SOT is proud to offer all attendees and their guests a wide range of activities from which to make your visit to Seattle more enjoyable. A tour desk will be located on Level Four in the South Lobby of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. Tour desk hours TBD.
For tour information, visit the Tour Desk located in the Registration area, Level 4, South Lobby.
If you are interested in signing up in advance for tours, please visit the SOT Web site or call Seattle Hospitality at (206) 623-2090. The deadline date to sign up in advance is February 29, 2008, with the exception of the Victoria BC excursion which has a deadline of February 1, 2008. All cancellations must be received by February 8, 2008, in writing, faxed to (206) 623-2540. There will be no cancellations on-site. Tour buses will be departing from Convention Place on Level 1 of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.
Tickets can be picked up on-site at the Tour Desk and will not be mailed in advance.
Get the best view of Seattle—the perspective of a local! You will be escorted around town by a friendly and informative Seattleite who will provide historical background of the area, point out interesting landmarks, as well as give insider tips on special shopping and sightseeing areas.
The tour begins with a drive by Seattle’s waterfront as guests are transferred to historic Pioneer Square. Pioneer Square is Seattle's oldest neighborhood, now a major visitor attraction with restaurants, galleries and lively clubs.
A stop at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks will show how the area's fresh and salt waters meet. The Locks are the most popular destination along the
Lake Washington Ship Canal.
The Locks allow vessels to pass from fresh water Lake Washington, into the salt water of Puget Sound and guests will enjoy the underwater viewing at the adjoining salmon ladders. Following the Locks, you will enjoy a scenic drive through Seattle’s best neighborhoods to experience infamous views.
Next is Seattle’s most recognizable landmark: the Space Needle! The tower stands 605 feet (184 meters) tall and boasts fabulous views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges and, of course, The beautiful city of Seattle. The Space Needle hosted over 2.3 million visitors during the World’s Fair and is still, nearly 40 years later, Seattle's number one tourist destination.
The final stop on this tour, Pike Place Market, is known for its exciting sights, sounds and aromas. The Pike Place Market began on August 17, 1907. Nearly a century after its founding, the Market remains a vital part of Seattle's social and economic fabric.
Approaching its 97th Anniversary, the Pike Place Market is indeed one of the greatest public markets in the world. Helping to make up the “market experience” are local farmers, craftspeople, businesspeople, and those crazy fish throwers. There will be time to shop and explore this fascinating area, and easy-to-read maps will be provided for those who wish to linger on their own.
Hours: 12:45 PM–4:45 PM (Four Hours)
Includes:
- Narrated, Seattle City Highlights Tour
- Space Needle Admission
- Map of Pike Place Market
Price: $51 per Guest
Based on a Minimum of 35 and a Maximum of 42 Guests per Motorcoach
Notes: A light jacket and comfortable walking shoes are advised.
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2008
Seattle Underground—A Visit to the Original Seattle of the 1800’s
No visit to Seattle is complete without a visit to the spooky, un-restored city that lies beneath the present day streets. Yesteryear's subterranean sidewalks are dry but the history is not! On June 6, 1889 the Great Seattle Fire purportedly began when a carpenter’s assistant started a glue fire at about 2:40 PM. After the fire, Seattle set about rebuilding . . . deciding shortly thereafter to raise the roads to above the first story of buildings that had already been completed . . . hence, creating an “underground city” that is now the subject of the fascinating Underground City Tour. This tour begins in Doc Maynard's Public House. You will be led into the cavernous and dark pathways under the streets of Pioneer Square, pathways that have been vacant since 1907. You will never view Seattle the same once you've gone underground.
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Following the Underground Tour, guests will be given time to explore Pioneer Square’s galleries, specialty shops and the Klondike Gold Rush Museum. In 1897 news of a gold strike in the Canadian Yukon reached Seattle, triggering a stampede North to the Klondike Gold Fields. From 1897 to 1898, tens of thousands of people from across the United States and around the world descended upon Seattle's commercial district. While in Seattle, the hopeful miners purchased millions of dollars of food, clothing, equipment, pack animals, and steamship tickets. The final outcome of this great stampede helped shape the Seattle we know today, bolstering the city's reputation as the Queen City of the Pacific Northwest. While visiting the Klondike Gold Rush Museum, you will learn how the intense bustle and commotion of the Klondike Gold Rush dramatically changed the face of Seattle.
Hours: 12:30 PM–4:30 PM (Four Hours)
Includes:
- Underground Tour
- Time On Own to Explore Pioneer Square
- Pioneer Square Map
Price: $43 per Guest
Based on a Minimum of 30 and Maximum of 42 Guests per Motorcoach
Note: A jacket and comfortable walking shoes are advised.
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2008
Seattle Glassblowing Tour
Seattle has become internationally recognized as being the center for glass art in the world, second only to Venice, Italy, long considered the mecca for glass art. Seattle’s reputation is reflected in the many glass art galleries, public glass collections and studios located throughout the city. Our informative guide will escort you through City Centre, home of Seattle's first public collection of contemporary glass art. In 1989 the building commissioned internationally recognized artists, such as Dale Chihuly, William Morris, Ginny Ruffner, and others affiliated with the prestigious Pilchuck Glass School, to create works just for this location. The collection, which includes pieces by some of the world's greatest glass masters and represents a full spectrum of techniques, is a cultural cornerstone which secures Seattle's position in the international glass art scene.
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Next, you will be transferred to Pioneer Square, the glassblowing capital of Seattle. Pioneer Square is home to many glass and art galleries which you will have the opportunity to visit. We will also coordinate a private glassblowing demonstration for your group at Glasshouse Studio. This tour captures the spirit of glassblowing and you will walk away with a love and appreciation for this unique form of art.
Hours: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (Three Hours)
Includes:
- Seattle Glassblowing Tour
- Artist Demonstration at Glasshouse Studio
- Map of Galleries in Pioneer Square
Price: $26 per Guest
Based on a Minimum on 30 and a Maximum of 42 Guests per Motorcoach
Notes: A jacket and comfortable walking shoes are advised.
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2008
Eastside Highlights Tour
Just 25 miles east of Seattle, you will discover one of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions, Snoqualmie Falls. Here, the Snoqualmie River cascades 270 feet through a spectacular rock gorge into a 65 foot deep pool. On top of the falls sits one of Seattle’s most romantic getaways, the Salish Lodge & Spa. The exterior of the Salish may look familiar as it was the lodge used to film the quirky TV hit Twin Peaks. As you arrive at Snoqualmie Falls, you will be given time to tour the gift shop and take pictures from the observation deck.
After the Falls, the tour will continue to Boehm's Candy Kitchen. Known throughout the Northwest for their fabulous Swiss chocolates, you will view the candy making process while sampling their delectable confections. While at Boehm's you will also be given time to tour the property, including the Alpine Chapel built by the company’s founder, Julius Boehm.
A quick drive brings you to the city of Bellevue. Here, guests will be given the opportunity to tour Bellevue Botanical Gardens. Bellevue Botanical Gardens boasts 36 acres of rolling hills, undisturbed woodlands, meadows, pristine bogs, and display gardens. This destination offers an ever-changing panorama of greenery and color. While strolling the gardens, you will also be given time to visit the botanical library and browse the garden shop before returning to Seattle.
Hours: 1:00 PM–5:00 PM (Four Hours)
Includes:
- Tour of Snoqualmie Falls
- Tour of Boehm’s Candy Factory
- Tour of Bellevue Botanical Gardens
Price: $36 per Guest
Based on a Minimum of 30 and a Maximum of 42 Guests per Motorcoach
Note: A jacket and comfortable walking shoes are advised.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2008
Aviation Tour
William Edward Boeing founded one of the greatest dynasties in commercial aviation. The Boeing Company has transformed the Pacific Northwest into a major aeronautical hub. Soar into the new world of commercial aviation by exploring Boeing’s newest, high-tech facility, the Future of Flight Aviation Center. This 73,000-square-foot center in Everett is a unique, interpretive facility designed to showcase the phenomenon of commercial jet aviation and production. Featuring hands-on exhibits, videos, graphics, and interactive stations, guests will have the opportunity to digitally design their own jet, try out the next generation of in-flight entertainment systems, touch the high-tech “skin” of the new Boeing 787, and learn how technology and aviation can serve to connect people and cultures across the globe.
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Following the Future of Flight Aviation Center, you will be transferred to the Boeing Assembly Plant. In 1966, The Boeing Company announced that it would build the 747, a jetliner capable of carrying nearly twice as many passengers as previous models. To build the giant jet, Boeing had to construct a facility large enough to handle the world's largest commercial jetliner. The main assembly building, which the Guinness Book of World Records acknowledges as the largest building in the world by volume, is as large as 75 NFL football fields. This fascinating tour offers an in-depth view into the many facets of the airplane industry and guests will see airplanes in various stages of assembly.
Hours: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM (Four Hours)
Includes:
- Tour of the Future of Flight Aviation Center
- Tour of the Boeing Assembly Plant
Price: $49 per Guest
Based on a Minimum of 30 and Maximum of 42 Guests per Motorcoach
Notes: A light jacket and comfortable walking shoes are advised.
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008
Northwest Winery Tour
Situated on the same latitude as the French wine country, Washington State has a growing wine industry that is winning prestigious awards throughout the world. You will learn more about Northwest wines as you visit two popular local wineries beginning with the newly opened Januik Winery for a Columbia Valley tasting. The rhythm and geometries of the agricultural landscape, along with the craft, technology and patterns of wine production, together shape the architecture and landscape of Januik Winery. Sleek and contemporary, Januik is family-owned and uses an artisan approach to winemaking. Some of their acclaimed wines include Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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The wine excursion will continue to nearby Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. Located on 87 acres of arboretum-like grounds, Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington's oldest winery, taking its place among the classic wineries of the world. Enjoy a tour that allows a romantic yet technologically accurate view of the art and science of wine-making, followed by wine tasting. After the tour and wine tasting, you will enjoy strolling the grounds and visiting the extensive wine and accessory shop.
Hours: 1:00 PM–5:00 PM (Four Hours)
Includes:
- Winery Tour and Tasting at Januik Winery
- Winery Tour and Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
- Seattle Hospitality Registration Fee
Price: $39 per Guest
Based on a Minimum of 35 Guests and 42 Guests per Motorcoach
Notes: A jacket and comfortable walking shoes are advised.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21–SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2008
Independent Victoria, BC Excursion
A scenic cruise aboard The Victoria Clipper will bring you to the quaint “Old English” town of Victoria. Dubbed the “City of Gardens”, this intimate, sophisticated seaside City is the vacation capital of Canada and one of the premiere tourist spots in the Pacific Northwest.
Victoria’s unique character is deeply rooted in its 150-year history, a history full of colorful people and fascinating tales. The city’s British colonial heritage is still very much in evidence, but contemporary Victoria has a distinctly Pacific Northwest flavor. Victoria is best known as the capital city of British Columbia, and as a world-renowned tourism destination. One of the most visitor-friendly cities anywhere, Victoria is also one of Canada’s favorite places to call home. Victoria is alive with cosmopolitan dining, superb shopping, a colorful nightlife and a full complement of cultural offerings.
From Seattle, you will board the Victoria Clipper and sail to the downtown harbor of Victoria. Next, you will enjoy a short ride to your night’s accommodations, the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Rising regally on Victoria's spectacular Inner Harbor, the Fairmont showcases the spirit and energy of Vancouver Island in grand style. With her turn-of-the-century beauty, The Fairmont Empress captures the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era, while her facilities and services meet the needs of today's traveler. Whether it's 18-holes of golf in a pristine setting or a soothing aromatic massage with essential oils, this luxury chateau style Island resort offers the perfect escape from the stresses of modern life. You will be awestruck by the countless experiences the Fairmont Empress has to offer!
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After checking in, you will enjoy the famous tea/light lunch served at the Empress Hotel. For almost a century, the opulent Tea Lobby of this landmark hotel has played host to England's most beloved ritual - the taking of Afternoon Tea. Esteemed guests that have partaken in tea at the Empress include Queen Elizabeth II, Rudyard Kipling, Shirley Temple, Spencer Tracy, Rita Hayworth, the King and Queen of Siam, Bob Hope, John Travolta, Barbra Streisand, Mel Gibson, Goldie Hawn, and Kurt Russell.
Following tea/light lunch, you will experience a guided tour to explore the city of Victoria! You can immerse yourself in the city's beauty and listen along as the narrator explains the history of Victoria and all her famous sites. You will have a chance to become familiar with the city before venturing out on your own. There’s much to see and do in Victoria: the Parliament Building, the Royal BC Museum and Crystal Gardens. You will be able to use the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore on your own.
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After a good night’s sleep at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, guests will enjoy a tour of Butchart Gardens, one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations. You will step off the bus and enter fifty-five acres of floral splendor at one of Victoria's most famous and popular attractions! Begun in 1904 as an effort to restore a worked-out quarry site, the Butchart Gardens in Victoria have since been delighting visitors from all around the world. As you make your way around the gardens, you'll walk through intimate stone paths and streams lined with colorful arrays of seasonal flowers and trees. It is definitely a sight to see! You will be able to use the rest of your afternoon in Victoria to independently explore more of the city’s treasures. You will return to Seattle’s sparkling city lights later that evening.
Hours:
Friday, March 21, 2008: 7:00 AM/Check In, 8:00 AM/Departure for Victoria, BC
Saturday, March 22, 2008: 7:45 PM (Arrival in Seattle)
Includes:
- Roundtrip Transportation aboard the Victoria Clipper
- Champagne Continental Breakfast En Route to Victoria
- Taxi Vouchers for Hotel Transfer
- Afternoon Tea/Light Lunch at The Fairmont Empress Tea Lobby
- Narrated, Driving Victoria City Tour
- One Night Accommodations at The Fairmont Empress Hotel
- Transportation To/From Butchart Gardens
- Admission to Butchart Gardens
- All Applicable Ferry Tolls, Taxes, Fuel Surcharges and Porterage
Price:
$395 per Guest—Double Occupancy
$495 per Guest—Single Occupancy
Availability:
This excursion is subject to availability and the above price is subject to change.
Rates and availability will be confirmed at time of booking.
Notes:
- Itinerary is subject to change.
- Confirmed reservations are subject to the following cancellation fees.
- At time of booking: 10% Cancellation Fee
- 45–31 Days Prior: 50% Cancellation Fee
- 30 Days Prior: 100% Cancellation Fee
- Names, dates of birth and nationalities of all group members are needed prior to departure.
- Guests are responsible for their own transportation to/from the Seattle ClipperTerminal at Pier 69. The Seattle, Clipper Dock is a 5–7 minute cab ride from
downtown Seattle hotels. Guests are required to arrive at the Victoria Clipper
Dock at 7:00 AM for check in.
- When traveling between Canada and the United States, it will be necessary to pass through Customs at the border and proof of U.S. citizenship and a passport must be shown. A picture driver’s license alone is not considered proper identification unless accompanied with the above documentation. All citizens of countries other than the United States or Canada not bearing an Alien Registration Card must have a passport, and citizens of many countries may also be required to have a Visa. U.S. Persons with a felony may be denied entrance into Canada. If you have been
convicted of a crime in the United States it may be considered a felony in Canada. DUI convictions are considered a felony in Canada.
- Passengers are allowed one piece of luggage with overall dimensions of 28” high
x 35” long x 10” wide and no heavier than 45 pounds and one piece of small
carry-on luggage with over dimensions of 20” high x 15” long x 8” wide.
Itinerary:
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Check in at the Seattle Clipper Terminal at Pier 69 |
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Travel to Victoria via the Victoria Clipper (Champagne Continental Breakfast Onboard) |
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Taxi to the Fairmont Empress Hotel |
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Time on Own |
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Afternoon Tea/Light Lunch in Empress Hotel Tea Lobby |
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Victoria City Tour |
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Evening on Own |
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Check Out, Store Luggage |
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Time on Own |
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Butchart Gardens Tour (Lunch Available for Purchase at Butchart Gardens) |
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Terminal Check In / Customs at Clipper Terminal |
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Travel to Seattle on the Victoria Clipper (Dinner Available for
Purchase Onboard the Clipper) |
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Arrive in Seattle |
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