Experience Oregon Tours
Palm Springs & Queen Mary Winter Getaway
March 4 - 12, 2017
Photo courtesy of Queen
Photo courtesy of Palm Springs
Mary Hotel
Bureau of Tourism
Escape with us to warm and sunny southern California where our winter getaway includes two very different
environments: the oceanside Long Beach and Catalina Island areas, and the beautiful desert-centered Palm
Springs locale. Both have scenic beauty, exciting attractions and huge winter/spring appeal. The iconic and
luxurious ambiance of the Queen Mary Hotel together with the relaxing atmosphere of the Palm Springs Hilton
are the perfect getaway homes-away-from-home. With lots to see and do, our tour highlights include:
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3-nights onboard the luxurious Queen Mary cruise ship hotel in waterfront rooms
3 nights at the conveniently located resort-style Palm Springs Hilton Hotel with private balcony or patio
a narrated behind-the-scenes walking tour of the Queen Mary including special exhibitions and lunch
a motorcoach sightseeing tour of Long Beach with private admission to an Animal Rescue Shelter
a day cruise and tour to the enchanted oasis of Santa Catalina Island
be "wowed" from inside the world's largest rotating scenic Aerial Tramway
a narrated driving tour of "playground of the stars," Palm Springs, including Hollywood celebrity homes
naturalist-led mule-drawn covered wagon ride with cowboy cookout dinner and entertainment
investigate the Hopi-inspired unique and eclectic Cabot's Pueblo and trading post
shop for anything, watch street performers and satisfy your hunger at Palm Springs' open-air Villagefest
visit the 120-acre Huntington Gardens & Villa and see Gainsborough's famous Blue Boy painting
tasty lunch stops at both the beautiful Harris Ranch and Callahan's Mountain Lodge
9 days, 8 nights, 15 meals, all admissions, taxes and gratuities included, and more...
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Day 1: Saturday, March 4
Sacramento overnight
Travel south on I-5 into California, stopping for lunch in Yreka. See spectacular snow-covered Mount Shasta,
one of the highest mountains in the country, then continue through the state’s north-central agricultural valley
into Sacramento, our home for the night. Our hotel rests near Old Town with its numerous eateries for your
evening meal, or you may wish to dine at our hotel's in-house restaurant.
8:00 am
12:00 pm
1:30 pm
6:00 pm
Depart Shopko-Eugene. All other pickups accommodate this departure time.
Arrive Yreka for lunch
Depart
Arrive hotel
Hotel: Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza, Sacramento
Lunch included. Added cost: Dinner
Phone: 916-446-0100
Day 2: Sunday, March 5
Harris Ranch & The Queen Mary Ship Hotel
Continuing southward, stop at the beautiful Harris Ranch for lunch.
Popular as a traveler’s oasis, the ranch breeds top-quality beef cattle
and offers a fun Country Store to peruse. A late afternoon arrival in
Long Beach finds us boarding the nostalgic and legendary permanently
moored Queen Mary. Once the grandest ocean liner in the world, this
historic landmark promises us comfort, charm and elegance. Tonight's
dinner is in the ship's authentically British Chelsea Chowder House.
7:00 am
7:30 am
8:30 am
11:45am
1:30 pm
5:45 pm
7:00 pm
Breakfast service begins
Bags ready for collection
Depart
Arrive Harris Ranch for lunch
Depart
Arrive Long Beach
Group dinner at the Chelsea Chowder House (pre-select)
Hotel: Hotel Queen Mary
Phone: 562-435-3511
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. No added cost.
Pre-select your dinner entree:
1) Pan seared chicken breast w/ veggies & mashed potatoes
2) Alaskan halibut w/ corn pepper succotash & sweet potato puree
3) 12 oz. ribeye steak w/ veggies & garlic mashed potatoes
Day 3: Monday, March 6
Queen Mary Glory Days & Long Beach Sightseeing tours
This morning step into yesteryear on a behind-thescenes walking tour of the Queen Mary. Hear stories of
her groundbreaking construction, WWII troopship days,
and her glory days as the world’s most luxurious and
technically advanced ocean liner. End the tour at the
stunning exhibition, Diana: Legacy of a Princess*, where
artifacts relating to the royal Windsor family are
exhibited (exhibition subject to change). Lunch is
included in the ship's very British Tea Room, where
dazzling harbor views compliment tasty food. This
afternoon our motorcoach leads us on a narrated tour of the Long Beach waterfront area which includes a
special visit to an animal rescue shelter. Tonight's dinner is subject to your whim and fancy; dine where and
when you wish.
6:30 am
10:00 am
12:15 pm
2:00 pm
4:45 pm
Breakfast service begins in the Promenade Café
Glory Days tour begins followed by a special exhibition
Lunch in the Queen Mary Tea Room (pre-select)
Depart for tour of the Long Beach area
Return to the Queen Mary
Hotel: Hotel Queen Mary
Phone: 562-435-3511
Breakfast and lunch included. Added cost: dinner
Day 4: Tuesday, March 7
Harbor town of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island cruise & tour
Today we're off to Santa Catalina Island, a paradise of
ruggedly scenic beauty, resounding charm and fascinating
history. In a quick hour the Catalina Express takes us in upgraded fashion to Avalon, where we board a vintage tour bus
for a narrated drive along the town’s beachfront, spectacular
hillsides, and historic village. This afternoon free time allows
for shopping, strolling and a leisurely lunch before returning
to Long Beach on the Catalina Express. Tonight is free to do
as you wish!
6:30 am
9:00 am
10:15 am
11:15 am
4:45pm
5:30 pm
6:45pm
Breakfast service begins in Promenade Cafe
Depart hotel for the Long Beach boat dock
The Catalina Express ferry departs
Arrive Avalon for scenic tour
Report to the boat dock for check-in
The Catalina Express ferry departs for Long Beach
Return to the Queen Mary
Hotel: Hotel Queen Mary
Phone: 562-435-3511
Breakfast included. Added cost: lunch and dinner
Day 5: Wednesday, March 8
Huntington Gardens & Palm Springs
This morning we travel to the inland desert area of Southern California, stopping enroute at the impressive
Huntington Gardens & Villa for lunch and a self-guided tour of the 6.5 acre botanic gardens. Former estate to
a 1920s and 30s railroad and real estate baron, the understated opulence of this Gilded Age residence now
houses European and American art including Gainsborough's famous Blue Boy. The sixteen gardens include,
among others, the Japanese, Jungle, Rose, Subtropical, Palm and Shakespeare gardens, outdoor sculpture,
conservatory, an impressive giftshop and bookstore and research library. Lunch is on your own at the cafe. In
the late afternoon we arrive in Palm Springs and check into our well-located hotel just a short walk from the
heart of downtown's shops and eateries.
6:30 am
9:00 am
10:00 am
10:45 am
2:45 pm
4:45 pm
Breakfast service begins in the Promenade Cafe
Bags ready for collection
Depart the Queen Mary
Arrive at Huntington Gardens
Depart
Arrive hotel
Hotel: Hilton Palm Springs
Phone: 760-320-6868
Breakfast included. Added cost: lunch and dinner
Day 6: Thursday, March 9
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
6:30 am
9:00 am
11:45am
2:45 pm
7:00 pm
Celebrity Homes Tour, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway & Villagefest
We are joined by a step-on guide this morning for a sightseeing tour of
Palm Springs. Drive by luxurious homes of the rich and famous including
Kirk Douglas, Dean Martin, Liz Taylor, Liberace, Elvis Presley and more, in
this "playground of the stars." Hear stories about celebrities and learn
fascinating facts about the city and its environs. Then board the world’s
largest rotating aerial tram for a breathtaking journey up the sheer cliff of
Mount San Jacinto. The 80-passenger tramcars of the Palm Springs
Aerial Tramway slowly rotate for 360 degrees of “wow.” End the 10-minute
ride at the Mountain Station, elevation 8,516 feet, for views, shopping,
exhibitions and lunch. Back in town, Thursday night is Villagefest where
the streets of downtown become a stage for locally made art, theatrical
performers and musical entertainers. Restaurants cook their favorite
dishes in the open-air and shops stay open late, so be sure to not miss it.
Breakfast service begins; dine when you wish
Depart on motorcoach sightseeing tour
Arrive Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for lunch
Return to hotel
Villagefest begins; go as you wish
Hotel: Hilton Palm Springs
Phone: 760-320-6868
Breakfast and lunch included. Added cost: Dinner
Mule-drawn Covered Wagon Tour
Day 7: Friday, March 10
Desert Living
This morning's drive takes us through the crooked passageways of Cabot's
Pueblo, a four story Hopi-inspired structure hand-made from reclaimed and
found objects. Notice the windows and doors collected from abandoned
homesteads, old telephone poles, buck board wagon parts and many other
materials and don't miss artifacts dating back over 100 years. Shop in their
artsy gift shop and take photos in their desert garden. Return to the hotel
for lunch on your own, a quick snooze, an afternoon of shopping or
strolling, then tonight we drive to the desert of the Coachella Valley
Preserve. Here we board a mule-drawn covered wagon for a naturalistguided and narrated ride learning about the rugged landscape’s flora and
fauna as we amble along. Back at "base camp" we enjoy a laid back hearty
chuck wagon dinner and live music of the old west.
Cabot's Pueblo Museum
6:30 am
8:30 am
9:00 am
11:30 am
4:00pm
8:00pm
Breakfast service begins; dine when you wish.
Depart for Cabot's Pueblo Museum
Arrive for tour
Return to hotel
Depart for Wagon Camp Cowboy dinner and wagon ride
Return to hotel
Hotel: Hilton Palm Springs
Phone: 760-320-6868
Breakfast and dinner included. Added cost: lunch
Day 8: Saturday, March 11
Palm Springs to Sacramento
On today’s full day of driving we travel near historic San
Bernardino, where we learn about the legendary lawman
Wyatt Earp who once made this his home. Also noteworthy
is the story behind San Bernardino being the birthplace of
both the Hell’s Angels motorcycle clubs and the McDonald’s
fast-food restaurant chain. Our travel continues through
the San Fernando Valley, over the Grapevine Grade summit
and into the stark beauty of the San Joaquin Valley. Stop in
Kettleman City for lunch and continue northward to our
The inner courtyard lobby of the Embassy Suites
home for the night, Sacramento. On this visit we stay at the
Embassy Suites Riverfront. Located literally steps from Old Town, you might want to plan your evening's meal
at the Rio City Cafe or another of the fun restaurants nearby. Or choose between two eateries inside our hotel.
Want just a few bites? Then enjoy the Manager’s reception with
complimentary appetizers and beverages.
6:30 am
6:45 am
7:30 am
12:15 pm
1:30 pm
6:00 pm
to 7:30 pm
Breakfast service begins
Bags ready for collection
Depart hotel
Arrive Kettleman City for lunch
Depart
Arrive Sacramento
Manager's reception
Rio City Cafe, Old Town Sacramento
Hotel: Embassy Suites Riverfront, Sacramento
Phone: 916-326-5000
Breakfast and appetizers included. Added cost: lunch and full dinner, if desired
Day 9: Sunday, March 12
Homeward bound stopping at Callahan's Mountain Lodge
Today’s homeward journey takes us over the scenic Siskiyou Pass, spotting the spectacular cliffs of Castle
Crags along the way. Just north of the Oregon border, we arrive at the charming Callahan’s Mountain Lodge
for a wonderful home cooked lunch. The owners are special friends of Experience Oregon and they definitely
make us feel like we’re part of the family. Peruse the lodge, hear some of their personal stories, and shop in
the small but lovely gift shop. This afternoon we continue through the hilly terrain along I-5 and back into the
Willamette Valley. This has been the perfect winter
getaway and one with memories to last a lifetime.
7:00 am
7:15 am
8:00 am
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
6:15 pm
Breakfast service begins
Bags ready for collection
Depart hotel
Arrive Callahan’s Lodge for lunch
Depart
Arrive Eugene
Breakfast and lunch included. No added cost.
Callahan’s Mountain Lodge
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The cost of this trip is only: $2489 per person double occupancy; $3272 single occupancy; $2289 per person
triple occupancy. Tour includes: eight nights hotel accommodations with baggage handling, eight breakfasts,
five lunches including the Pines Café at Mountain Station, Harris Ranch, the Tea Room on the Queen Mary
and Callahan’s Mountain Lodge, two dinners including the Cowboy chuck wagon cook-out and festive dinner in
the Chowder House Restaurant, Glory Days walking tour and special exhibition admission on the Queen Mary,
Long Beach sightseeing tour with step-on guide, roundtrip Catalina Express cruise to Santa Catalina Island,
narrated City of Avalon sightseeing tour, admission to Huntington Gardens & Villa, roundtrip ride on the Palm
Springs Aerial Tramway, Celebrity Homes Tour with step-on guide, Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, a naturalist-led
Covered Wagon ride, all Experience Oregon motorcoach transportation and sightseeing per itinerary, taxes,
gratuities, service charges for the above, and services of an Experience Oregon Tour Director. The gratuity for
Experience Oregon tour director and driver is not included and can be extended on a voluntary basis.
Deposit: $300 per person due at time of reservation.
Payment/Cancellation Policy: Payment is required in full sixty (60) days prior to tour departure, (no later
than January 4, 2017) or at time of booking if reservation is made within 60 days of departure. If payment is
not received by this time, reservations may be cancelled and any waitlisted passenger could be added to the
trip. Cancellations received after final payment date (January 4, 2017) are charged $100 per person
cancellation fee plus any irretrievable payments made to vendors. Cancellations made less than seven (7)
days prior to departure including no-shows are non-refundable. Trip protection insurance is recommended.
Call for details.
Climate & Elevation: March weather in Palm Springs is typically sunny and dry. High temperatures usually
range between 80 and 90 degrees. Low, night time temperatures average in the high 40s to low 50s. The
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway goes up to an elevation of 8.516 feet so having a jacket or heavy sweater is
recommended. Long Beach and Catalina Island temperatures average mid- to high- 60s with lows in the low
50s. It is always wise to dress in layers for unexpected conditions and to bring along comfortable walking
shoes, as some walking is essential.
Meals: For meals that need to be pre-selected as per itinerary, please advise your choice when making your
tour reservation, making note of it for yourself.
Note: For the comfort of all, please refrain from wearing any type of aromatic perfume or aftershave on all
travel days.
*Queen Mary Hotel Note: The special exhibition, Diana: Legacy of a Princess, is subject to change and may
be replaced by another exhibition of the same high quality.
Hotels:
Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza, Sacramento: Onsite restaurant and lounge, 24-hour Fitness Center, in-room
wireless internet, hair dryer, coffee maker, iron & board, outdoor pool, short walk to Old Town and Mall
Queen Mary Hotel: Historic art-deco steamship, waterside rooms with views over Long Beach Harbor,
hairdryer, iron and board, wi-fi internet service, fitness center, Spa, boutiques and shops, variety of eateries
and lounges. Sir Winston's Restaurant and Lounge--5 star dining. Chelsea Chowder House & Bar--authentic
British fish house atmosphere specializing in fish and seafood but also serves chicken and beef.
Promenade Cafe--Casual American cuisine with stunning views. Tea Room--British teas and sandwiches with
great views. Mid-ship Marketplace--coffees, pastries, yogurt, sandwiches.
Palm Springs Hilton, Palm Springs: central downtown location, outdoor pool and Al Fresco bar, Fitness
Center, spa, Terrace Restaurant, Harvey’s Lounge, all rooms have either patio or balcony, coffee maker, iron,
hairdryer/ located next door to a casino with five restaurants and to the well-known Sherman's Deli.
Embassy Suites Riverfront Promenade, Sacramento: Nightly Manager’s Reception, gift shop, fitness room,
whirlpool spa, heated indoor pool, refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, iron and board, hairdryer, Tower
Bridge Bistro, Market Place Cafe, across the street from Old Town, riverfront promenade walk.
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Bring a bathing suit as some hotels have pools and/or spas.
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Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of the meals but can be purchased in most cases.
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While a nametag will be provided to you, wearing it is always optional.
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For proper portage, please have your name clearly fastened to the outside of your suitcase. Limit
yourself to one piece of porter-handled luggage. No limit on hand-carried items.
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As arrangements are made one year in advance, scheduling and inclusions provided by the hotels,
land transportation companies and boat lines are subject to change and are beyond our control. All
noted times are approximate and subject to change depending on circumstances of the day.
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We try to facilitate room preferences, but cannot guarantee the hotel will honor these requests.
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If travel is more than two hours, we plan a rest stop. Seat rotation on the bus will take place daily.
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Please refrain from wearing any aromatic perfume or aftershave while on the bus.
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Experience Oregon is not a handicap accessible company. Walking is an essential part of this tour.
Catalina Island
Chamber of Commerce
Trip cancellation/protection insurance is highly recommended. Contact us for more information.
Photo courtesy of Catalina Island
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Experience Oregon
PO Box 338 ~ Junction City, OR 97448
Phone: (541) 342-2662
Fax: (541) 342-4068
Tours: phone extension 120 or (541) 600-8640
email: [email protected]
website: www.experienceoregon.com