Trips & Tours

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Bill Swinney, an experienced traveler and photographer, will speak about his trip to Mount Everest Base Camp at a meeting of the No Reservations Travel Club. The free event takes place at 7 p.m. Monday in the Arcade Library Community Room, 2443 Marconi Ave., Sacramento. For more information: (916) 457-1426 or www.noreservationstravelclub. blogspot.com.

A La Carte & Art

The Bay Area's spring/summer festival season kicks off May 17-18 in Mountain View, where Castro Street will be transformed into a sea of people and tents for the 12th annual A La Carte & Art festival. The open-air fete will feature two days of music, a juried art show, food, drink, farmers market and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Information: (650) 964-3395 or www.miramarevents.com.

Learn to sail

If the idea of a vacation spent by the pool sounds boring, head for OCSC Sailing and learn to sail on San Francisco Bay. The school at the Berkeley Marina is offering an accelerated program for beginners that combines classroom learning with hands-on training from Coast Guard licensed-instructors. Upon completion, students receive a basic keelboat certification.

The $890 course can be taken over five consecutive weekdays or split into two weekends. A special package includes lodging aboard a boat at no extra cost or a $129 nightly rate at the adjacent Doubletree Hotel. Information: (800) 223-2984 or www.ocsc.com.

Baltic states

Scott Jercich with Vertical Horizons Travel of Folsom has organized a Sept. 14-27 tour of central Europe, including the Baltic states of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. The itinerary includes stays in Vilnius, Sigulda, Tallinn, Parnu, Riga, Nida and Curonian Spit. The trip cost of $1,697 (plus airfare) includes hotels, guided tours, in-country transportation, entrance fees, 26 meals and airport transfers. For more information: (916) 983-8651 or www.verticalhorizonstravel.com.

Yosemite watercolor workshop

Watercolor painters at all levels are invited to join artist Robert Regis Dvorak for a watercolor workshop in Yosemite. The May 22-25 trip will focus on waterfalls, meadows and the incredible cliffs of Yosemite Valley. The $550 cost includes 24 hours of instruction and three nights' lodging. For more information: www.youcreate.com or (916) 391-5051.

The raddest ride ever

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo will debut its newest roller coaster, Tony Hawk's Big Spin, over Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26. The new coaster features four-passenger cars that rotate and spin freely along a twisted track designed to simulate skateboard tricks. For more information: www.sixflags.com or (707) 643-6722.

France in 2009

Join two experienced French teachers for a June 15-28, 2009, adventure through Provence, the Camargue and Burgundy regions of France. On the itinerary are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, wine tastings, a bullfight and a tour in the steps of Vincent van Gogh. The trip cost of $5,406 includes transportation out of Sacramento. Register before July 1 for a $300 discount. For details, contact Alice Bell at (530) 246-2936 or email francetrip.bell@gmail.com.

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