John Muir’s Early California

A new visitors center at John Muir National Historic Site opened just a few months ago and is a wonderful compliment to the home in which naturalist John Muir resided from 1890 to 1914. Considered by many to be the father of the National Park Service, Muir’s life and writings are presented in the visitors center and his historic home in Martinez. Lunch follows along with a visit to the Benicia State Capitol State Historic Park, slated to be closed due to budget cuts in June. Serving as California’s State Capitol from 1853-54, this may be your last time to see this historical gem.

The Presidio & The Palace

Serving as a military post under Spain, Mexico, and then the United States from 1776 to 1994, The Presidio was closed as a base and is a now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. With Craig Smith as our guide, learn about those historic years, tour the grounds, see the changes and learn the future plans for this iconic San Francisco attraction. After an included lunch at the Presidio Golf Course Restaurant, the sightseeing continues with visits to the renovated Palace of Fine Arts and the Lucas Arts Headquarters Building.

Spring on the Rails

Take a beautiful setting and match it with the romance of the rails and what do you have? A great spring outing! Climb aboard the Sierra Railroad in Oakdale and enjoy a day of beautiful scenery amongst the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A three-course lunch is served on board with an ever-changing view right outside your window! Stop at the Oakdale Cheese Factory for a few goodies

Mumm’s The Word

Enjoy a delicious and delightful day at Mumm Napa Valley for a tour and tasting of its award-winning sparkling wine. Visit its beautiful garden, the gallery of fine arts photography, and experience stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. At the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, lunch awaits in its historic Greystone Restaurant. Finish the day with a short stop at the Marketplace in Yountville to browse its variety of culinary and gift shops.

Sunday’s A Drag

On this Sunday all is done in extravagantly good taste and wit as the Starlight Room in the Sir Francis Drake Hotel on Union Square is the home of one of San Francisco’s most popular shows – Harry Denton’s noon brunch show. Enjoy a sumptuous brunch plus a show that gives you attitude from the mistresses of music, and the divas of drag. After the show, you will have free time to stroll the streets of Sausalito before returning to Sacramento.

Gardens of Golden Gate Park

Celebrate spring by enjoying the many beautiful gardens of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. With Craig Smith as your guide, begin at the historic Conservatory of Flowers, home to exotic flowers and plants from around the world. Other stops include the Windmill, Roses, and hidden Shakespeare Gardens, concluding at the serene and picturesque Japanese Tea Gardens. Lunch is included mid-day at world-famous Cliff House Restaurant. Be sure to bring your camera and wear comfortable shoes to walk and smell the roses

The 2012 Ballpark Express : Giants vs. Cubs

For over 30 years, the BEST way to get to the ballparks in Oakland and San Francisco has been with Sports Leisure Vacations. The original Ballpark Express allows you to travel to the game in comfort without the traffic, tolls, gas and food stops, etc. Refreshments are served on board the motorcoach on your way to and from each game.

Steam Whistles and Silent Films

All aboard the historic Nile Canyon Railway for a scenic ride through the canyon along the route of the trans-continental railway. Once in Niles, step back into the quiet time of silent films at the local museum celebrating the era of Charlie Chaplin and other great legends of the silver screen. Lunch is included in Livermore before the train ride at one of our new favorite eateries, Terra Mia, a wonderful Italian place.

Earthquakes, Rainforests and Coral Reefs

Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, the California Academy of Science is spectacular. This particular departure to the academy allows you plenty of time to explore several new exhibits including “Earthquake” opening in late May. The exhibit also features a companion show in the planetarium. Explore Philippine Coral Reefs, a rainforest in Madagascar, and the sights of the African Savannah. Of course, the resident penguins are the most popular attraction at the academy. Lunch is at your leisure at the museum café.

The NEW Dawdin’ on the Delta

Our always enjoyable spring visit to the Delta is back but with new sites to see! Begin in Pittsburgh (California, of course) at the southern end of California’s ecologically diverse Delta. An informative luncheon cruise aboard the Island Sereande introduces you to the history and ecology of the region. On the way home visit The Dutra Dredging Museum in Rio Vista, dedicated to educating and promoting an understanding of the history of dredging and the value of reclaiming the California Delta.

Glass, Fish & Ships

Begin with visits to Nourot and Smyers Glass Studios in Benicia. The studios are known for outstanding quality and value in vivid colored original designs. Next it’s lunch at The Dead Fish Restaurant overlooking the Carquinez Straights – a silly name but great food! Following lunch, cruise around the US Navy’s “Mothball Fleet” aboard the m/v Journey. You cannot board any of the naval vessels but it is a great way to see some of America’s powerful and historic ships including destroyers, cruisers, oilers, and merchant ships. This tour is limited to 30 so reserve early!

Frankie Avalon

For members of a certain generation, there probably isn’t a time that Frankie Avalon was not a part of their lives. The former teen heartthrob’s career has spanned three generations in music, television and movies, including a string of gold record hits such as “Venus,” “Why” and “De De Dinah.” Enjoy a wonderful stroll down memory lane at the Gallo Center for the Performing Arts along with dinner served prior to the 8pm show at the Canal Street Grill.

The 2012 Ballpark Express : Giants vs. Rangers

For over 30 years, the BEST way to get to the ballparks in Oakland and San Francisco has been with Sports Leisure Vacations. The original Ballpark Express allows you to travel to the game in comfort without the traffic, tolls, gas and food stops, etc. Refreshments are served on board the motorcoach on your way to and from each game.

The Champagne Express to Tahoe

Our monthly trips to Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Casino on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe includes a 6-hour stay with a slot credit of $20 and a free buffet or $7 food credit.

The Pritikin Museum in San Francisco

San Francisco’s largest private estate and home to an art collection reputed to be worth $40 million has now opened to the public and Sports Leisure Vacations will be one of the first to visit. Built as his home in 1981, Robert Pritikin was an advertising executive with an avid interest in art. Known as a “collector of many things,” his possessions include an eclectic selection of paintings, murals, sculptures, musical instruments, pop art, and San Francisco memorabilia. The day includes a luncheon and private tour of the mansion and gardens.

The 2012 Ballpark Express : Athletics vs. Giants

For over 30 years, the BEST way to get to the ballparks in Oakland and San Francisco has been with Sports Leisure Vacations. The original Ballpark Express allows you to travel to the game in comfort without the traffic, tolls, gas and food stops, etc. Refreshments are served on board the motorcoach on your way to and from each game.

The 39 Steps

Cross an Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, whirl it up with giddy comedy and wildly invented theatrical stagecraft and you have The 39 Steps, a fast and frothy whodunit that celebrates the magic of theater. When a beautiful and mysterious woman is murdered, the suave hero is falsely accused and pursued across the country in an unforgettable evening of pure comedic pleasure. More than 150 characters brought to life by a cast of just four brilliant comedic actors. Lunch is included prior to the 2pm matinee at the Willow Steakhouse in Jamestown.

The Magic Flute

Inventive, charming, beguiling, and unique, Mozart’s final opera is a profound but lighthearted tale of romantic love. With an international cast and artistic new production for San Francisco, this lyrical and opera favorite will be sung in English. Your choice of seating is in the side sections of the Orchestra or the Dress Circle of the first balcony. Be advised that Dress Circle seating involves use of steep stairs and there are no handrails. A stop is included in Union Square for lunch on your own before the 2pm matinee.

Gardens and Wildlife of Walnut Creek

The Lindsey Wildlife Museum is dedicated to connecting people with wildlife in order to inspire a sense of responsibility and respect for the world we share. Started by a local businessman, this small museum is now a world-class wildlife rehabilitation center. Nearby, another incredible person, Ruth Bancroft turned her passion for gardening into an education enterprise as she experimented with water-conserving plants, garden design and drought resistant varietals. Enjoy an included lunch in between your visits to these two hidden gems in Walnut Creek.

Tahoe: From Shore to Summit

A sellout every summer, our annual trip to escape the heat of the valley to enjoy the cooler weather up at “The Lake” is back. Start with a luncheon cruise on board the paddlewheeler MS Dixie II as she plies the waters of the southern edge of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay. From the shoreline we go to the tree line with an exhilarating ride on the Heavenly Valley Gondolas. The entire Lake Tahoe Basin lies at your feet from the observation deck located at 9,000 feet.

Michael Feinstein’s The Good Life

Michael Feinstein returns to Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco for only one night as part of the summer pops series. In concert with his big band, “The Good Life” pays tribute to the great American singers and songwriters including Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, and Liza Minnelli. Enjoy seating in the orchestra for this multi-platinum-selling and five-time Grammy nominated superstar performer. Dinner is included at Viva Pizza before the 7:30pm show.

Mosaics & Murals of San Francisco Mosaics & Murals of San Francisco

Our favorite San Francisco guide Craig Smith has put together another new and interesting day of sightseeing for us in “The City by the Bay.” With his direction we will explore the many new works of art that brighten and beautify neighborhoods, business, and public places. considered the mural capitol of the USA, San Francisco is experiencing a Renaissance of art resurfacing in new and fascinating ways throughout the city. A three-course lunch is included at the Blue Muse Restaurant.

Carousel

Fallon House Theater, Columbia

When mill-town girl Julie Jordan meets carnival barker Billy Bigelow on a carousel ride, her life is changed forever. Flirtation gives way to love as the two are irresistibly drawn to each other in this glorious tale of love and redemption. The Tony-award-winning musical features a score packed with classics like “June is Bustin’ Out All Over,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “If I Loved You.” Sierra Repertory Theater shares this splendid score and brilliant lyrics, which Time Magazine called “the Best Musical of the Twentieth Century.” Lunch precedes the 2pm matinee at the City Hotel.

The 2012 Ballpark Express : Athletics vs. Yankees

For over 30 years, the BEST way to get to the ballparks in Oakland and San Francisco has been with Sports Leisure Vacations. The original Ballpark Express allows you to travel to the game in comfort without the traffic, tolls, gas and food stops, etc. Refreshments are served on board the motorcoach on your way to and from each game.

“The Rock” Featuring a cruise to Alcatraz

The sights and sounds of Alcatraz come alive during your visit to “The Rock.” Cross over the Bay Bridge and travel along the Embarcadero to the Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch at one of the area’s oldest restaurants, Scoma’s where you will have a choice on site from a limited menu, including the fresh catch of the day. Our cruise departs for Alcatraz midafternoon with time on the island for exploring on your own with the included audio tour. Return to Sacramento following your visit.

The 2012 Ballpark Express : Giants vs. Dodgers

For over 30 years, the BEST way to get to the ballparks in Oakland and San Francisco has been with Sports Leisure Vacations. The original Ballpark Express allows you to travel to the game in comfort without the traffic, tolls, gas and food stops, etc. Refreshments are served on board the motorcoach on your way to and from each game.

The Mikado

Very possibly the most popular musical comedy in the English language, The Mikado is a playful satire set in a fanciful (and wholly imaginary) Japan. In a time when flirting is a capital offense, wandering minstrel Nanki-Poo has fallen in love with the beautiful Yum-Yum, fiancée to the recently appointed Lord High Executioner Ko-Ko. When the honored Mikado, emperor of Japan, demands the execution of Ko-Ko, and Nanki-Poo volunteers to take Ko-Ko’s place under the condition that he first be allowed to marry Yum-Yum, chaos, desperation, and comical mayhem ensue in classic Gilbert and Sullivan style, with impromptu marriages, forged death certificates, and the revelation of a prince in disguise. Lunch is served at Ristorante Allegria prior to the 2pm matinee.

By Land, Ferry, and A Train

Enjoy a variety of travel experiences as we journey by SuperCoach III to San Francisco and begin at the historic Ferry Building. First opened in 1898, it continues to be a thriving hub and terminal for both residents and travelers to and from the city. Following a docent tour by City Guides of San Francisco, enjoy free time to explore, shop, and lunch on your own before boarding the Alameda/Oakland Ferry for the Amtrak Train Station in Oakland. In Oakland we board the Capitol Corridor for a relaxing train ride to Sacramento and conclude the travel adventures on SuperCoach III back to where we began the day.

Les Miserable

Come see what the New York Times is calling “an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish.” Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, this is an epic and uplifting story about the human spirit and the life journey of Jean Valjean during the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. The magnificent score of includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “Master of the House,” and many more. Seating is in the orchestra for the 2pm matinee performances. A box lunch is included for Wednesday trips with a no-host dinner stop at Pier 39 following the show. The Saturday departure includes a no–host lunch stop prior to the show in the area of Union Square.

“The Rock” Featuring a cruise to Alcatraz

The sights and sounds of Alcatraz come alive during your visit to “The Rock.” Cross over the Bay Bridge and travel along the Embarcadero to the Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch at one of the area’s oldest restaurants, Scoma’s where you will have a choice on site from a limited menu, including the fresh catch of the day. Our cruise departs for Alcatraz midafternoon with time on the island for exploring on your own with the included audio tour. Return to Sacramento following your visit.