
Tuesday, July 15, 8:00 a.m. - Thursday, July 17, 2007, 7 a.m.

California Coastal Excursion
Including stops at Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Thursday, July 10
9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
U.S.$113 per person

This scenic outing is an adventure you'll never forget! Our day begins with a drive to the Monterey Peninsula, where ocean and forest meet. With its white beaches, twisted cypress trees, and pounding Pacific surf, Monterey offers breathtaking views and hidden treasures for photographers, as well as a variety of boutiques and restaurants so you can enjoy lunch on your own and the Monterey Aquarium (admission included in tour price), recognized as the nation's finest aquarium for its special events, award-winning exhibits, and new animals.

After the morning in Monterey, we'll experience a feast for the eyes with a 17-mile drive along the California coast. We'll wind past Seal Rock and stop to take in the natural coastal communities and habitats at multiple stops along the way. Our final destination is Carmel-by-the-Sea, where we'll spend time exploring the shops, art galleries, cafes, winding streets, and delightful architecture of this quaint beach town.

Livermore Valley Wine Tour
Including stops at Wente and Concannon vineyards and Pleasanton.

Friday, July 11
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
U.S.$135 per person

No trip to California would be complete without a tour of the vineyards for which this region is known around the world! Including tours of two wineries, a historic overview of the area, and boutique shopping, this day will be a delight not only for wine aficionados, but also for history buffs, photographers, shoppers, and tourists!

We'll begin our day a world away, with a tour of the Wente Vineyards, nestled in its own valley within Livermore Valley. There we'll enjoy a unique tasting experience, sampling wines in historic caves, before taking a guided vineyard and organic garden tour. Our time at Wente will conclude with the vineyard's renowned wine and appetizer pairing, featuring an educational wine-tasting and discussion about food pairing with passed appetizers.

Afterward, we'll take our palates to Concannon Vineyard, which features America's #1 Petite Syrah! Established in 1883, Concannon is one of the oldest and most recognized, continuously operating wineries in the country. Your experience here will be one-of-a-kind, as most of the wines we'll taste are sold only at the winery and include many reserve and Limited Release offerings.

Our day will conclude with a stop in Pleasanton with its historic downtown, featuring specialty shops and restaurants where you can enjoy a late lunch on your own. Take time to enjoy the unique architecture while exploring what local merchants have to offer— you'll find unique souvenirs for everyone at home in your time here, including home décor, fine wines, apparel, and handcrafted keepsakes.

Winchester Mystery House Tour & Santana Row

Monday, July 14
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
U.S.$65 per person

San Jose's most famous tourist attraction is one you won't want to miss! Both beautiful and bizarre, the Winchester Mystery House will take your breath away. Over the course of four decades, rifle heiress Sarah Winchester built and constantly added onto this 160-room Victorian mansion, an architectural marvel that now draws visitors from all over the world. With four stories, 47 fireplaces, 17 chimneys, and 950 doors, the sheer magnitude of the house will astound you, but the windows built into the floor, staircases leading to nowhere, a chimney that rises four floors, and doors that open into walls will leave you scratching your head.

The second part of our afternoon takes us from the past back to the present, where the energy of Rodeo Drive meets the innovation of Silicon Valley: Santana Row! Energetic, charismatic, and stylish, this neighborhood features over 70 shops, 20 restaurants, and six spas for you to enjoy.

Two-Night California Dreamin’ Tour: Majestic Muir Woods, Sausalito, and San Francisco

Tuesday, July 15, 8:00 a.m. - Thursday, July 17, 2007, 7 a.m.
U.S.$885 per person (double occupancy)
Includes two dinners and two hotel nights.
Add U.S.$310 for single occupancy. If you choose double occupancy, we will assign you a roommate, or you may note one on your registration form.

The Golden Gate Bridge is a California trademark— don't leave without seeing it and the world-famous surroundings! On our two-night tour, you'll see it all, beginning with a drive across the spectacular world-famous bridge into scenic Marin County, considered one of the world's most beautiful spots. Over one third of its land has been reserved for parks and open space, including the 550-acre Muir Woods, boasting redwood trees standing hundreds of feet tall. Ferns, wild flowers, and redwood roots make the cathedral-like valley a fascinating place for self-guided walks and photography.

After a morning among the redwoods, we'll travel to Sausalito, the fishing town turned quaint artists' colony perched on the edge of the San Francisco Bay. Spend the afternoon exploring its winding streets, fine restaurants, elegant shops, and wonderful art while taking in the Mediterranean atmosphere. Lunch will be on your own here. Be sure to take pictures of the stunning view of San Francisco from across the water!

Our day concludes with rest and relaxation at the Lodge at Tiburon, the region's only full-service four-star hotel. Set amid three acres of landscaped gardens and surrounded by over 40 unique shops and galleries, the Lodge is the ideal destination for enjoying Northern California living at its best. A basalt blue motif with white, chocolate brown, and cream marble accents make each of the 102 guest rooms a soothing retreat. Each room features sumptuous beds, complete technology, and luxury bath and body products, so kick your feet up as you remember the day!

We will enjoy dinner as a group at Servino, the Marin choice for authentic Southern Italian cuisine, including pasta, seafood, and a savory blend of Italian spices. With its delicious food and warm interior, you'll enjoy a wonderful meal and friends as you savor the memories of the day! A unique blend of rustic and modern compliment the view from the large bay windows that look out upon the San Francisco Bay, and an open kitchen, spacious main dining room, and lively cocktail lounge make for a spirited but comfortable dining experience.

After a morning in Tiburon, Day Two of our overnight tour takes us across the San Francisco Bay via the Blue & Gold Ferry. The ride will take us past landmarks like Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline, ending at Pier 41: your gateway to San Francisco! The City by the Bay is unforgettable, including unique neighborhoods, rolling hills, and trolleys. You'll see it all after shopping and lunch on your own at Fisherman's Wharf: our day includes a three-hour tour of the city by bus. You'll discover why so many people have fallen in love with San Francisco as we explore attractions like the Twin Peaks, Chinatown, North Beach, and more! Whatever your taste—traditional, eclectic, unusual—San Francisco has the sights, sounds, and sensations that are sure to please and entertain the most savvy and inquiring individuals.

We'll wind down the day settling in to the world-renowned San Francisco Fairmont Hotel. This historic hotel was recently restored and now features a breathtaking main lobby, as well as 591 elegantly redecorated guestrooms. We'll walk three blocks to dinner together at one of San Francisco's signature restaurants: the E&O Trading Company. This lively Union Square restaurant features flavorful Southeast Asian fare inspired by the cuisines of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and East India. With soups, salads, rice, noodle dishes, and flat breads, E&O has something for everyone to enjoy—and in high style! A mix of old world design elements and contemporary décor bring warmth and character to your dining experience.

Then it's back for your night at the Fairmont, where you'll enjoy impeccable service and a panoramic view of the city and the Bay from high atop Nob Hill—an unforgettable stay to cap off your convention experience!

At 6 a.m. Thursday morning, the tour bus will transfer you back to the San Jose airport. You will arrive at the San Jose airport at 7 a.m. Or you may choose to depart from the San Francisco airport (you may take a shuttle from the hotel for $15 or a taxi for $40) or to explore San Francisco further on your own.

Overnight Tour Tip: Dress comfortably and in layers. A light jacket, sunglasses, and a hat are great accessories to bring along due to changing weather patterns. Sturdy outdoor shoes are recommended.

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