LABOR DAY HOLIDAY WEEK ESCAPE TO YOSEMITE
AND CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARKS
INCLUDING THE GORGEOUS PACIFIC NORTHWEST VISTAS OF THE COLUMBIA GORGE, Mount Shasta
and Bass Lake plus the thrill of a narrated jet boat river tour in scenic Portland.

Sunday August 29th- Labor Day Monday Sept. 6th

Join us for a great end of summer celebration visiting some of the most scenic spots right here in our own country.

We will visit two of the most beautiful and unique US national parks.
Crater Lake National Park, an incredible combination of a volcano and a lake, creates a mesmerizing and awe inspiring sight to behold and explore.  No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past that created this natural beauty.

Yosemite National Park is home to the highest measured waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls.  A beautiful three tiered waterfall, she is the 6th tallest in the world, at over 2400 feet high (just her top tier ranks as the 20th tallest cascade in the world) and is an incredible sight to behold.

The park also holds many other scenic treasures including monolithic and dramatic rock formations Half Dome and El Capitan that we will visit.  Another visit to Mariposa Grove, home to Yosemite’s giant Sequoia trees will have you standing in awe.

Other highlights of our trip include beautiful Mount Shasta and impressive and dramatic Columbia Gorge, where dramatic scenery and countless waterfalls make for a beautiful landscape to witness.

We will also enjoy a thrilling narrated jet boat ride tour of scenic Portland and a final day’s party boat adventure on beautiful Bass Lake, just outside of Yosemite National Park .

We’ll spend 2 nts. at the 5 star Marriott in Downtown Portland, 2 nts. lodging at Crater Lake National Park and our 3 nights outside Yosemite provide deluxe chalet accommodations at the Pines Resort along Bass Lake, offering swimming, Jacuzzi, tennis and more.   
Plus, if you want nightlife, our 3 nights on Bass Lake, outside Yosemite, will feature a live band and dance party the 2nd night and a DJ dance party the 3rd night, plus happy hour welcome and farewell parties, poolside on the 1st and 3rd night there.   Our 2 nights in Portland will also feature two happy hour parties with free appetizers at the top of the Marriott overlooking Portland and its waterfront.

DAILY ITINERARY

SUNDAY AUGUST 29TH

Arrive at your own leisure into Portland and make your own way to our hotel for the next 2 nights, the 5 star Marriott Portland City Center.
 Located in the heart of the ”Rose City,” the Marriott Portland City Center is the premier choice of downtown Portland hotels, allowing business and leisure travelers to tap into the city’s most vibrant and beautiful urban rhythms. Take advantage of the MAX Light Rail system – located just two blocks away – for direct access to all of the classic attractions and landmarks. 

The hotel offers a 24 hour fitness center, complimentary breakfast on the 22nd floor overlooking scenic Portland and nightly happy hour parties with complimentary appetizers in its 22nd floor concierge lounge

The hotel is located just 6 blocks easy walking distance from Pioneer Place. - Stop by this unique Portland Oregon attraction for the finest in shopping, dining, and entertainment

This evening, we will enjoy a welcome reception with complimentary appetizers in the concierge lounge on the hotel’s 22nd floor with views of scenic Portland.

Monday August 30th

       Today is a fun day of great sightseeing and activity.  We will be picked up by our private 29 seat coach, providing ample room to relax, spread out and enjoy the scenic views that will unfold in front of our eyes.

Our chartered coach has air conditioning, a restroom, reclining seats, adjustable foot and headrests, over head storage for personal items, DVD, VHS AND CD players.

Our day starts with a visit to the impressive Columbia Gorge, which begins just a 10 minute drive from our hotel in downtown Portland.  Our scenic drive of the gorge will take us approx. 90 minutes covering incredible scenery along the way with many opportunities to stop for photos and scenic walks.

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range.

It's 4,000 feet deep with the north canyon walls in Washington State and the south canyon walls in Oregon State.

The Columbia River Gorge, a geologic wonder, is proof of Nature's unbridled strength. Glacial floods thousands of years ago carved this 1,200-mile-long river, which is the only sea-level passage to cross the Cascade Mountains. With cliffs rising as high as 4,000 feet, the Gorge acts as a funnel for North America's fourth largest river, whose tributaries include the mighty Snake River.

Mt. Hood and the cliffs of the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge look down on quaint riverfront towns, countless waterfalls and exhilarating windsurfing waters

Just taking a drive through the Columbia River Gorge is an experience in itself as you will be in awe of this spectacular geological wonder

Through millenniums of geologic events, waterfalls have found their home in the Columbia River Gorge. A visit to the area is not complete without a visit to its breathtaking waterfalls.

Crown Point is our first stop along the gorge drive. It is only 10 minutes into the scenic drive and offers a fabulous observatory providing stunning 360 degree views of the gorge.

Our next stop along the scenic drive is Multnomah Falls.

Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States at 620 feet. Though Multnomah Falls is grand and popular, all of the falls in the Gorge are special and breathtaking

The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its falls — 77 on the Oregon side alone!

They come in all shapes and sizes. Waterfall watchers (be careful, you could become one!) classify them into eight forms — plunge, horsetail, fan, cascade, punchbowl, block, tier, and segmented.

Those desiring to get an up close view of Multnomah Falls can take a short paved walkway to a bridge that crosses the waterfall offering views of both the upper and lower cascades. The walk takes about 15 mins. round trip and is easily suitable for anyone

We will also have other stops for photos of other waterfalls that can be seen from the scenic historic byway.

Upon our return to Portland, the afternoon is at leisure to relax.  Our hotel’s location makes it ideal to enjoy a stroll down to the scenic waterfront for lunch, (about a 5 minute walk) or take in the shopping options at Pioneer Place, also a short walk from our hotel.

Early this evening we will enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride, providing excitement and fun, as we tour Portland’s shoreline aboard a high-energy jet boat excursion.


Enjoy views along the Willamette River and Columbia River where the scenery is breathtaking.

Local historians will guide you on this river tour of Portland’s famous bridges. You’ll travel from Portland’s St. John’s Bridge to the Sellwood Bridge while enjoying the colorful history of Portland’s ten landmark crossings -- each spanning the beautiful Willamette River and a new chapter in bridge engineering and design.

We will return to our hotel at around 6:30pm and after free time to relax and unwind, we will enjoy another reception with free appetizers in the 22nd floor concierge lounge overlooking views of scenic Portland, followed by the remainder of the evening at leisure to explore the many dining and nightlife opportunities, just a short walk from our centrally located hotel.

Tuesday August 31st

Today we will depart Portland for our drive to Crater Lake National Park

Few places on earth command overwhelming awe from observers, but Crater Lake, in south central Oregon, certainly does. Even in a region of volcanic wonders, Crater Lake can only be described in superlatives.

Stories of the deep blue lake can never prepare visitors for their first breathtaking look from the brink of this 6 mile wide caldera which was created by the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama almost 7,700 years ago.

Even seasoned travelers gasp at the twenty-mile circle of cliffs, tinted in subtle shades and fringed with hemlock, fir, and pine: all this in a lake of indescribable blue.

Upon arrival, we will enjoy the crater rim drive, an awe inspiring loop offering spectacular views and many photo opps. along several observation points

One of our overlook points, the Phantom Ship overlook, offers views of giant and most unique rock formations that jut up from the lake, creating the image of a ship at sea.

Following our crater rim drive, we will check into our accommodations.  Passengers can choose at time of booking, accommodations in either the Crater Lake Lodge or the nearby Mazama cabins, each inside the park, offering the convenience and beauty of being in the heart of it all.

CRATER LAKE LODGE
Truly a grand northwest lodge, the historic 71-room Crater Lake Lodge originally opened in 1915 and is located on the edge of the caldera overlooking Crater Lake.


The lodge was re-opened after extensive renovation in 1995 and immerses visitors in its rustic charm.


A sense of awe comes over you as you enter through the main entrance and view the boldly stated fireplace in the Great Hall. Each room provides the expected hotel standards of comfort, privacy and service. Immerse yourself in the history that surrounds you by visiting the Exhibit Room just off the lobby. The Crater Lake Lodge dining room overlooks the lake and serves the finest northwest regional cuisine.

Perched on the edge of the rim, overlooking Crater Lake, the Crater Lake Lodge offers a combination of breathtaking views and modern amenities, all without sacrificing any of the rustic charm.

The cabins at Mazama Village

The cabins at Mazama Village are located seven miles from the rim of Crater Lake and are situated in a peaceful Ponderosa pine forest setting in Crater Lake National Park

Each of the 40 guestrooms feature two queen beds and a private bath with a stall shower. There are no televisions or telephones in the cabins, preserving the rustic feel.

This evening we will enjoy an included buffet dinner at Annie’s Creek restaurant, inside the park, featuring
Soup and Salad
Sliced Pizza (cheese, meat, BBQ, veggie)
Chef Featured Entrees
Chefs Featured Pastas
Chefs choice two carved meats
Fresh Vegetable Medley
Soft Serve Ice Cream & Fruit Cobbler
    Assorted Cakes

Wed. Sept. 1st 

 Today is a full free day at leisure to enjoy the many attractions in the park.  Several hiking and nature trails ranging from short and easy to moderate or challenging are available to meet all different interests and abilities. The trails offer more stunning views of the park, the lake and the crater.

For a different challenge, those in good physical condition may wish to take the hike from the rim down to the lake itself, where a scenic boat ride is offered regularly throughout the day by the park service.

The boat ride visits Wizard Island, where you can choose to relax on its scenic beach or take a further hike of 700 feet to the summit of the Wizard island trail.  The return boat ride back drops off where it picked up and the hike back to the rim is only 1 mile, yet is a strenuous, steep climb. 

This evening is at leisure to enjoy dinner at either of the restaurants in the park.  Our chartered coach is at your disposal for transportation to either restaurant.   The restaurant inside the lodge offers fine dinner options with gorgeous views and for a more casual option, you may choose to return to the buffet at Annie’s Creek, adjacent to the Mazama Cabins.

Thursday Sept. 2nd   
         
Today we depart gorgeous Crater Lake and drive to Mount Shasta. (2 and one half hours from Crater Lake)

Mount Shasta is, at 14,179 feet, the second highest peak in the Cascades and the fifth highest in California. 

Mount Shasta is not connected to any nearby mountain. It rises abruptly and stands nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above the surrounding terrain. Because of this great prominence, it casts a gigantic shadow at sunrise.

The mountain has attracted the attention of poets, authors, and presidents. Shasta was memorably described by the poet Joaquin Miller:

"Lonely as God, and white as a winter moon, Mount Shasta starts up sudden and solitary from the heart of the great black forests of Northern California."[7]

Naturalist and author John Muir said of Shasta:

"When I first caught sight of it over the braided folds of the Sacramento Valley, I was fifty miles away and afoot, alone and weary. Yet all my blood turned to wine, and I have not been weary since."

Theodore Roosevelt said:

"I consider the evening twilight on Mt. Shasta one of the grandest sights I have ever witnessed”

The mountain consists of four overlapping volcanic cones which have built a complex shape, including the main summit and the prominent satellite cone of 12,330-foot (3,760 m) Shastina, which has a visibly conical form (see image at left). If Shastina were a separate mountain, it would rank as the third-highest peak of the Cascade Range.

We will visit the mountain along its scenic overlooks and viewpoints offering many scenic photo opportunities.

   
Mount Shasta from Mount Shasta City, CA. Taken July 2, 2009

After our visit of Mount Shasta, we will continue to Sacramento, where we will spend the night at this, the midpoint of the coach drive from Crater Lake to Yosemite National Park.  The evening is at leisure to explore the dining and nightlife of California’s vibrant capital city. Our chartered coach is at our disposal to provide transport from our hotel to dining and entertainment options.

Friday Sept. 3rd

This morning we head to spectacular Yosemite National Park, only a 3 hour coach ride from Sacramento.

Yosemite National park is home to the highest measured waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls.  A beautiful three tiered waterfall, she is the 6th tallest in the world, at over 2400 feet high (just her top tier ranks as the 20th tallest cascade in the world) and is an incredible sight to behold.

On arrival around mid day we will stop for lunch in the park and then enjoy a coach tour of the park’s highlights including Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Half Dome and El Capitain.

Yosemite Falls reaches a top height of 2425 feet, with 3 separate drops. Yosemite Falls contains a plunge, cascades and a horsetail.
        

 
The dominating sight of Half Dome at Yosemite National Park

   
Yosemite National Park, scenic beauty.

More breathtaking views from Yosemite National Park

After our tour we will check in to our first class chalet accommodations at the Pines Resort on Bass Lake. 

This evening we will enjoy a complimentary welcome reception with a complimentary cocktail for all of our passengers alongside the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi at our resort.  Bring your swimsuit if you wish to socialize in the Jacuzzi and share stories of your favorite activities of the tour so far.

The Pines Resort features 84 two-story mountain Chalets that make a great escape.

Nestled in the tall pines along Bass Lake, our Chalets provide the comfort and charm of a mountain resort. Our charming two-story Chalets contain a fully-equipped all-electric kitchen and living room

• All Chalets have cable television, high-speed Internet access, linens, cookware and dishes, and some have fireplaces.

• Downstairs has a full bath with shower and a bedroom with two queen sized beds. In addition, each Chalet has a private deck with picnic table and small barbecue.

• Adjacent to the Chalets is The Pines Tennis Club, available for guests of the Pines Resort to enjoy.

• Guests at The Pines Resort enjoy wonderful dining experiences at Ducey’s On the Lake and The Lakeside Grill, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner for those that wish a casual dining or fine dining experience with scenic lake views and  each an easy walking distance from our accommodations.

• There’s also entertainment and convivial socializing at The Pines Bar. Plus, there are the all-weather tennis courts, a swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, nature walking trails along the lake and more!

• The Resort has several WiFi Hot Spots as well as high speed Internet access in all overnight rooms.

At time of reservation, passengers can choose to upgrade to lake view chalets, offering panoramic views of beautiful Bass Lake

The Pines Resort on Bass Lake

Saturday Sept. 4th 

 Today is a full free day at leisure to explore the many attractions in Yosemite National Park or to relax and enjoy the many comforts at The Pines Resort. 

For those that wish to return to Yosemite, our chartered coach will provide transport to the park’s Yosemite Lodge from where passengers can take the free national park shuttle to all attractions and hiking trails in the park.  Our coach will provide transport back from the Yosemite Lodge at intervals in the afternoon and early evening

Passengers may also enjoy many other activities such as horseback riding, bicycling, rock climbing and even rafting, which can be booked from our resort or in advance if you wish.

For those that wish to relax at The Pines Resort, the outdoor pool, hot tub, tennis courts and walking trails along the lake are all tempting diversions.  You may even choose to rent jet skis or wave runners for fun on the lake, or relax with a canoe or kayak rental on the lake. All rentals can be arranged at the Pines marina at our resort or by calling them in advance if you wish.

This evening is at leisure to enjoy dinner at Ducey’s on the lake, back at our resort on Bass Lake, then enjoy a live band in the resort’s lounge.  Ducey’s features a wide menu from steaks, to seafood, prime rib, salads and more, all at affordable prices and with the best lakefront views to watch the sunset over the water.

Sunday Sept. 5th

 Our final day will feature a morning tour of the Mariposa Grove, featuring Yosemite’s towering sequoia trees, many stretching 300 feet tall and 50 feet in circumference.
 
Mariposa Grove features Sequoia trees large enough that a car can drive through its base.

We will return to the Pines Resort around mid day with leisure time to enjoy Sunday brunch at Ducey’s on the lake if you wish.  Later this afternoon, we will enjoy a chartered party boat rental for a 3 hour cruise along Bass Lake.  Put on your swimsuit and join us for a leisurely late afternoon cruise, with ample opportunities to swim off the back of the boat if you wish or , if you are interested, the Pines Marina offers inner tubes which can be latched to the back of the boat for a little more fun under the sun or can float alongside the boat for a relaxing way to enjoy the experience.  (Tubes sell for approx. $10 for floating inner tubes or for a tube that can be pulled in jet ski fashion for anyone that desires a more thrilling experience, they can be rented for $40).   Passengers are welcome to bring their own favorite libations and snacks, or even bring a burger to grill on the BBQ on board. 

This is a full boat private charter for our group to relax and enjoy the final afternoon of the trip

Our boat features both outdoor and shaded canopy seating for 16 passengers and can travel at both slow and fast speeds, as desired.

This evening, we will enjoy a farewell reception with complimentary appetizers poolside once again.

Monday Sept . 6th 

Labor Day – We head to the Fresno airport this morning on our coach from where all passengers should make their return flight arrangements.

TRIP INCLUDES:

• 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE 5 STAR MARRIOTT PORTLAND CITY CENTER HOTEL WITH BREAKFAST DAILY

• HOT APPETIZER RECEPTION AT THE MARRIOTT EACH EVENING

• COACH TOUR OF COLUMBIA GORGE AND CANYON OFFERING PANORAMIC VISTAS AND WATERFALLS

• 75 MINUTE JET BOAT TOUR OF PORTLAND WITH NARRATION OF CITY HIGHLIGHTS AND MULTIPLE SCENIC BRIDGES ON THE WILLIAMETTE RIVER.

• COACH TOUR OF THE CRATER LAKE RIM DRIVE WITH DRAMATIC VIEWS OF THE CALDERA, CRATER AND LAKE

• 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS AT YOUR CHOICE OF THE CRATER LAKE LODGE OR MAZAMA CABINS, EACH AT CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK

• BUFFET DINNER AT ANNIE’S CREEK RESTAURANT ON 1ST NIGHT AT CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK

• COACH DRIVE TOUR OF MOUNT SHASTA OFFERING PICTURESQUE MOUNTSCAPE VISTAS

• 1 NIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN SACRAMENTO

• 3 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE PINES RESORT ON BASS LAKE OUTSIDE OF YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (CHOICE OF STANDARD OF LAKE VIEW CHALET ACCOMMODATIONS)

• WELCOME RECEPTION AT THE PINES RESORT WITH COMPLIMENTARY WELCOME DRINK POOLSIDE.

• COACH TOUR OF THE YOSEMITE VALLEY FLOOR INCLUDING HALF DOME, EL CAPITAN , YOSEMITE FALLS AND OTHER SCENIC ATTRACTIONS OF THE YOSEMITE VALLEY

• COACH TOUR OF MARIPOSA GROVE OF GIANT SEQUOIA TREES AT YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

• 3 HOUR CHARTERED PARTY BOAT CRUISE ON BASS LAKE

• FAREWELL RECEPTION WITH COMPLEMENTARY APPETIZERS POOLSIDE AT THE PINES RESORT ON OUR FINAL EVENING

• TRANSPORTATION EACH DAY ABOARD PRIVATE CHARTERED MINI COACH WITH AIR CONDITIONING, BATHROOM, RECLINING SEATS, DVD, CD, VHS PLAYER.

• FREE DAY IN BOTH CRATER LAKE AND YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK FOR EXPLORATION, HIKING AT LEISURE WITH TRANSIT FROM AND BACK TO OUR ACCOMMODATIONS VIA OUR CHARTERED COACH EACH DAY

• GROUP TRANSIT FROM BASS LAKE ACCOMMODATIONS TO THE FRESNO AIRPORT ON FINAL DAY

• FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING BASED ON AGE, SEX AND SMOKING OR NON SMOKING

TRIP COST:

$1649 + $45 TAX  INCLUDING STANDARD PACKAGE ACCOMMODATIONS AT CRATER LAKE AND PINES RESORT ON BASS LAKE (MAZAMA CABINS AT CRATER LAKE AND FOREST VIEW CHALETS AT PINE RESORT ON BASS LAKE)

OR

$1789 + $45 TAX INCLUDING DELUXE ACCOMMODATIONS PACKAGE AT CRATER LAKE AND PINES RESORT ON BASS LAKE (CRATER LAKE LODGE AND LAKE VIEW CHALETS AT PINES RESORT ON BASS LAKE)

A $200 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED WITHIN 7 DAYS OF MAKING A RESERVATION.  DEPOSITS ARE REFUNDABLE IF CANCELED BY MAY 20TH AND NON REFUNDABLE THEREAFTER.

FINAL PAYMENTS ARE DUE JUNE 15TH AND ARE NON REFUNDABLE AT TIME OF PAYMENT.

THIS TRIP IS LIMITED TO 16 PASSENGERS SO SIGN UP EARLY TO AVOID BEING SHUT OUT OF THIS FABULOUS LABOR DAY HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE