Ikebana International
16th North American Regional Conference
2008

Tours

We are pleased to offer the following tours for your enjoyment to explore the beautiful Central Coast of California. Nearly all are presented by ITL Events, a highly respected event planner..

1. Seventeen Mile Drive
This tour focuses on one of the most beautiful drives in the world, the celebrated Pebble Beach 17 Mile Drive.  The 17 Mile Drive and environs have a long and interesting history.  Main points of interest include the Restless Sea, the world famous and much photographed Lone Cypress, and Point Joe and The Lodge at Pebble Beach overlooking the famously scenic 18th hole.  This is a wonderful tour if you are looking for something a little shorter than some of our other options. It can also be combined with shopping in Carmel, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel Mission.

2. Big Sur Tour

You will be awestruck by some of the most spectacular ocean views in the world as a luxury motor coache transports you along California’s wildly beautiful Big Sur coastline. Colorful and informative commentary by a professional tour guide begins as you depart Monterey. We’ll travel further down the renowned Big Sur coast enjoying dramatic land and sea vistas along the way. World famous California Highway 1 South, meanders through the coastal shrub and chaparral of the Santa Lucia Mountains and over one of the most photographed structures in the world—the elegant and graceful Bixby Bridge. You will discover why the Big Sur area has been and continues to be home and inspiration to renowned authors, artists and photographers including Henry Miller, Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and Robinson Jeffers.

Breathtaking scenery includes ancient redwood groves and a wide variety of California wildlife, including the ever-popular sea otter. Visitors to the Big Sur coast describe being changed by its rustic beauty, you will be sure to be impressed by the splendor of this special place. Don't forget your camera. Photo of Bixby bridge by Pelican Gallery

3. Movie and wine tasting tour.
This very popular tour uses a bus with movie screens throughout and takes you to many of the sites where films have been made here. This area has been the site of many well known movies. . If you don't want lunch, you can wander through the lovely high end shops at the lodge. You will also visit Rancho Cellars and taste some of the lovely wines this area is known for. Wines may be purchased for souvineers.
See"www.montereymovietours.com" for more information.

4. National Steinbeck Center Museum 
The Salinas Valley and its agricultural landscape peopled with farmers and immigrants provided rich fodder for Nobel Prize winning author John Steinbeck’s literary imagination. His life experience in the area led him to produce some of America’s most beloved novels, including Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden and Cannery Row. Our professional guide will provide commentary and answer questions as we head to the National Steinbeck Center to tour the new 37,000 square foot museum dedicated to the author’s works and life. The interactive nature of the exhibits allows for a fascinating afternoon— start up an old crankcase automobile engine following the instructions taken right out of one of Steinbeck’s novels!

Fun things to do on your own

Hiking the beach trails
Kayaking
Fishing
Biking

Golf
Exploring Point Lobos

Wine Tasting

Scuba Diving

Exploring Carmel

Workshops
Tours
Registration Forms
Hotel Information
Wafu Teshigahara Bio
Conference Committee