Tour Program atICASSP

Tourists will find ample opportunities to explore Seattle and the Pacific NorthWest. Convention Services Northwest has arranged a variety of delightful outings to show you the splendid features of Seattle, the Emerald City. You may pre-register for these tours by contacting them directly. Some of the events may be registered for when you arrive in Seattle.

You may pre-register for the following tours by filling out the Tour Form. This form should be sent/faxed to Convention Services NorthWest directly. ICASSP ’98 does not handle these tours. You can also pre-register by contacting the Convention Services Northwest registration department at (206)292-9198 or e-mail marcus@csnwseattle.com. Tour tickets can be picked up ICASSP ’98 tour desk in the registration area for the conference. All tours will leave from the Sheraton Hotel. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour departure time. Reservations for tours must be received by April 3, 1998. Reservations made after this date will be taken on a space available basis. Refunds for cancellations will be made if written request is received at the Convention Services Northwest office by April 3, 1998 (less a $5 handling fee per ticket), or if tour minimums are not met.

If you are interested in sailing tours of the Northwest Inner Passage along the Canadian and Alaskan coast, please contact Convention Services. Further information may be requested by contacting

AVAILABLE TOURS

Sample Seattle - A Deluxe City Tour
Sunday, May 10, 1998, 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm and Monday, May 11, 1998, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
This tour provides an overview of the many attractions Seattle offers its visitors. We'll drive along the waterfront with its import shops and fresh seafood restaurants, into historic Pioneer Square. This area, one of Seattle's oldest, features early 1900's architecture, much of which has been renovated into wonderful art galleries and specialty shops. Next is our International District, the third largest on the West Coast. Evidence of the Pacific Rim cultural influence abounds here, even the street lights have an Asian style. We will continue along Lake Washington into the Arboretum and on to the University of Washington campus. Continuing on, our first stop will be the Hiram Chittendon Locks for an overview of the locks and salmon ladder. The locks are an engineering feat which connect saltwater Puget Sound with freshwater Lake Union. The salmon ladder features the seasonal migration of salmon returning to their parent streams to spawn. Next, travel to Magnolia Bluff where the view of Puget Sound is breathtaking. This precedes your last stop, the world famous Pike Place Farmers Market. Vendors from all around our region come to the market to showcase their wares. You'll have the opportunity to browse and hopefully find a perfect souvenir of your trip to the Emerald City. Price per person: $22.00. (approximately 4 hours)

Boeing 747/767/777 Plant Tour
Monday, May 11, 1998 and Tuesday, May 12, 1998 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
The name Boeing has become synonymous with transportation through major advancements in the aeronautical industry with their 747, 767, and 777 aircraft. Boeing, pioneers of the "Age of Flight," welcomes you to tour their enormous technical center. A film presentation will inform you about their historical beginnings, present work, and future goals. By motorcoach you will then tour the largest buildings (by volume) in the world and view the assembly process. This tour will open your eyes to future technology and the aircraft of today and tomorrow. Price per person: $28.00. Children must be over 50" in height to participate. (approximately 3 hours)

Wine Tasting Tour
Monday, May 11, 1998, 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm
The "Napa Valley of Washington," located north of Seattle in Woodinville, is home to many premier wineries of the Pacific Northwest. Our tour will begin at Chateau St. Michelle, Wine Country Magazine's 1988 and 1989 "Best of the Best American Wineries" Platinum winner. You will tour through the cellars of Chateau St. Michelle and view the wine making process. In the tasting room, the "sniff, swirl and slurp" method of wine tasting will be demonstrated with selected wines to sample. Also named in Wine Country's "Best of the Best American Wineries," nearby Columbia Winery is our next stop. Columbia has become nationally known for its full-bodied red wines as well as many enjoyable white wines. We will also visit Snoqualmie Winery. This winery, situated on a wooded hillside, offers a 200 degree panoramic view of the Cascade Mountain Range and the Snoqualmie Valley. Snoqualmie's Fume Blanc and Semillon are considered two of Washington's finest wines. Price per person: $36.00. (approximately 4 1/2 hours)

Country Sampler
Tuesday, May12, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm; Wednesday, May 13, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
This favorite outing begins with a scenic ride to Gillman Village in Issaquah. the idea began in 1972 when Betty Konarski convinced developers that unwanted buildings could be saved, moved, and refurbished in an attractive business district. While the homes are historic, the developers have tried not to create a museum, but rather to reuse the buildings as unique shops and boutiques. Each of the more than 50 boutiques takes pride in stocking original merchandise which includes handcrafted jewelry, clothing, home accessories and freshly baked goods. Next, travel through the foothills of the Cascade Mountains to breathtaking Snoqualmie Falls. Once worshipped by Native American Indians as a place for the gods, these falls are actually 97 feet higher than Niagara! It is also one of the first underground electrical plants built and is still in operation. there is no question that you will enjoy this rare, natural, scenic wonder. Your last stop will be Chateau St. Michelle, Washington's premier winery. Nestled on 87 acres of rolling grounds, the original Manor House built in 1912 is surrounded by formal gardens, a trout pond, and hundreds of lush shrubs and flowers. During your private guided tour of the 140,00 square foot winery, you'll witness the marvel of the wine-making process. The "sniff, swirl and slurp" method of wine tasting will be demonstrated as you sample famous wines. Find the perfect picnic spot while you are exploring the grounds and enjoy a gourmet box lunch at your leisure. Price per person: $35.00 (approximately 6 hours)

Northwest Houseboat Tour
Wednesday, May 13, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Join us for a spectacular afternoon in true Northwest style. Seattle holds the distinction within the United States as one of the only cities to boast a thriving community of floating homes. These fascinating structures vary from older houseboats resting on cedar logs to elaborate abodes on concrete floats, outfitted with jacuzzis and hot tubs! You will cruise aboard a luxury yacht from bustling Lake Union, through Montlake Canal, to picturesque Lake Washington. The captain will offer fascinating facts and insights into the houseboat community including a glimpse at the houseboat occupied by Tom Hanks in the film Sleepless in Seattle. Price per person: $49.00. (approximately 3 hours)

Spirit of Puget Sound Dinner Cruise
Wednesday, May 13, 1998, 6:15 pm to 10:30 pm
Fabulous food and drinks! Two bands! Live shows! Dancing! The Spirit of Puget Sound captures all the elements of an oceangoing cruise, complete with a spectacular tour of one of the most beautiful and interesting harbors in the world. The Spirit of Puget Sound features two enclosed, climate-controlled decks beautifully carpeted and designed with huge panoramic windows for sightseeing. Dining aboard the Spirit is a sumptuous feast of fresh seafood, beef and chicken complemented with side dishes and desserts. All meals are freshly prepared in the shipboard galley, and two full service bars provide favorite drinks and cocktails! Your guests will especially the Spirit's unique entertainment: live dance bands playing songs from the 40's to the present, a complete tour narration, and rousing dance revues performed by some of the area's most talented waiters and waitresses! We'll transport your group by deluxe motorcoach to and from Pier 70 for a night to remember. Price per person: $59.00. Cash bar during cruise.

Mount Rainier Day Tour
Thursday, May 14, 1998, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Standing 14,411 feet above sea level is Washington State's greatest single attraction, Mount Rainier! Your drive up the mountain includes a stop at Narada Falls before arriving at Paradise in Mt. Rainier National Park. In this area, lush with wildflowers, are the Visitors Center with its 360 degree panoramic view, and Paradise Lodge built in 1916 of Alaskan Cedar. Lunch on your own may be enjoyed in the Paradise Lodge dining room or cafeteria style at the Visitors Center. The return trip thorough Stevens Canyon with a stop at Box Canyon to view the Cowlitz River cutting deep into the earth, completes the trip around this magnificent mountain. Be sure to bring your camera as you will want to take this opportunity to capture picturesque Mount Rainier. (Please note: Mt. Rainier is a 2 1/2 hour ride from Seattle) Price per person: $55.00. (approximately 10 hours)

Microbrewery Tour
Tuesday, May 12, 1998, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
The Pacific Northwest has become famous for its many microbreweries. Join us on an entertaining journey to two breweries located in the Seattle area. Our first stop will be the Red Hook Ale Brewery. Located in historic Fremont Car Barn, Red Hook produces over 40,000 barrels of the finest world-class ales. You will tour the renovated turn-of-the-century building which houses all brewing, kegging, and bottling operations, as well as Seattle's first brewpub. Learn about their beer making process and sample the variety of brews on draft. Next we'll tour the Rock Bottom Brewery. Located in downtown Seattle, this brewery offers unique cuisine and a wonderful atmosphere. Experts will describe the brewing process and give you some tips on beer tasting. Next you will learn which beers best compliment various foods, as you enjoy a sampling of hors d'ouevres, and, of course, special brews. Choose to return on the motorcoach, or those who still have energy for more fun and adventure, can remain in Pioneer Square and visit additional pubs and nightclubs. Price per person: $30.00.

Victoria, BC, Day Trip
Friday, May 15, 1998 (approximately 13 hours)
The lives of Indians, British, Scots, Americans, and Chinese are intertwined in the history of Vancouver Island, but it is the British influence that has prevailed in Victoria. This once bustling international port has become instead a languid and charming city of flowers and afternoon tea. We'll transport you to and from Victoria by the first class service of the Victoria Clipper jet catamaran. This 300-passenger cruiser will take you on a 2 1/2 hour voyage through the Pacific Northwest's scenic coastline and the San Juan Islands to Victoria, B.C. The Clipper offers snacks and bar service along with duty-free shopping, enclosed viewing decks, with comfortable seating and concierge service. (Also available is the new turbojet, Clipper IV, which travels at a speed of 45 knots or 53 mph. It is the fastest passenger ferry in North America. Travel time between Seattle and Victoria is now just under 2 hours with the new turbojet service.) Visitors cruising into Victoria's Inner Harbor are in a strategic position to see the marvelous architecture of Frances Rattenbury. His buildings, which include the Royal London Wax Museum and the Crystal Garden, along with the magnificent Empress Hotel and the Parliament Building, make it one of the prettiest city harbors in the world. Victoria is a walker's paradise. Its wide, flower filled streets, charming alleys, grand old buildings, uncluttered views and leisurely atmosphere make it one of Canada's most relaxing cities to explore on foot. The afternoon on your own can be spent strolling through the many antique stores, visiting local points of interest like the Butchart Gardens, riding double-decker buses or enjoying high tea at the Empress Hotel (reservations required). Price per person: $99.00. 15 days notice is required by Clipper Navigation for a full refund. (approximately 13 hours) Note: Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport or voter registration and photo I.D.) will be required. Weather may prevent the Clipper from sailing.

Tillicum Village Salmon Dinner Cruise
Monday, May 11, 1998, 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Depart from Seattle's Pier 56 and cruise to Blake Island Marine State Park, site of the popular Tillicum Village. A scenic and informative tour of the inner harbor of Elliot Bay precedes the journey to Blake Island. Upon arrival, you'll visit "Puget Sound of the Past,"--Indian ceremonial longhouses, potlatches, war canoes, Indian art. This unique village is styled after the native "longhouse" and remains one of the Northwest's most natural settings to achieve the true Native American experience. The traditional Northwest feast begins with steamed clams and nectar. Then you'll proceed to an all-you-can-eat buffet line which features alder-smoked salmon and Indian bread. As your meal ends, the lights will dim for an enchanting cultural event. While a narrator tells stories of the indian land, customs, and their creation, Northwest Native American performers portray their ancient folklore through a series of costumed dances. With lush wilderness scenery, this spectacular show will entertain and teach you about traditional Native American life in the rugged Northwest. After the show, browse through the gift shop or walk along the nature trails on Blake Island. The island itself is the birthplace of Chief Sealth, whose name, slightly changed, was chosen to mark a little pioneering town founded in the 1800's know as Seattle! Price per person: $60.00. (Cash bar aboard boat)