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A Week of Fine Film: The Seattle International Film Festival

Program Number: 2049RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/26/2013 - 5/31/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Seattle, Washington
Price starting at: $935.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Film Festivals Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 12; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Gluten Free; Low Salt; Low Fat; Vegetarian    

Celebrate cinema at the Seattle International Film Festival, America's largest film festival. Among its four weeks of 400-plus films are the hottest releases by cutting-edge independents, international filmmakers and Hollywood's finest. Enjoy priority reserved seating at six festival films as you enhance your appreciation of the films with in-depth presentations by filmmakers, actors, directors or critics.




Highlights

• Relish insightful post-film discussions with experts associated with the film or the film festival.
• Cast a ballot with other audience members to award the coveted Golden Space Needle to the festival’s most popular movie. Past winners include “Winter’s Bone” (2010), “Whale Rider” (2003) and “Trainspotting” (1996).
• Explore Seattle history on an expert-led visit to Pike Place Market, the city’s interesting neighborhoods, a Dungeness crab lunch and a trip to the top of the Space Needle.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to 15 blocks, on city streets, in museums and other buildings.




Date Specific Information

5-26-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Evergreen Adventures.




Seattle

Seattle is a visual gem, set amid saltwater, lakes and mountains. International influences abound in this congenial city. Unique neighborhoods, world-class cultural institutions, parks and the landmark Space Needle are just the beginning.
Accommodations
Located in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant, bustling downtown; three blocks to the Pike Place Market. One-and-a-half blocks to light-rail terminal to SeaTac Airport. Stunning views, fitness center, parking available for a fee.
Meals and Lodgings
   Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
  Seattle, WA 5 nights
 Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, close to the Pike Place Market, the central library, Benaroya (symphony) Hall, the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Aquarium, theaters, restaurants, sports stadiums, shopping and more.
  Contact info: 1415 5th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101 USA
phone: 206-971-8000
web: www.seattleredlionfifthavenue.com
  Room amenities: Coffeemaker, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, free wi-fi, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, deluxe amenities.
  Facility amenities: Full-service hotel with underground parking, restaurant/lounge/terrace, free wi-fi, fitness facility. 1.5 blocks from the LINK light rail terminal to/from SeaTac airport.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Rates change seasonally. Contact Red Lion Reservations, 1-888-515-1144 during regular business hours.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Rates change seasonally. Contact Red Lion Reservations, 1-888-515-1144 during regular business hours.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Any time between 4:00 -5:00 PM in posted meeting room. You will be staying at Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends by noon after Space Needle or Garden & Glass visits unless you choose to enjoy optional activities at the Seattle Center. You will be staying at Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking in secure underground garage at $15+ tax/night, subject to change. 6'2" height limit; no parking for RVs or oversize vehicles.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Seattle, WA
  Nearest highway: I-5
  Nearest airport:  Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Seattle, WA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Seattle

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Shuttle Express
phone: 425-981-7000

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

about $15, subject to change without notice
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

less than one hour 
 

Distance:

 

16 miles
   

Ride elevator to floor 3 from baggage claim area, Cross skybridge 4 and descend to main level. Find Shuttle Express on Island 2. Vans leave every 30 minutes. Ride to the Sheraton Hotel. Walk 1/2 block to Pike Street, turn left, cross 6th Avenue and walk one block to 5th Avenue, cross street, turn left on 5th Avenue and walk 1/2 block to the Red Lion Hotel. For reservations, www.ShuttleExpress.com.
 

Seattle

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Yellow Cab
phone: NA0-0 0-0-00 x---

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

For one-four persons, about $40-45
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

one 
 

Distance:

 

16 miles
 

Seattle

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
LINK light rail
phone: NA -00---

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$.75 pp one-way for seniors/$2.50 pp one-way adults
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

1.5 blocks
   

Ride elevator to Floor 3 from the baggage claim area. Cross skybridge to parking garage. Turn left and follow signs to LINK light rail, about 1100' in all. Buy ticket with cash or credit card on the concourse level. Ride elevator to the platform level. Trains run every 10 minutes. Ride LINK to the Westlake Station. Get off and ride elevator to street level. Nordstrom should be on your left. Walk 1.5 blocks south on 5th Avenue to the Red Lion Hotel.
 

King Street Station

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Under $15
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

about 15 minutes 
 
Driving Directions
  From the north From I-5 southbound, exit at Stewart Street (exit # 166). Follow Stewart to 5th Avenue. Turn left onto 5th Avenue. Drive 3.5 blocks to the Red Lion Hotel; the cross street before the hotel entrance is Pike Street.The hotel entrance is on the right side of the street.
  From the south, including SeaTac Airport Take I-5 northbound. Exit at Seneca Street (exit # 165).Follow Seneca to 4th Avenue. Turn right onto 4th Avenue, drive 3 blocks, turn right onto Pike Street, drive the length of that block, turn right onto 5th Avenue and drive one-half block into the loading zone of the Red Lion Hotel.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration/Reception/Dinner/Introductions
(Sunday, May 26)
   
 Arrive To: Check into your comfortable hotel room, then come to our meeting room (posted on a readerboard in the lobby) any time between 4:00-5:00 PM to pick up your program materials and name tag.
 Afternoon: Visit with other program participants at a hosted reception beginning at 5:00 PM. Learn the details of this week's agenda from 5:30-6:00 PM.
 Dinner: Enjoy a sit-down dinner in our meeting room at 6:00 PM.
 Evening: Meet other program participants and get an overview of activities in Seattle. Bring the title of one of your favorite films, old or new, to recommend to others in the group.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Festival Preview; view 2 films
(Monday, May 27)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel's restaurant includes fresh fruits & juices, hot & cold cereals, eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, pancakes, toast station, pastries, yogurt, coffee/decaf/tea.
 Morning: Preview all the films we'll be viewing during the week. Discuss directors, actors and other features of the films with an expert from the Film Festival organization.
 Lunch: We'll have a buffet lunch will be in the hotel today.
 Afternoon: See two Festival films this afternoon. After each film we'll have a discussion with a knowledgable person associated with the film itself or with the Festival. Discussions may be in the theater, in our meeting room or in the SIFF Cinema Center.
 Dinner: Dinner will be in our meeting room or at a restaurant in the neighborhood of the theater, depending on the timing of our films.
 Evening: Films get out too late to start another evening activity.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Pike Place Market lecture and guided walk, view 2 films in the afternoon.
(Tuesday, May 28)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel's restaurant.
 Morning: Learn about Seattle's lively and historic Pike Place Market, then walk the three blocks there for a behind-the-scenes guided tour.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own in the Market at one of 60 cafes and restaurants.
 Afternoon: Travel by bus or monorail to theater to view two films. Our agenda is arranged after the Festival releases the schedule of films, so it is subject to change.
 Dinner: Dinner in our meeting room or in a neighborhood restaurant near the theater.
 Evening: Films are over too late to begin another evening activity.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Chittenden Locks and the Olympic Sculpture Park.Time to explore; free afternoon, dinner and evening.
(Wednesday, May 29)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel's restaurant.
 Morning: Learn about the landmark Hiram Chittenden Locks and their importance to the economy of early and present-day Seattle. See commercial and pleasure boats, salmon navigating the fish ladder and botanical gardens.
 Lunch: Lunch at a popular casual restaurant.
 Afternoon: This afternoon is yours to attend more films or see some of Seattle's attractions not included in the program. Suggestions for free-time activities will be provided. Because of the film schedule this may or may not be our free afternoon. Please contact Carol Barton, carolbarton2@comcast.net or 206-270-8800, to verify this before you make plans for this time.
 Dinner: On your own for dinner this evening. Restaurant suggestions and help making reservations will be supplied. Because of the film schedule this may or may not be our free evening, Please contact Carol Barton, carolbarton2@comcast.net or 206-270-8800, before making plans for this time.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Hop onto the Lake Union Streetcar for a ride to the new Museum of History and Industry for a look into Seattle's lively, rowdy past.
(Thursday, May 30)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel's restaurant.
 Morning: Jump onto the Lake Union Streetcar for a ride to the newest, most happening area of the city--South Lake Union. Delight in the brand-new Museum of History and Industry and learn all about film in Seattle in a fascinating exhibit.
 Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch in a restaurant at the end of the streetcar line.
 Afternoon: Discuss and view the final two films included in our program.
 Dinner: Dine tonight in a popular local restaurant just a block from our hotel.
 Evening: After a relaxing dinner, attend more films on your own or return to our hotel with the group.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Space Needle--see a 1962 video detailing the construction of the landmark Space Needle, then ride the monorail to the Seattle Center and ascend to the top of the Needle or stroll the sparkling new Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit to see amazing glass art.
(Friday, May 31)
   
 Depart From: Our program ends after this morning's activities. You can easily return to the hotel by noon.
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel's restaurant.
 Morning: We'll ride the monorail to the Seattle Center to zip to the top of the Space Needle. If you've already ascended the Needle you may prefer to visit the sparkling new Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit. One of these activities is included in the program this morning--you choose which one. Stay as long as you like or return to the hotel with the group. Our week together is complete. Thank you for coming to Seattle!
 Lunch: Bon voyage!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Seattle, WA Chihuly Gardens & Glass
A spectacular exhibit of new glass art by Dale Chihuly is projected to open late Spring 2012 adjacent to the Space Needle at the Seattle Center. Permanent installation of interior and garden art. Exact opening date and ticket prices not yet announced.
  LeMay Car Museum
In Tacoma, south of Seattle, see many cars from the LeMay collection, the world's largest private collection of automobiles, in a dramatic new building. Convenient transportation from Seattle via train or bus. Museum is at the terminus of public transportation. Ticket prices not yet announced.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


The Good Rain


Author: Timothy Egan


Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet


Author: Jamie Ford


Snow Falling on Cedars


Author: David Guterson


Winter Brothers


Author: Ivan Doig




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