We Marry Great Prices with Amazing Journeys! WIN 2
Transcription
We Marry Great Prices with Amazing Journeys! WIN 2
Update SUMMER 2015 First-Class Tours and Cruises at Fabulous Prices! I DO! Book by June 25th and save up to $200 on select tours! 107 TRAVEL DEALS INSIDE WIN 2 FREE DAY TRIP SPOTS! See page 3 We Marry Great Prices with Amazing Journeys! ...and you’re invited on the Honeymoon! Alki Tours has been playing “matchmaker” for nearly 20 years now. We search for the most desireable (and handsome) locations around the world and then set them up on dates with gorgeous (some would say “petite”) pricing. It’s a match made in Heaven. Or at least in Asia, Europe and other must-see places in the world. You can come along to any one of the 107 destinations we have in this brochure. Maybe you want to say “I do!” to that trip of a lifetime in Paris. Or, book an engagement in Italy. Regardless of your selection, we vow to court you with exciting activities, unique sights, indigenous food and much more. You’ll return with a photo album full of memories that really takes the cake. So give us a ring. We would prefer a big, fat diamond, but would be very happy with a simple one to 1-800-895-ALKI. Then you, too, can join the wedding party. And you won’t have to wear a ghastly bridesmaids dress. Unless you’ve been dying to try that thing on again. so you get to bring four suitcases and i only get one!? Alki Tours is a partner of TAP, Travel Alliance Partners, a privately-owned corporation, managed by 30 premier tour operators across North America. Our network has a wide variety of tours, and the buying power to offer you destinations worldwide at affordable prices. Let us help you check off your bucket list of travel dreams. Alki Tours’ expertise along with our partner companies make available to you exclusive and unique itineraries, innovative concepts, and unparalleled travel opportunities. So don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today! Let Alki Tours help you TAP into the destination of your dreams. no, that’s mine, too. Alki Tours’ marriage...er...travel counselors can help you with suggestions on what to pack for different climates and tour activities. PAGE 2 Win 2 day trip tickets playing our Facebook “Where am I?” Contest! The Alki Tours Difference... Alki Tours is giving away 2 more spots on any day trip (excluding Snow Train) for the first person who solves our summer “Where am I?” Contest. Each Monday, from June 8th to July 6th, we will post a new clue on our Alki Tours Facebook Wall, leading to the location we are looking for. The clue will be up on the wall at 12 noon, Seattle time. Unbeatable Value If you think you know the answer, simply reply in the comment area beneath the clue. First correct answer WINS! Congratulations to our Winter contest winner, Don Lacky, from Tacoma, who correctly guessed Jerome, Arizona–part of our Arizona Trains tour. There’s no purchase necessary to win. Just log-in Mondays for another photo hint. We’re looking for a place, which is part of a tour in this Update. So, here you go with your first clue... At-Home Pick-Up Our service begins at your home: On tours with flights, we offer FREE pick-up in the Seattle area. It’s not just our affordable prices– it’s what’s included that makes an Alki Tour a great value. Like round-trip air and much more! Fabulous Hotels Our hotels reflect the region. Historic, luxurious, or charming, your accommodations will be one of the highlights of your holiday. Mouth-Watering Meals Savoring local cuisine is important, so we offer some included meals as well as the freedom to discover local flavors on your own. Great Sightseeing Alki Tours vacations are actionpacked! Explore the key attractions, then go beyond to dine with native families, enjoy regional cooking classes, and other activities. Superb Tour Directors & Guides Where am I ? Your Tour Director is with you to ensure that your trip runs smoothly. Our English-speaking guides are destination residents. They’ll show you customs and hidden gems only a local would know. Spontaneity It’s the key to your journey! We make sure that your travel experience is seamlessly executed, but we’ll also take time to enjoy an unexpected wildlife sighting or a rare and beautiful sunset. Refund Guaranteed If you have a code reader on your smartphone, you can snap this QR Code to go straight to our Facebook page and click on the Wall button to post your answer. We are proud to offer a 100% refund if you cancel 76 days prior to departure. Good on all overnight tours with the exception of cruises and international travel. PAGE 3 Trains across Colorado Fortune-seekers, loggers and dreamers streamed to Colorado after the discovery of gold in 1859 and silver in the 1870s. Now you can ride those historic routes of the Old West, traveling on trains that remain 100 percent coalfired, steam-operated and maintained in their original condition. Wind through breathtaking canyons and remote wilderness in the San Juan National Forest. Journey through the Rockies on the railroad voted one of the “Top Ten Most Exciting Train Journeys in the World” by the Society of American Travel Writers. You’ll even take a “Ride to the Clouds” and visit a place called “Garden of the Gods” on this tour rich in geologic, American and transportation history. It’s included... • Complimentary at-home pick up in the Seattle area • Round-trip airfare from Seattle to Denver & transfers • 5 scenic train rides following historic routes of the Old West: 1. 14,110 foot climb on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway 2. Royal Gorge Route Railway 3. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad through the Rockies 4. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, voted one of the “Top ten most exciting train journeys in the world” 5. Georgetown Loop Railroad and Devil’s Gate High Bridge • Deluxe motorcoach transportation • U.S. Air Force Academy and Cadet Chapel ONLY $1999 pp/do • Garden of the Gods Park • Denver city tour • 13 meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners • Fully escorted and narrated ...and much more! Where you’ll stay... 1 Night 1 Night 1 Night 1 Night 1 Night 2 Nights Denver Colorado Springs Alamosa Durango Grand Junction Denver The bottom line... DATES: June 20-27 OR September 12-19, 2015 8 days PRICE: $1999 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $587 Includes round-trip airfare! PAGE 4 Pricebuster rail to Glacier Park Explore one of Amtrak’s most legendary and scenic routes as you board the Empire Builder and wind east through soaring mountains to the Big Sky Country. Along the way, enjoy a fabulous dinner in the diner, watch a movie in the lounge and let the gentle rocking of the train lull you to sleep in your cozy bed. Awaken in the morning to a hearty breakfast and at the entrance to Glacier Park. Glacier spans more than 1 million acres, and is blessed with 175 mountains and 760 lakes, dozens of glaciers, and home to animals ranging from mice to goats to grizzly bears, hundreds of species of birds, fish and plants. Some of Glacier’s other stories are about grand human accomplishments–the railway, the roads and lodges. Spend two nights seeing the highlights of the park. Travel over the legendary Goingto-the-Sun Highway by 1930’s convertible touring bus and stay in historic lodges at night. Finally, reboard the Empire Builder for an overnight rail journey home. The combination of rail, convertibles, history and one of the world’s most beautiful parks makes this trip epic. Starting at $1599 pp/do It’s included... • Transfers in the Seattle area to King St. Station • 2 nights Sleeper accommodations on Amtrak’s Empire Builder • 2 nights hotel accommodations in Glacier National Park • 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts • 1930s vintage jammer joy ride over the Going-to-the-Sun Highway • Cruise on Swiftcurrent Lake • Fully escorted and narrated so you won’t miss a thing! Where you’ll stay... 2 Nights Empire Builder 1 Night Many Glacier Lodge 1 Night Glacier Park Lodge The bottom line... DATES: July 11-15 OR 23-27 5 days PRICE: Starting at $1599 pp/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $525 Available Upgrades: Deluxe Amtrak Sleeper with private bathroom–$445 per person PAGE 5 Downton Abbey and English Castles The most watched PBS Television series now comes to life as we take you to the sites used in the series–Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey), and Waddesdon Manor. Experience the British Museum, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Kew Palace & Gardens, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and the Roman Baths dating from 3,000 BC. With a very limited supply of tickets available for public visits to Highclere Castle, this is a very special vacation. Also ask about our Iceland extension! Here’s a brief outline of the tour’s itinerary... Day 1–Seattle to London This trip back in time begins as we pick you up at your Seattle area castle and take you to Seatac Airport. Your tour host will meet and assist you with your transatlantic flight to London.Meals: Meals on own Day 2–Windsor Castle Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, we will be met by our local guide and led to our private coach. We will visit Windsor Castle, the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Then enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and see some of the historic landmarks before we arrive at Hendon Hall, our home for the next 3 nights. This beautiful 16th century mansion with terraced gardens, became particularly famous as the host hotel to Team England during their victorious world cup campaign. Meals: Dinner Day 3–Westminster Abbey-Big Ben-Buckingham Palace This day, we are off to central London. Visit Westminster Abbey, initially built by Henry III in 1245, it is one of the most important Gothic buildings in England. We will see Big Ben, and enjoy a walk around Buckingham Palace. Surrounded by vast parklands and gardens, this grand palace has been the Royal London residence since the time of Queen Victoria. We continue our city tour and stop at the Tower of London. Tonight enjoy a lovely dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner ONLY $4099 pp/do PAGE 6 AN ALKI TOURS EXCLUSIVE! THE ONLY TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL 2016! Day 4–Highclere Castle Today we depart for “Downton Abbey”. Home to the Earl and Lady Carnarvon. Highclere Castle known as Downton Abbey in the Emmy-nominated series is well recognized. The castle is used for filming interior and exterior shots for the show. Tickets to Highclere Castle are in extreme demand as it is only open certain times to visitors. You will have plenty of time to stroll the grounds as you recall your favorite characters in the series. We depart Highclere Castle visualizing scenes of times gone by. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner It’s included... Day 5–Kew Gardens/Palace-British Museum • British Museum After breakfast we depart for Kew Gardens and Kew Palace which was the residence of King George III. Step back in time and explore this intimate and beautiful royal retreat. Kew Palace will always be associated with the ‘madness’ of George III. Then we continue on to the British Museum. Established in 1753 its permanent collection, numbering some 8 million works, is among the largest and most comprehensive in existence. Pieces originate from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present. Our home for the last 3 nights is a riverside 4 star hotel in central London. Tonight, enjoy a lovely dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Highclere Castle–Downton Abbey Day 6–Stonehenge-Roman Baths-Jane Austin Center A full day of touring is in store as we visit Stonehenge, one of the most famous sites in the world. Believed to have been built in 3,000 BC, it is composed of a circular setting of large standing stones set within earthworks. Then we are off to Bath to see the Roman Baths dating from back to 60 AD. A stroll through historic Bath is like visiting an open-air museum. Then follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen with a stop at the visitor center, named in her honor. Tonight we return for Dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Day 7–Bampton & Waddesdon Manor After breakfast we head off to the village of Bampton. Also known as Bampton-in-the-Bush this Oxfordshire village is used to film scenes in Downton Abbey. Home of 12th century St. Mary’s Church and the library which served as the entrance to the cottage hospital in the series. Bampton is one of the oldest and prettiest villages in the area. Today it retains its character of a traditional Cotswold village. Next we visit Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire. Originally built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothchild in 1874, this is the fictional Haxby Park and the estate that Sir Richard Carlisle intended to buy in Downton Abbey season 2. The house is set with formal gardens and a English landscaped park located on a hilltop overlooking Waddesdon Village. Later we will return to a lovely dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • At home pick up in the greater Seattle area • Round-trip airfare from Seattle to London • All transfers • 6 nights deluxe accommodations in London • Westminster Abbey • Tour of London • Kew Palace & Gardens • Windsor Castle • Stonehenge • The ancient Roman baths • The Jane Austin Center • Waddesdon Manor (fictional Hazby Park) • Cotswold Village of Bampton (from film) • Meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners • Fully escorted and narrated so you won’t miss a thing! Where you’ll stay... 6 Nights Deluxe hotel in London The bottom line... DATES: August 16-23, 2015 8 days PRICE: $4099 pp/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $987 Air taxes and fees: $232.63 Includes round-trip airfare Day 8–London to Seattle After breakfast we say farewell to the world that we have come to know as Downton Abbey and transfer to the Heathrow Airport for our return flight to the USA. Meals: Breakfast Ask about our Iceland Extension! PAGE 7 Pricebuster New York City...my kind’a town It’s included... Frank Sinatra himself claimed “If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere”–and indeed New York lives up to all expectations. From the moment you see the Manhattan Skyline silhouetted against the harbor–you’re hooked; an adrenaline junkie’s paradise. • Round trip airfare from Seattle to New York Join Alki Tours on an exciting trip to New York City. Stay 6 nights at the 4-star Park Central Hotel in the heart of Time Square. Enjoy orchestra seats at an award-winning Broadway show, see some of the world’s greatest artistic achievements at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, cruise to Ellis Island and see the Beacon of Freedom, the Statue of Liberty; wander along the wall of devastation at Ground Zero, get pumped up at Wall Street, and visit the “Top of the World” in the Empire State Building. We pull out all of the stops on this seven day tour. ONLY $2799 pp/do • Free round-trip shuttle from your home (Seattle area) to SeaTac Airport • 6 nights hotel accommodations • Fully escorted and narrated by a licensed NY guide • Deluxe motorcoach transportation • 10 meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners • 1 Broadway show • Sightseeing includes: - Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island - Wall Street & Ground Zero - Empire State Building & Rockefeller Center - 9-11 Memorial Where you’ll stay... 6 Nights Park Central Hotel in Times Square The bottom line... DATES: September 9-15, 2015 7 days PRICE: $2799 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1249 Includes round-trip airfare PAGE 8 Pricebuster New Mexico’s Balloon Fiesta, Taos & Santa Fe See the mother of all events as the blue New Mexico sky is transformed into a kaleidoscope of color at the International Balloon Fiesta. During the mass ascention more than 1000 balloons in all shapes and colors float like a newlyopened toy box dispensing it’s goods into space. Spend 2 nights soaking up historic Albuquerque before weaving our way past artists living in isolated mountain villages and colorful adobe houses along the High Road to Taos. Get a glimpse into the past at holy site Chimayo, and Taos Pueblo, a community that has been inhabited by descendants of the same tribe for over a thousand years. After 2 nights discovering Taos, soak up the stunning southwest scenery on the Toltec and Cumbres narrow gauge railway. We save the best for last as our travels continue with 2 fantastic nights in Santa Fe. A local guide will show us the highlights... see the Loretto Chapel with its miraculous spiral staircase, St. Francis Cathedral and the colorful Town Plaza. Sign up now because space is disappearing faster than the balloons. ONLY $1999 pp/do It’s included... • Free round-trip shuttle from your home (Seattle area) to SeaTac Airport • Round-trip airfare to Albuquerque, New Mexico • 6 nights lovely hotel accommodations • International Balloon Fiesta • Sandia Peak Tram • Taos, New Mexico touring • Trip on the Cumbres and Toltec scenic railroad • Sightseeing in Santa Fe • 4 dinners, 6 breakfasts and 1 lunch • All sightseeing as mentioned • Fully escorted and narrated so you won’t miss a thing! Where you’ll stay... 2 Nights Albuquerque 2 Nights Taos 2 Nights Santa Fe The bottom line... DATES: October 3-9, 2015 7 days PRICE: $1999 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $799 Includes airfare PAGE 9 Pricebuster New England fall foliage by rail Be one of the few in the world to take a train and motorcoach tour to see the highlights of all six New England states in autumn. The diversity will amaze you, and the fall colors, white steeple churches, covered bridges, and sugar shacks will leave you speechless. Travel by train and motorcoach during the day and nights are spent at gorgeous hotels! Here’s a brief outline of the tour’s itinerary... Day 1–Boston Upon arrival, transfer on your own to our lovely hotel in the Boston area. After checking in, you are invited to join your Great Train Escapes tour director for a 7 pm welcome reception–a wonderful way to meet your traveling companions before your jaunt through New England. Day 2–Boston/ Kennebunkport, Maine Your grand tour begins as you see the highlights of Boston. On the agenda is the famous Old North Church where Paul Revere got the signal to start his famous ride. Stop at the USS Constitution, and visit Faneuil Hall. Enjoy the colorful sights and shopping at Quincy Market with time for lunch at one of the quaint local restaurants. In the afternoon, travel north to Maine and the seaside community of Kennebunkport. Day 3– Kennebunkport/ Cog Railway/North Conway This morning board our deluxe motorcoach for a stunning journey to New Hampshire. The panoramas are unprecedented as you enter the White Mountain National Forest– laden with lakes and forests covered with orange and redleafed foliage. A highlight awaits as you board Mt. Washington’s Cog Railway. The magnificent views and sounds of a steam locomotive in action and some of the steepest railroad tracks in existence combine to make this one of the world’s best railroad journeys. Overnight in the North Conway area. Day 4–North Conway/Franconia Notch/Stowe Vermont Have cameras in hand for a legendary day as you continue your rail journey over Crawford Notch to Fabyan Station. During this train trip see some of the most spectacular scenery in the East, featuring sheer bluffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks, streams, and wide mountain vistas. Feel the nostalgia as you travel the same route that the first trains ascended over 120 years ago. This afternoon, we enter Vermont, the most rural of all New England States. See a kaleidoscope of colors in leaves of yellow, orange, red and green, which compliment the picturesque farmlands, picture-perfect villages and covered bridges on the way to Stowe, a mountainous ski village in the heart of Vermont. PAGE 10 ONLY $2299 pp/do Day 5–Stowe/Mystic Seaport Enjoy a scenic drive through Stowe before boarding Amtrak’s Vermonter as you journey by rail through three states! Travel along the spine of the Green Mountains where marble is mined and 150,000 gallons of maple syrup is harvested annually. Enjoy the captivating commentary as your expert guides highlight the history and folklore of the Connecticut River Valley. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel near the historic whaling stations of Mystic Seaport. Day 6–Mystic Seaport/Newport, Rhode Island/Cape Cod In Mystic, experience life in a thriving 19th century New England seaport village. Discover trade shops, galleries and a world-renowned collection of tall ships. Next, board the motorcoach for a short trip to Newport, the yachting capital of America and playground of the rich and famous. A tour along Ocean Drive showcases the many mansions. Enjoy a tour through The Breakers, Vanderbilt’s turn-of-the-century mansion with its lavish furnishings and decor. Later, cross over the canal to Cape Cod for our overnight stay. Dinner this evening is a traditional New England lobster bake. Day 7–Cape Cod, Boston Enjoy a leisurely morning before boarding the Cape Cod Central Railroad. See why the romantic notions of adventure and discovery lured many Cape Codders to the sea as you wind by quaint cottages, cranberry bogs and picturesque sand dunes. This evening, join your tour director for a festive farewell dinner. Overnight in the greater Boston area. Day 8–Boston After a hearty breakfast, take time to reflect on the exciting memories you’ll cherish from your travels through New England’s glorious fall foliage, before your flight home. MAINE BOOK BY JUNE 25th FOR A $100 PER COUPLE DISCOUNT VERMONT Stowe North Conway It’s included... • 4 days sightseeing by train including: North Conway Scenic Railway, Mt. Washington Cog Railway, The Vermonter and Cape Cod Central Railway • 4 days deluxe motorcoach sightseeing tours in Boston, Kennebunkport, North Conway, Stowe, Mystic Seaport, Newport, RI (including the Breakers Mansion) and Cape Cod • 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners including a New England lobster bake • Fully escorted and narrated so you won’t miss a thing! • Travel bag and MORE! Where you’ll stay... 2 Nights 1 Night 1 Night 1 Night 1 Night 1 Night In the Boston area Kennebunkport, ME North Conway, NH Stowe, Vermont Mystic, Connecticut Cape Cod, MA The bottom line... DATES: September 25, 26 OR 27; October 2, 3 OR 4, 2015 8 days CO C PRICE: $2299 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $525 Land only Grand Canyon T Gallup Kennebunkport Phoenix NEW HAMPSHIRE STOPS/ TRANSFERS M ARIZONA RAIL ROUTES MASSACHUSETTS Boston CONNECTICUT MOTORCOACH ROUTES R.I. R Hyannis/ Cape Cod M R Newport Mystic PAGE 11 Danube River cruise– $1000 less than our competitors! Sail right into the pages of a storybook along the legendary Danube, through pages gilded with history, and past the turrets and towers of castles steeped in legend. You’ll meander along the fabled “Blue Danube” to grand cities like Vienna and Budapest where kings and queens once waltzed, and to gingerbread towns that evoke tales of Hansel and Gretel and the Brothers Grimm. If you listen closely, you might hear the haunting melody of the Lorelei siren herself as you cruise past her infamous river cliff post! During this 12-day journey, encounter the grand cities and quaint villages along the celebrated Danube River. Explore both sides of Hungary’s capital–traditional “Buda” and the more cosmopolitan “Pest”–and from Fishermen’s Bastion, see how the river divides this fascinating city. Experience Vienna’s imperial architecture and gracious culture, and tour riverside towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley. And in Germany, explore a baroque cathedral and stroll cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. Savor the tastes of authentic dishes, learn about local legends, and understand why Strauss immortalized the “Blue Danube” in his famous melody. Starting as low as $3999 pp/do Featuring : Prague, Budapest & Salzburg! PAGE 12 An Alki Tours Exclusive–Peak Season Charter of the Newly Appointed Amadeus Royal It’s included... • Free round-trip shuttle from your Seattle area home to SeaTac Airport • Round trip airfare – Fly into Prague, return from Munich • 3 nights in Prague • 8-day cruise on the Amadeus Royal river cruise ship • Ports of call in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Melk, Durnstein, and Prague • All of your meals on cruise, including wine with dinner Amadaus Royal Suite • Deluxe motorcoach transportation • Optional Extension – 3 nights in Innsbruck with trips to Saltzburg, Italy and Bavarian King Ludwig castles • Fully escorted and narrated so you won’t miss a thing! Where you’ll stay... 3 Nights in Prague 7 Nights Amadeus Royal Amadaus Royal Cabin The bottom line... DATES: September 26October 7, 2015 12 days PRICE: As low as $3999 pp/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Call UPGRADES: Mozart deck, French balcony or suite: Call Port charges and fees: $215 Includes airfare and cruise Cruise Schedule DATE 9-30 10-1 10-2 10-3 10-4 10-4 10-4 10-5 10-6 DAY Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Sun Sun CITY ARRIVE DEPART NOTES Budapest 4:00 p Overnight Budapest 7:30 p Bratislava 12:30 p 10:00 p Eve. in port Vienna 7:00 a Overnight Vienna 1:30 a Dürnstein 7:45 a 9:00 a Melk 12:00 p 2:00 p Mon Tue Passau 10:00 a Regensburg 1:00 p 9:30 p 7:00 p Eve. in port PAGE 13 Smoky Mountains fall foliage, New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville Join us for an unforgettable fall trip through America’s musical heartland. Get all jazzed up as we head to New Orleans for two powerful nights in this soulful city, filled with incredible cuisine, amazing jazz and unending nightlife. Next, we’ll make a pilgrimage to see Elvis Presley’s beloved home, Graceland. Dine on some typical southern cuisine on Beale Street during our stay in colorful Memphis. You won’t be singing the blues as you pack your bags for your next leg of the tour. Welcome to the undisputed capital of Country Music–Nashville. This city is the home of RCA Studios, Studio B, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Opryland. The next day, depart our hotel for a ride on The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad through Nantaha Gorge along the Tennessee River with highlights like Horseshoe Curve, Fontana Lake Trestle and spectacular scenery during the height of fall colors. In 8 days, see some of the best fall foliage in the nation and discover the world where Fats Domino, Elvis, Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline made it big. It’s included... • Free round-trip shuttle from your home (Seattle area) to SeaTac Airport • Round-trip airfare from Seattle to New Orleans and Knoxville to Seattle • 2 nights in the Great Smoky Mountains including a scenic ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad • Sightseeing in Nashville including the Country Music Hall of Fame, RCA Studios and Studio B. • Reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry • Sightseeing tours in Memphis including Beale Street and Graceland • Sightseeing in New Orleans including the New Orleans Cooking School and a paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi • 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners ONLY $2099 pp/do Where you’ll stay... 2 Nights 2 Nights 1 Night 2 Nights New Orleans Memphis Nashville Gatlinburg The bottom line... DATES: October 14-21, 2015 8 days PRICE: $2099 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $599 Includes round-trip airfare! PAGE 14 Arizona Trains–with the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Verde Canyon A good train ride provides stunning scenery, high adventure and a bit of nostalgic romance. Sound good? Then join us as we head to Arizona and visit the highlights of the Grand Canyon State. Journey aboard the Grand Canyon Railway to the edge of the awesome Grand Canyon so you can experience the beauty of the National Park. Rail through Verde Canyon– billed as Arizona’s longest running nature show–in first-class comfort aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. See Montezuma Castle National Monument, an ancient Indian dwelling carved into a limestone cliff. Relax with a day at leisure in Sedona for shopping and exploring on your own, or take an optional Jeep tour. Explore the old mining town of Jerome. Includes round-trip airfare, beautiful hotel accommodations, 8 meals, all of your sightseeing and fully escorted and narrated so you won’t miss a thing. It’s included... • Free round-trip shuttle from your home (Seattle area) to SeaTac Airport • Round-trip airfare from Seattle with airport transfers • Experience two of Arizona’s scenic rail excursions: - The Grand Canyon Railway - The Verde Canyon Railroad • Experience the breathtaking beauty of Grand Canyon National Park • Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument • Narrated trolley tour of Sedona • Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff • Visit the old mining town of Jerome • 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners Where you’ll stay... 1 Nights Grand Canyon 1 Nights Williams, AZ 4 Nights Sedona The bottom line... BOOK BY JUNE 25th FOR A $150 PER COUPLE DISCOUNT DATES: October 20-26, 2015 7 days PRICE: $1999 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $546 Includes round-trip airfare! ONLY $1999 pp/do PAGE 11 15 Peru’s Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca extension Peru is a country oozing with passion. If you say the word Peru slowly, it slides around in your mouth like expensive whisky; sweet, hot and sensual. That’s how the country itself feels. Peru’s sensuality, mood and emotions are always bubbling away right at the surface. This fully-guided, eight day trip introduces you to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. Spend two days exploring this mountaintop village carved from stone, and see the remains of temples, houses and baths all surrounded by indescribable scenery. A knowledgeable guide brings the mountain fortress to life, detailing the history and culture of this ancient place. The expedition highlights include: Lima’s Plaza Mayor and Gold Museum: Cuzco, the Temple of the Sun and the fortress of Sacayhuaman; a train journey along the beautiful Urubamba River on the way to Machu Picchu; and the giant stones of the Ollantaytambo fortress. This unbeatable price includes: round-trip airfare from Seattle, 6 nights first-class hotels, many meals, an Alki Escort as well as a local Peruvian expert. Ask about our 4 day extension to Lake Titicaca to explore the fascinating floating reed islands of the Uros people. ONLY $2999 pp/do It’s included... • Free round-trip transfer from your Seattle area home to SeaTac Airport • Round-trip airfare from Seattle to Lima; Round-trip from Lima to Cusco • Deluxe motorcoach transportation • 6 nights superior first-class hotel accommodations • Round-trip first-class train from Cusco to Machu Picchu • All transfers and entrance fees • 2 dinners, 4 lunches and 6 breakfasts • All in-flight meals • Locally guided • 12 meals • Fully narrated and escorted Where you’ll stay... 2 Nights 1 Night 2 Nights 1 Night Lima, Peru Cusco Sacred Valley Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) The bottom line... DATES: October 22-29, 2013 8 days PRICE: $2999 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $499 Includes round-trip airfare PAGE 16 The heart of Cuba See this beautiful island before everyone else does! Since President Obama made his dramatic announcement about sweeping changes in our policies toward Cuba, our phones have been ringing off the hook. Travelers are anxious to visit the elusive island now, while the country still remains in a strange time warp. So here’s your chance! Although it’s situated just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, legal travel to Cuba was off-limits to U.S. travellers for five decades. Alki Tours operates these people-to-people educational exchange programs to Cuba under an OFAC general license. This meaningful, immersive travel involves full days spent embarking on authentic experiences through one-onone exchanges with the Cuban people. A destination like no other, Cuba is a place where art, music and opportunities to interact with its fascinating people are found at every turn. Unlike traditional “tourist” travel, this people-to-people experience reveals Cuba’s true spirit, from an exploration of historic buildings, cigar and mojito making, conversations with Cuban baseball players, discussions about U.S.-Cuba relations to a visit to an influential artist’s studio. From start to finish, this educational exchange offers insight into the daily life of the Cuban people. We will show you the highlights of this colorful island and you will find out why Hemingway called this his home. It’s included... • Hosted by Professor Ted Chandler, program director and a bilingual Cuban national guide • People-to-People License provided by Alki Tours • Cuban government emergency medical insurance plan up to $1,000 • All meals (except 1 breakfast and 2 dinners in Havana) • Bottled water daily • An outing in a classic American car • Transport by private motor coach while in Cuba • Charter flight from Miami to Havana and return • All entrances as listed in your itinerary • Airport transfers while in Cuba • Special insider “people to people” experiences • Gratuities for your driver and guides • City and country maps Where you’ll stay... ONLY $3950 pp/do 1 Night Miami, Crown Plaza 5 Nights Havana, Hotel Nacional 2 Nightss Colonial Trinidad, Las Brisas The bottom line... DATES: October 24November 1, 2015 / 9 days PRICE: $3950 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $675 Includes round-trip airfare! 13 PAGE 17 Mexico’s colorful Copper Canyon by rail It’s included... • Deluxe motor coach transportation from Phoenix Four times the size of the Grand Canyon, Copper Canyon is one of the most dramatic panoramas in the world. Man’s greatest engineering feat within this defiant geography is the railroad which traverses it. Almost 100 years in the making, the tracks climb from sea level to nearly 8,000 feet, crossing some of the highest bridges in the world and 87 tunnels including a mile-long, 360 degree spiral. This rail line is rated one of the most scenic train routes in the world. • Reserved rail car on the Chihuahua al Pacifico You’ll never forget this diverse trip from deserts to mountains, forests to tropical coastlines. We’ve even thrown in some aquatic scenery, as we also cruise on the Sea of Cortez. Every day is a highlight! • All sightseeing as mentioned • Yacht excursion on the Sea of Cortez • 23 meals–9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners including farewell dinner • Fully escorted and narrated Where you’ll stay... 2 Nightss 2 Nightss 1 Nights 1 Nights 2 Nights 1 Nights Phoenix San Carlos, Mexico Alamos, Mexico El Fuerte, Mexico Posada Barrancas Casa Grandes, Mexico The bottom line... DATES: November 7-16 OR 14-23, 2015 10 days ONLY $1999 pp/do PAGE 18 PRICE: $1999 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $500 Land Only Pre-Christmas in Branson–Rail and sail! Christmas is a magical time in the Ozarks and it’s even more exciting because we have some of the best seats in the house to the best shows. Your days and nights are filled with incredible shows, great food and glitzy displays. See some of the top performers and sights in the world, including– Andy Williams Spectacular, Yakov Smirnoff, The Lettermen, Johnny Mathis and the Oak Ridge Boys, Million Dollar Quartet, Piece Arrow, Shoji Tabuchi’s Christmas Show, Titanic–The Legend Continues, the Branson Showboat cruise, Tribute to Mary Robbins, College of the Ozarks, Dick Clarks American BandStand Grill and more! Six days filled days with action-packed shows and all of your nights at the wonderful Welk Resort! This trip even includes most meals and your airfare. ONLY $1999 pp/do It’s included... • At home pick up in the Seattle area to SeaTac Airport • Round-trip airfare from Seattle to Springfield/Branson • 5 breakfasts, 4 dinners • All transfers • Deluxe motorcoach transport • Highlights Include: – Johnny Mathis & The Oakridge Boys – Yakov Smirnoff’s Christmas – The Lettermen – Pierce Arrow Christmas Show – Tribute to Marty Robbins – Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular – Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Show – Tour the Veteran’s Memorial Museum – Million Dollar Quartet at the Welk Resort – Branson Scenic Train Ride – Dinner Cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle • Fully escorted and narrated so you don’t miss a thing! Where you’ll stay... 5 Nights Welk Resort Hotel, Branson The bottom line... DATES: November 11-16 6 days PRICE: $1999 pp/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $499 Includes round-trip airfare! PAGE 19 Snow Train to Leavenworth Treelighting Festival A trip to the North Pole isn’t in the cards this Christmas. But who needs negative temps and tons of travel, when you can join us on the only daylight train to the legendary Christmas town of Leavenworth to see the annual Lighting Festival. The fun begins as you board the train, cozy into your seat and enjoy a continental breakfast. The changing scenery outside will compete for your attention onboard the train as oom-pa-pah bands, carolers, magicians and Santa perform through the aisles. Upon arrival in Leavenworth, the fun continues in the streets of this Bavarian mountain town, that’s dressed up to look and feel, as The New York Times wrote, “a bit like the interior of a snow globe.” We’ll roam around this perfect place to spark the holiday spirit, where horse-drawn carriages glide down the roads, carolers stroll, and vendors sell delicious holiday fare. Later, we’ll gather for one truly magical moment–the entire town will become illuminated in a synchronized display that rivals the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree (and is a whole lot more charming). After, reboard the train where dinner, more entertainment, hot chocolate and our fabulous staff awaits to make your christmas wishes come true. It’s included... • Round-trip train from Seattle, Edmonds or Everett Stations to Leavenworth, Washington • Bus shuttle into Leavenworth • Continental breakfast • Catered box dinner • Lots of on board holiday entertainment Departure locations... Seattle–King Street Station Edmonds–Edmonds Train Station Everett–Everett Train Station The bottom line... DATES: Dec. 5, 12, OR 19, 2015 PRICE (starting at): Coach seating $189 pp Premium seating $259 pp Dome seating $319 pp • Private, VIP Cars Available • Great for Company Parties! Winner of KING5’s Best of the NW 16 different on-board entertainers perform each trip, including: • Nationally televised performers • Garrison Keillor’s band– the Canote Brothers • Nationally renowned magicians • String quartets ....and many more! PAGE 20 Dubai & Abu Dhabi– Arabian coast cruise Live like a Sheikh as you jet from Seattle to Dubai. Upon arrival, we will take you to the Splendour of the Seas your luxurious ship for the next 7 nights. Ports of call include the enchanting city of Khasab located on the glittering shores of the straits of Homuz; Muscat with its medieval heritage and the Sultan’s palace; Abu Dhabi with its spectacular mosques and traditional bazaars; and, of course, Dubai. Leave your expectations behind as you set out to explore natural wonders, ancient mosques and modern luxury architecture rising like dunes in the awe-inspiring expanses of desert sand. Created from an oasis in the desert and turned into a famous tourist and business mecca, Dubai is an embodiment of the most daring human ideas. See the world’s tallest building, take a submarine elevator down to a restaurant and dine with the sharks, ride a camel, visit an underwater resort, wander through super-sized shopping malls with one that duplicates the Taj Mahal and Beijing’s Forbidden City, or ski indoors on a black-diamond ski slope. Dubai is not only a dream, but also proof that dreams can come true. All of your meals, entertainment, air, accommodations and transfers are included. Add a 7 day extension to India for only $1999 per person double occupancy. Starting at $2299 pp/do It’s included... • Free round-trip shuttle from your home (Seattle area) to SeaTac Airport • Round-trip airfare from Seattle to Dubai • All transfers • 1 night Dubai • 7 night cruise onboard the Splendor of the Seas • All meals on ship • All entertainment on ship Where you’ll stay... 1 Night 7 Nights Dubai on the Splendor of the Seas The bottom line... DATES: January 3-11, 2016 9 days PRICE: Starting at $2299 pp/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Call Includes round-trip airfare BOOK BY JUNE 25th FOR A $100 PER COUPLE DISCOUNT PAGE 21 Winter rail trip to Jasper, Banff & Chateau Lake Louise Ice Fest Our snowy mountain holiday begins as we board Via Rail for a stunning train trip into the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy sleeping accommodations, fabulous food and first-class service as our train winds past the ice-choked Thompson River, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies and mountain vistas. Watch for large concentrations of elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goats as we enter the Park boundaries. Disembark in Jasper and board a deluxe motor coach for a remarkable trip through the Icefields Parkway–one of the world’s most scenic drives. Spend two nights at Chateau Lake Louise, one of Canada’s most beautiful landmark hotels. During the festival, 20 teams from around the world will have 53 hours to create ice masterpieces which will last until April. Next, we’re off to Banff. You’ll see a castle at the base of Mt. Rundle–our hotel for one night. See the sites of the charming town of Banff and live like royalty at the Banff Springs Hotel before departing to Jasper for our rail trip home. Starting at $1999 pp/do PAGE 22 It’s included... • Round-trip motorcoach transportation from Seattle to Vancouver, BC • 2 nights Via Rail Silver and Blue Class Section room accommodations with upper and lower berth and shared bath • 3 nights deluxe hotel accommodations: 2 at Chateau Lake Louise, 1 in Banff • 2 full breakfasts, 2 dinners • Fully escorted and narrated so you won’t miss a thing! Where you’ll stay... 2 Nights Sleeping accommodations on train 1 Night Banff Springs Hotel 2 Nights Chateau Lake Louise The bottom line... DATES: January 22-27, 2016 6 days PRICE: Starting at $1999 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $689 UPGRADES AVAILABLE: Private room with private bath $485 per person/do Iceland–glacier walks and Northern Lights It’s been called the most spectacular show on earth, and you can see it live in Iceland! We’re talking about the northern lights–or aurora borealis–those mysterious lights that dance across the night sky. And with its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the best places on earth to witness this incredible phenomenon. Although sightings can’t be guaranteed, this 6-day escape will provide opportunities for adventures like snowmobiling or super-jeep safaris while chasing the lights. The country’s winter nights are longer and darker than almost anywhere else in the world—the perfect canvas for a mystical lights show. You’ll get to explore Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world, with Center Hotel Plaza as your home base. Despite the latitude, warm ocean currents make the climate more similar to New England’s than Siberia’s. On a tour of the Golden Circle, stop to marvel at roaring waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, and towering geysers—all the result of Iceland’s unique geothermal activity. You’ll also take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, which owes its striking color to volcanic minerals that turn the hot spring water milky blue. Iceland’s astounding natural phenomena and pitch-black sky will redefine your idea of a winter wonderland. It’s included... • Complimentary at-home pick up in the greater Seattle area • Round-trip airfare from Seattle to Iceland • All transfers • Luggage handling at hotels • Deluxe motorcoach transportation • Meals: 4 breakfasts • Highlights include: - Reykjavik City Tour - Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site - Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall) - Strokkur, the Great Geysir’s little brother - Geothermal power station Hellisheiðarvirkjun - Geothermal outdoor swimming pool in Laugardalur - Reykjanes peninsula and the Blue Lagoon • Fully escorted and narrated so you won’t miss a thing! Where you’ll stay... 4 Nights hotel in Iceland The bottom line... DATES: January 30-February 4 OR February 6-11, 2016 6 days PRICE: $1699 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $299 Includes round-trip airfare ONLY $1699 pp/do PAGE 23 Fly to LA, rail to San Antonio, and cruise the Caribbean A fun holiday begins with a short flight to Los Angeles. Upon arrival, we’ll head to the train station to board Amtrak’s Sunset Limited Superliner train. Spend two fun nights winding through dramatic Southwest landscapes. Enjoy comfortable sleeping accommodations and all of your meals while onboard. We’ll disembark in San Antonio. Discover the lure of the Old West in this enchanting city, referred to as the “American Venice” because of its sidewalk cafés, historic architecture and famous river centerpiece. Spend three fun nights on the famous Riverwalk. Our local guide will show you the Alamo, Mission of San Jose and the colorful Mexican market place. Finally we’re off to Galveston to board the Liberty of the Seas for a 7-night cruise. Ports of call include: Galveston; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel. It’s included... • Free at home shuttle from your Seattle area home to Sea Tac Airport • Round-trip airfare from Seattle to Los Angeles and Houston to Seattle • Deluxe motorcoach transportation • 2 nights sleeping accommodation on the Sunset Limited • 2 nights hotel accommodation in San Antonio, Texas • Breakfast in San Antonio • 7 night luxury cruise on the Liberty of the Seas. Ports of call: Galveston, Texas; 2 days at sea; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico • All of your meals while on board the Sunset Limited train • All meals and entertainment on the ship Where you’ll stay... Starting at $2599 pp/do BOOK BY JUNE 25th FOR A $150 PER COUPLE DISCOUNT 2 Nights On the Sunset Limited train 2 Nights San Antonio 7 Nights On the Liberty of the Seas luxury liner The bottom line... DATES: February 10-21, 2016 12 days PRICE: Starting at $2599 pp/do Includes sleeper cabin on train and inside cabin on ship. Upgrades available: Deluxe sleeper with private bath $405 pp. Outside cabin upgrade: $355 Balcony cabin upgrade: $850 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Starting at $1399 Taxes and fees: $119.83 Includes airfare, rail and cruise PAGE 24 Floating Dreams– Thailand’s most beautiful festival Lights from hundreds of candles twinkle on the water. Each one carries prayers and wishes sent off to float down rivers and streams. Celebrate Loy Krathong, one of Thailand’s most beautiful festivals. Thai people gather around lakes, rivers and canals to pay respects to the goddess of water by releasing beautiful lotus shaped rafts, decorated with candles, incense and flowers onto the water and sky. This trip has it all. See the Golden spires of Buddhist temples with meandering monks and alters with Lotus Flowers. See the King’s Golden Palace. Cruise the river by long tail boat to the chaotic floating market. As we float past boats you can buy everything from chickens to trinkets. After seeing the highlights of Bangkok we will continue north to the mountainous region- Chiang Mai. Visit a working elephant camp and see the jungles teaming with birds and monkeys. Our journey continues to the Golden Triangle where you will visit the people from the famous Karen Tribe. All of this and more in 13 unforgettable days. It’s included... • At-home pick up in Seattle area • Roundtrip international airfare from Seattle to Bangkok • All transfers • Intra-country airfare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai • 10 Breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners including one Thai dance performance • Sightseeing included (Highlights of Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai): - Grand Palace - Jim Thompson House - Nakhon Pathom - Ancient ruins of Ayutthaya - Wat Muang Temple - Oxcart ride to Wat Sri Chum - Chiang Mai Elephant Camp - Orchid Farm - Floating Market - Boat ride along the Kok River - Local English speaking guides • Fully escorted so you won’t miss a thing ONLY $2899 pp/do Where you’ll stay... 4 Nights 1 Night 1 Night 4 Nights 1 Night Bangkok Pitsanuloke Lampang Chiang Mai Chiang Rai The bottom line... BOOK BY JUNE 25th FOR A $150 PER COUPLE DISCOUNT DATES: November 4-16, 2016 13 days PRICE: $2899 per person/do SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $699 Includes round-trip airfare Your Tour Guide, Tyson, is an expert on Thailand! PAGE 25 Unbelievable Deals on Long & Short Getaways June 16-17, 2015 Mystery overnight tour Do you like to take Train Trips? These symbols will quickly help you find Alki Tours fun-filled rail trips. Check out our train tours website at www.great trainescapes.com 2 days $289 per person/do Single supplement $80 Looking for something completely different—a brand-new journey into the unknown for 2 days and 1 night— guaranteed excitement, and fun with friendly travelers just like you? We’ll here you go! Includes transportation, superb hotel accommodations, breakfast, and dinner. June 20-27, OR September 12-19, 2015 Trains across Colorado 8 days $1999 per person/do Single supplement $587 Includes round-trip airfare See page 4 July 4-5, 2015 Rail and sail to the largest fireworks display west of the Mississippi 2 days $329 per person/do Single supplement $99 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 26 All aboard Amtrak’s Cascades for a scenic rail trip to Portland. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy the sights this great city has to offer. Next, freshen up at our lovely hotel before a dazzling evening. All aboard the Portland Spirit for a spectacular cruise on the Columbia River. After an elegant dinner, enjoy front row views of the largest fireworks extravaganza west of the Mississippi. The next day, enjoy a lovely breakfast before heading to the train station for our trip home. July 11-15 OR 23-27, 2015 Rail to Glacier National Park 5 days Starting at $1599 per person/do Single supplement $525 See page 5 July 16-18, 2015 SOLD OUT! NEW DATE August 26-28, 2015 Cruise Canada’s Princess Louisa Inlet by boat & float plane 3 days $579 per person/do Single supplement $295 Princess Louisa Inlet is so beautiful that once visited, you don’t need to see the rest of the world since there is no other scenery that can beat it. Conde Nast called this “One of the top 10 destinations to visit in the world”. It takes a bit of effort to reach as it’s only accessible by boat or plane. In 3 days, you’ll take a motorcoach, ferry, private boat and sea plane! Stay 2 nights on the Sunshine Coast. The next day, board a boat for a thrilling cruise through fast rapids and marvel at granite-lined walls that stretch skyward from sea level to nearly seven thousand feet. At the heart of the inlet, cascades of water descend thousands of feet down the granite walls, culminating in the boiling white water of Chatterbox Falls. Next, board a float plane for an incredible 20-minute flight. This will provide an overview of mountains jutting out of the sea, clusters of islands, channels and inlets. You’ll love this 3-day getaway. July 19-20, 2015 Sequim Lavender Festival and overnight at Manresa Castle 2 days $259 per person/do Single supplement $109 Fields of lavender. Sunshine. Picture-perfect farm houses. Whitecapped mountains in the distance. No, you’re not in southern France– you’re in Sequim, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Sequim celebrates the beauty and usefulness of this sweet-smelling herb annually during its peak bloom season in July. The Sequim Lavender Weekend includes a day of lavender farm tours, community fairs, and other special events. The tours allow you to get an up-close view (and smell!) of the blooming fields and to learn how the growers cultivate and use their lavender. Farms on these tours provide different amenities and entertainment, including gift shops, food and crafts booths, live music, and U-pick lavender blooms. After you enjoy the festivities we’ll head to Manresa Castle for a fun overnight stay. Price includes: motorcoach transportation to Sequim, round-trip ferry fares, juice and pastries in the morning, the festival and tours, overnight in Port Townsend at Manresa Castle, buffet breakfast, tour and shopping time in Port Townsend, fully escorted and narrated by a professional Tour Manager. August 11-14, 2015 WAITLISTING! Pacific Rim and cruise the Broken Islands 4 days $899 per person/do Single supplement $329 August 13-20, 2015 The Wild West of Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore & Jackson Hole 8 days Starting at $2599 per person/do Single supplement $589 Includes airfare Listen up, The Black Hills are a callin’: It’s time to strap on your spurs, saddle up, and git goin’. Visit the incredible national parks of Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota. Fly into Salt Lake City (1 night) with city tour, genealogy class, and the Mormon Tabernacle. Continue by coach to Jackson Hole (1 night) and the Grand Tetons National Park. Next, we stay 2 nights right in Yellowstone National Park with a full day of sightseeing. Stop at Lake Yellowstone, Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs terraces, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Hayden Valley and more. See elk, deer, bear, moose, buffalo, and so much more. Next, travel east to tour the Buffalo Bill Cody western museum and also visit the Little Big Horn, site of Custer’s Last Stand. A cowboy country overnight in Sheridan before arriving in the Black Hills of South Dakota for 2 nights at the wonderful K Bar Lodge. Tour the Mt. Rushmore Memorial by day and night, the Crazy Horse Memorial to FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 27 Our Specialties Great Prices Volume contracting for hotels and services allows us to offer wholesale rates. And you’ll know the cost in advance. Fun and Friendship Meet travelers as active and curious as you are! Many lasting friendships begin while touring! SEE Everything You’ll see everything with our professional tour directors and local tour guides. we take care of you From beginning to end, we take care of all the details so you can concentrate on having the time of your life! All tours departing from SeaTac are provided with complimentary Shuttle Service from your home. (There is a small service charge for pickups outside the Seattle area) Sitting Bull, Deadwood, and Bear Country Park. We include airfare, hotel accommodations, 12 meals, sightseeing, deluxe motorcoach transportation and transfers. Tour is operated in conjunction with our travel partners. What are ya waitin’ for? Giddyup, this tour always sells out fast. *Departure operated in conjunction with our TAP Partners. August 16-21, 2015 Heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies (Bugaboo Mountains) 6 days $3499 per person/do Single supplement: Call Includes round-rip airfare and 10-12 helicopter flights WAITLISTED! August 16-22, 2015 Downton Abbey and English castles THE ONLY TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL 2016! 8 days $4099 per person/do Single supplement $987 Includes round-trip airfare See page 6-7 August 19-21, 2015 Seven Feathers Casino & jet boat the Rogue River PAGE 28 August 24-September 1, 2015 The alpine villages of Switzerland 9 days $3999 per person/do Single supplement $455 Includes round-trip airfare You may think you have seen Switzerland, but you have not seen THIS part of the Swiss Alps. What a wonderfully refreshing change from the busy, always moving schedule of most tours. Fly round-trip to Zurich and unpack for 6 nights at the 4star Hotel Silberhorn in the little village of Wengen. The town overlooks the Lauterbrunnen Valley at 3 days $339 per person/do Single supplement $175 Some vacation opportunities are FOR MORE lucky, some are smart, and some INFORMATION, have the good fortune of being both. Get ready to ante up on our PLEASE CALL trip to Seven Feathers Resort and 206.935.6848 Casino, where a two-night stay is 1.800.895.ALKI an ace in your hand that needs to be played. You’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot at this luxurious S U M M E R resort. In the morning, go double or nothing with the hotel’s generous breakfast buffet. There’s virtually no limit to this high-stakes breakfast UPDATE that offers golden-brown French toast, fruit-smothered pancakes, fluffy made-to-order omelets, and more. Grab your Lady Luck and get ready for a different kind of green as we head to Hell Gate Jet Boats for a cruise up the Rogue River. Lunch is a mouth-watering BBQ in the middle of the wilderness with million dollar views. Tonight try your luck on the world-class casino floor that boasts more than 3,000 of the latest casino slots and video poker games, table games including blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette, a 24-hour poker room, and two high-limit areas. Includes: deluxe motorcoach, sightseeing, 2 breakfasts, jet boat and BBQ, $5 slot play and a $5 meal voucher. This 3-day getaway is a triple seven. 3800 feet, but surrounded by 10,000 foot mountains such as Eiger, Monk, and Jungfrau. Enjoy breakfast and dinner daily as you use your pass to ride on trains, gondolas, aerial trams, and lake steamers. Each day you will visit a different attraction and travel just like the local Swiss do! See Grindelwald, Brienz woodcarvers, Interlaken, Lucerne, Bern, Trummelbach Falls, Grosse Scheidegg and Merrigen. Includes 14 meals–7 breakfasts and 7 dinners, airfare, accommodations in Wengen, sightseeing, and transfers. Operated in conjunction with our AFC travel partner. This tour will make you feel like are in a James Bond movie. *Guaranteed departure offered through our AFC Vacations partner. something unabashedly over-thetop about the Silver Reef casino— even above and beyond it being a place where the brave risk losing a lot of money in hopes of gaining more. And as gaming culture becomes increasingly popular, the August 27-29, 2015 casino experience has grown into far more than blackjack and slots. The casinos have morphed into a mecca involving fantastic food, luxurious spas, golf courses and world class entertainment. Enjoy it all at a fabulous night at the Silver Reef casino–known for its in-your-face view of Mount Baker. All of your meals, gorgeous hotel accommodations, $10 dollar slot play and $5.00 US table match play are included. After a fun-filled night, we’ll head to historic Fairhaven for a different kind of fun. All aboard for a deluxe Whale watching cruise. Listen to wonderful commentary and enjoy a home style BBQ Chicken lunch with all of the extras and dessert. This trip puts the “F” in fun and includes everything... Casino hopping on the Oregon Coast & Quinault Resort 3 days $369 per person/do Single supplement $139 Get OUTTA the house! The party on wheels begins as we depart for the coast. We’ll stop at Spirit Mountain Casino on the way to Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast. Spend one night overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Chinook Winds. Don’t let your money burn a hole in your pocket– head downstairs to the casino. Next day we’ll cruise along the Oregon Coast seeing all of the sights, stopping along the way for lunch and Tillamook ice cream. Later in the afternoon, we’ll stop at Quinault Beach Resort. This gorgeous 4-star resort is located at Ocean Shores. Walk the beach or gamble a bit more. It’s all about having fun! September 2-3, 2015 Whale watching and Silver Reef Casino 2 days $259 per person Single supplement $89 Book by June 25th for a $40 per couple discount! Expect a high-rolling good time on this fun 2 day getaway. There is Don’t miss this one! Paris & Normandy Cruise See page 32 September 5-8, 2015 Rail to Crater Lake 4 days $699 per person/do Single supplement $269 Few forget their first glimpse of Crater Lake on a clear summer’s day—21 square miles of water so intensely blue it looks like ink, ringed by cliffs towering up to 2,000 feet above. Mt. Mazama erupted and the collapsed caldera and melting waters formed a lake more than 1,900 feet deep, the deepest lake in the United States. Wildflowers, along with hemlock, fir, and pine, recolonized surroundings. Black bears, bobcats, deer, marmots, eagles and hawks returned. Now it’s FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 29 remote Stehekin for an overnight at the lodge. See the way the locals live in this community accessible only by boat or float plane. Don’t settle for run-of-the-mill when you deserve one-of-a-kind—just when you thought you had lake vacations all figured out, this escape washes up to exceed your expectations. REGULATIONS on International Travel Fees. We comply with the Department of Transportation’s mandate that government taxes and all fees be included in advertised tour prices with airfare. Fuel Surcharges By signing up for the group air option you are reserving, not purchasing, your space. Airlines reserve the right to change the fuel surcharge at time of ticketing. Since surcharges have been calculated in the price of your ticket, we expect that any additional surcharge increases will be minor. What’s Not Included Country departure/ entry taxes may not be included in some cases. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 30 your chance to visit the gem of the Cascades. Begin with a scenic train journey from Seattle to Eugene. Overnight at a gorgeous hotel and after a hearty breakfast, we will make the ascent to Crater Lake for a wonderful two night stay. Spend at least a half day touring the 33-mile Rim Drive, enjoying its many overlooks. Thanks to some of the cleanest air in the nation, you can see for almost 90 miles in every direction. After being so close to heaven we will pack up and take the train home–happy, relaxed and at peace with the world. September 9-15, 2015 New York City 7 days $2799 per person/do Single supplement $1249 Includes round-trip airfare See page 8 September 12-19, 2015 Trains across Colorado 8 days $1999 per person/do Single supplement $587 Includes round-trip airfare See page 4 September 13-14, 2015 September 9-11, 2015 Overnight in Lake Chelan and Stehekin Overnight cruise on the Ruby Princess to Vancouver, BC 3 days $499 per person/do Single supplement $179 2 days Starting at $169 per person/do Single supplement: Call Lakeside retreats can seem selfexplanatory—you retreat to a lake, after all. But things get a lot more interesting when that body of water is one of the most remarkable in the world: the 1,500-footdeep Lake Chelan. “Lake Chelan, often compared to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, is a true natural wonder, warm as any summer beach at one end, glacier-chilled and full of Kokanee salmon at the other,” says The New York Times. “The most productive apple orchards in the country cling to the sunny hillsides in the dry part, while moss-covered homesteads and the state’s only one-room schoolhouse await the explorer’s eye near Stehekin.” The first night is spent on the shores of Chelan. The next day we’ll cruise to Seattle has its fair share of people who live the life of the rich and famous–Bill Gates and Paul Allen, anyone?–but if you’re not so loaded that a loss of $7 billion in one year would be a minor blip on your financial statement, you can feel like a high-roller for one night, at least, with an overnight stay on a Princess Cruise Lines ship. With swimming pools, a health spa, casinos and Broadway-style entertainment this will be one enchanting evening. Snuggle into your stateroom and enjoy the amenities of your floating resort. All meals and entertainment are included on the ship. The following day, we’ll bring you back to Seattle. September 15-23, 2015 Rail to LA and sail on the Ruby Princess 9 days $1699 per person/do Single supplement: Call Here’s a great opportunity to leave town and head for some sunshine. Join Alki Tours for this fun tour that combines Amtrak’s famous Coast Starlight train, with a Baja California cruise and lots of fun surprises! Start by boarding the Coast Starlight in Seattle and head south through Redwood forests to a magnificent coastline. Amtrak will pamper us with all meals included. After dinner, fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the train and whistling rails. Enjoy a second day of rail with the scenic beauty of the California Coast. Arrive in Los Angeles and our pre-cruise begins as we board the Queen Mary for the night! She may never leave the dock, but this wonderful treat will give us a peak into cruising past as we enjoy the luxury of an earlier era. After a hearty breakfast onboard, have time to explore the Queen Mary before boarding Princess Cruise Line’s Ruby Princess, which will be our home for the next four nights. A fun and comfortable Grand Class Cruise Line, The Ruby will be a place to relax and enjoy the sunshine as we cruise between the ports of Los Angeles, Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. We will explore Hollywood. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner and restful night’s sleep before re-boarding the Coast Starlight home. Trip includes: overnight accommodations on the Coast Starlight, a night on the Queen Mary, a night in Hollywood and 4 nights on the Ruby Princess. Everything is included on this wonderful holiday. September 21-29, 2015 French Canada and Niagara Falls– Featuring Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City CHECK OUT ALKITOURS.COM FOR WEB ONLY SPECIALS! 9 days $3199 per person/do Single supplement: Call Includes round-trip airfare Our Canada’s Capital Cities plus Niagara Falls vacation explores four distinctly different capital cities in eastern Canada–Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City–each with its own unique personality and cultural background. Two -night stays in Toronto, Quebec and Montreal hotels in the heart of the cities allow more time to explore what makes each so special. Cruise along the St. Lawrence River through the Thousand Islands, cruise on the Maid of the Mist to the base of Niagara Falls, enjoy an ice wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake and more during this 9-day trip. *Departure operated in conjunction with our TAP Partners. September 25, 26, 27; October 2, 3, 4, 2015 New England’s fall foliage by rail 8 days $2299 per person/do Single supplement $525 Book by June 25th for a $100 per couple discount! See page 10-11 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 31 September 26-October 7, 2015 Danube River cruise– $1000 less than our competitors! 12 days As low as $3999 per person/do Single supplement: Call Includes round-trip airfare, cruise and transfers Limited Space Available! See pages 12-13 You think THAT’S a nice rock? Wait until you see that one at Mt. Rushmore. Yowza! in Paris you’ll board the firstclass MS Amadeus Diamond River Ship for a seven night adventure through Normandy. This handcrafted journey includes carefully designed shore excursions to villages, markets, museums, the D-Day beaches and the artsy seaside village of Honfleur and Monet’s gardens. Don’t miss out on experiencing the best of Paris and Normandy on this small ship river cruise adventure— space is limited. Also included: A classical concert in Paris, entrance to the Musée d’Orsay and much more. October 3-9, 2015 New Mexico’s Balloon Fiesta, Taos and Santa Fe 7 days $1999 per person/do Single supplement $799 Includes round-trip airfare See page 9 October 5-15, 2015 Paris and Normandy by exclusive river cruise October 9-11, 2015 Fall colors, covered bridges of Linn County, Mennonite Festival & wine country 3 days $469 per person/do Single supplement $189 A fun weekend begins with a trip to Oregon to see vineyards, Mennonites and the largest collection of covered bridges in the West. 11 days Starting at $3995 pp/do Single supplement: Call Includes round-trip airfare Join Alki Tours and fellow food, wine and art lovers this fall on a culinary adventure to the City of Light, Paris! Visit open-air markets, meet the makers of fine wine, cheese and bread. After three days FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 32 We’ll spend two nights in the heart of the wine country and do some great sightseeing from there. First, an expert guide will tell you tales about the rugged pioneers armed with only hand tools, sweat and ambition that began building covered bridges in Oregon during the mid-1850’s. Next, we’ll head to the Mennonite Festival and Auction. Enjoy incredible hand-crafted items from more than 38 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. You can browse for jewelry, home decor, gifts and more handcrafts. There is a country store with Mennonite items, used books booth, Marta’s Haus featuring quilt-related items, and a garden. Enjoy a spirited auction, and great food. Finally, tour some of Oregon’s wineries during their harvest season. The perfect three-day getaway! October 14-16, 2015 Walla Walla balloon stampede and wine tasting 3 days $459 per person/do Single supplement $179 Four ducks, a sheep and a rooster were the first creatures to ever take a hot air balloon ride. In October, humans will fly over the vineyards of Walla Walla. Experience the history and culture as you talk to the pilots while they are filling the immense balloons. After the mass ascension the cameras flash and the corks fly for a toast of champagne. Includes wine tasting, the Whitman Mission, some meals, transportation and floating dreams. October 14-21, 2015 Smoky Mountains fall foliage, New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville 8 days $2099 per person/do Single supplement $599 Includes round-trip airfare See page 14 October 18-24, 2015 Rail across Canada and Niagara Falls 7 days $2499 per person/do Private berth upgrade $555 pp/do Single supplement $625 Includes rail and airfare DON’T FORGET... To Book EARLY for discounts! For many decades, one of the ‘mustdo’ holidays on every traveler’s list has been the legendary cross-Canada train trip, from Toronto to Vancouver, in vista-dome comfort. A trip packed with monumental thrills begins with a flight to Toronto where you will spend a few action-packed days seeing the sights, sounds and history of this multi-cultural city. Then, enjoy a full day tour to mighty Niagara Falls. Get an up-close look at the Falls on the Maid of the Mist FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI Tour Shots: Himalayas Climbing those Mountains really works up your thirst. Luckily, we have Beer Man! Now, how to keep those brewskies cold?...see page 39. SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 33 We Love Groups! Alki Tours offers lots of bonuses to groups of 15 or more, plus: • Maximum value, guaranteed prices & outstanding experience • Round-trip transportation to/ from your group’s pick-up location • We custom design fabulous itineraries • Want to travel for FREE? get a group and call us to find out how!! cruise. Next, you’ll find yourself at the train station awaiting your departure for a rail journey across Canada! Then the doors close, you’ll snuggle into your accommodations and you’re off for an epic adventure through a country that spans 6 time zones. Enjoy incredible dining, and first-class service as you roll past picturesque villages, through cosmopolitan cities, across rolling prairies, over the Rockies and to the rugged Pacific Coast. Every day of this trip is a highlight. October 20-26, 2015 Arizona’s trains including the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Verde Canyon 7 days $1999 per person/do Single supplement $546 Includes airfare Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! See page 15 October 22-29, 2015 Peru’s Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca extension 8 days $2999 per person/do Single supplement $499 Includes airfare See page 16 October 24-26, 2015 October in Whistler 3 days FOR MORE $329 per person/do INFORMATION, Single supplement $159 PLEASE CALL Join us for 3 days of riotous fun as 206.935.6848 we head up the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Spend two nights 1.800.895.ALKI at the lovely Listel Hotel located in the heart of the Olympic Village. S U M M E R Oozing with fabulous boutiques, yummy places to eat, great outdoor entertainment, fun pubs…this is an adult playground. Our volume UPDATE PAGE 34 discount makes this an irresistible opportunity! October 24-November 1, 2015 Discover Cuba and Havana! 9 days $3950 per person/do Single supplement $675 Includes round-trip air from Miami See page 17 October 29-November 1, 2015 Best of Catalina, Halloween on the Queen Mary and J. Paul Getty getaway 4 days $999 per person/do Single supplement $369 Includes round-trip airfare A frighteningly fun getaway begins with a flight to California and ferry over to semi-tropical Catalina Island. Spend two nights seeing the highlights of this Hollywood haunt... lovers cove, the pastel village loaded with boutiques, the stunning countryside with roaming buffalo and the historic, art deco Casino. Next ferry to the Queen Mary for a chance to sleep–if you dare. Everyone knows the ship is haunted and is no stranger to haunted happenings. Throughout the years, Queen Mary employees, guests and visiting psychics have reported unexplainable events and paranormal activity aboard the ship. From the start, a thick fog takes advantage of the Queen Mary’s shipping port surroundings. The eerie effect perfectly sets the overall “sea evil” maritime madness tone. What better way to spend Halloween? The grand finale is a trip to the J. Paul Getty Museum–rated one of the world’s best. Includes round-trip air, 3 nights lovely hotels, motorcoach, ferry fares, breakfast daily, welcome dinner and fully escorted and narrated so you won’t miss a thing! November 5-6, 2015 Ocean Shores & Quinault Beach Resort 2 days $179 per person/do Single supplement $89 You’ve gotta see this beautiful 4-star hotel located at Ocean Shores. If this hotel were any closer to the water, you’d need fins. The resort is surrounded by ocean and 200 acres of protected wetlands offering unparalleled views of nature’s beauty from virtually every window. With 150 over-sized guest rooms, each with 10 foot ceilings, fireplaces, dual dressing room vanities and large sitting areas you’re sure to be in the lap of luxury. To top it off, they have a swimming pool and full service spa. The only thing left to mention is the international-style casino with the latest in electronic gaming machines and a huge array of table games...odds are you’ll love this place! November 14-20, 2015 Florida coast to coast & the Keys Featuring Fort Meyers, Sarasota, the Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Key West 7 days $2599 per person/do Single supplement $567 Includes round-trip airfare Walt Disney was right: Florida is a place that captures the imagination. The landscape is exaggerated, and invites exaggeration. Spanish explorers saw manatees and imagined them mermaids; Ponce de Leon saw crystal-clear springs and imagined them fountains of youth. Developers saw swamps and sold them as paradise, but if they are, there’s plenty of the devil in them. See the highlights of this great state in 7 sun-filled days. Visit Miami–the most Latin city in the world north of Mexico. It’s a vibrant mix of Cuban, Haitian and Colombian cultures (just to name a few) splashed against a pastel backdrop of distinctive art deco architecture and turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay. Motor along to Tampa to see the homes of Edison and Henry Ford and then you’ll have the opportunity to experience the wilds of the Everglades. Stand still long enough to see an alligator’s Our fun and knowledgeable Tour Directors are the icing on your tour experience cake. November 7-16, 2015 Mysteries of Copper Canyon by rail 10 days $1999 per person/do Single supplement $500 Land Only See page 18 November 11-16, 2015 Pre-Christmas holiday in Branson 6 days $1999 per person/do Single supplement $499 Includes airfare See page 19 FOR MORE back surfacing above the water. If you’ve ever wanted to run away and join the circus, Sarasota is the place to go. John Ringling (yes, of Ringling Brothers fame) made Sarasota the winter home for his circus. His legacy lives on here in the Ringling Museum Complex, which includes his former home, a fine art museum, and of course, a circus museum. Finally we will ship out to Key West, where the INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 35 high-and low-brow mix it up with a devil-may-care attitude. *Departure operated in conjunction with our TAP Partners. November 26-27, 2015 Thanksgiving in Skamania 2 days $299 per person/do Single supplement $109 Ring in the new year with a booking on our Dubai tour. Ooh...Aah, Skamania. All aboard as our deluxe motor coach will whisk you away for a fun afternoon of sightseeing before checking into one of the most beautiful resorts in our state. Perched on the edge of the Columbia River, this resort dons a four-star rating. The views are spectacular–offering waterfalls, mountain peaks, forests and canyons. The warmth of the lodge is characterized by Native American-inspired rugs, original stone rubbings, warm Pendleton fabrics, mission-style wood furnishings. Indulge yourself. Soak in the jacuzzi fashioned out of river rocks and shaped like a bird, imbibe in a cocktail by the fire, walk on the beautifully groomed trails or just kick back and read a book. Includes deluxe motor coach transportation, one night at Skamania Resort, sightseeing along the Columbia River Gorge, one lunch and a memorable Thanksgiving feast. December 1-3, 2015 Exclusive private rail car from Los Angeles to Seattle FOR MORE 3 days INFORMATION, Starting at $1999 pp/do PLEASE CALL Call for additional options. Includes airfare to Los Angeles 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI Travel like a Rockefeller on this once-in-a-lifetime experience to indulge in the luxury of your own S U M M E R private rail car from LA to Seattle. The private part of it is really key. It becomes your home. You don’t have that same feeling on any other UPDATE PAGE 36 Amtrak car. It’s so relaxing, truly a vacation while onboard. Here is your opportunity: Board the Silver Solarium for a luxurious trip bound for Seattle. Your journey includes an assortment of roomettes and beautifully appointed bedrooms, plus a glass domed top for viewing. The car features mahogany interiors and original brass hardware. You’ll be served with vintage railroad silver and china, with a bar featuring full service complimentary cocktails, a lounge with club chairs, and your own private chef! Includes airfare to Los Angeles and one night hotel. December 2-5, 2015 Casino hop and holiday lights 4 days $399 per person/do Single supplement $169 Get outta the house and grab some holiday cheer. This party on wheels begins as we head south for a stop at Spirit Mountain Casino. Then, grab your winnings and we’ll head to the Coast and spend a night at the gorgeous 3 Rivers Casino. Check in, get your gaming package, enjoy a great dinner and take in some entertainment. The next day we head out to the Mill Casino for a second day of gaming excitement, followed by a visit to Shore Acres to see more than one quarter of a million holiday lights. Heading home, we’ll follow the Oregon Coast, stopping along the way for some sightseeing. There’s fun to be had around every corner. December 3-4, 2015 Mystery overnight tour 2 days $289 per person/do Single supplement $80 Looking for something completely different—a brand-new journey into the unknown for 2 days and 1 night—guaranteed excitement, and fun with friendly travelers just like you? We’ll here you go! Includes transportation, superb hotel accommodations, breakfast, and dinner. December 9-10, 2015 The 5-star Empress Hotel and Butchart Holiday Lights 2 days $389 per person/do Single supplement $119 All aboard for a wonderful way to usher in the holidays as we board the Victoria Clipper for a memorable night at the renowned Empress Hotel. The Fairmont Empress sits majestically at the cornerstone of Victoria’s sparkling Inner Harbour. This Vancouver Island hotel is located in British Columbia’s capital city and features turn of the century architecture, classic beauty and an unrivaled location on the water. Since 1908, it is Vancouver Island’s most celebrated resort and spa. Tonight, enjoy a at the Best Western Icicle Inn. Stay in the heart of this quaint Bavarian Village. The next morning enjoy breakfast at your leisure. Then spend the whole day at the Leavenworth Tree Lighting Festival. Enjoy chestnuts roasting on an open fire, entertainment and strolling carolers before the town is magically illuminated at dusk! After the festivities, we will return to Seattle by motorcoach. January 3-11, 2016 Dubai and Abu Dhabi– Arabian coast cruise 9 days Starting at $2299 per person/do Single supplement: Call Includes round-trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $100 per couple discount! See page 21 January 9-17, 2016 India’s Golden Triangle plus one night in Dubai fabulous trip to see the holiday lights. Once a year, Butchart comes alive with spectacular illuminations, music and holiday festivities. Stroll through the grounds and enjoy. The next day is yours to see the sights and do some holiday shopping. In the early evening, reboard the Clipper for a scenic cruise home. December 11-13, 2015 Rail to Leavenworth Treelighting Festival & Icicle Village Resort 3 days $499 per person/do Single supplement $139 Celebrate the Christmas season in style as we travel on Amtrak’s Empire Builder over Stevens Pass to Leavenworth. Upon arrival, a motorcoach awaits to whisk you away to 2 nights 9 days $3499 per person/do Single supplement $899 Includes round-trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $200 per couple discount! SAVE ONLINE Book any 1-5 day tour online and save an additional $10. Book a tour 6 days or longer and save an additional $50! *One-time discount only. Does not include Snow Train India will side-swipe you with its size, clamor, and diversity. If you think you know music, fashion, food, marriage–India does it all with a different spin. Jump on our magic carpet and land in an exotic land where you will luxuriate in beautiful hotels. Marvel at Ranakpur and the see the symbol of immortal love–the Taj Mahal. Ride an elephant to the FOR MORE Amber Fort. Sample India’s delicious INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 37 I want to go on the Costa Rica tour on page 39. Did you bring a ladder? and distinctive cuisine. Explore the fascinating belief systems and colorful mythologies of Jainism, Hinduism and Sikhism. Bargain with vendors in spice markets. India is a kaleidoscope of rich culture, architecture, and human diversity. You’ll be neck deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Join us for a trip of a lifetime! January 22-27, 2016 Winter rail to Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise during the International Ice Festival UPDATE PAGE 38 HURRY, SELLS OUT QUICK! February 1-6, 2016 February 10-21, 2016 In the winter the crowds leave the park just as the real show begins. Yellowstone becomes an enchanting land of frozen waterfalls, steaming fumerols and wildlife. Spend 3 memorable days touring the Park’s highlights by heated snow coach– FOR MORE imagine a tank on Nordic skis: it’s warm, with big viewing windows. INFORMATION, Around every corner a new surprise PLEASE CALL SUMMER Iceland, glacier walks and northern lights 6 days $1699 per person/do Single supplement $299 Includes round-trip airfare See page 23 6 days $1999 per person/do Single supplement $475 Land only For Air add $200 per person Book by June 25th for a $100 per couple discount! 1.800.895.ALKI January 30-February 4 OR February 6-11, 2016 6 days Starting at $1999 per person Single supplement $689 See page 22 Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons & Jackson Hole in winter 206.935.6848 may await–herds of elk and bison lounging on thermal hot spots, an otter tobogganing down the banks of a river or coyotes mousing in the snow. End your day with a dramatic finish as you watch (an almost private showing) of the eruption of Old Faithful. Spend 1 night in charming West Yellowstone, 2 nights at the new Old Faithful Snowlodge in Yellowstone, a fantastic night in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and a night in Salt Lake City! Fly to LA, rail to San Antonio and cruise the Caribbean 12 days Starting at $2599 per person/do Single supp. starting at $1399 Includes round-trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! See page 24 March 1-7, 2016 New Orleans & the mighty Mississippi 7 days $2199 per person/do Single supplement $499 Includes round-trip airfare Find out where the river runs wide and the crawfish hide as we travel to the deep South. Live it up with 6 nights in the heart of New Orleans; steeped in history, Creole cookin’ and gorgeous Antebellum mansions. We’re going to do it all. City tours in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Natchez and New Orleans. Tour the swamps and gator farm–home to alligators, raccoons, owls, wild boars, snakes, turtles, bald eagles, black bears and birds. Take a Cajun cooking class. See historic plantations, visit the D-Day Museum, tour the Mardi Gras Float Factory and cruise the mighty Mississippi. This city will cast a voodoo spell on you with its great sites, indigenous cuisine, gardens and music! Includes round trip airfare, gorgeous hotels, sightseeing and most all meals. *Departure operated in conjunction with our TAP Partners. very romantic. But our Costa Rica adventure will reveal a magical world where the air is cleaner, the greens are greener and life a little slower and sweeter. Laze on hammocks, explore lush rainforests, walk along pristine beaches with crashing white waves and enjoy the call of distant howler monkeys all while staying in luscious hotel accommodations. Costa Rica has so much to offer. After an interesting tour of San Jose, we’ll leave the big city for a 2 night stay in the shadow of an explosive volcano with nightly eruptions that can be seen from our hotel. Next, our trip is looking up as we visit Monteverde Cloud Forest. Called a cloud forest because REFER A FRIEND! And save $50 on your next extended tour! See back cover March 2-10, 2016 Pricebuster Costa Rica 9 days $2599 per person/do Single supplement $579 Includes round-trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! Think, ‘’Me Tarzan, you Jane.” Jungles, explosive volcanoes, and coffee plantations may not seem of its altitude, the clouds penetrate through the forest creating a stunning canopy rich with birds, butterflies and thousands of largerthan-life plants. Finally were off to stay on the Pacific Coast, walking secluded beaches, swimming to tropical reefs teaming with colorful FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI Tour Shots: Himalayas Beer Man’s buddy, Refrigerator Man, to the rescue! This guy carried that thing for 3 days and nearly 17 miles! SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 39 fish and exploring Manuel Antonio Park. 9 days later….we’ll put you on a plane and bring you back to civilization. March 19-31, 2016 China and Yangtze rail and sail–featuring Shanghai, Xian, Guilin and Beijing Every day on an Alki Tour is like opening a wedding gift! And we don’t mean those ones with a boring toaster! 13 days $2899 per person/do Single supplement $599 Land only Add International air for only $676 plus air taxes & fees A Visa is required Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! We start our tour with a flight to Shanghai–the most westernized area of China. It’s a festival of pent-up entrepreneurial spirit. Then we are off to visit Xian and its amazing, unearthed terra cotta warriors. Next, marvel at the stunning, magical landscapes of Guilin, the pearl of China’s tourist attractions. We follow that with a four-day river cruise on the Yangtze, traveling through the new Super Dam and thousands of years of history. Finally, we end in the ancient Chinese city of Beijing. You’ll witness the juxtaposition of the old China and the new, hip modern China. In Beijing we will visit the grand monuments including the Great Wall, Tien An Men Square and the Ming Tombs, before returning home. Call for a detailed flyer before this trip sells out. March 31-April 12, 2016 Affordable Turkey– FOR MORE Istanbul, Canakkale, INFORMATION, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia & Ankara PLEASE CALL 13 days 206.935.6848 $2999 per person/do 1.800.895.ALKI Single supplement $599 Includes round-trip airfare Book by June 25th for a S U M M E R $150 per couple discount! UPDATE PAGE 40 Combine Europe with the traditions of Asia, then add a Mediterranean climate and voila–it’s Turkey. The country seems unchanged since the time of St. Paul as cars share the road with donkey carts, homes are carved into rocks and you’ll see goat herders on the hillsides. Our guides will open doors independent travelers will never know existed. See a collection of treasures including the finest ancient Roman ruins, the jaw-dropping landscapes of Cappadocia, glistening cities, whirling dervishes, colorful bazaars, quaint seaside towns and sundrenched Mediterranean beaches. Those who haven’t been to Turkey wonder why anyone would go–those who have, dream of returning. April 13-18, 2016 Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, DC 6 days $1999 per person/do Single supplement $725 Includes round-trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $100 per couple discount! The epic story of American democracy comes to life in our nation’s capital city. View the extraordinary monuments throughout the National Mall that commemorate the heroes who have shaped our past, including the World War II Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. Join a local guide at the Tomb of the unknown soldier and see the eternal flame. Tour George Washington’s home and gardens. Uncover the gems of the Smithsonian Institution as you explore some of its world-renowned museum collections. Tour Washington National Cathedral and admire the architecture of this magnificent building that took 83 years to complete. On a guided tour, learn about Ford’s Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Indulge in local crab and dine in an historic tavern. Sit in reserved seats at our Nation’s Cherry Blossom Parade. Join us for this extraordinary exploration of America’s history and culture in Washington, D.C. town of Heidelberg, Remagen–rich in World II history, and medieval masterpieces like Bernkastel, Trier and Cochem. Pay tribute to those who fell in the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; get a true taste of Europe with regional specialties, local wines and folk traditions; and enjoy an exclusive special dinner at a historic venue surrounded by vineyards overlooking the Rhine in Germany. It’s all waiting for you aboard our enchanting Rhine-Moselle river cruise. And, of course, the world famous Tulips. You will love this trip. April 13-23, 2016 April 22-26, 2016 Holland tulips and castles with Bruges and Belgium 11 days Starting at $3999 pp/do Single supplement: Call Includes round-trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $200 per couple discount! River cruising with us along the Rhine means gliding past fairy-tale castles and picture-book villages… sampling brews and sausages in a biergarten… contemplating the craftsmanship inside a Gothic cathedral… meeting the vintners whose wine you’re tasting on a visit to their vineyards, and meandering through gorgeous gardens. So many delights lie along the Rhine and Moselle rivers – let us share them with you on a 10-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam aboard MS Amadeus. From the Netherlands to Switzerland, through Germany, France and Luxembourg, see the marriage of French and German culture in Strasbourg; mingle with jet setters in Baden-Baden; check out the ancient university San Antonio 125th annual Spring Fiesta 5 days MUST $1999 per person/do BOOK EARLY! Single supplement $459 Includes round-trip airfare True to the Mexican half of its Tex-Mex roots, San Antonio is like a piñata–chock-full of surprises and exploding with excitement. History buffs, of course, will not want to forget the Alamo, but more contemporary travelers will find a host of modern attractions along the city’s meandering River Walk–a treelined waterfront playground where cafés and clubs virtually spill over the banks. Art galleries and fusion restaurants are in no short supply, and the bustling open-air mercado at Market Square offers everything from hand-crafted turquoise jewelry and Western wear to the choicest local produce. Its included: Reserved seats for the coronation of the Queen and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, City tour with the Alamo, IMAX movie, Buckhorn Saloon, San Jose Mission,Tower of the America’s 750’ high view, private boat cruise of Paseo del Rio, day trip to Austin with LBJ Library, day trip to Fredericksburg with LBJ Ranch and Nimitz WWII Museum, spring wildflowers scenic country drive, baggage handling, AFC Vacation Manager, and round-trip airport transfers. *Departure operated in conjunction with our TAP Partners. Don’t miss this one... Cuba See page 17 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 41 April 22-May 11, 2016 The best Panama Canal itinerary 19 Days Starting at $3299 pp/do Single supplement: Call Includes airfare Book by June 25th for a $200 per couple discount! Compare... our prices to the Competition and save! Sail from ocean to ocean on this fabulous highlights cruise. Stand face-to-face with the grandeur of the Panama Canal aboard Princess Cruise Line’s grand-class ship–Island Princess. Whether you cross from Atlantic to Pacific or vice-versa, you’ll encounter experiences that lifelong explorers like Magellan could only dream of. When your ship enters the canal, it will rise 85 feet in one of the legendary Gatún Locks. As you cross the Continental Divide a new world of wonder and amazement awaits you on the other side. Join us for what will undoubtedly be an enlightening and rewarding journey at an incredible price! Cruise the following ports: Fort Lauderdale; the island of Aruba; Cartegena, Colombia; Panama Canal (cruising); Costa Rica; Nicaragua; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Los Angeles; and finally Vancouver. Trip includes your airfare, a 18-day cruise, all of your meals and entertainment on board ship! April 28-May 6, 2016 Rail on the Coast Starlight to LA and sail home on the Grand Princess enjoy as we wind our way to LA. See sights you will never see any other way than by train. The beauty of dining and quality of cuisine while on board will astound you. Traveling by train is so much fun. With great food, great sights, great drinks and great company…what more could you want? The next day we’ll check into the Queen Mary for an elegant stay and tour of this historic ship. In the morning we will head to the Grand Princess for a cruise up one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines to Vancouver, BC. Pamper yourself with entertainment, food, wine, trains and ships in 9 days. Ports of call are fabulous! Including Los Angeles and San Francisco, California; Astoria, Oregon; Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. Upon return, our motorcoach awaits for a quick trip home. This trip includes all of your accommodations, all of your food and entertainment for a remarkable price. May 4-11, 2016 Savannah, Charleston & Jekyll Island 8 days $2499 per person/do Single supplement $620 Includes round-trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! Experience the history, charm and singular hospitality of the Low Country in Georgia and South Carolina, considered America’s most beautifully preserved architectural 9 days Starting at $1699 per person/do FOR MORE Single supplement: Call INFORMATION, Book by June 25th for a PLEASE CALL $150 per couple discount! 206.935.6848 Get on board for a fun getaway 1.800.895.ALKI that includes a little bit of sunny California, a little bit of the Pacific Northwest, and a whole lot of fun. S U M M E R This fabulous escape begins on the newly refurbished Coast Starlight. Get settled in your sleeper accommodations and the sit back, relax and UPDATE PAGE 42 and historical treasure. Hobnob at opulent southern mansions and plantations of Charleston then pollinate your passion for rich culture in the heart of historic Savannah. This city is a model of Southern grace with 21 garden-filled public squares ringed by Antebellum town houses. Soak in two nights on Jekyll Island and visit the Jekyll Island Club, once described as “the richest, most exclusive club in the world.” Explore one of America’s oldest plantations, Boone Hall. Visit charming Beaufort. Explore the history of Savannah and Antebellum Charleston. Visit the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida. May 7-8, 2016 A night on the Norwegian Jewel from Vancouver, BC– On sale! 2 days Starting at $259 per person/do Single supplement: call All aboard for a quick run to the Border for passage onto the Norwegian Jewel for a night of fun. With swimming pools, a health spa, casinos and Broadway-style entertainment this will be one enchanting evening. Snuggle into your stateroom and enjoy the amenities of your floating resort. All meals and entertainment are included on the ship. The following day, we will bring you back to Seattle. May 15-20, 2016 Cruise Alaska and Inside passage 6 days Starting at $699 per person/do Single supplement: Call Book by June 25th for a $100 per couple discount! Stop, relax, unwind and be pampered on a 6-day cruise to the Great White North. Cruise the US and Canadian Inside Passages on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas. Along the way indulge in fabulous cuisine, gambling, exciting shows and spa sessions. You will have a front row view of the immensity of the mountains, the abundant wildlife and the adorable towns. Uncover the Tlingit cultures in Ketchikan, and the Grizzly Bear habitat in Prince Rupert. All of this and more in 6 beautiful days. May 21-23, 2016 Northern Quest Resort, Spokane Lilac Festival and cruise on Lake Coeur d’ Alene 3 days $499 per person/do Single supplement $139 Book by June 25th for a $40 per couple discount! You’ve got to see this place! Your winning holiday begins with a trip over the Cascades to Spokane for the famous Lilac Festival–rated one of the best and largest festivals in the country. Spend two nights at the 4-star Northern Quest Resort. Be pampered in the upscale spa and salon. Satisfy your hunger at one of 14 restaurants offering everything from burgers to fine dining. Cheer on your favorite team on the largest HDTV screen (measuring 30 X 10 feet) east of the Cascades. Or try your luck with true Las Vegas style gaming, and enjoy world-class entertainment. We’ll spend time at the festival and then head to Coeur d’Alene for a scenic lake cruise. Transportation, 2 nights fab rooms, sightseeing, meals and more! June 8-14 OR September 8-14, 2016 Maine ports-o-call 7 days $2499 per person/do Single supplement $479 Includes round trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! Here’s how it will go: You’ll say to a friend, “We’re taking a vacation in Maine.” Before you can continue, Hop Aboard! Our most popular Rail Trips...Rail across Canada, Trains across Colorado and New England fall foliage FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 43 June 11-18, 2016 We aim to sweep you off your feet with tours of amazing, even mindboggling, scenery! *sigh* you’ll be interrupted by a barrage of talk about lobstermen and saltsprayed air and a resort on a cliff. On this incredible tour visit the land of rocky coastlines, pine trees, lobster traps, lighthouses and maritime history. Travel in style, spending two nights at the Westin hotel in Portland, Maine; 2 nights at the Grand Hotel in Bar Harbor; and 2 nights in Boothbay Harbor. See Kennebunkport, Nickels Sortwell House in Wiscasset, Mr. Battie at Camden Hills, Acadia National Park, the Farnsworth Museum, Boothbay Harbor cruise and the Thomaston Maine State Prison Store. *Operated with our Travel Partners. June 10-11, 2016 Rail to the Portland Rose Festival Majestic Sierra Parks by train–Monterey, Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon 8 days $2599 per person/do Single supplement $499 includes round-trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $100 per couple discount! This first-class, 8 day getaway begins with a short flight to LA. Spend a fun day seeing the sights of Hollywood. The next day, live like a movie star as you board our private, deluxe dome rail car. Enjoy lovely meals onboard including wine and cocktails from LA to Monterey. Along the way we will visit 3 National Parks; Yosemite, Kings Canyon and the Sequoia Redwoods. Highlights include the Monterey Aquarium, Cannery Row, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Carmel 2 days $359 per person/do Single supplement $85 Book by June 25th for a $50 per couple discount! FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 44 Whoever said “Life isn’t a bed of Roses”, clearly hasn’t seen this tour. In 2016, the Rose Festival will celebrate 108 years of tradition and innovation– an event like none other! A great overnight tour begins with a train trip to Portland. Once in the city, enjoy a luncheon cruise along the Willamette River. Next, check into our lovely hotel–centrally located so you can enjoy the festivities in town! The next day, celebrate the nation’s second largest floral parade. You’ll have a chance to wander amongst the amazing floats, see the craftsmanship and discover how they make them. Then we’re off to the Coliseum where we’ll watch the Grand Floral Parade from our reserved seats. Hurry, this trip sells out every year, so if you snooze, you’ll lose! by the Sea, John Steinbeck Country and lunch at his boyhood home. Includes 13 meals, private rail travel and your airfare! June 17-29, July 1-13, OR July 15-27, 2016 Circle Newfoundland & Labrador tour 13 days $3599 per person/do Single supplement $1100 Land Only This comprehensive tour features the best of “the Far East of the Western World”. Travel from the northernmost tip of the island of Newfound- land to the most easterly point in North America through national parks – including Gros Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn of ancient peoples – the Maritime Archaic, Vikings, and Basques – as you travel to coastal fishing communities to meet the friendly and hospitable people of today. Boat tours provide the opportunity to see whales, thousands of seabirds, and, depending on the time of the year, icebergs! Sample local food and drink to become an honorary “Newfoundlander”! *Departure operated in conjunction with our TAP Partners. July 10-18, 2016 Canadian Rockies, Calgary Stampede, Via Rail, Grizzlies, Inside Passage and Ketchikan 9 days $2599 per person/do Single supplement $599 Includes airfare Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! A trip jam-packed with thrills rolls out like this…. Fly To Calgary, Alberta and enjoy front row tickets to the Calgary Stampede. See the highlights of Banff National Park before heading through the Icefields Parkway. There you will board a snowcoach and ascend a glacier 1000 feet thick. Next overnight in majestic Jasper National Park. The following afternoon board Via Rail for a stunning two day first- class rail journey to Prince George and Rupert. After a lovely night in Prince Rupert, we will board a boat and take a trip of a lifetime to see Valley of the Grizzlies–home to the highest concentration of Grizzly Bears in the U.S. Later, we will board the Alaska State Ferry for a scenic cruise up the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Alaska. Watch for whales, eagles and porpoise. After visiting the fabulous sights of Ketchikan, we will fly back home. August 1-6, 2016 Epic adventure– Polar Bears and Beluga Whale expedition–a trip of a lifetime 7 days Starting at $3999 pp/do Single supplement $599 Includes round trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! With 60,000 Beluga Whales filling the Hudson Bay and Polar Bears leaving the pan ice, summer is the perfect time to visit Churchill. Let our experienced guides take you on a jet boat tour of the Bay and river estuaries where you’ll see countless Belugas. See Polar Bears in their summer environment on the rocks and swimming in the water. This trip features: Four nights at Lazy Bear Lodge in Churchill, two nights in Winnipeg (one pre and one post adventure). A 6-8 hour Hudson Bay Coastal Tour to see Polar Bears and arctic wildlife. A 3-4 hour summer tundra tour. A 3-hour boat tour to see our friendly Beluga Whales, and the Prince of Wales Fort cultural and heritage site. The tour also includes round-trip service to/from Winnipeg/ Churchill by air, one dinner entrée of your choice from the Lazy Bear Café menu, and a hearty breakfast each morning. Optional snorkeling, kayaking, dog mushing and helicopter tours available. Call us to help create a unique company or group event! September 10-17, 2016 Red Cliffs adventure by rail 8 days $2499 per person/do Single supplement $459 Includes airfare Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! Ride the rails via Amtrak to experience the beauty of Colorado and Utah. After an overnight in Denver, enjoy a daytime ride on Amtrak from Denver to Grand Junction, Colorado. You’ll venture to the Red Cliffs FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 45 Adventure Lodge in Moab, on the Colorado River. From there you’ll tour Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches National Park, enjoy a float trip on the Colorado River, and explore Canyonlands National Park by jet boat. But wait, there’s more... Later, have a picnic at Capitol Reef, travel through Escalante National Monument, visit Bryce Canyon, take a day trip to Zion National Park and, finally, end with a city tour of Salt Lake City! *Departure operated in conjunction with our TAP Partners. carriage. Next, see Bavarian Frankenmuth with its 19th century covered bridges, Bavarian shops and of course we’ll see the Bronner’s–the world’s largest Christmas store. Includes round-trip airfare, most meals, sightseeing and gorgeous hotels. September 23-30, 2016 Take part in this immersive experience exploring the best of Italy. For centuries it was the center of civilization, and Italy continues to fascinate with historic cities, majestic vistas, and hill towns frozen in time. Our tour is not only a visual delight, but gives you the chance to savor Tuscan ambiance and cuisine. The art of Re- Enter to WIN... Our “Where am I?” Contest! See page 3 Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel and Rail through the fall colors in Agawa Canyon 8 days $2599 per person/do Single supplement $979 Includes round trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! Bask in the brilliant glow of autumn as you travel by train, horse-drawn carriage and coach on this 8-day sightseeing tour of Chicago, Mackinac Island, Frankenmuth and the Agawa Canyon tour. Begin with a night in Chicago to see the highlights of the city. Next we’ll explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. See the Music House Museum with its one-of-a-kind collection of rare antique musical instruments. Embark on a stunning rail journey through Agawa Canyon during peak autumn colors. Spend two unforget- FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 46 table nights at the Grand Hotel–the crown jewel of Mackinac Island. Explore the island by horse-drawn October 11-20, 2016 Classic Italy by rail 10 days $3899 per person/do Single supplement $899 Includes round-trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! naissance Italy is indeed brilliant and extraordinary, mixing imagery from classical mythology, pagan folklore, and medieval Christian legend, and symbology. The Sibyls – prophetic pagan sorceresses with the tails of snakes hidden under their skirts-were said to have foretold the coming of Christ and thus were incorporated into Christian legendary, taking their place on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo. On this tour you will ride in comfort on the high speed rails, traveling upwards of 200 miles per hour. This comfortable mode of travel will allow you to experience Italy’s highlights while only changing hotels once. Travel to Venice in the north, and as far south as the Amalfi Coast. You will have the perfect blend of cities and smaller quaint Italian villages, like Siena. You will stay four nights each in Rome and Montecatini, a resort village in Tuscany located a short distance between Florence and Pisa. This is a complete vacation including admissions to many of the famous sights including the Vatican, Colosseum, the Academia with the statue of David, as well as the preserved ancient city of Pompeii. November 4-16, 2016 Floating dreams – Loy Krathong, Thailand’s most beautiful holiday Festival 13days $2899 per person/do Singe supplement $699 Includes round-trip airfare Book by June 25th for a $150 per couple discount! See page 25 Alki Tours 1 Day Deals Book any day tour online and receive a $10 discount!* *One-time discount only. Does not include Snow Train. June 11, July 14 OR August 13, 2015 EACH DATE IS A DIFFERENT DESTINATION! Mystery Tours $89 per person C’mon, hop on board! Where’s your sense of adventure? This trip isn’t for control freaks–just fun people that like a little mystery in their lives. Think of these trips like a present– you wouldn’t want to receive them unwrapped would you? Includes lunch. June 18, 2015 La Conner Prime Rib & Seafood and Jet boat Deception Pass $89 per person Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be smuggled into the US in a burlap bag? In the early 1900s there were plenty of people who got to have that experience courtesy of Ben Ure. Find out what he did with his cargo when he was outrunning the law on your Deception Pass Tour aboard the Island Whaler. The prison rock quarry operated from 1910 through 1914, and its nearby barracks housed some 40 prisoners, members of an honors program out of Walla Walla Prison. Learn about Deception Pass, the Bridge and surrounding area on this amazing tour aboard the Island Whaler. Enjoy the thrill of the fast jet boat through Deception Pass with a knowledgeable park ranger interpreter. Enjoy a great lunch in La Conner. Here’s a Nice Idea... An Alki Tours Gift Certificate lets you give a unique and memorable gift to a loved one. June 20, 2015 The gardens of Whidbey $99 per person A summer’s bounty of five sumptuous private gardens are open for one day only! See an intimate retreat with water view, garden in the woodlands, a waterfront native plant estate and a garden connoisseur’s delight. We’ll meander from garden to garden and then stop in Langley. If you haven’t been to Langley lately, you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of artisan boutiques. Enjoy the ferry ride, a luscious lunch FOR MORE and sweet smelling flowers. INFORMATION, June 21, 2015 Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad & BBQ PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI $99 per person SUMMER Bring dad, granddad, uncles and friends out for a day on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad in Elbe. UPDATE PAGE 47 Treat him to a good ole’ fashion barbecue at Mineral Lake. Dad gets his own train engineer hat, too! Excursions depart from the Elbe Depot for a 45-minute trip out to pristine Mineral Lake. There, guests will be served barbecue ribs, chicken, cowboy beans, coleslaw, a scrumptious dessert and a beverage. There is also a beer garden, so bring ID. Enjoy the peaceful lake area, walking trail or a game of horseshoes, then, re-board the train for a leisurely 45-minute return trip to Elbe. Includes deluxe motorcoach transportation, BBQ and train ride. July 4, 2015 4th of July cruise on Lake Union $109 per person Bring your buddies and celebrate the 4th of July with a bang as we sail for a blockbuster show. We call this the “million goose bumps” cruise as the Seattle skyline turns into a virtual Roman Candle. Our ship will be perfectly positioned to see the fireworks on Lake Union! Price includes: transportation and a four hour fireworks cruise! Must be 21 or over to board. June 24, 2015 Tour San Juan Island $99 per person A fun day begins as we take a scenic ferry through the San Juan Islands to Friday Harbor. Enjoy lunch along the water and then take a narrated tour to see the highlights of the island...a lavender farm, whale watch park, San Juan County Park, Snug Harbor, an alpaca ranch, English Camp, American Camp, Westcott Bay Sculpture Park, San Juan Vineyards, Lakedale Resort and Roche Harbor. After, we’ll board the ferry for a quick trip home. June 28, 2015 Legendary Sunday brunch in Paradise $94 per person FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 48 It doesn’t have to be lonely at the top. A great day in the mountains begins as we journey south to Mt. Rainier National Park. Rolling farmlands hide the violent past of Mt. Rainier and provide “in your face views” on the way to Paradise for a legendary brunch. Two massive fireplaces warm the lobby, richly patterned Native American rugs bring color and texture to the historic log inn built in 1930. And ooh la la, the menu–eggs, breakfast meats, western potatoes, portabella ravioli, asparagus chicken on wild rice... and the seafood–crawfish, salmon, shrimp, oysters...and roast baron of beef...and then the desserts–out of this world! July 11, 2015 - 2:00 pm show/lunch Wicked $179 per person Back by “popular” demand. Variety calls Wicked “a cultural phenomenon,” and it continues to break box office records across North America. Winner of over 50 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, Wicked is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times). Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One–born with emerald green skin– is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete–and completely satisfying–musical in a long time” (USA Today). July 15, 2015 Crystal Mountain luncheon $99 per person Get ready for some fun as we cruise to Crystal Mountain for a scenic ride up the Mt. Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain Resort to the Summit House restaurant. Beautiful views from any seat! Perched at 6,872 feet, this restaurant is the highest dining experience in Washington State and the meals are simply superb. Enjoy lunch and a nature walk in the alpine zone before heading back home. July 18, 2015 Sequim Lavender Festival & lunch $99 per person Ferry to the Lavender Festival in Sequim. Tour the local farms, watch demonstrations about how lavender is used in perfume, cooking, oils and more. Enjoy a fabulous lunch. Includes transportation, ferry fare and lunch and farm entrance fees. July 26, 2015 Dog Day on Elliott Bay $89 per person You and your furry friend are invited to join us on Sunday, July 26th to enjoy a scenic cruise along Seattle’s waterfront to Blake Island, a 475-acre state park located just a hop, skip and a boat ride away from the city, with miles of uninhabited beaches and trails for pooches and people to explore. After exploring Blake Island with your four-legged matey, you will be treated to a barkin’ good salmon bake at Tillicum Village and your dog will be treated to a box lunch of turkey loaf, veggies and treats provided by The Dining Dog Cafe & Bakery. This is truly a rare opportunity for Seattle area dog lovers! Dogs are free. July 28, 2015 Salish Sea sailing tour $129 per person Enjoy a Northwest sockeye salmon lunch under sail aboard the 160 foot Schooner Zodiac. The ship departs from its dock in Bellingham’s historic Fairhaven district for a 3-hour cruise exploring the Salish Sea. Passengers are encouraged to join the crew in the raising of the sails before dining on the meal freshly prepared in the ship’s galley. While aboard passengers will be able to explore above and below decks of the classic windjammer originally built in 1924 as a private yacht for the Johnson & Johnson heirs. July 29, 2015 Cruise to remote Sucia Island $129 per person One of the true island gems of the San Juan’s lies up north on the Canadian border. San Juan Cruises can take you out to this exclusive jewel that is only accessible by private yacht or charter vessel. Bring your friends and family out for a beach picnic and nature walk on this stunning island. Lunch includes the best fried chicken, potato salad, chips, fresh fruit and champagne or sparkling cider. Depart the Bellingham cruise terminal aboard the recently remodeled M/V Salish Sea. You’ll enjoy up to 2 hours on this scenic cruise to Sucia Island watching for wildlife as your captain tells you interesting stories and explains the natural history of this unique part of the San Juan Islands. Here’s a charming proposal. Refer a friend for an Alki Tour and get $50 off your next trip! August 1, 2015 They’re coming back– The Blue Angels $159 per person Experience the thrill and thunderous sounds of the Blue Angels as we cruise Lake Washington on the Spirit of Seattle. There is no better way to experience the Top Guns as they perform over Lake Washington. Watch the precision and creativity while the solo pilots fly FA-18 Hornets out of nowhere to the aerobatic box in the middle of Lake Washington. High speed passes, solo performances and sixplane delta formations make for a thrilling show. An incredible lunch is included. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 49 August 4, 2015 August 20, 2015 $99 per person $89 per person Chuckanut Bay cracked crab cruise You will feel all bubbly when you experience an Alki Tour. Enjoy a fun day as we head to Bellingham where we’ll board the Viking Star for a historical cruise of Bellingham Bay. The vessel has large viewing windows and ample outside deck space. Indulge in a feast with Northwest’s finest Dungeness Crab, baked chicken, broccoli salad, old-fashioned potato salad, locally baked French Bread and for dessert, key lime cheesecake. Oh yeah! Enjoy a fully escorted Skagit City Light cruise aboard the Alice Ross III, plus lunch at the Environmental Learning Center. Surround your- August 12, 2015 self with the natural beauty of the North Cascades. Cruise the Lake for stunning views of glaciers and cascading waterfalls. Hurricane Ridge and lunch at the Chestnut Cottage $94 per person Jump on the ferry and we’re off to Hurricane Ridge. Mile high panoramic views surround you at the top. Grab your camera and spend the day photographing alpine meadows, glacier-clad peaks, lush flora and fauna. Go on a fun nature walk before the big descent. After you’ve worked up an appetite indulge in a yummy lunch at the quaint Chestnut Cottage. Trip includes: entrance fees to the park, ferry fares, motorcoach transportation & lunch. August 17, 2015 Orcas Island and lunch at Deer Harbor Resort $99 per person FOR MORE A stunning day is in store as we INFORMATION, depart for the Anacortes ferry and wind our way through the San PLEASE CALL Juan Islands to Orcas. Our destina206.935.6848 tion is Rosario Resort, were they’ve 1.800.895.ALKI recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation. Enjoy a wonderful tour of the gorgeous mansion S U M M E R built in 1909 by a turn-of-the-century ship builder, Robert Moran. Deer Harbor Inn is noted for its yummy food. UPDATE PAGE 50 Diablo Lake–A dam good boat tour August 25, 2015 Wild Horse Wind Farm, wineries and Road House Grill $89 per person You’ve seen them up on the hills, spinning their blades from the famous wind we have here, but have you ever been up close and personal with one of those gigantic wind turbines? Each turbine stands 351 feet tall and weighs 223 tons (FYI: an elephant weights about 8 tons, so that’s approximately 28 elephants heavy!) This fun trip packs an educational punch. It’s amazing what these windmills can do, but even more amazing how small you feel standing next to one. The wind farm was built by Puget Sound Energy in 2006 and has since expanded to a total of 149 turbines on 10,000 acres of land. Those turbines produce enough energy to power 80,000 homes! A guide will take us through the facility complete with displays and videos explaining how energy is produced from wind and sun. After, we’ll go inside a tower and see how it all works. The views are amazing. The day includes transportation, tour, lunch at the Road House Grill and wine tasting. August 30, 2015 Olympic Music Festival & Sunday brunch in Manresa Castle the country. Located in the heart of Portland’s historic Old Town, 276 artists, craftsman and cooks create colorful displays under the bridge and into the park. $94 per person Imagine a turn-of-the-century dairy farm nestled on 55 acres of tranquil farmland on the Olympic Peninsula…the sounds of exquisite music floating in the air. Inside the beautiful barn, world-renowned musicians enthrall visitors with classical music. Enjoy a fabulous brunch and tour of Manresa Castle. September 9, 2015 Vancouver, BC and Culinary Academy and Gardens $99 per person A fun day awaits as we journey north to Vancouver, BC to shop in this chic city while taking advantage of the great exchange rates. Our day will include a 3-course feast at the renowned Culinary Academy and the gorgeous gardens of BC. September 16, 2015 September 2, 2015 Black Diamond, Lake Tipsoo, Whistlin’ Jacks, and Chinook Pass $89 per person Let’s beat feet to Black Diamond so we can sample some of those tasty baked goods before continuing over Cayuse Pass to Lake Tipsoo. Our trip continues to the east side of Chinook Pass for an old-fashioned feast at Whistlin’ Jacks lodge over looking the river. Enjoy the unique ambiance with a big river stone fireplace, elk racks and whitelinen table cloths! September 5, 2015 Rail to Portland’s Saturday Market & lunch $109 per person Jump on board the Cascade train to Portland. Upon arrival in Portland, enjoy lunch in Portland before you shop till you’re broke at the Saturday Market – known as the longest open-air crafts market in Land of the Plain People $99 per person Don’t Miss This One... New England Fall Foliage Join us for an unbelievable trip back in time as we visit a Hutterite Colony in a small town east of the mountains. See the land of the “plain people” where time has stood still for a hundred years. Distinguished by their German speech and old-fashioned style of dress, the Hutterites cling tightly to their unique religious and cultural traditions. Listen to their life stories and have a homemade lunch at a typical Hutterite house before heading back to Seattle. You’d have to travel as far away as the Pennsylvania Dutch Country to see sights like this! See pages 10-11 September 23, 2015 FOR MORE Salmon bake at Kiana Lodge and Bloedel Reserve INFORMATION, Join us for some fun as we ferry to Bainbridge Island. Begin with a tour through Bloedel Reserve. The lush gardens, meadows, ponds and SUMMER $99 per person PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI UPDATE PAGE 51 history will inspire you. Next we’re off to Kiana Lodge. The name means “Garden of the Gods” and you’ll see why when we feast in a lovely restaurant surrounded by trees and water. Enjoy incredible salmon, clams, rosemary potatoes, coleslaw, fresh vegetables, homemade rolls and chocolate scones with raspberry sauce. October 2, 2015 DON’T FORGET... To Book EARLY for discounts! Leaf Peepers dream… Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, & the Ring of Fire $99 per person Are you a leaf peeper but embarrassed to admit it? Well, you can surround yourself with your own kind on this tour. In the middle of the fall peepers from all over the Northwest creep out to see the foliage spectacle in the Cascades. Up north there is a sleeping volcano overrun with deciduous trees. You’re getting excited aren’t you? Leaf peepers go mad over the incredible display of colors, as we wind our way along the Nooksak River to the Mt. Baker Visitor Center. Be sure to have your camera loaded as we ascend the highway up to Artist Point; you will be able to capture views of both Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan, the most photographed mountain in the United States. A gourmet lunch is included! Mama Mia! October 8, 2015 Washington Wine Stomp FOR MORE $99 per person Leave the driving to us as we head over Chinook Pass to see Yakima’s PLEASE CALL great wine harvest. Along the way, 206.935.6848 enjoy lunch at Whistlin’ Jacks Lodge. 1.800.895.ALKI Located in the mountains along the Naches River, this is one of the most unique places you will ever dine. AfS U M M E R ter lunch, we’ll continue east to see the workers harvest grapes in the fields and sample some of Washington’s finest wines. INFORMATION, UPDATE PAGE 52 October 10, 2015 Get Crackin’ at the Port Angeles Crab and Seafood Festival $99 per person Jump on a ferry for a scenic trip to Port Angeles’ scenic waterfront for the big show! Events include cooking demonstrations, the “graba- crab” crab derby, more than 50 local arts and crafts booths, family activities, environmental education programs, and great live music on the Festival stage. The highlight of the Crabfest is an old-fashioned crab feed complete with large kettles of fresh local Dungeness crab, sweet corn and organic coleslaw. A wine and beer garden will offer tastings by the Olympic Peninsula Winery Association and a selection of Northwest craft beers. October 13, 2015 La Conner Prime Rib & Seafood and Jet boat Deception Pass $94 per person Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be smuggled into the US in a burlap bag? In the early 1900s there were plenty of people who got to have that experience courtesy of Ben Ure. Find out what he did with his cargo when he was outrunning the law on your Deception Pass Tour aboard the Island Whaler. The prison rock quarry operated from 1910 through 1914, and its nearby barracks housed some 40 prisoners, members of an honors program out of Walla Walla Prison. Learn about Deception Pass, the Bridge and surrounding area on this amazing tour aboard the Island Whaler. Enjoy the thrill of the fast jet boat through Deception Pass with a knowledgeable park ranger interpreter. Enjoy a great lunch in La Conner. October 17, 2015 New Day Northwest, Anthony’s lunch and tour MOHAI $89 per person Join Margaret Larson and various guests; authors, musicians, fitness and health experts, celebrities and sports stars as we celebrate what’s great about the Northwest. After the show we’ll head to Anthony’s Bell Street Diner for a fabulous lunch. Finally lets see the new exhibits at the Museum of History and Industry. November 26, 2015 A Kiana Lodge Thanksgiving $99 per person Thank the gods for this lovely feast as we travel to Kiana Lodge for Thanksgiving by motorcoach. Kiana Lodge is so gorgeous that many films and magnificent magazine shoots have taken place here in what Native Americans call “the Garden of the Gods”. Pamper yourself in the 6 acre waterfront haven surrounded by tall firs and fragrant cedars. The historic main lodge with leaded glass windows and a huge crackling fire is where we will indulge in our dinner. Be prepared for raspberry-glazed turkey, countrystyle stuffing, lodge potatoes, pan roasted vegetables, sweet potato rolls, homemade pumpkin pie with whipped cream, mulled cranberry cider and coffee or tea. Magnifique! November 30, 3015 Holiday shopping in Vancouver & Culinary Academy $99 per person A fun and festive day awaits as we journey north to Vancouver, BC to holiday shop in this chic city while taking advantage of the great exchange rates. Our day will include a 4-course Christmas feast at the renowned Culinary Academy and shopping at all of the hot spots… Granville Island and Robson Street. December 5, 6, 12, 13,19, 20, 2015 Leavenworth Snow Bus $69 per person Get in the holiday spirit as we travel over the mountains to Leavenworth’s Treelighting Festival. Smell chestnuts roasting on an open fire, see carolers strolling through the streets and watch as the entire town is illuminated in one fell swoop at dusk. On the way home, imbibe in some holiday cheer. Enjoy shopping and lunch on your own in this festive town. December 5,12, OR 19, 2015 A holiday tradition– Leavenworth Snow Trains! Starting at $189 per person See page 20 December 12, 2015 Santa Train to the Zoolights $99 adults/ children $69 A magical day awaits as we board the Christmas train bound for Tacoma. With bells ringing and carolers singing were sure to be seeing St. Nick on the train. If your child has been good, the jolly old man has a beautifully wrapped package awaiting (if not, a lump of coal). The Cascades train will wind along the tracks on its way to Tacoma. Then Santa and his elves whisk you away to Pt. Defiance Zoo to rendezvous with the reindeer. Delight your senses with a dazzling display of half a million colored lights shimmering in the night. See the huge replica of Mt. Rainier and cross through a myriad of lights into a dreamland of giant spiders! In the early evening our magical train whistles in and carries us home. The tour includes: One way train transportation, deluxe motorcoach transportation, a hearty snack, Santa, elves and admissions! FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI SUMMER UPDATE PAGE 53 Tour Conditions Office Hours Mon – Fri 9am-5pm PST Dates closed in 2015 – July 3-4, Sept. 7, Nov. 26-27, Dec. 24-25, and Dec. 31-Jan 1. Reservations Reservations can be made by phone @ 206935-6848 or online at www.alkitours.com. Confirmation will be mailed within 2 business days to your address on file. If you do not receive your confirmation within 1 week please call Alki Tours as space may be released without notice. Your reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit. After final payment, a paid in full confirmation will be mailed out for overnight tours only. For tours involving planes, trains or cruises please provide your legal name and birthdate as listed on the identification you will be using on the tour. If your ticket does not match your identification you could be denied boarding. Form of Payment Check or cashiers check should be made out to Alki Tours Inc. and mailed to: Alki Tours 6417-A Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle WA 98136. Please note currency fluctuations may apply to published rates. All taxes, fuel surcharges, security charges and any other taxes, charges or fees imposed by airlines, airports, governments etc. are not included in tour price. Advertised prices include a 4 percent cash discount. If payment is not made by check, please add 4 percent to the final balance. Gift Certificates Gift certificates are good toward purchase of any tour offered by Alki Tours and are not redeemable for cash. Lost or stolen gift certificate cannot be replaced or credited. Late bookings Tours booked within 30 days of departure may incur a late fee of $50 per reservation in addition to overnight delivery charges. Passports & Visas FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 206.935.6848 1.800.895.ALKI A valid US Passport is required for all international travel. Your passport should be valid for 6 months from your scheduled return date of travel. For information on applying for a US Passport visit www.alkitours.com and click on the travel information button on the bottom of the home page. Non US passport holder should check with their consulate for travel requirements. It is the responsibility of the passenger to obtain all the necessary travel documents required for entry into any foreign country. PLEASE NOTE: MYSTERY TOURS MAY REQUIRE PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP. Tour Escorts FALL UPDATE PAGE 54 Most tours are fully escorted. Alki Tours reserves the right to substitute a local guide for tours falling below 20 passengers. Cruises are generally unescorted for numbers below 15 passengers. Airline Tickets Name changes or substitutions are considered cancellations and penalty fees apply. Tickets are purchased in group/bulk and mileage may not be available on all tickets. Airline tickets are capacity controlled and may not be available at the advertised rate for late bookings. Alki Tours will automatically request aisle and adjacent seats for those traveling together but cannot guarantee seat assignments. Alki Tours is not responsible for airline baggage fees. Pickup times & Locations One-Day tours–Pickup times & locations are determined 3 days prior to departure. Once set, we will call you with the exact time & location closest to your home. Overnight tours–The pickup times & locations are determined 2 weeks prior to departure. Once set, they will be included in your travel documents and mail to you. For the benefit of the group, we pick up at the three locations most convenient for the majority of the passengers traveling on that particular tour. The following are the most common locations: Shoreline Senior Center, Bothell Landing, Northgate, Coleman Ferry Dock, West Seattle, Fife, Olympia, Southcenter Ramada River’s Edge, Bellevue or Kirkland, Special pickups can be made for groups of 15 or more in the Seattle area and 20 or more in some outlying areas. Refund will not be made because your requested location was not chosen as a pickup for the tour you are signed up for. One-Day Tours After final payment has been made we will call you with your pick-up time and location three days prior to departure. If we are unable to contact you it is your responsibility to contact Alki Tours for this information. Pick-up times and locations are also posted on www.alkitours.com if you forget your time. No refund will be given for missing your pickup for any reason. 31 days or more prior to departure full refund minus any non refundable tickets or guarantees*. No refund for cancellations 30 days or less to departure or non-appearance the day of departure. *Tickets on the Leavenworth Snow Train and Stampede Pass Train are not refundable once purchased. Phone fees for any kind of payments taken by phone are not refundable. Overnight Land Tours A deposit will be due 7 days after booking. Final payment due 75 days prior to departure. We will mail out your travel itineraries and all of your travel details 7 to 14 days prior to departure. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE, medical and baggage insurance when making the initial deposit for your tour, in order to give yourself peace of mind and to provide for any unforeseen circumstances. Contact Alki Tours for details at time of booking. Land tours 2 days and longer, refunds are based on full tour price. 100% REFUND UP TO 75 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. 74-61 days prior to departure 75% refund 60-41 days prior to departure 50% refund 40-31 days prior to departure 25% refund No refund for cancellations 30 days or less to departure or non-appearance the day of departure. Phone fees for any kind of payments taken by phone are not refundable. Tours WITH Airline Tickets In addition to the cancellation policies listed in our brochure and flyers, any penalties assessed by the airlines are the responsibility of the passenger. It is important to remember that airlines tickets are confirmed 30-90 days prior to departure. Tickets are subject to airlines policies and are generally not refundable or transferable (no name changes) after purchase. Fuel surcharge may be added to tours with airfare included up to 30 days prior to departure. Alki Tours is not responsible for any additional fees (including baggage charges) assessed by airlines. Cruises, Trains and International Tours Space cannot be confirmed until a deposit is received. Since all Cruise & Train companies have different policies governing cancellations please contact Alki tours for policies specific to your trip upon booking. Please note: Currency fluctuations may apply to advertised rates up to 10% of tour price. General Policies Cancellations must be received IN WRITING to affect any credits or refunds. Cancellations will be determined on the date received in our office. Refunds cannot be made on unused tours, transfers or individual features voluntarily cancelled/omitted by the passenger. All other refunds will be made for the value of unused features, less applicable cancellation penalties. Complimentary Home Shuttle Pickup For tours that include round trip airfare, Alki Tours will arrange Round-trip shuttle service to the airport from your home within the Seattle area if requested at time of booking. Your pickup location will be the address listed on your invoice unless otherwise noted on your invoice. Shuttle Express is an independently operated company. Alki Tours will schedule services to pick you up as a courtesy for your convenience. It is your responsibility to call Shuttle Express immediately at the number listed on your documents if your shuttle is late or if you have any concerns regarding your transfer to/from the terminal. You are responsible for arriving at the airport in time to make the flight. Changes to your pickup location made within 30 days of departure will result in a $25 fee per change. Hotels The name of each hotel will be provided in a detailed itinerary with your final documents. Due to limited hotel capacities, Alki Tours Inc. will occasionally substitute a hotel of similar quality other than those listed rather than change or cancel your itinerary. Responsibility The Tours outlined herein will be carried out under the management of Alki Tours, Inc. (herein referred to as “the Company”). The Company acts only as agent for hotels, carriers, independent contractors or suppliers to passengers engaged in carrying, accommodations and providing other services to passengers. The Company does not assume any responsibility nor shall it be liable for any loss, cancellation, costs, delays, irregularity, accident, injury, or damage to person or property damage, loss or theft of baggage and personal effects arising from or in connection with such services. The Company reserves the right to cancel or alter any itinerary, tour, accommodation as conditions require. In the event the Company is unable to provide the confirmed accommodation, it will endeavor to arrange substitute accommodations and any difference in price will be adjusted accordingly. If substitute accommodations are unavailable, the amount paid for accommodations will be refunded. The Company reserves the right to withdraw the tour for any reason before departure date, in which the amount paid to the Company will be refunded. Rates quoted are based on current tariffs at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. A contract is made when your reservation and payment are accepted by Alki Tours of Seattle, WA and any dispute shall be governed by Washington State law & subject to the jurisdiction of the County of King in Washington State. In calculating the cost of your trip, Alki Tours has relied on your consent to these terms & in the absence of this release, the trip cost would have been higher. Tipping Guidelines Day Trips: $2-$3 per person for the escort and driver. Extended Trips: $4-$6 per person per day. Additional recommendations will be provided in your travel documents. Alki Tours “NO GROUCH” Policy We reserve the right to not accept or retain as a tour passenger any person whose condition or behavior impedes the operation of the tour or affects the rights, welfare or enjoyment of the tour by other passengers. To be determined solely by Alki Tours. Extra Cost Provision As on any trip, inclement weather and other conditions beyond our control may prevent or delay departure of a scheduled airline, ship, train or motorcoach. If as a result you must book an extra hotel night all costs are solely your responsibility, not Alki Tours Inc. or any other supplier. WE RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL Alki Tours reserves the right to withdraw, change, amend or omit these policies at anytime without notice. 206.935.6848 Copyright 2012 Alki Tours Inc. All rights reserved. Layout copy and design are service or trade marks of Alki Tours Inc. Washington State Seller of Travel 601-433-609 & 601-901-435. FALL 1.800.895.ALKI UPDATE PAGE 55 PAID Seattle, WA Permit No. 6892 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE We’ve got tours you will find NOWHERE else! In this Summer Update you will find journeys that are only offered by Alki Tours, such as... • Downton Abbey for 2015 • New England fall foliage by daylight rail • Exclusive, peak-season Danube River cruise charter September 26-October 7, 2015 Exclusive, peak season, Danube River cruise SEE PAG E 12-13 12 days Starting at $3999 per person/do Includes round-trip airfare from Seattle September 25, 26 OR 27; October 2, 3 OR 4, 2015 New England fall foliage tour by daylight rail See page 3 Enter to WIN... Our “Where am I?” Contest! 6417-A FAUNTLEROY WAY SW SEATTLE, WA 98136 Downton Abbey SEE PAG E 10-11 8 days $2299 per person/do $1000 less than any of our competitors! Vessel similar to shown For reservations: 1.800.895.ALKI or www.alkitours.com