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Salt Lake City: A Signature City

Program Number: 20694RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/5/2013 - 5/10/2013; 10/13/2013 - 10/18/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Price starting at: $999.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Signature Cities
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Gluten Free; Vegetarian    

Since it was settled in 1847, Salt Lake City has been known as the “Crossroads of the West.” On this unique urban adventure, trace the transition of a dry hot valley floor filled with sagebrush into one of the most fascinating large cities in the country. Explore top-rated museums of natural history and culture and stand both in Temple Square and upon the spot where in 1847 Brigham Young declared, “This is the place.” Go inside the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center to see how volunteers help prepare and ship tons of relief items around the world in times of natural disaster and discover the Great Salt Lake from Antelope Island, home to fascinating plants and wildlife, including wild bison.




Highlights

• Come to a better understanding of Utah's Native American culture "through native eyes" with a local Native American.
• Experience a rehearsal of the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
• Visit the 2002 Winter Olympic Park to peer down the ski jump ramp, bob sleigh and luge tracks and watch Olympic athletes in training.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to one-half mile, standing up to one hour, climbing a few flights of stairs. Elevation 4,500 feet.




Date Specific Information

5-5-2013

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




Salt Lake City

From a distance, rugged Rocky Mountain peaks appear to be part of Salt Lake City’s skyline, offering a visual reminder of the city’s unique position as urban oasis and outdoor gateway, where culture, Old West history and natural wonders meet.
Accommodations
Well-appointed downtown hotel steps from historic Temple Square.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Debi Brady
Debi Brady majored in wildlife biology and worked for Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. As a state of Utah historian, her distinguished career of leading and educating groups throughout Utah and the western United States for the past 20 years, has propelled her to the role as chairman of the board for a prominent Utah travel organization. She has played key roles in Utah Travel Council's campaigns, and hosted the International Media during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Plaza Hotel
  Salt Lake City, UT 5 nights
 Plaza Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Experience this beautiful full-service hotel in the heart of downtown next door to Historic Temple Square, world's largest Family History Library, Salt Palace Convention Center, Energy Solutions Arena, the Utah State Capitol Building, Gateway Mall, Abravanel Symphony Hall. This prime location enables you to walk to many attractions and experience downtown Salt Lake City life at ease. The trax light rail system, which is located right outside the front door, will whisk you away anywhere from the Gateway mall up to the University of Utah, as well as points south. Trax light rail system is free within downtown Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake Plaza hotel is surrounded by restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and an endless amount of fun activities. The Salt Lake Plaza Hotel’s family style, full service restaurant offers one of downtown’s most popular dining experiences. Enjoy your dining experience in the traditional family atmosphere offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and anything in between. The Plaza Hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of over 85 restaurants and 13 night clubs. Local favorites include Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano, Red Rock Café, The Roof, Spencer’s Steak House, Market Street Bar & Grill.
  Ship Information: You can use Fed Ex Ground to ship your luggage, skis or any items you would rather not lug through the airports to: Salt Lake Plaza Hotel 122 West South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84101 800-366-3684
  Contact info: 122 West South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101 USA
phone: 800-366-3684
web: www.plaza-hotel.com/
  Room amenities: Experience a large, comfortable room with a new king or queen size Simmons Beauty Rest pillow top mattresses. Additionally, your room will feature: -Full room Service -Microwave and refrigerator -Free wireless hi-speed Internet -Full size irons and ironing boards -In-room safes -Cable television with CNN & ESPN -Same-day valet dry cleaning service -Complimentary in-room coffee -Voice mail -Hairdryer -Desk/work area -Roll away beds available for a nominal fee
  Facility amenities: The Salt Lake Plaza Hotel has 150 luxurious guest rooms and suites that are all 100% non-smoking. The large comfortable rooms are ideally suited for business travelers and vacationers on the move. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you will feel right at home during your stay. -Guest laundry facilities -Valet laundry -Complimentary in-room coffee -Voice mail -Hairdryer -Desk/work area -Roll away beds available for a nominal fee -Fitness room -Complimentary airport shuttle service for Individuals ($30.00 Value for free!) -Complimentary business center -Complimentary wireless Internet -Guest Library -Full service restaurant offering room service -Outdoor seasonal pool -Indoor Jacuzzi ® -Exercise room -Covered parking.(Daily Fee) -Unique western theme gift shop -Concierge service
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $72 plus tax To add nights before or after the program, ask for Rich Williams or his assistant to make your reservations and take credit card information. Regular front desk employees will not be able to give you this special Road Scholar rate. (800) 366-3684, ext. 3007
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $72 plus tax To add nights before or after the program, ask for Rich Williams or his assistant to make your reservations and take credit card information. Regular front desk employees will not be able to give you this special Road Scholar rate. (800) 366-3684, ext. 3007
  Check out time: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
5:45 PM You will be staying at Plaza Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
8:00 AM You will be staying at Plaza Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Nielsen Adventures, LLC Waiver/Questionnaire Form
  Parking availability:
For personal vehicle, a charge of $5 - $7 per night in covered parking garage. Hotel offers free shuttle service to and from the Salt Lake City Airport.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Salt Lake City, UT
  Nearest highway: Crossroads of I-80 and I-15
  Nearest airport:  Salt Lake International
  From End of Program
  Location: Salt Lake City, UT
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Salt Lake Plaza Hotel

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Salt Lake Plaza Hotel Shuttle
phone: 800-366-3684

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

10-15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

8 miles
   

Hotel offers free shuttle to and from Salt Lake International Airport. Upon arrival and after retrieving luggage, call the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel at 800-366-3684 for their van to come get you. The Plaza hotel is only 10-15 minutes from airport. If you are flying Delta, your pick-up location is door #10. All other airlines is door #6. The first hotel shuttle (free shuttle) leaves for the airport at 6:30 AM and every 30 minutes thereafter. Paid taxi service will be required prior to 6:30 AM.
 
Driving Directions
  SALT LAKE PLAZA HOTEL FROM THE EAST on I-80 Westbound, get onto I-15 North. Take exit 306 (600 South exit). Travel east (toward mountains) until you come to West Temple Street. Turn left. Travel five blocks to South Temple Street. You will see the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel to your left on the corner of 122 West South Temple. FROM THE WEST on I-80 Eastbound take exit 121 for 600 south. Travel 0.5 miles and merge onto West 600 South. Travel east (toward mountains) until you come to West Temple Street. Turn left. Travel five blocks to South Temple Street. You will see the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel to your left on the corner of 122 West South Temple. FROM THE NORTH on I-15 Southbound take exit 309 onto 600 North. Travel east 2 blocks and turn right onto 300 south. Travel south 6 blocks then turn left onto North Temple. Travel 2 blocks east and turn right onto West Temple. Travel 1 block and turn right onto South Temple and you will immediately see the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel on your right at 122 West South Temple. FROM THE SOUTH on I-15 Northbound. Take exit 306 (600 South exit). Travel east (toward mountains) until you come to West Temple Street. Turn left. Travel five blocks to South Temple Street. You will see the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel to your left on the corner of 122 West South Temple.
Elevation Note: Salt Lake City's elevation is 4,500 feet above sea level
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: Program Introductions and Orientation
(Sunday, May 5)
   
 Afternoon: 5:45 PM Program Registration. Meet group leaders in assigned conference room. (see front desk for Road Scholar Conference room assignment).
 Dinner: 6:00 PM Dinner in JB's Restaurant in the Hotel
 Evening: 7:00 - 8:30 Program Orientation and Introductions. Understand the week's activities and schedule with a brief highlight of excursions, field trips, museums, unique restaurants you will experience, etc.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: History of Salt Lake, State Capitol, "This is the Place Heritage Park", Discover Utah's Native American culture, Dinner at the Blue Lemon Restaurant
(Monday, May 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast Buffet in JB's Restaurant in Hotel
 Morning: Examine the fascinating history of Salt Lake City as we drive around the city with our expert historian. Find out how resourceful early pioneers turned this dry hot valley floor filled with sagebrush into a large city by bringing trees, stones and water from the mountains. Learn that the streets were made wide enough to make a U-turn with a team of oxen. See the Thomas Kerns mansion, now used as the Governor's mansion, as well as other mansions built by wealthy silver mine owners during the silver mining boom in Park City, explore the State Capitol building. Travel to "This is the Place Heritage Park" and explore the history of the early pioneer settlers.
 Lunch: Enjoy a wonderful lunch at "This is the Place Heritage Park"
 Afternoon: Stand on the spot where Brigham Young placed his cane on the ground in 1847 and declared: "This is the Place" which began the largest western movement in history. Discover the trials and triumphs of settling the Salt Lake Valley through film and presentations, then step back in time as you wander around the historic buildings with our expert instructor. Learn how the Pony Express was founded. Learn "through Native eyes" about Utah's Native American culture and history with a Utah Native American tribe member.
 Dinner: At the Blue Lemon in the new City Creek Center near our hotel. With a motto of “Pure, clean food, with a twist,” Blue Lemon’s superior cuisine and upscale, urban feel make this Express Gourmet restaurant a perfect fit for the rejuvenated heart of downtown. Made purely from natural, mostly local ingredients and absolutely never fried, the food at Blue Lemon is designed to optimize health without sacrificing taste. Menu options are creative, delicious and guilt-free and include salads, sandwiches, entrées, starters, soups, sides and desserts for an energizing and satisfying dining experience. Blue Lemon invites you to experience the elegant side of casual dining.
 Evening: Return to hotel around 7:30 PM with free time to relax or walk around down town Salt Lake City
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Utah Olympic Park, Park City's Historic Main Street and Museum
(Tuesday, May 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast Buffet in hotel, JB's Restaurant
 Morning: Travel up "Parley's Canyon" following the old Pony Express Route. Visit the 2002 Winter Olympic Park where Winter Olympic Athletes train year-round. Explore the Alf Engen Ski History Museum and Olympic Museum.

Get a VIP tour of the Bobsleigh, Skeleton and Luge Tracks and discover the rules and regulations of each sport. Find out why the smaller person on the Doubles Luge Competition lays down on the sled first and the bigger person lays down on top. Look down the steep Nordic ski jumps from the start gate - a breathtaking experience. If we are lucky, we will be able to watch Olympic Athletes put their skis on, step into the track and take off down the ramp. Watch Olympic Free-Style Athletes ski down the ramp, go off the jump, fly 40-80 feet in the air and do their twists and turns and hopefully land on their skis in the large pool of water. Travel over to Park City's Historic Main Street for lunch.

 Lunch: Lunch at Historic "Main Street Pizza and Noodle" with a wide variety of pasta dishes available
 Afternoon: Explore Park City's Historic Main Street and the Park City History Museum and learn about Park City going through booms and busts of Silver Mining where such investors as Molly Brown, Vanderbilt's, the Hurst's among others made millions before Park City became a ghost town clear through the 1960's when "Lady Bird Johnson" dedicated Park City Mountain Resort in 1962 as a ski resort. Wander through the unique art galleries and shops up and down historic main street before returning to Salt Lake City.
 Dinner: Dinner on own in downtown Salt Lake City
 Evening: Free evening to explore attractions in downtown Salt Lake City or take in a theater performance or show.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Explore the world's largest open pit mine--Kennecott Copper Mine and discover the amazing Natural History Museum of Utah. Explore the 21,200 seat Conference Center and the LDS Church History Museum. Dinner at The Roof Restaurant.
(Wednesday, May 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast Buffet in hotel's JB's Restaurant
 Morning: Explore the amazing Bingham Canyon Mine, also known as the Kennecott Copper Mine. It is an open-pit mining operation extracting a large porphyry copper deposit southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, in the Oquirrh Mountains. It is the deepest open-pit mine in the world and is known as one of two “man-made” features on earth visible from space. The mine is owned by Rio Tinto Group, an international mining and exploration company. The copper operations at Bingham Canyon Mine are managed through Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation which operates the mine, a concentrator plant, a smelter, and a refinery. The mine has been in production since 1906, and has resulted in the creation of a pit over 0.75 miles deep, 2.5 miles wide and covering 1,900 acres. It is the world's largest man-made excavation and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966 under the name Bingham Canyon Open Pit Copper Mine. Travel to Natural History Museum of Utah and begin exploring this massive brand new museum. The building is immediately recognizable due to the 42,000 square feet of standing seam copper that wraps the exterior of the building. The copper, mined from Kennecott Utah Copper's Bingham Canyon Mine located across the Salt Lake Valley from the new Museum site, is installed in horizontal bands of various heights to represent the layered rock formations seen throughout Utah. A visit to the Museum allows visitors to explore nature and science in ten themed galleries, and to also step outdoors to experience nature as its revealed just outside the building.
 Lunch: Enjoy a wonderful lunch at the Natural History Museum's Café
 Afternoon: Continue exploration of the Natural History Museum of Utah. Explore the LDS Conference Center which is the premier meeting hall for The Conference Center replaced the traditional use of the nearby Salt Lake Tabernacle, built in 1868, for semi-annual LDS Church general conferences and major church gatherings, devotionals and other events. It is the largest theater-style auditorium ever built. The 1.4 million square foot Conference Center seats 21,200 people in its main auditorium. This includes the rostrum behind the pulpit facing the audience, which provides seating at general conference for 158 general authorities and general officers of the church and the 360-voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The auditorium is large enough to hold two Boeing 747's side by side. All seats in the audience have an unobstructed view of the pulpit because the balcony is held up by radial trusses. This construction method allows the balcony to sink 5⁄8 inches under full capacity. Behind the podium is a 7,667-pipe and 130-rank Schoenstein pipe organ. Underground is a parking garage that can hold 1400 cars. A modernist, three-story chandelier hangs in a skylight in the interior of the building. Because the building sits near the base of Salt Lake City's Capitol Hill, the roof is landscaped for attractiveness. About 3 acres of grass and hundreds of trees have been planted on the roof. Twenty-one native grasses were employed to conserve water and showcase local foliage. The landscaping is meant to echo the mountains and meadows of Utah. Discover the Church History Museum which is the premier museum operated by the LDS Church. The museum contains collections of art, artifacts, documents, photographs, tools, clothing and furniture from the almost two-century history of the LDS Church. The Church History Museum also initiated and hosts the International Art Competition.
 Dinner: Enjoy an amazing dinner at "The Roof" restaurant. The Roof Restaurant is Utah's premier gourmet dining buffet. With breathtaking views of Temple Square and Downtown Salt Lake City, The Roof is a fusion of inspiring views and extravagant food. Chef Pedro Mauricio prepares international cuisine with daily regulars for a dynamic menu. Additionally, they offer a world-renowned dessert buffet with an abundance of delicious choices.
 Evening: Return to hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax or wander around down town Salt Lake City.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Explore the Humanitarian Center and participate in a humanitarian project. Explore Antelope Island on the Great Salt Lake and Garr Ranch. Dinner at Brigham Young's Home called "The Lion House." Experience the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Rehearsal.
(Thursday, May 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast Buffet in hotel JB's Restaurant
 Morning: Have you ever wondered how a worldwide humanitarian organization works? Here's your chance to find out. Visit the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center for a VIP tour and participate in a humanitarian project.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at "Golden Corral" with great home cooking and unlimited buffet.
 Afternoon: Discover the largest of the 9 islands on the Great Salt Lake. Rich in scenic beauty and natural features, Antelope Island is the perfect place to view the Great Salt Lake and get a taste of the vast open country found in the Great Basin. We will access the island by driving across a scenic seven mile long, narrow causeway Antelope Island is part of the Utah State Park System. Guest speakers will explain the unique flora, fauna and wildlife on the island. Discover that mountain men actually lived on the island before the pioneers settled the Salt Lake Valley. Antelope Island is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna native to the Great Basin and is a great place to view wildlife including 600 American Bison.
 Dinner: For our program finale dinner, enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by a gourmet chef in Brigham Young's home, "The Lion House" The Lion House was built in 1856 by Brigham Young in order to accommodate his very large family. The House was partly designed by Truman O. Angell, who also designed the Salt Lake Temple, and was built with adobe and sandstone which came from City Creek Canyon.
 Evening: End you week in Utah by attending the world renowned Mormon Tabernacle choir rehearsal in the historic Tabernacle right next to our hotel. Construction on the Tabernacle began in 1863 and ended in 1875. It was a marvel of its time. The 360 members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir represent men and women from many different background and professions, they reflect a medley of unique experiences and are brought together by their love for singing and their faith. Complementing the voices of the 360 choristers who comprise the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is the sound of the majestic Tabernacle organ-which is one of the largest and most distinctive instruments in the world.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Farewells and Departures.
(Friday, May 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast Buffet in hotel JB's Restaurant
 Morning: Independent departures to Salt Lake City International Airport. Free Hotel Shuttle Van to and from Airport.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.


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