Excursion and Accompanying Person Tours
Conference Excursion for Attendees
As in past years, an off-site excursion is included for all conference attendees as part of the conference program on Tuesday afternoon. Accompanying persons may also participate by paying the accompanying person fee ($130) for the excursion.
Following lunch, participants will be bused from the Asilomar Conference Grounds for a wonderful afternoon of touring and experiencing the area. All participants will first take a driving tour down the unforgettable 17-Mile Drive. Stops for photo opportunities will be made at some of the most scenic locations in the Monterey area.
You will then be taken to your predetermined destination — Carmel Plaza or Point Lobos.
If you choose to go to Carmel, you will have the opportunity to shop, browse the many art galleries, or stroll through this quaint little city. If you choose to visit Point Lobos, one of the most beautiful points along the coastline, you can hike and view wildlife, such as seals, sea lions, a variety of birds, and possibly whales. Pick up at both locations will be around 4:00 p.m., so you can return to Asilomar Conference Grounds to have time to prepare for your evening visit to the fabulous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Beginning at 6:00 p.m., shuttle buses will begin to transport participants to Cannery Row, the location made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel. If you chose, you can have time to walk along the beach, shop the gift boutiques, or wine taste at one of several wine bars.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium will open at 7:00 p.m. for us to have a private tour and dinner. After dinner and touring the aquarium, buses will begin to shuttle participants back to Asilomar Conference Grounds after a fun-filled day experiencing the Monterey area.
Tours for Accompanying Persons — The deadline to sign-up for Accompanying Persons Tours is Friday, June 4.
Sunday: Monterey Movie Tour (5 hours — 11:00–4:00
p.m.) Note time change! $50/person — Asilomar box lunch provided
See the scenic beauty and rich history of the Monterey Peninsula through the eyes of Hollywood! This theater-on-wheels will allow you to see breathtaking scenery while viewing scenes
on overhead monitors from blockbuster movies filmed on the Monterey Peninsula. The tour winds through Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, and along the 17-mile Drive.
Monday: Hearst Castle, San Simeon State Historical
Monument, and Big Sur (9 hours — 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) (minimum 12 people; maximum 14)
$115/person — Asilomar box lunch provided for a picnic along Big Sur
Drive down California’s scenic, winding central coast while viewing magnificent views of the coastline and breaking surf, huge redwood trees, and splendid wildlife such as elephant
seals, California condors and whales on the way to the Hearst Castle. Created as his private retreat, Mr. W. R. Hearst called this site The Enchanted Hill. This Mediterranean-style
estate provides a fascinating guided tour. The Experience Tour provides a historical overview of the Castle, “Hearst Castle — Building the Dream” will be viewed on a five-story
screen. Note: The castle tour consists of approximately 170 stairs (up and down) and a 2/3 mile route to walk. Duration is 2 hours with a considerable amount of
standing.
Wednesday: National Steinbeck Center and Salinas Valley Agricultural Tour (6 hours — 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) (maximum 10) $95/person —
Asilomar box lunch provided for picnic in Spreckles Park
Enjoy interactive exhibits in this multisensory museum offering three distinct experiences for visitors centered around literature, history, agriculture, and art. You will
visit the John Steinbeck Exhibition Hall with seven themed theatres, the Gabilan Art Gallery, and the Agricultural Wing. Dubbed the "Salad Bowl of the World," your guide will
explain the wide variety of fruit, vegetable, and flower crops that make Monterey County one of the world's leaders in agriculture. Ag Venture Tours is Central California's leader in
educational tours in agricultural education, culinary education, wine tasting, and sightseeing in the Salinas Valley. Fresh vegetable and strawberry production will be featured
along with the advanced farming techniques that make Monterey County the number one vegetable growing region in the world! Visit a strawberry farm. Note:
Wear comfortable shoes for walking outside in the field and dress in layers for cool weather.
Thursday: Elkhorn Slough and Safari Nature Boat Tour (4 hours — 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.) Note time change! — Asilomar box lunch provided
Elkhorn Slough is one of California’s largest coastal waterways. Once you enter the water on a 27-foot pontoon boat, you will begin an adventure seeing a variety of wildlife, such as playful sea otters, curious harbor seals, and many species of waterfowl and migratory shorebirds. Visiting this natural habitat will give you excellent opportunities to view and photograph wildlife close at hand. Note: There is a two-hour boat ride. Weather is variable on the coast. Comfortable, layered clothing is best, along with a warm jacket. Comfortable shoes, walking or tennis shoes, are good; no high heels. A hat with a visor is advisable along with sunscreen and sunglasses.
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