October 2015

9812 Old Winery Place, Suite 1 • Sacramento, CA 95827 • (916) 361-2051 • Toll-Free (800) 951-5556 • www.sportsleisure.com • CA Travel #2011549-40

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U EJust One Man’s Opinion ...........................2Guest Column ..........................................3The Customers Always Write ...................4The Human Side.......................................5Day Trips ...............................................6-8The Barber Pole .......................................9New Vacations & Getaways ..............10-12Teasers ...................................................13Tauck Tours ............................................14Blueberry Photo Contest ........................15Tour Calendar ....................................16-19Coupons and Tour Updates ....Back Cover

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Editor ................................. Mark HoffmannExecutive Editor ..................Kevin MurphyStaff Writers ........... P. Hansen, R. Goodge,

S. Angeletti & C. Whitehead, D. AndersonContributing Photographer .......C. Galloway

9,814 Active Members • 47,758 Members Since 1979 September/October | VOL. 37 | NO. 2 2015

When: Saturday, October 3rd at 9:30am or 1:30pm.

Where: Red Lion Woodlake Hotel, (formerly the Radisson and the Woodlake Inn) off Hwy 160 at Canterbury Road.

Why: Get your advance copy of our 2016 Tour Catalog,ExperienceLife.

Price: $10 per person – your admission fees are donated to charity.

What Happens: You learn about many of the 2016 trips, our Chuck Evans Santa Claus Scholarship winner is announced, old traveling friends are seen and greeted, prizes are given away, LIGHT refreshments are served.

Parking: FREE parking at the Red Lion.

Do I Need Reservations: YES! Space is limited and 500 seats are already spoken for. Call the Sports Leisure office to reserve your space today.

Some of the NEW 2016 destinations

featured:

Australia & New Zealand, TV Game Show Tapings, Molokai/Kaluapapa, Norfolk’s Military Tattoo, Cowboys & Trains in Oklahoma & Texas, Heartland of America (Iowa & Wisconsin), Spain & Portugal, Historic Québec City, North Rim Grand Canyon, The Hamptons, Colorado Rocky Mountains, Wildlife Viewing in British Columbia, Iceland, Tahiti, Malta, Boise/Eastern Oregon, 37th Anniversary & National

Park Mystery Tours, Cruise the Danube River, Connecticut & Eastern States Expo.

Some returning favorite destinations:

Cuba, The California Zephyr, Death Valley, Oregon Chocolate Festival, Spring Training in Arizona, World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, Nevada Ghost Towns, Hearst Castle, Washington, DC, Monterey, Maui, Hwy 101 on the Oregon Coast, Victoria, Brooklyn, New York City, Santa Fe, Ottawa, Montana, Bar Harbor & Maine, Selkirk Loop (B.C.), Black Hills, Rails Around Colorado, Branson.

Just SOME of the tours featured in Breakout Seminars at Tour & Vacation Preview Day.

2016 Tour & Vacation Preview Day

SportsLeisureTravelersporeovertheirnewcatalogsatlastyear’sPreviewDay

2 SportsLeisureVacations/September–October2015

Just One Man’s Opinion by Mark Hoffmann

The Longest Sports Leisure Tradition

Just might be Tour Preview Day.

We got cute and started calling it “Vacation & Tour

Preview Day” for a couple years, but you can’t fool me. I’ve been coming to Tour Preview Days for Sports Leisure Vacations for a long time. The one coming up on October 3rd will be my 37th.

This one will be a little different than the past. We’ll still update you on the important parts of traveling with Sports Leisure, and we will have one humorous guest, Mary

Maxwell, whom I’m pretty certain all of you will enjoy meeting. But there will be less fun and games and more tour information, because that’s what you’ve told us you come to the event for.

Of course, those who attend Tour Preview

Day inherit a couple of advantages. First and most importantly, you get handed a copy of our new 2016 Catalog, Life Experiences,

to take home with you. Only the 600-700 people in attendance will have the catalog and be able to call in for reservations for their favorite trips the following Monday. For the rest of the membership, they will have to wait for the U.S. Postal Service to bring their copy, probably about a week after the event.

Everyone in attendance gets another Sports Leisure tradition, a thank you coupon, good for a discount on your next trip. Oh, and I almost forgot about the most important TPD traditions of all: Seeing your friends. Sharing where you’ve been and where you are going. Dreaming of places close by and far away that you want to visit.

Travel to grand places is exciting. But personally, my grand places aren’t always everyone else’s favorites. Does that happen to you? I love little off-the-beaten-track places. I had so much fun “ghost hunting” in the Nevada desert last spring I can’t wait to get back.

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Other Preview Day NotesAttendance figures aren’t available for

every Tour Preview Day event since 1979. But we know there has been one each year, and by taking the figures we have and estimating the ones we are missing, we can say that something in the neighborhood of 16,000 people have been to an annual Preview Day, and certainly many are repeat attendees. Besides yours truly, I don’t think anyone out there has attended all 36 previous events, but I’m guessing we have many members who have been to more than 10.

Charity recipients of your admission fees for this year’s event include:

The Mustard Seed School, part of the Loaves and Fishes ministry, providing homeless children a place to learn and escape their difficult environment. We have supported Sister Libby for many years and are quite proud of that.

The Wreath Project, which places holiday wreaths on the graves of the fallen in the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon. It is a $17,000 project that we are very proud to be a part of.

Bev’s Angel Project is a program which connects gifts with children at Christmas time and involves a number of Travel Club Members. We have been contributing the past two years through our company Christmas Party. This year, the entire Sports

Leisure family will help insure there are enough gifts to go around.

The Chuck Evans Santa Claus

Scholarship Fund is named for the late Charles “Chuck” Evans. Chuck was a Sports Leisure Tour Director for many years and a teacher in the San Juan School District. He taught drama at Mira Loma when I was a student there. Chuck played Santa every Christmas and he was a perfect Mr. Christmas. We remember him by awarding a

106 january 2011 sacmag.com

SportS LeiSure VacationS9812 old Winery place, Sacramento, ca 95827(916) 361-2051www.sportsleisure.com • travelguysradio.com

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 contribu-tions 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.

SUCCESS STORIES—A SpECIAl AdvERTISIng SECTIOn

$2,000 scholarship each year to a deserving student who is somehow connected to the Sports Leisure family.

Last year, your $10 admission donation totalled nearly $6,000, which we gave away on Preview Day. Since we began charging an admission nine years ago, we have donated over $30,000 to local charities.

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Our friends from Oregon will once again be the Premier Sponsors of the event. They will have a booth and some little goodies to give away, and we will be announcing three new Oregon-based itineraries for 2016 at the show.

On the Sunday, October 4 edition of The

Travel Guys, we will offer a review of the show, and try to give listeners a list of new tours and cruises. If you can’t attend, listen to the radio on Sunday and get a re-cap.

H H H H H H H H

Speaking of The Travel Guys, we are pleased to announce that KFBK and its parent company have completed negotiations to air The Travel Guys for a fifth year in 2016. If you haven’t had the opportunity to listen in, you are missing an hour of fun and information that will make you a smarter traveler, every Sunday afternoon at 3pm on KFBK AM & FM. Once again next year, my broadcast partner will continue to be longtime friend Tom Romano, a radio professional who makes this amateur sound a lot better than he is.

Remember, each Sunday we give away a Sports Leisure Travel Card, worth at least $100, to someone who has traveled with us in the past couple of weeks. If we don’t get a winner (you have to call the office to claim your prize by the following Tuesday), the jackpot jumps by $100 a week until we do.And so it goes…

Mark Hoffmann, CTP

Owner/Founder

Proud members of the

SportsLeisureVacations/September–October2015 3

consider our tour to Hawaii in April of next year. For the very first time, our Maui & Molokai group will fly directly into Kalaupapa National Historic Park to learn of Father Damien’s work with patients afflicted with Hansen’s disease, commonly known as Leprosy. His story is a lesson in grace and compassion. Notice we won’t be riding a mule down to the colony. Flying there is a much more civilized way to go!

To shift to another favorite island of mine, in January 2016 I will escort our third visit to Cuba. Things are changing very quickly on the island, and each visit is brand new! At the 2012 New York Times Travel Show, I learned that legal travel to Cuba was possible and I made it a top priority. I am often asked why I would want to visit the country, and honestly, it’s just the way I’m wired. I have always questioned the “why” and “how.” Like many others, telling me I can’t do something only strengthens my resolve to succeed. After two successful tours, I feel truly fortunate for the privilege to have visited, and I am eager to go back. The time spent there has changed me.

Travel is the ultimate education. New experiences challenge preconceived notions and stereotypes, alters points of view, piques curiosity and encourages lifelong learning. My advice to all you wanderlust travelers is to never stop asking questions, keep exploring, pushing boundaries, and embracing new, fun, daring adventures. So, who’s coming to Cuba with me? If not, I’ll see you in Hawaii!

Guest ColumnIsland Time with Chris

I have the coolest job in the world! That’s what I thought recently as I flew along Kauai’s beautiful Napali Coast during a flightseeing tour. Waterfalls flowed freely and everything was lush and green, a stark contrast to our dry Golden State. I was there to finalize the details for our November 2015 tour to Kauai & The Big Island, and it’s going to be a great trip! Mark and I have found all sorts of fun activities and places to enjoy.

Often times, those joining us in Hawaii have visited the islands many times, so we must constantly be on the lookout for fresh, exciting attractions and dining opportunities. There is no better compliment than when a traveler asks, “How did you find this?” It’s always a personal point of pride when that question comes up. It means we have done our jobs. It’s not easy to stay on the forefront of the travel industry, but it is essential. There is always something to be gleaned from the latest travel hot-spot or even a much visited favorite destination.

I invite past visitors and first timers to join us on one of our Hawaii tours and see the islands anew. From the air and with a little imagination, you can seePeter,Paul&Mary’sPufftheMagicDragonin the shape of the mountains surrounding Kauai’s Hanalei Bay. At Shangri la, Doris Duke’s former home turned museum, travel the Middle East through her stunning collection of Islamic Art without ever leaving Honolulu. Celebrate the courage of “The Greatest Generation” at Pearl Harbor’s completely renovated Valor in the Pacific Memorial. Retrace the first steps towards the White House in President Obama’s childhood neighborhood. Taste your way from Hanapepe to Waimea with Kauai Kookies and Auntie Lilikoi’s Passion Fruit Pie.

If November is a busy month for you,

FindinspirationandgraceatFatherDamien’schurchinKalaupapaontheislandofMolokai

TravelhalfwayaroundtheworldjustbeyondthedoorofDorisDuke’s,ShangriLa

TakeinthepristinebeautyofKauai’sinteriorandtheNapaliCoast,ascanonlybeseenfromtheair


The Customers Always Write

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 VACATIONSAttn: Mark/Clayton

9812 Old Winery Place, Suite 1 Sacramento, CA 95827

Or e-mail Mark or Clayton at: [email protected]

[email protected]

Dear Clayton,

Thank you for speaking to our Sertoma Club. I appreciated getting the information about the things you should or should not buy. I especially like the parts on cruising and renting a car. Thank you,Mary

Dear Mark & Clayton,

Enclosed check of $10 admission to the October 3rd preview Day which I cannot attend but would like to contribute to charity! God Bless,GloriaMcAdams

Dear Mark,

Our costumer Rhonda Turnquist and I thoroughly enjoyed your tour group’s visit to the Cottage Theater in Cottage Grove on the 14th. Thanks for including us in your itinerary. Your guests asked excellent questions, and we would have been happy to spend hours sharing theater stories with them!

We are very grateful for the $100 contribution you made to our organization. Thank you! Should a covered bridge tour again be on a future Sports Leisure

Vacations itinerary, we’d love to have you back anytime in Cottage Grove! Grateful,SusanGoes,Director,CottageTheater

Dear Mark,

I have been going through photos and memorabilia, and while doing so, I found so many mementos of the wonderful trips Bob and I took with Sports. Three trips stand out and bring fond memories to mind.

Our first trip with Sports was “Luncheon at the Space Needle” with Chuck Evans, God love him. The second one was our trip to London on the Concorde; returning home on the QE2 (wonderful). However, the trip that meant the most was “Lunch on a Glacier” in Canada on our 54th Wedding Anniversary. You did a mock wedding ceremony for us (enclosed is a photo).

I lost Bob four years ago and am now back doing some traveling with Sports again. While it is not the same, you and Clayton have made me feel welcome again.

As Bob Hope said, “Thanks for the Memories”. Sincerely (from a ‘second-time around’ traveler),ButchHarlan

Ed. Note: I know this isn’t the best picture, but that’s Bob and “Butch” and I standing on the glacier in British Columbia. We had lunch there, toasted the Harlans’ anniversary, then got the heck out of there as a storm was blowing in. A very memorable day and thanks Butch for sending along the picture. Her, Bob and I have some great travel memories. I look forward to catching up on the road. Welcome back Butch!

Mark,

A friend of mine happened to see this article in the Wall Street Journal and sent it to me. Thought you might like it for your next newsletter.IrenePotter

Ed. Note: The article is about the Mizpah

Hotel in Tonopah. The hotel is part of our Ghosts & Ghost Towns of Old Nevada

Tour. It was just a short quote, but four

travelers sent me hard or email copies. Thank you all.

To Mark Hoffmann,

I was once one of your travelers and not able to get out anymore. Read your article on coin buyers. I have a coin collection that I would like to sell. Enclosed is a list of the coins I have.MaryMadden

Ed. Note: Mary and I had a lovely visit. We talked about the trips she took with us, including one to New York City. Mary says she reads the newsletter all the time. It was a delight getting to see an old friend and add to my collection. If you have some old coins you would like to have appraised, or would like to sell for a fair price, just call our office for an appointment. I’m happy to come to your home if you wish. In addition, if your group would like someone to talk on coins, their value, how to properly store them, how and where to sell them, etc., I would delighted to present a 30 minute program. Call me at the office if you have an interest. – Mark

Dear Mark, Clayton & Chris,

I was so pleased to hear that my name had been called on KFBK by the Travel Guys on July 12. How exciting as I don’t usually enter contests or win very often. Thank you ever so much for the generous credit of $400 toward a future trip! Wonderful!

LaVerne and I have only taken day trips with Sports Leisure and the Boston-Bar

Harbor trip was a first for us. I can’t say enough about our guide, Chris Galloway.

What a wonderfully compassionate man and so sensitive to the needs of 34 eclectic senior citizens! I think he has two more “followers!”

We look forward to the travel seminar in October. Again, thanks again for calling my name on the Travel Guys!!Lovetoall,NoraNicholson

Boband“Butch”HarlanwithMarkonaglacier


The Human Side Learn, Laugh, Reflect

Yesterday, I wore my Vietnam Veterans cap when I went to Wal-Mart. There was nothing in particular that I needed at the world’s largest retailer; but, since I retired, trips to Wally World to look at the “Walmartians” is always good for some comic release. Besides I always feel pretty normal after seeing some of the people that frequent this establishment.

While standing in line to check out, the guy in front of me, probably in his early thirties, asked, “Are you a Vietnam Vet?”

“No,” I replied.“Then why are you wearing that cap?”“Because I couldn’t find the one from the

War of 1812.” I thought this was a snappy retort.

“The War of 1812, huh?” the “Walmartian” queried, “When was that?”

God forgive me, but I couldn’t pass up such an opportunity. “1936,” I answered, as straight-faced as possible.

He pondered my response for a moment and then asked, “Why do they call it the War of 1812 if it was in 1936?”

“It was a Black Operation. No one is supposed to know about it.” This was beginning to be way too much fun!

“Dude! Really?” he exclaimed. “How did you get to do something that COOOOL?”

I glanced furtively around me for effect, leaned toward the guy, and in a low voice said. “I’m not sure. I was the only Caucasian on the mission.”

“Dude,” he was really getting excited about what he was hearing, “that is seriously awesome! But, didn’t you kind of stand out?”

“Not really. The other guys were all wearing white camouflage.”

My new “few french fries short of a Happy Meal” friend nodded knowingly.

“Listen man,” I said in a very serious tone, “You can’t tell anyone about this. It’s still ‘top secret’ and I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Oh yeah?” he gave me that, ‘don’t threaten me look.’ “Like, what’s gonna happen if I do?”

With a really hard look I said, “You have a family don’t you? We wouldn’t want anything to happen to them, would we?”

The guy gulped, left his basket where it was and fled through the door. By this time the lady behind me was about to have a heart attack, she was laughing so hard. I just grinned at her. What a great time I had!

Tomorrow I’m going back with my Homeland Security cap. Whoever said retirement is boring just needs the right kind of cap!

A Veteran’s Visit to WalMart

Remembering Our Friends…It seems it was only a few months ago, I

was writing about the passing of my good friend and fellow traveler Stan Gordon.

Now, it is with sadness that I share that we have lost Stan’s wife, Diana.

While Stan was the guy on the stage, Diana was the woman behind the man, in oh so many ways. She missed him terribly, and while the coroner can’t put down “a broken heart” as the reason of death, I suspect it played a part.

Diana was always making me laugh. I remember the time we stopped for ice cream on a mystery tour. The idea was everyone would get a scoop of their favorite flavor, slurp it down and we’d be on the bus heading for our hotel. But I didn’t actually say that, and Diana and her traveling buddy LaVerne King decided to go “whole hog” and ordered banana splits!

I was mortified! It wasn’t the money you see, it was the time it would take for the two of them to eat their mountainous pile of dairy delight. (Not to mention they were the last two served, if memory serves me well.) I mean, you couldn’t let them back on the bus with a partially eaten banana split! It would have ended up all over the place. That was Diana, always looking to make life fun. Her and Stanley were quite a team.

We laughed and teased each other that day until our stomachs hurt. We relived the moment several times on other adventures, and the story always ended with both of us smiling. LaVerne, the next time we get

a chance to go anywhere together, we are going to get a banana split, and toast our friend Diana.

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Sadly, this section contains the names of more of our friends and travel family this month. Andeen Lovett called to tell us her Gus had passed. I went to Mira Loma High School with Gus’ boys, and I always marveled when I saw Andeen and Gus. Because she’s a diminutive woman and Gus was a big tall guy. I mean really tall. Gus had to sit down to be Andeen’s height. I affectionately liked to call them “Mutt and Jeff.” An incredibly kind and gentle man, I will remember our visit to Maui together and toast Gus next spring.

We lost our longtime traveling friend Marilyn Johnson. Thanks to Joyce for sending along the news. Marilyn was such a good traveler. It’s been a year since Steve Fritts left us, and his wife sent a lovely picture of a memorial bench at the Aerospace Museum at McClellan which honors his memory. Agnes Stockwell’s

daughter informed us of the passing of her mother, another longtime fixture on tour. And last but not least, Emily Johnston has left us. She also had a long travel history with our company.

If you know of someone who should be mentioned here, kindly drop us a note. It’s important. Thank you.

Visit us 24/7 on the web at:www.sportsleisure.com


Tour and Tea at the TopTuesday, September 22

Travel to San Francisco for a tour atop fashionable Nob Hill. Once the site of grand mansions owned by the men who built the Central Pacific Railroad, they have been replaced by the luxurious Stanford Court, Huntington, Mark Hopkins, and Fairmont Hotels. With local guides, visit and experience the elegant lobbies and public rooms that have made them world famous places to see and stay. The tour concludes at the renowned Fairmont Hotel to enjoy its traditional Afternoon Tea Service with tea sandwiches, savory scones, and delectable assortment of pastries, tarts, and sweets. Limited space. $145

Fleet Day on the BaySunday, October 11

Enjoy a sumptuous luncheon buffet and cruise aboard Hornblower’s San FranciscoBelle. The two-hour cruise is timed to be on the bay during the performance of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels air acrobatic team. This said, we cannot be responsible for any change in the Fleet Week schedule, including the performance time of the Blue Angles, due to weather or other circumstances. But still, it’s a great day with champagne on board the Belle and musical entertainment! Limited space $171

Fall in The SierraFeaturingoneofourfavoriteroadtripsMonday, October 12

Enjoy the beautiful fall scenery along Highway 50 and the American River, passing through the Tahoe Basin in hopes of sneaking a peek at some fall color along the way. Lunch is included at JT’s Basque Restaurant, a Gardnerville landmark; then drive home on Highway 88 through the spectacular Hope Valley looking for the shimmering aspen. $115

Olivia Newton-JohnGalloCenter,ModestoFriday, October 16

With more than 100 million albums sold, Olivia Newton-John’s career includes four Grammys, ten #1 hits and 15 top 10 singles. It was her co-starring role in Grease that catapulted her into super-stardom. Known for such songs as “I Honestly Love You,” “Have You Never Been Mellow,” “Physical,” and “Xanadu,” her appeal seems timeless as she continues to be adored by fans all over the world. Dinner is included at the Canal Street Grille prior to the 8pm performance. Orchestra seating. $196

Mission Completed!Thursday, October 22

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join Chris to visit all 21 of California’s Missions in one afternoon! Built for the 1939 World’s Fair, each mission replica is to scale and on display at the California Mission Museum in Sonoma. Craig Smith, our guide extraordinaire, joins us for a tour of Mission Delores in San Francisco before lunch at the popular Fog Harbor Restaurant. Then discover all of California’s treasures faithfully recreated in Sonoma in the afternoon. $133

Great Ladies of SwingWellsFargoCenter,SantaRosaSunday, October 25

Maestro Michael Berkowitz and the Santa Rosa Symphony will be joined by jazz vocalist Dee Daniels, acclaimed for her wit, warmth, charm, and dazzling four-octave range, as together they showcase a collection of timeless standards, including signature songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, and Sarah Vaughn. You will be delighted by an afternoon of music paying tribute to the Great Ladies of Song, including “A Tisket, A Tasket,” “God Bless the Child,” “Fever,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Bill Bailey.” Upgraded orchestra seating and lunch are included in Santa Rosa prior to the 3pm show. $163

Day Trips & Theatre Outings

EVERY Sunday 3:00-4:00 PMKFBK, AM 1530, FM 93.1Each Sunday, someone who has traveled with us recently wins a $100 Travel Card, no winner and the value increases $100 a week!

TomRomanoandMarkHoffmann

Contests, Travel News, updates

on your favorite Sports Leisure destinations,

Cultural Arts and FUN!

The Travel GuysRadio Show

Listen and discover more about SLV destinations:

Sept. 27 – Tour Preview Day Preview

Oct. 4 – Tour Preview Day Review

Oct. 11 – Chicago Sinatra Birthday Christmas Celebration


Jewel City: Art from San Francisco’s Panama-Pacific International ExpositionThedeYoungMuseum,SFTuesday, October 27

San Francisco’s Centennial Celebration of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition continues with this special show that reassembles a cross-section of the works first displayed here 100 years ago. With approximately 250 works, the collection includes key artistic trends of 1915 from conservative to modern and avant-garde, painting and sculpture, and major European and American artists including Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, James McNeill Whistler, and Winslow Homer. An audio guide is included for your enjoyment and a shuttle will be available for those who would like to visit the Legion of Honor in the afternoon. Lunch is on your own at either of the museum cafés. $99

Return of the CranesFeaturingasunsetviewingoftheSandhillCranesMonday, November 2

Sandhill Cranes return to the rich farmland of the Delta each year as they make their way down the great Pacific Flyway from the north. The optimum time to view these large birds is at dusk as they take flight, returning to the Isenberg Crane Reserve at sunset. At the reserve, listen to their haunting calls that are like the sound of a distant French horn. A late lunch is included in Lodi following an earlier visit to the Consumnes River Nature Preserve. This trip returns after dark and is a rain or shine experience. $130

Riverdance20th Anniversary TourGoldenGateTheatre,SFSaturday, November 7

The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand! Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Nothing

from Ireland has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle ofRiverdance. The trip includes lunch on-your-own in Union Square, orchestra seating, and a return to Sacramento after the 2pm show. $180

If/ThenOrpehumTheatre,SFWednesday, November 18 or 25 or

Saturday, November 21

If/Then is a contemporary Broadway musical about living in New York today – and all the possibilities of tomorrow. Original Broadway cast members will be joined by Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, famous for her roles in Wicked, Rent, Frozen & Glee. With unforgettable songs and a deeply moving story, this “fascinating, ambitious, and original new musical” simultaneously follows one woman’s two possible life paths, painting a deeply moving portrait of the lives we lead, as well as the lives we might have led. As such, this show contains explicit adult themes and is not suitable for young viewers. Wednesday trips include a snack box lunch served on the coach en route to San Francisco, orchestra seating, and a no–host dinner stop at Pier 39 directly after the 2pm show. The Saturday trip includes lunch on your own in Union Square, orchestra seating and return to Sacramento following the 2pm show. Due to special payment requirements for this show, Wednesday trips need to be booked and paid for no later than October 2; the Saturday trip needs to be booked and paid by October 12. Wednesday – $165, Saturday – $184

Beach Blanket BabylonClubFugazi,SanFranciscoSunday, November 22 or

December 20 or 27

There’s nothing quite like Beach BlanketBabylon, especially for the holidays! San Francisco’s longest-running staged comedy show pokes fun at everyone – politicians, celebrities and other folks in the public eye. The songs are hilarious, the dancing wonderful, and the hats are really, really big! Reserved seats are upstairs (no elevator) in this historic theatre in the center balcony. Enjoy an included lunch at Sports Leisure favorite Viva Italian Restaurant prior to

the 2pm matinee. Limited space on all departures. $158

Holiday Sweets and GoodiesHolidayshoppingwithsmallfamilybusinessesTuesday, November 24

A Sports Leisure favorite back for the 6th year! Find youself once again traveling into the heart of the valley for a visit to the source of many holiday goodies. In Modesto, participate in an olive oil tasting at Sciabica’s, producers of cold pressed oils since 1936. A buffet lunch is included at the Hilmar Cheese Co-Op, a farmer-owned and operated business. The shopping at Hilmar is fabulous! The final stop of the day finds you in greenhouses filled with blooming poinsettias. You will find time for picking up sweets and goodies all along the way throughout the day. $129

Thanksgiving on the Napa Valley Wine TrainThursday, November 26

Celebrate Thanksgiving surrounded by the scenic beauty of rolling hills and vineyards aboard the Napa Valley WineTrain. Your traditional Thanksgiving meal includes all the customary fixings, including a perfectly cooked turkey, served in a festive atmosphere. To experience the WineTrain is a return to the gracious era of fine service and elegant travel by rail. Sit back, relax, and savor the sights and dining delights of this special holiday in the Napa Valley. $224

Mannheim SteamrollerAttheGalloCenterSaturday, November 28

Experience holiday magic! Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been one of America’s favorite holiday traditions for more than 30 years. This afternoon show features the Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects. Lunch is included at Tresetti’s World Caffé in Modesto prior to the 2pm performance. $193

Visit us on the web at:

www.sportsleisure.com


Christmas Shopping in the CityWednesday, December 2

Join our annual trip to downtown San Francisco to browse, shop, or just enjoy the bright and festive window displays and store decorations. Lunch is at your leisure in the area of Union Square with an optional shuttle in the afternoon to Pier 39 before returning home to Sacramento. $85

It’s a Wonderful LifeOurSportsLeisureChristmasParty!GalloCenter,ModestoFriday, Dec. 4 or Saturday, Dec. 5

We began a new tradition last year with a holiday show designated as our SLV

Christmas Party. This year we return to the Gallo Center for a time-honored favorite. Enjoy a rendering of the classic Frank Capra movie, performed on stage in the style of a 1940’s radio show. Dinner is included Friday night at Tresetti’s World Caffé prior to the 7:30pm show; and lunch is also included at Tresetti’s prior to Saturday’s 2pm matinee. Orchestra seating for both performances. $162

Christmas Lights in San FranciscoWednesday, December 9

Our other annual trip to San Francisco 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, the 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 and favorite season. An early dinner is included at Fog Harbor Restaurant on Pier 39 before the tour. $128

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & MurderGoldenGateTheatre,SFWednesday, December 9 or 16 or

Saturday, December 12

Getting away with murder has never been so much fun – and there’s no better proof than the knock-‘em-dead hit show that’s earned unanimous raves and won the

2014 Tony Award for Best Musical! Coming direct from New York, the show tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by – you guessed it – eliminating the eight pesky relatives (all played by one fearless man) who stand in his way. All the while, Monty must juggle his mistress, his fiancée, and the constant threat of landing behind bars! 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. The Saturday trip includes lunch on your own in Union Square, orchestra seating and a return following the 2pm show. Wednesday – $154, Saturday

– $180

A Christmas Story: The MusicalOrpheumTheatre,SFThursday, December 10

The 1983 film “A Christmas Story,” based on Jean Shepherd’s nostalgic and comedic holiday tale, has been re-wrapped as a new Broadway musical by songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. For pop culture fans, it’s not really the Christmas season until you hear this line: ”You’ll shoot your eye out!” Although this staged version is not an exact replica of the movie, the basics we have all come to love and enjoy at are still intact – Ralphie, the youngster who pines for an “Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle,” the iconic leg lamp, the turkey-destroying dogs, the pink bunny suit, and the tongue-on-the-frozen-flag-pole scene. What better way to kick off the holiday season? Our trip includes a snack box lunch served on the coach, orchestra seating, and a no–host dinner stop at Pier 39 directly after the show. This is our only date offered! $139

A Very Merry Holiday PopsWellsFargoCenter,SantaRosaSunday, December 13

A holiday treat for the entire family, this is a holiday variety show with a chorus, dancers, and your favorite music. From novel holiday numbers to inspiring Christmas hymns, Maestro Michael Berkowitz and the Santa

Rosa Symphony will move you with the spirit of the season! Joined by special guests Roustabout Theatre and the Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus, the program will include such favorites as “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “Santa Claus Is (Tappin’) To Town,” “Silent Night,” “The First Noel” and many more. Lunch is included at Dempsey’s Restaurant prior to the 3pm performance. $163

Jersey BoysOrpheumTheatre,SFSunday, January 24 or Wednesday,

February 3 or 10

Returning to San Francisco’s Orpheum Theater is the ever popular Jersey Boys,the true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30. The musical features such hits as “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Oh, What A Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” The Sunday trip will include a lunch on your own stop in the area of Union Square, the 1pm matinee with orchestra seating, and a return to Sacramento directly after the show. The Wednesday trips include a snack box lunch on the motorcoach, the 2pm matinee with orchestra seating, and a no-host dinner stop at Pier 39 following the show. Wednesday – $165, Sunday – $169

Riders in the Sky Salutes Roy RogersGalloCenter,ModestoSunday, January 31

For more than 30 years Riders in The Sky has remained true to the integrity of Western music. In this terrific tribute to the “King of the Cowboys” these modern-day icons bring their own sense of humor and Western sound to the stage featuring the music of Roy Rogers. Brunch is included at Surla’s prior to the 2pm performance. $136


RediscoverthemusicofFrankieValli&TheFourSeasonswithJersey Boys,returningtoSF’sOrpheumTheatreinJanuary(seepage8fordetails)

The Barber Pole, or Once Over Lightly

Home Pick-upIt’s very important the addresses for home

pick-ups are finalized three weeks before the trip departs. Passenger lists must be sent to Carey Transportation for dispatching cars to pick up the entire group. This is a big job, even with a friendly computer program. When you call us and make last minute changes, it often means we must change multiple cars to accommodate your change. Those lists are then returned to us so we can forward Final Tour Notes to tour/cruise participants.

Sometimes that change is a simple clarification of who in your party will be picked up where. You should have the pick-up locations for all members in your party when you make your reservations. Those locations can be changed/clarified until 21

days prior to departure. Effective October

1, if you request a change of home pick-up

within 21 days of departure your request

will be accommodated only if it does not

require a re-working pick-up schedule for

the group.

Limos vs. SedansFrequently on the evaluations, the

comment is made that the limos are difficult to get in and out of. This has been the case since we started home pick-ups 20 years ago. It is also true that vans are extremely difficult for many to get in and out of. That is one reason why we do not use an “all-van” transportation company.

That brings us to limo vs. sedan. Fact: There are only so many livery sedans available in the Sacramento area. On any given morning/evening, the general public is drawing from the same inventory we are. This means it frequently takes more than one company to get the group to/from the airport and an assortment of vehicle types. Cars/SUVs/Limos are dispatched according to the locations of the homes of those on the trip.

On some tours, there may be a dozen people coming from south Sacramento; the next trip may have only one. Sometimes we have a lot of folks from Roseville/Rocklin,

sometimes just one or two. Because the cars/sedans can only accommodate three people, they have limitations. Likewise, the sedans have issues in accommodating walkers when they have three passengers.

The point of this is that there are a number of considerations when scheduling vehicles for home pick up. The limos are a necessary evil for now, at least until everyone in town gets rid of them in exchange for SUVs. We are very aware limousines are a challenge for some. There simply are not enough vehicles available for hire in the Sacramento area to avoid using them. We regret we are unable to accommodate requests for particular types of vehicles for the exact reasons listed here. Your understanding is appreciated. Of course, you are always welcome to take the credit of $75 per person, provide your own transportation and meet us at the airport if you prefer.

Joining us from Outside the Sacramento Area?

If you are coming from a Northern California city outside Sacramento, we may be able to offer you home pick-up. (Depending on your location, there may be an addition charge.) Our free pick-up boundaries are generally Davis on the west, Woodland to the northwest, Lincoln/Auburn/Placerville to the east, Galt to the south. Call for assistance if you are departing from a Northern California city outside Sacramento.

Remember those coming from out-of-the-area have the option of staying at the Best Western Plus Sutter House Hotel

downtown, leaving your car (no charge for parking) and being picked up and dropped off at the Best Western. A special discount is available to Sports

Leisure Travelers.

Ask for Doris Gray,

General Manager at the Sutter House, to get the special

SLV rate. There is a restaurant on site and numerous others are a short distance away.

If you are departing from Reno or Las Vegas, you can often leave from those cities by air on extended tours, and meet us at the destination city. Complimentary home pick-up is available for our Nevada clients living in Reno, Carson City, Las Vegas and their suburbs.

Making Online ReservationsWe are working towards the day when

you will be able to make reservations and payments online. For now, you can make a reservation request at our web site, www.sportsleisure.com. Please keep in mind that until the office opens and we contact you to confirm your reservation, an online request is just a request until it is confirmed.

The Champagne Express to Harvey’s and Apple Hill

Wednesday, October 21

Join us for our monthly departure to Harvey’s Resort & Casino at Lake Tahoe in October but with our usual fall twist – a stop at High Hill Ranch on Apple Hill! Members of Harvey’s Total Rewards Program will still receive a $20 slot credit and $7 food coupon (must be a member for the bonus). But you’ll also receive a cup of coffee and a tasty treat. The return to Sacramento is a little later in the day because of the extra stop but who would turn down a fresh apple treat? $50


Cuba’s Caribbean Coast & The Capital9 Days • January 6-14, 2016

H Highlights H• 2 nights Miami/Ft. Lauderdale with

Everglades airboat tour• 6 nights on the no-longer-forbidden

island of Cuba with people-to-people interactions: meet artists, farmers, educators and other realpeople of Cuba

• Quality hotels and restaurants throughout your tour including Havana, Cayo Santa Maria, and Varadero

• Overnight stays in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale en route and on return from Cuba

• 19 meals: 8 full breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

• Roundtrip domestic airfare• Door-to-door airport service• Services of a Sports Leisure Tour

Director and 2 guides in Cuba• 6600/7100 Gold Passport Points

Now is the time to visit Cuba! With the warming of diplomatic relations, big changes are coming to the small island nation. Join us on our third trip to the “Pearl of the Antilles” and be a part of history in the making. Optimize your time by “doing” and not just sitting on a bus and “seeing” the country. Spend two nights (the first and last days of the tour) in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, two nights in Cayo Santa Maria, two nights in Varadero, and two nights in Havana.

Learn about the most decisive battle of the 1958 Cuban Revolution in Santa Clara before traveling north to Caibarien, known for its white sand beaches. Meet with scholars, local artisans, musicians and dancers to gain a deeper understanding of the changes taking place in Cuban society today. In Varadero, a resort town east of Havana, work alongside chefs to try your hand at preparing authentic Cuban cuisine.

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Havana and marvel at the outstanding architecture. Visit a

local market to learn about regional produce, the ration system, and see the dual currency in action. Step back in time as 1950s-era American cars rumble by, still in everyday use today, and dine along the Malecon, the seaside avenue spanning one side of the city. See Ernest Hemingway’s home, Finca Vijia, where he lived for over 20 years; everything inside almost untouched since he left the island. Meet civic-minded citizens that are striving to beautify, educate and promote progress in this truly remarkable city.

A trip to Cuba is much more than a mere visit. You will come away with an intimate knowledge of a country that has long been inaccessible. There is a magic in the air that floats on the rhythm of salsa music. You will be changed, and isn’t that the point of travel? Don’t wait! See Cuba now before the magic is lost in the name of progress.

$6585 p.p./dbl.occ., $7080 single*

$ave $200 until September 27

This vacation requires a valid passport!

*Roundtrip airfare from Sacramento to Ft. Lauderdale IS included in the price of the tour. The roundtrip charter flight from Miami to Havana will be scheduled 15-45 days before departure and is NOT included in the above price. You will be billed separately

New Vacations & Getawaysfor this. Currently the total cost of these flights is $645 and covers the cost of the visa required to visit Cuba and ALL required administration fees. Should the trip not

operate you will receive a full refund.

Take the Snow Train to RenoAllaboardAmtrak’sCaliforniaZephyrfortheSierraNevada2 Days • January 26-27 or February 23-24

Experience a High Sierra winter wonderland as Amtrak’s California Zephyrclimbs through the mountains, providing magnificent winter vistas.

1. Begin your journey in Roseville. Don’t worry about your luggage – it will travel on board SuperCoach III, which will meet you in Reno! Once aboard the CaliforniaZephyr, enjoy relaxing views from your seat or from the domed observation car. A box lunch is included. Tonight tempt Lady Luck or see a performance of the musical “Footloose” at the Eldorado Showroom (add’l $45pp). A small town falls under the spell of a mischievous, music-loving teen from the big city! Silver Legacy (BL)

2. The Nugget in Sparks is nearby so you have the choice of an optional morning visit for more gambling at your leisure, with an additional casino bonus, or you can choose to stay downtown. Return to Sacramento on board SuperCoachIIIin the early afternoon.

The package includes rail passage on Amtrak’s CaliforniaZephyr to Reno, a boxed lunch, hotel accommodations, casino bonuses (subject to change), and return transportation on board SuperCoach III. 225/300 Gold Passport Points.

$225 p.p./dbl.occ., $280 single


Add door-to-door service for $80 p.p.

Beverly Hills, Hollywood & Jeopardy!3 Days • February 1-3

H Highlights H• Stay at the iconic landmark Los Angeles

Intercontinental HotelMarvelatthearchitectureofCathedralPlazainHavana,oneoftheoldestcityintheAmericas


• Tour Sony Pictures Studios (formerly MGM) and enjoy lunch at the Studios’ cafeteria

• Participate as an audience member at tapings of the brainy Jeopardy! and the exuberant PriceisRight*

• Enjoy a guided tour of historic Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills

• Small group tour (no more than 25)• Roundtrip air Sacramento/Southern

California• Door-to-door airport service• 5 Meals: Daily full breakfast, 2 lunches,

1 dinner• Services of a Sports Leisure Tour

Director• 1350/1550 Gold Passport Points

1. Take a short flight from Sacramento to Burbank and be whisked away to the City of Angels. After lunch at Philippe’s, home of the original French Dip sandwich, tour the heart of Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills with an expert guide. Check in to a luxurious hotel and then join your fellow travelers for a special dinner at the hotel’s renowned restaurant. Intercontinental

Hotel – 2 nights (L,D)

2. Spend the day at Sony Pictures Studios beginning with a walking tour of the studio’s legendary movie sets where you will get a rare glimpse of Hollywood’s glory days. Following lunch with the locals at the studios’ cafeteria, participate as an audience member in the taping of the popular game show, Jeopardy! After a busy day on the set, return to the hotel to enjoy the evening at leisure, sampling one of the many fine restaurants that surround the hotel. (FB,L)

3. This morning, join the exuberant fans in a taping of the game show, The Priceis Right. After the taping, enjoy lunch and shopping at your leisure at the Historic Los Angeles Farmers Market, home to numerous traditional and modern restaurants and shops. Fly back to Sacramento from Burbank on an early evening flight. (FB)

*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 cost supplement.

$1325 p.p./dbl.occ, $1546 single


World Figure Skating Championships in Boston7 Days • March 29 – April 4

In 2016, the eyes of the world will turn to Boston when 200 of its greatest figure skaters come to TD Garden to compete for the prized title of World Champion. The ISU World Figure Skating Championships®, the world’s most important annual skating competition, is coming to Boston for the first time in its 130-year history.

Fly to Boston, spend 6 nights in a suite in a new Residence Inn by Marriott, and have an all-event, lower bowl ticket to the skating championships. You can attend every minute of every event if you wish, or join us for a variety of morning sightseeing adventures and enjoy skating in the afternoon and evening. Or a little of each. This tour is limited to 25 travelers.

All of the skating events are at the TD Garden in downtown Boston. We are staying just outside town, in the close-in suburb of Chelsea. The key is the subway station three blocks away. On the other end, the station is in TD Garden. So we will “commute” to the skating events, and you can come and go as you please, with your Tour Director on hand to assist you in your comings and goings.

We have selected lower lever, side/corner ticket locations for you. You may stick with

our tickets (and request being closer to the ice or further away; both have advantages and disadvantages) or upgrade/downgrade your ticket accordingly. Our all-event ticket costs $695. You can move up or down in price and location and we are happy to discuss the options with you when you register.

Because we do not have a block of

seats, but are seating people according

to preference, it is very important that

you make your reservations early to

get the best seats. There are additional cancellation rules for this tour, and we strongly recommend you consider Cancellation Protection. Gold Passport Points 3100/3600



Red, White and PlaidAcelebrationofallthingspatrioticfeaturingtheVirginiaInternationalTattoo!7 Days • April 22-28

H Highlights H• Norfolk’s Azalea Festival, Parade of

Nations & International Tattoo• Virginia’s Eastern Shore – from wild

ponies to cracked crabs!• 2 nights on the beach in Ocean City • Delaware’s Capital City, Dover• Annapolis – home of the US Naval

Academy• Ft. McHenry where the Star Spangled

Banner was penned• Early American and nautical history at

every turn• Roundtrip airfare to Norfolk/from

Baltimore• 12 meals: Daily breakfast, 2 lunches,

4 dinners• Door-to-door airport transportation• 2850/3100 Gold Passport Points

1. The Azalea Festival is Norfolk’s biggest celebration of the year, and you’ve arrived just in time. Marriott Hotel Downtown – 2

nights

2. The Parade of Nations begins the day, and your reserved seating is only steps from the hotel. Nearby, Nauticus is a huge museum on the Norfolk waterfront celebrating all things nautical, including a chance to tour the USSWisconsin,a proud

Theworld’sgreatestskatershopetocompeteinBoston,justlikeKanakoMurakamiofJapan


WWII-era battleship. After diner, the curtain rises on the Virginia International Tattoo. This is the largest military band spectacle in the nation, albeit one with a decidedly Scottish flair, which you’ll enjoy from comfortable indoor seating! (FB,D)

3. At the Norfolk Botanical Garden, take a tram tour of the largest collection of azaleas on the East Coast, then take the drive over andunder the Chesapeake Bay to Virginia’s Eastern Shore, a narrow strip of land dominated by unspoiled nature seemingly lost in time. Ocean City, Maryland is your final destination where dinner and all-suite accommodations await. Hilton Guest

Suites – 2 nights (FB,D)

4. Meet the “residents” that define the character of the area, such as the wild ponies on Assateague Island. The villages of Berlin and Salisbury are like taking a step back in time. And we’ve surely saved the best for last, a dinner of hot, steamed hard shell crabs at the famed Red Roost, ripe for the cracking. This is the Mid-Atlantic at its best! (FB,D)

5. Say goodbye to Ocean City (but not before checking out the “3073 miles to Sacramento” sign on US 50), and head north to Dover, Delaware’s Capital City. There you’ll tour the Air Mobility Command Museum and First State Heritage Park which includes the 1792 State House and the Johnson Victrola Museum. Feeling lucky? Dover Downs Casino is across the street from our hotel! Hilton Garden Inn (FB,L)

6. Arrive in Annapolis in the mid-morning and embark on a harbor cruise showcasing the city as she was meant to be seen – from the water. A guided city tour follows including a walk through the US Naval Academy and a visit to the Maryland Statehouse, the oldest in the nation. Recount your memories of a wonderful adventure at our farewell dinner. Springhill Suites (FB,D)

7. En route to Washington/Baltimore International Airport, visit one of the most historic sites in America, Ft. McHenry, where the young lawyer Francis Scott Key witnessed the Star Spangled Banner “by the dawn’s early light” during the War of 1812. (FB,L)



Spain & Portugal: Flowers & Flamenco, Castles & Coast14 Days • May 4-17

H Highlights H • Stay in the culturally rich cities of Madrid,

Granada, Seville, and Lisbon • In Spain, experience the colorful Festival

of Flowers, elegant Andalusian Horses Dance show, traditional bullfighting history, magnificent Alhambra Palace, and flamenco at its finest

• Explore the fascinating city of Lisbon and the lovely villages, beautiful coast and castles of Portugal

• Roundtrip airfare Sacramento to Madrid/from Lisbon

• 20 Meals: 13 full breakfasts, 4 special dinners and 1 patio lunch, 2 tapas meals and wine tastings

• Door-to-door airport service• Services of a Sports Leisure Tour Director• 7000/8050 Gold Passport Points

1. Fly to Madrid on an overnight flight.2. After checking into your hotel in the

heart of Madrid, have a rest before exploring nearby Retiro Park, Madrid’s grand and lovely central park. In the evening, meet your Spanish hosts for a tapas dinner walk, a centuries old tradition. Hotel Paseo del

Prado – 3 nights (D)

3. Enjoy a guided tour of historical Madrid and the Prado Museum with a leisurely lunch on Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s splendid central square. (FB)

4. It’s a full day excursion to Toledo, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Visit the elaborate cathedral, the ancient synagogue, and the works of El Greco. Explore this World Heritage Site in the afternoon. (FB)

5. Experience a ride on Spain’s high speed train to Córdoba where the Festival of Flowers awaits you. Visit the magnificent Mosque and other historical sites. Meet your private driver for the scenic ride to Granada and your luxury hotel. Hotel Alhambra

Palace – 2 nights (FB)

6. Tour the magnificent Alhambra Palace, preserved by Isabelle and Ferdinand on their conquest of the Moors. Explore the peaceful and lovely gardens of the palace with views of Granada. Enjoy a lovely patio lunch before returning to the hotel to rest or

explore the historical city of Granada with your Tour Director. (FB,L)

7. En route to Seville, visit the cliff-top town of Rhonda, famous for the birthplace of modern bullfighting. Take a guided tour of the scenic old city and then enjoy a leisurely lunch before continuing on to Seville. Hotel

Sevilla Plaza de Armas – 3 nights (FB)

8. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historical sites of Seville Spain’s most elegant city. Visit the grand Cathedral, the Moorish Alcazar, and the ancient Jewish neighborhood. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own and perhaps a carriage ride through the city. In the evening, experience passionate flamenco music and dance at its finest. (FB,D)

9. Take a day trip to Jerez and experience the unique and elegant Horse Show at the Royal Equestrian School. The show is followed by a visit to a local winery for tasting and tapas. Spend the evening relaxing and dining at your leisure. (FB,TP,D)

10. A relaxing drive through the countryside of Spain and Portugal takes you to a seaside town in Portugal for a leisurely lunch before arriving in Lisbon, Portugal’s magnificent capital city. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Fado musical performance and dinner. Hotel Porto Bay

Liberdade – 4 nights (FB,D)

11. Awake in time for breakfast at the luxurious hotel. Then with your local guide, tour the highlights of this historic city. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. (FB)

12. Visit two towns a short distance from Lisbon: Sintra, a magnificent town of marvelous historic mansions set against the backdrop of lush hills, and Cascais, once a small fishing village and still home to gorgeous beaches. (FB)

13. Spend the day in the countryside visiting a traditional winery. Enjoy tasting and tapas before continuing on to the ancient walled city of Obidos. Have a leisurely lunch in this beautiful village before visiting a 12th-century monastery. Enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (FB,TP,D)

14. Depart Lisbon for your return flight to Sacramento. (FB)

$6975 p.p./dbl.occ, $8015 single


This tour requires a valid passport!


Listed on this page are tour destinations, domestic and international, which are under consideration or in various stages of development. We ask you to call or email us and tell us which ideas you have a reasonable interest in. That places your name on a Priority Notification List, which insures that if the trip materializes, you will be informed and have the chance to register.

Also listed here are tours we listed on this page last month, along with a brief update of the status of each tour idea. You are still welcome to add your name to any list.

New Teasers This Month

Oregon Shakespeare Festival4 Days • June 21-24, 2016

Join us as we travel to beautiful Ashland, Oregon, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Over three days, enjoy three very different plays in two theater settings: Shakespeare’s classic comedy Twelfth Night, his dramatic masterpiece Hamlet, and Charlie Smalls’ feel-good musical The Wiz. Stay at The Plaza Inn, a comfortable hotel in the heart of Ashland within walking distance to the theaters.

Poland & PragueACulinary&SightseeingAdventure11 Days • August 2016

This unique trip is limited to just 12 travelers. It features Krakow and a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Poland. The trip has a huge culinary aspect to it, as you will have the opportunity to cook and eat with local Polish people, intertwined with your sightseeing adventures to Zakopane and the Polish countryside. The trip ends with three nights in Prague, a spectacular city that is on everyone’s “bucket list.” A decision on this tour will be made by the end of October

update on Last Month’s Teasers

Christmastime in ‘VegasA good idea that was a year ahead of its

time. We will send someone to Las Vegas this December with the plan of offering this tour in December of 2016.

Cuba is Calling!10 Days • January 8-14

Details on this tour can be found on page 10. Our packages are very special and not the cheap mainstream product. Chris has been

Teasers & Teaser Updatesthere twice with groups, so you are traveling with an experienced Tour Director who knows the lay of the land.

Hollywood & Beverly Hills3 Days • February 1-3

Tons of interest in attending TV show tapings and our first trip is scheduled for February. Details are in this newsletter beginning on page 10.

Cowboys & Trains7 Days • April

There is enough interest in this tour that it has been added to the schedule and will appear in the upcoming catalog. 2 nights each: Oklahoma City, Ft. Worth and Austin. Fly to OKC, then train to Ft. Worth, train to Austin, fly home.

Ghosts & Ghost Towns of Old Nevada 5 Days • March 29 – April 2

This tour will return for an encore in 2016. If you are coming to Preview Day, you’ll get to see films clips from Mark’s recent trip to Goodsprings, Nevada where he met some spirits. This trip gives you a chance to “meet” ghosts and to visit a variety of ghost towns in Nevada. Fly to Las Vegas, coach back to Sacramento. Two nights Las Vegas (Treasure Island), two nights Tonopah (haunted Mizpah Hotel). This tour will be in the catalog.

Tulips of Ottawa & Historical Québec City7 Days • May

Interest is high and this trip will appear in the tour catalog. Be a part of the annual Tulip Festival in Canada’s Capital City, and discover the wonder and charm of Old Québec, a piece of Europe in North America.

Classic Baseball: Ballparks & The Hall of Fame7-8 Days • May

Interest is high, but this tour cannot be offered until 2017 because our hotel in Cooperstown is already booked for next year. We will offer a baseball tour next year which will include a couple of great ballparks and some Giants games. The schedule comes out in Oct. and the trip will be announced Nov./Dec.

The Hamptons – The Life of the Rich & Famous6 Days • June 12-17

Again, high interest in this tour idea. It will

include 3 nights in the Hamptons and an overnight in NYC to catch a Broadway show. Recommended for those who enjoyed Cape Cod or Bar Harbor/Boston. Hamptons hotel reservations have been made, the tour is being developed and will be announced in the catalog.

Montana, Big Sky Country, Land of Lewis & Clark5 Days • June 2016

Ramona has stolen this destination from Mark and is working on the tour for early next summer. Follow the path of the famous pioneer explorers and enjoy some spectacular scenery.

Norway’s Fabulous Fjords10 Days • June 2017

There was interest in this destination, but it was either Iceland or Norway. Iceland had more interest, so Norway will wait until 2017 (June). Details announced next summer.

Iceland, Land of Fire & Ice11 Days • July 11-21

Add your name to the list to be notified the minute the information becomes available for this tour, or wait to see it in the catalog.

Boston to Bar Harbor7 Days • Over July 4th

A repeat of a new tour first offered this past summer. Stay three nights near Boston and enjoy 4th of July fireworks. Head up the Maine coast to Bar Harbor for a two-night stay. This tour will be in the catalog.

Cruising The St. Lawrence River on the Canadian Empress8 Days • Summer/Fall 2016

Not enough interest. We will revisit this idea for 2017.

Mexico: Puebla & Oaxaca10 Days • Fall 2016

Interest is solid and Ramona is moving forward with this tour for fall of next year. It will not be announced until the late December newsletter, due to the lack of airfare availability. But it is coming soon.

Magical Malta12 Days • Fall 2016

A mystical place in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea and limited to only 18 passengers. A new destination that will be featured at Preview Day.

Continuedonpage15


On July 12, Tauck Tours will celebrate 90 years since Arthur Tauck Sr., father of the company’s current chairman, set out from Newark with a group of six passengers to lead his first motor tour. The decades since then have been a fascinating journey, from bus and rail travel to jet planes, through depressions and recessions, and into the digital age.

Arthur Tauck Jr., himself a living piece of travel history after 57 years at the company’s helm, recently spoke with Travel Weekly’s Michelle Baran about how it all started.

Travel Weekly: When you got into the touring business, did you ever think that the company would grow into what it is today?

Tauck: I was born seven years after the company started. But I can surely tell you that my father, who operated the company until 1958, had absolutely no vision of where it was going. I think he did it kind of as a lark. He started before the Depression, so things were looking good. And then three or four years after he went into business, the Depression hit. He was just about put into bankruptcy in 1932.

Then along came World War II, and we were licensed by the Interstate Commerce Commission. So he got an order to cease and desist right after Pearl Harbor. He did not reopen until 1947.

But then the biggest change of all that hit this entire industry [was] in 1960. In 1960, Pan American World Airways bought the very first Boeing 707 jet, and jet aviation came into commercial travel. And that just

shrunk the world overnight. You could fly to the West Coast without stopping. You could fly to Europe without stopping. The world changed. That was absolutely the biggest change that happened, and the travel industry was really born, I feel, in 1960.

TW: So is that when you decided to do international tours?

Tauck: Oh no, that didn’t happen until 1991. We had growth all across North America. Up until the coming of the jet aircraft, if anybody traveled west on tours to see the national parks, like Grand Canyon or Bryce or Zion or Yosemite, they went by rail. I was the first to start linking the national parks of the West by air. That was probably one of the biggest things we ever did.

And so we started expanding throughout the world. We started in Europe, and then Asia, Africa. We’re on all seven continents today.

TW: What has changed about tour operating?

Happy 90th Anniversary to Tauck Tours

Tauck: The changes came largely in technology and equipment – the airplane. The bus used to be a horrible stigma. People never wanted to travel by bus because it wasn’t very comfortable. You get in these motorcoaches today, there’s no better way to go. You’re up high, you’re over the traffic, you see more, the air conditioning works, the music works, the TVs work. You can sit back and relax. It’s a delightful way to travel. It wasn’t that way in the beginning.

The other thing that’s changing, and I think the tour operators changed it, is we really upgraded the experiences that take place on our tours. Before, it used to be sit on a motorcoach, look out the window and let the outside world entertain you. And today, it’s get out of the motorcoach, get outside and do the things out there that you’ve been watching people do.

TW: How has group touring remained such a resilient form of travel all these years?

Tauck: You know, I read all the comments on our comment cards. One of the questions we ask on our comment card is, “What did you like most on your trip? And tell us what you liked least.” The thing [customers] like most is the people [they were] traveling with, traveling with like-minded people. Remember, tours attract kind of the senior end of the population, people who are getting older. They are losing friends rather than gaining friends. And when they can take a tour and meet other people who become friends for life, there’s a camaraderie that’s developed.

Tauck Tours is considered by many to not only be the founder of the tour industry in our country, but also the standard by which others are compared. Arthur Tauck, Sr., founded the company. His son, Authur Tauck, Jr., (pictured below) is now retired and the third generation is moving the company forward. We thought you might enjoy this piece of travel history.

We appraise and/or buy old coinsJust about everyone has a jar of old coins sitting around. Turn

those coin collections, big and small, into cash. Mark was a coin dealer in his previous life and is interested in expanding his collection. Call for an appointment to have your coins appraised and/or purchased. Find out what your treasures are worth! 916-361-2051 and ask for Bob or Mark.

2016 TOuR & VACATION PREVIEW DAYWhen: Saturday, October 3rd at 9:30am or 1:30pm.

Where: Red Lion Woodlake Hotel, (formerly the Radisson and the

Woodlake Inn) off Hwy 160 at Canterbury Road.

Why: Get your advance copy of our 2016 Tour Catalog.

Price: $10 per person – your admission fees are donated to charity.


Here are the four best Blueberry (our

mascot) photos, as determined by our

panel of judges. Now, we need your help in

selecting the winner. You can vote by going

to the Sports Leisure Facebook page. If

you have an account, just log on and go to

the Sports Leisure page. If you don’t have

an account, go to www.facebook.com, then

search for “Sports Leisure Vacations.”

Once there, follow the prompts to vote. If

you haven’t already “liked” us, we would be

honored if you took a second to do that.

upper Left: Blueberry outside Chihuly

Gardens in Seattle; upper Right: Blueberry

rides the Durango-Silverton Railroad;

Lower Right: Blueberry “on the edge,”

of Yellowstone Canyon, with the falls in

the background; Lower Left:

Blueberry samples lobster

on the Bar Harbor trip this

summer. Voting ends Friday,

September 25th. The winner will

be announced at Tour Preview

Day and posted on Facebook

on October 3.

Spain & Portugal10-14 Days • September 2016

There was so much interest in this trip, as a land tour, that we have moved it up to the spring of next year and you can find the details in this very newsletter on page 12.

Midwestern Capital Cities (Previously called Capital to Capitals)6-7 Days • October 2016

Interest was fairly light, but we are leaving this up for another cycle to see if we missed some folks (and we changed the title a bit). This itinerary would likely visit places like

Bismarck, North Dakota; Pierre, South Dakota; Lincoln, Nebraska; to name a few possibilities. If it sounds interesting to you, add your name to the list, or suggest a capital city or two you would like to visit.

Australia & New ZealandNovember 2016

Interest here was very high. This tour will appear in the tour catalog. Sydney, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Adelaide, Melbourne, Christchurch, New Zealand’s Fjordlands. Two famous train rides, TheGhan in Australia, TheTranzAlpine in New Zealand. Get your name on the list now!

Buenos Aires, Iguaza Falls & Rio De JaneiroFall 2016

Interest here was fairly light. We wouldn’t make a decision on offering South America until later this fall. If a visit to Rio, Buenos Aires and a bit of Uruguay interests you, get your name added to the list now.

The World Figure Skating Championships in Boston7 Days • Mar. 29 – Apr. 4

This tour has been rolled out and details appear in this newsletter on page 11. Limited to 25 travelers.

Vote for the Best Blueberry Photo of the Year

Teasers & Teaser Updates –Con’tfrompg.13


The Tour Calendar (Previously Announced)

6 Days Oct. 9-14 Wild & Wonderful West Virginia

Small group, maximum 20 travelers. Although this tour has never been advertised as a fall color trip, It most certainly is. The autumn leaves in West Virginia are often the equal of New England. Deluxe, luxurious accommodations, with 2 nights at the renowned Greenbrier Resort and 3 nights at The Resort at Glade Springs. Explore Hatfield and McCoy country with a historical expert (yes, there really are Hatfields and McCoys). There’s a daring adventure in the New River Gorge, a tour of the state capitol, a visit to a moonshine still and a look at the world of coal mining. Door-to-door service, 13 meals, roundtrip airfare to/from Charleston, WV, 3250/3700 Gold Passport Points. TD: Clayton Whitehead. $3240

p.p./dbl.occ., $3690 single

4 Days Oct. 13-16 The Autumn Days of Mendocino

Overnight Ukiah, two nights Ft. Bragg. Visit the final resting place of Seabiscuit, the race horse, near Willits, then head to the coast. Visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, the lighthouse at Point Cabrillo, MacKerricher State Park (right on the ocean). At this time, no “Skunk Train” ride on this trip, due to a tunnel collapse on the line. All meals (10) included, 1400/1550 Gold Passport Points. $1365 p.p./dbl.occ., $1540 single

6 Days Oct. 18-23 Bluegrass & Bourbon

Go behind-the-scenes in Kentucky Horse Country. Lexington is where Derby winners are bred. Stay 3 nights at the Embassy Suites, visit farms and other sites important to the Kentucky equine industry. Spend a day at Keeneland and watch future Derby winners begin the Run for the Roses while you wager on the results. In Louisville, tour Churchill Downs and watch baseball bats being made at the Louisville Slugger Museum. Small group, maximum 20 travelers. Door-to-door service, 10 meals, airfare, 2850/3200 Gold Passport Points. TD: Clayton Whitehead. $2840 p.p./dbl.occ.,

$3190 single

10 Days Oct. 20-29 Mexico’s Copper Canyon by Rail

Join Ramona on a trip to view one of the biggest canyons in the world. Fly to El Paso, travel to Chihuahua, Creel, El Fuerte, the Copper Canyon (2 nights on the rim), Cuauhtemoc and Nuevo Casas Grandes. See the complete itinerary online or call for a copy. Door-to-door service, 26 meals, airfare, 3600/3850 Gold Passport Points. $3555 p.p./dbl.occ., $3810 single, this vacation

requires a valid passport

5 Days Oct. 24-28 Rails Around Oregon

A brand new tour featuring 5 train rides, a visit to Mt. St. Helens, a ride through the scenic Columbia River Gorge and more. Fly roundtrip to/from Portland, 3 Amtrak rides (Empire Builder, the Cascadeand CoastStarlight), Mt. Hood Railroad, Oregon Pacific Railroad, 9 meals, 2000/2300 Gold Passport Points. $1995 p.p./

dbl.occ., $2295 single

3 Days Nov. 2-4 Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration

Sold within 3 days after it was announced. A waitlist is available.

6 Days Nov. 8-13 Tonopah, Laughlin & Las Vegas

by SuperCoach

This just in. Wayne Newton’s Shenandoah Mansion is now open to public tours. It will be offered on this tour as an optional activity (because the house just opened, it was impossible to budget it for the tour.) Touring Mr. Newton’s home is a magnificent expereince. We have returned to the route through Tonopah because of the reopening of the historic Mizpah Hotel. Our spring Ghost Towns Tour stayed there, and besides being haunted, it’s a wonderful old property. It has some room-type limitations, and some guests may be housed at the nearby Best Western (which just finished a complete upgrade, very nice, some of our Ghost Tour guests stayed there too). You’ll enjoy dinner in the dining room and perhaps even meet a ghost or two…

A night in Tonopah, two nights in Laughlin, two nights in Las Vegas (Treasure Island Hotel/Casino), return motorcoach back to Sacramento. The complete itinerary can be viewed online. 6 meals, 1400/1600 Gold Passport Points, TD: Joey Querio. $1390


EventhegrandstaircaseatTheGreenbrierisfirstclass

IfthegatesofWayneNewton’sestatearethisopulent,canyouimaginewhatthehouselookslike?


9 Days Nov. 11-19 Food & Fun In Hawaii – Kauai &

The Big Island

5 seats remian on this amazing tour, full of unique experiences. Our Maui packages have become known as a true way to expereince the island. Now we take those itinerary concepts to two other islands in the Hawaiian chain. From an exclusive foodie tour on Kauai to flightseeing over an active volcano, this tour has a memorable array of activities. 4 nights Kauai, 4 nights Big Island. Smaller, comfortable resorts on each island (Marriott Courtyard Coconut Beach & Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha). A chocolate (Kauai) and a vanilla farm (Big Island) are visited, there is an all-day food sampling tour on Kauai, flightseeing over the spectacular Na Pali Coast (Kauai) and Volcanoes Nat’l Park (Big Island), a Kona coffee education day, great dining and much more. You can even add two nights on Oahu if you wish (see below). 16 meals and airfare included. 4800/5600 Gold Passport Points. TDs: Mark & Chris. $4765 p.p./dbl.occ., $5570 single

2 Days Nov. 9-10 Oahu, A Special Extension to

Your Vacation

Fly to Oahu before the 9-day excursion listed above. Special new addition: See where President Obama grew up on an exclusive side trip in Honolulu. Visit the new WWII Valor In the Pacific National Monument (formerly Pearl Harbor, and completely re-done), tour Doris Duke’s Shangri La Estate and the historic Iolani Palace. Dine in the YWCA Building designed by Julia Morgan, enjoy two nights accommodations in downtown Waikiki, eat at Chuck’s Steak House (Remember when it was at Town & Country Village?) and your flight to Kauai to join the group. 2 meals, 800/1100 Gold Passport Points, TD: Mark/Chris. $795 p.p./dbl.occ., $1015 single

3 Days Dec. 3-6 Sinatra’s Palm Springs

Limited space, call soon. A private tour of Sinatra’s former downtown Palm Springs home is featured, along with a show of Frank’s hits at a Palm Springs restaurant. Ride to the top of Mt. San Jacinto by tram, enjoy a holiday concert by The Ten Tenors and watch the annual Christmas Parade as it passes right by your hotel’s front door. There’s a Celebrity Tour, to learn about the rich and famous and a farewell lunch at the Mission Inn. 3 meals, airfare included, TD: Ramona Goodge, 1850/2100 Gold Passport Points. $1849 p.p./dbl.occ., $2065 single

5 Days Dec. 10-14 A Chicago Christmas

Entertainment Spectacular,

Featuring Frank Sinatra’s 100th

Birthday Party

See the Broadway hit, Beautiful, about the life of vocalist/writer Carol King, and a brand new show, GottaDance, a show about an all-senior dance team in its pre-Broadway engagement. You’ll be a guest at Frank Sinatra’s 100th Birthday Party, where you’ll be entertained by a Sinatra impersonator. See the 75 international Christmas trees at the Museum of Science & Industry, enjoy holiday tea at The Drake, dine in an authentic Polish restaurant, visit the German-style Christmas Market, tour Macy’s (formerly Marshall Fields) and have lunch in the historic Walnut Room. 4 nights at the Palmer House Hotel, 9 meals, airfare included. 2600/2750 Gold Passport Points, TD: Chris Galloway. $2555 p.p./dbl.occ., $2735

single

4 Days Dec. 23-26 A California Classical Christmas

in Riverside

3 nights at the Marriott Hotel in Riverside, holiday dinner at the Mission Inn, visit the candy store which invented the famous “ribbon” Christmas candy, stop in at a couple of Route 66 landmarks, make a day trip to Palm Springs. Santa’s Elves are on hand, gifts are exchanged. If you don’t have anyone to spend Christmas with (or would rather not spend it with those you have), come and enjoy the holiday with us! 9 meals, air r/t Ontario included. TDs: Mark

& Chris, 1600/1800 Gold Passport Points. $1590 p.p./dbl.occ.,

$1795 single

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. Carey 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 a note like

this after the price “$40 EPD*,” indicates 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.EnjoyteawithfriendsatthefamousDrakeHotelinChicago


2 Days Dec. 31 –

Jan. 1

The Spectacular Tournament of

Roses Overnighter

An abbreviated version of our popular trip to see the granddaddy of all parades! Fly to Burbank, enjoy lunch at the Reagan Library, under the wing of Air Force One. Take time to visit the rest of the Presidential Library, overnight in Burbank at the Holiday Inn. Enjoy an east coast New Year’s toast at 9pm Pacific Time, and then turn in because the morning comes very early. Enjoy reserved seats at the parade, along with a parade program and even a souvenir seat cushion. Enjoy a nice lunch after the parade before your flight home. Even though it’s only a 2-day trip, we have included door-to-door service, 3 meals and airfare. 1100/1200 Gold Passport Points. $1095 p.p./dbl.occ., $1195 single

3 Days Dec. 31 –

Jan. 2

“New Year’s Eve, A Night in

Vienna” is Back!

Always one of our most popular offerings, this tour has been absent from our schedule for several years. The highlight is a New Year’s Day concert, featuring a full orchestra, dancers and singers, recreating a New Year’s celebration in Vienna. The itinerary also includes a New Year’s Eve performance at Welk Village of MeetMe inSt. Louis, with a holiday toast. Two nights at the beautiful Hilton Hotel on Harbor Island, a holiday brunch cruise on the bay, lunch at Peohe’s on Coronado Island and a narrated trolley tour of San Diego. 6 meals, airfare, 1400/1550 Gold Passport Points, Tour Director: TBA. $1360 p.p./dbl.occ., $1525 single

7 Days Jan. 22-28 Key West, Miami &

The Everglades

3 seats remaining, call today! Overnight Ft. Lauderdale with dinner at a South American Steakhouse, ride an airboat and meet a few alligators, city tour of Miami including Coral Gables and South Beach, overnight Key Largo (great seafood dinner and spectacular sunsets). Visit the Turtle Hospital in Marathon on your way down the Intracoastal Waterway to Key West, where you stay 4 nights at the historic La Concha Hotel in the heart of town. Attractions include a trolley tour of the city, a Key West Tasting Tour, the Little White House, the first public aquarium in the US, the Hemingway House and the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. Enjoy lunch on a private island and take a cruise on an authentic schooner sailing ship. There’s even a cabaret show with an adult twist at LaTeDa. 13 meals, airfare (Sacramento/Ft. Lauderdale and Key West/Sacramento), 3900/4650 Gold Passport Points, TDs: Mark/Chris.


2 Days Jan. 31 –

Feb. 1

Winter at the Ahwahnee

The annual winter trip to Yosemite, featuring Sunday Brunch and accommodations at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley. A guided tour of the old hotel is part of the itinerary, along with a narrated trip around Yosemite Valley. Early reservations are advised, 700/800 Gold Passport Points, Tour Director: Ramona

Goodge. $685 p.p./dbl.occ., $780 single

5 Days Feb. 26 –

Mar. 1

Winter on the Rails –

The California Zephyr from

Chicago to Sacramento

One of this year’s most popular trips returns for an encore next year, with an longer stay in Chicago. Fly to The Windy City, where you stay two nights at the historic Hilton Hotel Chicago. Sights include the Museum of Science and Industry, the historic rail community of Pullman and tour of the city with a unique “gangster-style” twist. Then you board the Zephyr for the ride across the country. For 48 hours, you ride the rails. Accommodations on board are your choice. Pick a full stateroom for more space or a roomette for a more economical trip. Our office will be happy to help you make your decision. Roomette: $1705 p.p./dbl.occ., $2085 single; Full

Stateroom: $2310 p.p./dbl.occ., $3350 single, $40 EPD*

5 Days Feb. 28 –

Mar. 3

Death Valley & The Eastern Sierra

A unique itinerary, featuring a one-way flight to Las Vegas, with return by motorcoach, and an extended 3-night stay at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley. By flying to Las Vegas, we save a full day of uneventful travel, and add that day into our stay in Death Valley. If you love the beauty of the desert, this is definitely your tour. In the valley, tour Scotty’s Castle and learn the story of Death Valley Scotty, a real-life character of the old west. Valley landmarks like Zabriske Point, Badwater and Ubehebe Crater are all part of your sightseeing adventures. Accommodations are modern and clean but not fancy. Your journey home includes stops at the former internment camp turned national historic site at Manzanar, Mono Lake and a basque-style lunch in the Carson Valley. 9 meals, one-way air, door-to-door service, 2000/2250 Gold Passport Points, Tour Director: Ramona Goodge. $1980 p.p./dbl.

occ., $2245 single, $40 EPD*

DashingthroughthesnowoftheColoradoRockies

IstheTournamentofRosesParadeonyourbucketlist?


7 Days Mar. 4-10 Clayton’s Colorful Mystery Coast

This tour, announced last month, has been very popular. Perhaps it’s because so many have traveled to the east coast with Clayton in recent years on one of his signature tours, and they are eager to return. But wait, who said this trip was going to the east coast? Seems the title doesn’t actually specify. Maybe Clayton has lost his mind and is going to the Yankee section of the coast up north? Or maybe he’s not even leaving California? Don’t bet on it. Every indication is this itinerary explores some exciting new destinations, and those of us in the office are betting heavily he’s headed southeast. The clues can be found online. You must not wait a minute longer. There were only three seats left when this narrative was penned weeks ago. 14 included meals, airfare, door-to-door service, 3300/3600 Gold Passport Points, Tour Director: Clayton

Whitehead. $3260 p.p./dbl.occ., $3570 single

3 Days Mar. 4-6 The Chocolate Festival In

Ashland, Oregon

It’s just about the sweetest weekend ever and a great getaway to break up the doldrums of winter. Travel to southern Oregon where you’ll stay two nights at the Ashland Hills Hotel, the new headquarters of the Chocolate Festival. If you went with us previously, you know the historic Ashland Springs Hotel was just too small to house this great event. You will taste and smell and perhaps even buy chocolate of all kinds. The Chocolate Makers Dinner incorporates a bit o’ the sweet stuff in every course. Chocolate artisans from all over the west coast will be there to sell their treats. While in town, visit Harry and David’s Country Store. There’s even a chance to see a show that is part of the annual Shakespeare Festival (optional, extra charge). 6 meals, 900/1050 Gold Passport Points, Tour Director: Donnie Anderson. $895 p.p./

dbl.occ., $1040 single, $20 EPD*

7 Days Mar. 8-14 Alaska’s Aurora Borealis,

See the Northern Lights

This tour was also a very quick sellout, filling within days of its announcement. The uniqueness of this tour and its timing prevents us from offering more than one departure, but we encourage you to call and place your name on the waitlist for 2016 or the Priority

Notification List for 2017. Tour Director: Scott Angeletti. $4775


Where Did The Mystery Tours Go...We promised to tell all of you, after the trips returned, what

destination(s) our Mystery Tours visited. We get this request often from people who have never been on one and want a general idea of what they are about. Below are the brief descriptions of two recent Mystery Tours. The next two (September and December) are sold out, but new Mystery Tours for next year will be announced in our catalog in October.

The Good, The Bad & The Brave6 Days • Departed May 2

We flew to Kansas City, where we overnighted on the Kansas side of the border. Accommodations included two nights at The Inn at Excelsior Springs, in the town by the same name, and two nights at the Tiger Hotel in Columbia, Missouri, so named because the campus of the University of Missouri is only a few blocks away, and its mascot is the tiger.

History was an emphasis. We saw a living history presentation in Lecompton, Kansas, which played an important part in the Civil War. We visited the Jesse James, and the lesser known Frank James, Museums. We learned why the outlaws were legendary in that part of the country, even during their lifetimes, and it was a fascinating story. We crossed the Santa Fe Trail, visited a fascinating museum about the raising of an old steamboat which sunk in the Missouri River many years ago, and stopped in at the Winston Churchill Museum in Fulton. Our Sunday Brunch was at a lovely restaurant in KC near the train station called Lydia’s, and our final meal was back in KC at a great new BBQ joint, Q39.

The Mystery Entertainment Overnighter2 Days • Departed August 8

We went to the Nelson Family Vineyards, just south of Ukiah, for a performance of the Ukiah Symphony, with special guest star, Randy Roberts. Some of us had seen Randy and his female impersonator act before as he headlines at LaTeDa, the nightclub we visit on our Key West tours each January. Randy did a great job, even giving a shout out to his “Sports Leisure Vacations fans from Sacramento” in the audience. He did half his act impersonating Cher, Carol Channing and the like; and the second half in a tuxedo as himself. A great evening with perfect weather under the stars.

On the way up, we stopped in Healdsburg for a cooking demonstration and lunch (we ate what they demonstrated). Healdsburg is a great little town, as all the towns along Highway 101 have become “Napa Valley alternative destinations” and are doing well. Sunday Brunch the next day was in Santa Rosa at the Flamingo Hotel and we gave everyone a gift card and stopped at See’s Candies at the Nut Tree on the way home.

WinstonChurchillMuseum

WhereisClaytontakingyouontheColorfulMysteryCoast?

9812 Old Winery Place, Suite 1

Sacramento, CA 95827

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PRST STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSacramento, CAPERMIT NO. 517

$ave $10–$40 per person on Cancellation ProtectionValid 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.

VALUABLE CoUPon

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)Great Gatsby at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac

National Treasures of the WestWhen You Wish Upon a Star Mystery

Catalina Island GetawayAlbuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Mesa Verde

Disney’s Diamond CelebrationThanksgiving in New York CityChristmas Lights Mystery Tour

Ritz & Fairmont at ChristmastimeAlaska’s Aurora Borealis

Limited Space (10 or fewer seats)Wild & Wonderful West Virginia (4)

Bluegrass & Bourbon (2)Mexico’s Copper Canyon by Rail (4)

Rails Around Oregon (1)Food & Fun in Hawaii (5)Sinatra’s Palm Springs (2)

Chicago Christmas Spectacular (6)Spectacular Rose Parade (8)

New Year’s in San Diego - A Night in Vienna (7)Key West, Miami & The Everglades (5)

Colorful Coast Mystery Tour (2)

LLC

Early Registration Payment Di$counts listed here expire on September 27, 2015; 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.

Jan. – Cuba – $ave $200

Jan./Feb. – Snow Train – $ave $10

Feb. – Hollywood/Beverly Hills/TV Tapings – $ave $25

Feb. – Winter on the Rails – $ave $40

Feb. – Death Valley – $ave $40

Mar. – Oregon Chocolate Festival – $ave $20

Mar./Apr. – World Figure Skating Championships – $ave $100

Apr. – Red, White & Plaid, The Virginia Tattoo – $ave $100

May – Spain & Portugal – $ave $200

EARLY PAYMEnT DI$CoUnT CoUPon

OFFICE HOURS:8:00am – 4:30pm MON. thru FRI.

Closed weekends & major holidaysCLOSED TUES. 12:00pm – 1:15pm

Or visit us anytime on our website at:www.sportsleisure.com

Visit us anytime on the web at:www.sportsleisure.com




Look What We’re Doing…

We encourage you to find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sportsleisure. We’ve been posting pictures of recent trips and sometimes even trips that are currently on the road… so you may see a fellow Sports Leisure traveler while they are actually on vacation. How awesome is that?

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sportsleisure. We post pictures of recent trips and sometimes trips that are currently on the road… so you may see a fellow Sports Leisure traveler while they are actually on vacation. How awesome is that?





We appraise and/or buy old coinsJust about everyone has a jar of old coins sitting around. Turn

those coin collections, big and small, into cash. Mark was a coin dealer in his previous life and is interested in expanding his collection. Call for an appointment to have your coins appraised and/or purchased. Find out what your treasures are worth! 916-361-2051 and ask for Bob or Mark.




I Once Was Lost…Sports Leisure’s “Lost & Found” drawer is filled to capacity

with the usual assortment of coats, umbrellas, gloves, notebooks, walking canes, etc., etc., etc. Many items have been here for several months. If you have misplaced an item while traveling with us, please consider contacting the office to see if it can be found in our drawer. Any items remaining in the drawer will be donated to charity at the end of March.

Find us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/sportsleisure


The Travel GuysSunday from 2:00-3:00pmwith Tom Romano & Mark Hoffmann

News Talk 93.1 FM & AM 1530 KFBKwww.travelguysradio.comBrought to you by:

LLC




Does Your Group or Organization need a

Speaker?Let Mark or Clayton share humorous

travel stories and tips for avoiding hassles on the road. Door prizes and complimentary Travel Club Memberships are provided.

Call the office to reserve your date!





Visit us on the web at:www.sportsleisure.com

Day Trips and Theatre OutingsContinuedfrompage7

We encourage you to find us at www.facebook.com/sportsleisure. We’ve been posting pictures of recent trips and sometimes even trips that are currently on the road… so you may see a fellow Sports

Leisure traveler while they are actually on vacation. How awesome is that?



I Once Was Lost…Sports Leisure’s “Lost & Found” drawer is filled to capacity

with the usual assortment of coats, umbrellas, gloves, notebooks, walking canes, etc., etc., etc. Many items have been here for several months. If you have misplaced an item while traveling with us, please consider contacting the office to see if it can be found in our drawer. Any items remaining in the drawer will be donated to charity at the end of March.


USE FoR CATALoG

The Travel Guys

EVERY Sunday 2:00- 3:00 PM

KFBK, AM 1530, FM 93.1Visit our website and sign up

to win great “member only”

prizes on the air

www.travelguysradio.com TomRomanoandMarkHoffmann

Contests, Travel News,updates on your favoriteSports Leisure destinations,

Cultural Artsand FUN!

Radio Show

The Travel Guys

EVERY Sunday 2:00- 3:00 PMKFBK, AM 1530, FM 93.1Visit our website and sign up to win great “member only” prizes on the airwww.travelguysradio.com TomRomanoandMarkHoffmann



Radio Show





The Travel Guys

EVERY Sunday 2:00- 3:00 PM

KFBK, AM 1530, FM 93.1Visit our website and sign up

to win great “member only”

prizes on the air

www.travelguysradio.com TomRomanoandMarkHoffmann



Radio Show

The Travel AND Entertainment Guys

Travel Club Members, tune in for your exclusive chance to win prizes!News Talk 93.1 FM & AM 1530 KFBKEVERY Sunday2:00-3:00 PM PSTwww.travelguysradio.com TomRomanoandMarkHoffmann


Visit us on the web at:www.sportsleisure.com

Visit us 24/7 on the web at:www.sportsleisure.com


SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES!

Sports Leisure Vacations is celebrating its 35th Anniversary in style on Saturday, May 17. We’ll also be sharing our new holiday tours for 2014 and a few select 2015 trips on Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12. Our other big date for the year is our 2015 Tour

Preview Day, which will be held on Saturday, September 6. Please make sure to “save the dates” for these important gatherings! More details for all of our events, and how you can join in the fun, will be announced in upcoming newsletters.





Lost and Found

If you are missing any cherished possessions and think you may have left them behind on a day trip or longer tour, please call the office or send an email to [email protected].

We encourage you to find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sportsleisure. We’ve been posting pictures of recent trips and sometimes even trips that are currently on the road… so you may see a fellow Sports





















A Teaser for sportsleisure.comYou may have noticed we’ve been putting quite a bit of effort

into making sportsleisure.com THE place to go for up-to-date news on what we’re up to, where we’re going, and where we’d like to take you next. This isn’t an accident, we assure you.

We’ve known for quite some time the process of booking trips with us over the phone or through email can often seem a bit cumbersome, particularly for those of you who like to stay current with technology. (For those of you who don’t, or still appreciate the personal touch of speaking to us one-on-one, don’t worry: we won’t be pulling the rug out from under you – you’ll always reach a friendly voice if you call during office hours or find a comfy chair if you drop by. The Sports Leisure you know and love is here to stay!)

For your self-described “techies” out there, we’re working on further improvements to the website to give it a little more pizzazz and functionality. Over the next year, we’ll be rolling out exciting new features to the site like online bookings and payment processing – just to name a few! So keep your eyes on sportsleisure.com, and if you haven’t already, make sure you sign up for updates at blog.sportsleisure.com. Questions? Shoot them off [email protected]!

SLV’sDirectorofAllThingsTech,RyanQuinn

Does Your Group or Organization need

a Speaker?

Let Mark or Clayton share humorous travel stories and tips for avoiding hassles on the road. Door prizes and complimentary Travel Club Memberships are provided.

Call the office to reserve

your date today!

The Customers Always Write –Con’tfrompg.4

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 VACATIONSAttn: Mark/Clayton

9812 Old Winery Place, Suite 1 • Sacramento, CA 95827

Or e-mail Mark or Clayton at: [email protected]

[email protected]




Spring Tour Preview Days • Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2 • 10am–2pm each dayJoin us at the KVIE studios 2030 W. El Camino Ave. • Reservations accepted beginning March 1

PICASSO IS COMING!

Many of those attending the d’Orsay exhibit at the de Young Museum in San Francisco with Sports Leisure have seen the posters for the upcoming exhibit: Picasso from Musée National

Picasso, Paris. Like the d’Orsay, this museum is closing for an extensive renovation and over 100 masterpieces by Picasso will be on loan to the de Young over the summer. Our daytrips to see this wonderful show will begin in June. No advance waitlists will

be available for these daytrips. Please keep your eye out for our first newsletter of 2011 for more information.

REMEMBER MEAL CHOICESWhen you receive your itinerary/confirmation for a trip, check

to see if a meal choice is needed and take a minute to make your selection by calling our office or returning your choice with your payment. Thank you.

Day Trips and Theatre OutingsContinuedfrompage7

Day Trips and Theatre Outings –Continuedfrompage9

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Does Your Group or Organization need

a Speaker?

Let Mark or Clayton share humorous travel stories and tips for avoiding hassles on the road. Door prizes and complimentary Travel Club Memberships are provided.

Call the office to reserve

your date today!

Call and place your name on the Priority Notification List for

these tours…

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We encourage you to find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sportsleisure. We’ve been posting pictures of recent trips and sometimes even trips that are currently on the road… so you may see a fellow Sports


SLV 2011 Pocket Calendars will be available by December 15. Please drop by the office to pick up yours today. Quantities are limited, so don’t delay!


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Spring Tour Preview Days

Friday, April 1 & Saturday, April 210am–2pm each day

Join us at the KVIE studios at2030 W. El Camino Avenue

Reservations required, limited space.



Regarding Fuel Surcharges

The recent spike in gas prices has made fuel surcharges a reality once more. We could not anticipate the huge jump and we must pass the surcharges on to our clients. For new tours announced for the first time in this newsletter, we have included surcharges known to us as of April 30, 2011. For previously announced tours, or tours that might experience additional surcharges for fuel, you will be notified prior to departure as to those amounts (if any).

Our policy is to be fair and to pass on only the exact charges to the nearest dollar. If you ever have any questions regarding fuel surcharges, Mark or Kevin welcome your call at the Sports Leisure office.

For the complete day-by-day itinerary of any extended tour, go to www.sportsleisure.com.

Visit us online at: www.sportsleisure.com


Remembering our friends…

Goodbye to ElizabethOver the course of 32 years in business,

we have had almost 50,000 members in our Travel Club. None gave us memories like Elizabeth Monk left behind when she passed on April 6th. Our oldest member at 105, she was an active traveler well into her 100’s. A wonderful lady with a spectacular smile and level demeanor, she was an inspiration to us all. She is survived by her daughter Patricia, an active traveler. A memorial service will be held on May 26th. See you there.

We honor the memories of these members of our travel family who have passed recently: • Donald Sall • Arlene Paule • Lucy Lainas • Filomena Failla • Julia Ramsey • Audrey Sienkiewicz











Out-of-towners have a new address in Sacramento: The Best Western Sutter House

HotelTravel Club members living outside the greater

Sacramento area have a new hotel home when staging for early-morning tour departures, the Best Western Sutter House Hotel! Conveniently located in downtown Sacramento, the hotel is just a few blocks off I-5. As you may have noticed, the Best Western chain is undergoing some changes. Their premier properties are being rebranded with the word PLUS added to the sign, meaning they offer the very best in location, service and amenities. Is the Sutter House a PLUS? You betcha!

The hotel is located at 1100 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 on the corner of 11th and H. The phone number is (916) 441-1314. Ask for our good friend Doris Gray, Director of Sales, to get the special Sports Leisure rate of $85 per night plus tax. You can leave your car in their parking lot for the duration of your tour at no additional cost. Our friendly drivers from Carey Limousine will be happy to pick you up from and return you to the hotel’s 24-hour staffed lobby. You might consider staying a second night at trip’s end, especially if the return is late or if you live far away.

The special rate requires advance reservations. Call Doris at (916) 441-1314 to confirm your stay!




JOMOboxedcopy


REMEMBER MEAL CHOICES

When you receive your itinerary/confirmation for a trip, check to see if a meal choice is needed and take a minute to make your selection by calling our office or returning your choice with your payment. Thank you.

For the complete day-by-day itinerary of any extended tour, go to www.sportsleisure.com.




For the complete day-by-day itinerary of any extended tour, go to

www.sportsleisure.com.


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Documents

October 2015