Tours_ISME13
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Optional Symposium Tours |
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In keeping with ISME tradition, no scientific session will be scheduled on Wednesday 25 August 2010. Participants will be free to take advantage of the many leisure opportunities in and around Seattle.
 Below you will find the optional tours that are being organised by and provided for by SH Worldwide on behalf of ISME.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Seattle City Highlights Tour
 Get the best view of Seattle . . . from the perspective of a local. Be escorted around town by a friendly and informative Seattleite who will provide historical background of the area, point out interesting landmarks, as well as give insider tips on special shopping and sightseeing areas. The tour begins with a drive through downtown en route to historic Pioneer Square, Seattle's oldest residential area, now a major visitor attraction with restaurants, galleries and lively clubs. From Pioneer Square enjoy a driving tour past the heart of Seattle's Asian community, the International District. A stop at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks will demonstrate how the area's fresh and salt waters meet.
 Next is Seattle’s most recognizable landmark; the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower stands 605 feet (184 meters) tall and boasts 360-degree views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges and, of course, the beautiful city of Seattle. After viewing Seattle from the Space Needle, explore Pike Place Market and grab a quick lunch. Known for its exciting sights, sounds and aromas, Pike Place Market began on August 17, 1907 and has remained a vital part of Seattle's social and economic fabric for over 100 years.
Finally, a two-hour lakes cruise will treat you to spectacular glimpses of Seattle's unique inner-city shoreline. Along the way, don’t miss million dollar mansions including homes owned by Bill Gates, Kenny G and the Nordstrom family, as well as more handcrafted houseboats.
Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Price: $121.00 Per Adult Guest (Ages 14 – 64 years)
$79.00 Per Child Guest (Ages 4 – 13 years)
Note: A jacket and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Guests are
responsible for their own lunch at Pike Place Market.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Aviation Tour
Don’t miss the only public tour of a commercial jet assembly plant in North America: the fun, fascinating Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour. Inside Boeing’s 73,000-square-foot, high-tech Future of Flight Aviation Center, explore interactive exhibits and displays. See the future of powered, winged flight, digitally design and test a jet, touch the high-tech “skin” of the new Boeing 787 and “fly” the XJ5 Flight Simulator at supersonic speeds. hen watch the world's largest jets be assembled in the world's largest building at the Boeing Assembly Plant. The main assembly building is as large as 75 NFL football fields and produces 747, 767, 777 and 787 airplanes. Witness how these modern marvels of flight are transformed from parts made around the globe into some of the most famous airplanes in the world.
Hours: 12:00pm – 4:30pm
Price: $49.00 Per Adult Guest (Ages 16+ years)
$41.00 Per Child Guest (Ages 15 years and under)
Notes: A light jacket and comfortable walking shoes are advised. Guests need to
be at least 48” tall to participate in the Boeing Assembly Plant tour, but all
guests are welcome to enjoy the Future of Flight Aviation Center. For
security reasons, no photographic equipment, cell phones, backpacks,
purses, or carry-on items of any kind are allowed on the Boeing Assembly
Plant tour. Personal items must be left on the coach.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sailing on Puget Sound
 Take the helm, trim the sail . . . Seattle boasts the highest number of boats per capita than any other U.S. city. This sailing adventure begins in Seattle's historic waterfront and travels through the bustling Puget Sound harbor. Upon arrival, the group will be giving a sailing lesson on the performance yacht, the Obsession. The Obsession was built in 1986 and featured in the movie Masquerade. This cruise offers spectacular views of Seattle including the city skyline, one of the world's largest shipping terminals and the majestic Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. The Obsession’s large open decks invite you to relax and enjoy the cruise, while the highly experienced crew makes your trip a memorable experience.
Hours: 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Price: $62.00 Per Guest
Notes: A light jacket, white-soled tennis shoes and sunglasses are advised.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Kayaking on Lake Union
 Experience a "duck's eye view" of some of Lake Union's attractions including tall sailing ships, colorful houseboats and Gas Works Park. Along the way, an experienced kayaking guide will discuss some historical aspects of the lake and its transition from a working lake into a popular recreational spot. Stable and comfortable two-person touring kayaks will be used for the tour. Before departing, guests will be given a brief, but thorough, lesson on boat handling and paddling techniques.
Hours: 1:00pm – 4:15pm
Price: $93.00 Per Guest
Notes: A light jacket and sunglasses are advised. Prior kayaking experience is
not necessary.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Hike at Rattlesnake Lake
This tour offers some fresh Northwest air as you hike Rattlesnake Lake. This is a fairly moderate hike with a few switchbacks and beautiful views along the way. The four mile (roundtrip) hike takes a little over two hours and has an elevation gain of 1,175 feet. Trek through cool, green foliage and unique rock formations as you hike to the top. Rattlesnake Lake is a temperate climb, perfect for beginners but also enjoyable for experienced hikers. If the weather is clear, view Rattlesnake Lake directly below, as well as Snoqualmie Valley, North Bend and Mount Si. The Rattlesnake Lake hike will surely provide adventure and excitement for every guest. Boxed lunches will be provided on this tour.
Hours: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Price: $87.00 Per Guest
Note: A light jacket and sturdy hiking shoes are advised.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Mount Rainier Day Trip
 Mount Rainier National Park encompasses 235,625 acres ranging in elevation from 1,610 to 14,410 feet above sea level. Mt. Rainier, with an elevation of 14,411 feet, was named by Captain Vancouver of the English Navy in 1792 for his friend, Admiral Peter Rainier. People continue to come and visit this beautiful, peaceful and challenging mountain. The day will begin by entering Mt. Rainer National Park through the Nisqually Entrance. The first stop will be the Longmier Hotel which has a museum and gift shop for guests to peruse. At the Longmier Hotel lies the entrance to the Shadow Trail. This 25 minute trail hike is flat and relaxing. Then travel on to the Paradise Visitor Center boasting panoramic views and a movie presentation on the park and its history. The final stop on the tour is Box Canyon, which is one of the more interesting features of the park. You will be given time to explore Box Canyon before traveling back to Seattle. Boxed lunches will be provided on this tour.Hours: 7:00am – 5:00pm
Price: $86.00 Per Guest
Notes: A jacket and sturdy walking shoes are advised.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Independent Victoria, B.C. Day Trip
From Seattle, enjoy a scenic cruise aboard the Victoria Clipper to the quaint town of Victoria, British Columbia, on the lovely Vancouver Island. Dubbed the “City of Gardens,” this intimate, sophisticated seaside city is the vacation capital of Canada and one of the premier tourist spots in the Pacific Northwest. Established in the late 1700s by British settlers, the city maintains its rich sense of history with beautiful Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets and old British charm. Victoria’s shores offer up great views of the Olympic Mountains, old-growth evergreen forests and the glimmering waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Victoria may be an old establishment, but it certainly has all the perks of a big city. Victoria is alive with cosmopolitan dining, superb shopping, a colorful nightlife, and a full complement of cultural offerings. There is much to see and do in Victoria: the Parliament Building, the Royal BC Museum, Afternoon Tea at the elegant Fairmont Empress Hotel, Crystal Gardens, the famous Butchart Gardens and more. After a full day of fun, return to Seattle’s sparkling city lights in the evening.
Tentative
Hours: 7:30am – 9:00pm
Price: Best available rate at time of booking.
Notes: In order to keep the per person price affordable and to provide guests with
the best possible rate, guests will purchase tickets directly from the
Victoria Clipper. Guests may purchase tickets by calling 1.800.888.2535 or
online at www.clippervacations.com. When purchasing, provide the Victoria
Clipper with Group Code #8120167.
Guests are responsible for their own transportation to/from the Clipper. The
Victoria Clipper Dock is a 5 – 7 minute cab ride from downtown Seattle
hotels. Guests are required to arrive at the Clipper Dock one hour
prior to departure for check in.
When traveling between Canada and the United States, it will be necessary
to pass through Customs at the border and a passport must be shown.
Foreign nationals should check possible visa needs for entry into Canada
and reentry into the U.S.
Persons with a felony may be denied entrance into Canada. If you have
been convicted of a crime in the United States it may be considered a
felony in Canada. DUI convictions are considered a felony in Canada.
Orca Whale Cruise in the San Juan Islands
Depart from Seattle for a scenic cruise to the San Juan Island archipelago via the Victoria Clipper. World renowned for both the resident pods of orca whales and migratory pods that feed in the area, the San Juan Islands also teem with other wildlife and sea life. Bald eagles, the playful Dall's Porpoise, blacktail deer, seals and otters are just some of creatures you might spot during your trip. Along the way you will travel through the waterways of Puget Sound on the east side of Whidbey Island, through Saratoga passage and picturesque Deception Pass. Upon arriving in Friday Harbor, embark on a Whale and Sea Life Search. In the afternoon, stroll through the streets of Friday Harbor and explore their quaint parks, galleries, shops and restaurants before returning to Seattle.
Tentative
Hours: 7:45am – 7:15pm
Price: Best available rate at time of booking.
Day Excursion Only Including Whale and Sea Life Search
Notes: In order to keep the per person price affordable and to provide guests with
the best possible rate, guests will purchase tickets directly from the Victoria
Clipper. Guests may purchase tickets by calling 1.800.888.2535 or online at
www.clippervacations.com. When purchasing, provide the Victoria Clipper
with Group Code #8120167.
Guests are responsible for their own transportation to/from the Clipper. The
Victoria Clipper Dock is a 5 – 7 minute cab ride from downtown Seattle
hotels. Guests are required to arrive at the Clipper Dock one hour
prior to departure for check in.
As in any wildlife tour, SHW cannot guarantee animal or whale sightings;
however, it is extremely rare to not see some species.
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