| . |
| Mr. Sjoblom - Thank you for a splendid, magnificent, glorious, fantastic, amazing, incredible, superb, delightful, elegant and an outstanding journey! You did an admirable job! Pat M. "Great Lakes Tour" 7/7/07 |
2008 Current Tours
February 14: Valentine Mystery Tour SOLD OUT
March 17 - 20: Natchez Spring Pilgimage
April 1: Wildflower Tour
April 17: Springtime Mystery Tour SOLD OUT
June 3 - 11: St. Louis to Chicago - Mississippi River Adventure
June 27 - July 6: Lake Superior Circle Tour
July 15 - 23: Canyon Country of the West with Ted Winder
February 14: Valentine Mystery Tour SOLD OUT
March 17 - 20: Natchez Spring Pilgimage
April 1: Wildflower Tour
April 17: Springtime Mystery Tour SOLD OUT
June 3 - 11: St. Louis to Chicago - Mississippi River Adventure
June 27 - July 6: Lake Superior Circle Tour
July 15 - 23: Canyon Country of the West with Ted Winder
Now in our 21st year of specializing in travel
opportunities for the "Mature Market", SJO-PRO
Tours custom arranges and conducts group
tours and cruises throughout North America with
some overseas adventures. Specialty areas
include the Great Lakes, Eastern & Western
Canada, East & West Coasts, Texas and the South
Central U.S. along with Branson & Nashville.
opportunities for the "Mature Market", SJO-PRO
Tours custom arranges and conducts group
tours and cruises throughout North America with
some overseas adventures. Specialty areas
include the Great Lakes, Eastern & Western
Canada, East & West Coasts, Texas and the South
Central U.S. along with Branson & Nashville.
October 11 - 18: American Queen St. Louis to St. Paul
Octrober 30 - November 6: River Barge Cincinnati to St. Louis
Octrober 30 - November 6: River Barge Cincinnati to St. Louis
| SJO-PRO Tours 21 Years PlanningYour Travel Adventures |
| (512) 467-2345 or (866) 776-4126 Groups are our Only Business |
 | |  | |  | |  |
“A Day to Play in a Wildflower Way” Tuesday - April 1, 2008 $87.00 per person
The Bluebonnet is one of the biggest springtime attractions in Central Texas. Our State Flower is as familiar a symbol of Texas as the
Lone Star, Longhorn cattle, or oil wells. As the oft-quoted historian Jack Maguire puts it, the “bluebonnet is to Texas what the
shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland.”
We offered this tour in 2005 and it was indeed, an incredibly scenic day with the theme of “Whimsical Wandering amongst Wonderful
Wildflowers.” If you love to go a wandering, this tour was planned with you in mind with some changes. Our day will begin by
traveling to Johnson City for our morning coffee & homemade sweet rolls at Chantilly Lace Restaurant & Gift Shop in Johnson City.
The owners, Porter & Sylvia are now part of the Blanco Lavender Growers Association with six acres of Lavender and landscaped
gardens along with a new gift shop selling Lavender products. Then, the magnificent Willow City Loop.
The Loop is a narrow 13-mile stretch of farmland back road with green-washed hills streaked with wildflowers - a primary-color
jumble made up of bluebonnets, firewheel, Indian paintbrush, and daisies. Drivers putter over slatted cattle guards, through farm
gates, over mellow creeks, and sometimes through them if there’s been rain. The Loop is just wide enough for two cars, provided
both hug the side and the cows move out of the way. Wait till we come through with the motorcoach!
Next stop will be charming Fredericksburg for a luncheon at the ever popular Fredericksburg Herb Farm & Gardens. Wander the
shops for body care products, candles & herbs plus native and perennial plants or enjoy strolling in their gardens which should be in
full bloom.
It has been a few years since we have stopped at the Wildseed Farms and even if you’ve been there before, you are in for a pleasant
surprise! They have expanded the facility greatly and now, you may enjoy wandering amongst the landscaped gardens in “The
Meadows,” a must for any gardener, or thrill to the miracle of live butterflies native to Texas at the newest Butterfly exhibit in Texas, “The
Butterfly Haus.” Walk amongst the butterflies feeding and flying in the 3,000 square foot exhibit and from the observation window,
witness hummingbirds feeding in native plants and feeders.
On to Becker Vineyards for a tour of this fine winery, tasting and shopping for not only award winning wines, but also for their lavender
products. The vineyards were established in 1992 by Richard and Bunny Becker. Forty-six acres of French Vinifera vines with sixteen
different varieties are planted in a mixture of deep soil and Precambrian granite soils at 1500 feet above sea level. The vines are
watered with well water from limestone formations 300 feet beneath the surface. All vintages are aged in French and American oak
and stored in the largest underground wine cellar in Texas. In 1998, the Beckers planted three acres of lavender behind the winery.
They now produce varieties of potpourris, sachets, soaps and oils from the lavender.
This will indeed be a great way to spend a day traveling into our beautiful Texas Hill Country. Especially when it is adorned with nature’
s spring offering of wildflowers. Join your friends from SJO-PRO Tours and the Scandinavian Club for this incredible day of
“Bluebonnets & Backroads.” What a day it promises to be exploring and spending time with friends on April Fool’s Day!
For reservations: SJO-PRO Tours at 467-8645 / (866) 776-4126
Please make checks payable to SJO-PRO Tours and mail to: P.O. Box 49017, Austin, TX 78765.
A Natchez Spring Pilgimage March 17 - 20, 2008
Shhh! It’s the South’s best-kept secret. Natchez, Mississippi is 40 miles from the nearest
freeway so few travelers find it by accident. This elegant little city of 19,000 is 100 miles
from the state capital in Jackson and 150 miles from New Orleans, both easy drives on
divided four lane highways through lushly wooded countryside. Natchez was a center of
business and culture in the early 1800s and by the mid-nineteenth century was home to
more millionaires per capita than any other city in America. Natchez is your passport to a
timeless realm that stirs the imagination with the Mississippi River, sprawling plantations,
majestic townhouses, intimate gardens, colorful riverboats, celebrated restaurants, splashy
special events and all in a magnificent setting of lush natural beauty.
Natchez has more antebellum houses than any other place in the United States. Nine houses
are available for touring daily. During the Spring Pilgrimage many more open their doors to
visitors. Hundreds more are private homes and not available for touring but still a delight to
the eye as you pass by.
Downtown not only has spectacular antebellum houses, the business section is largely a
phenomenon of late nineteenth century architecture. It is the perfect setting for the antique
shops, variety shops, specialty shops, hotel, churches and fabulous restaurants that reside
inside their historic walls. And we will spend three nights at the historic Eola Hotel, listed in
the National Register of Historic Places. Step out of the Eola’s courtyard into the heart of
historic downtown Natchez, where you’ll discover Natchez Under-the-Hill, riverboat
gambling, and the city’s renowned Antiques Row, all within walking distance of the Eola.
In Natchez, life is to be celebrated and blessings shared. The folks didn’t invent Southern
hospitality in Natchez. They just perfected it. They’ll leave the veranda light on and the door
open wide. Y’all come on home .......come to Natchez.
On Day one, we’ll motorcoach from Austin to Natchez followed by dinner at the Eola Hotel.
Day two, meet our guide for tours of the Shields Town House, Routhland, Longwood, lunch
at the King’s Tavern and then tour Bontura, Elgin and Fair Oaks with dinner at Magnolia
Hall followed by “Southern Exposure.” The morning of day three, meet our guide and tour
the homes Monmouth Plantation, Linden and Bankers. Afternoon for relaxing, exploring and
shopping in the historic downtown area. This evening, dinner at Landsdowne and evening
performance of “Historic Natchez Pageant.” Day four and it’s time to depart this lovely city
and travel back to Austin with incredible memories of a true Southern Hospitality tradition,
Natchez’s “Spring Pilgrimage.”.
$698.00 P/P Double * $637.00 P/P Triple * $824.00 Single
Tour Price Includes: All Motorcoaching * Three Nights Eola Hotel with Baggage Handling *
All admissions to Home & Plantation Tours listed above * Reserved seating for “Southern
Exposure” & “Natchez Pageant” * 3 Breakfasts,
1 Lunch and 3 Dinners * All Taxes & Tips on Inclusions
Not included are items of a personal nature and customary driver gratuity
“Canyon Country” of the West plus
Durango & Silverton Railroad, Santa Fe & Albuquerque
July 15 - 23, 2008
This will indeed be a very special tour in 2008. And to make it even more special,
Ted Winder, our guide in 2006 on our Black Hills/Yellowstone tour will join us on
this nine day adventure. The rugged American West presents landscapes found
nowhere else in the world. From the vastness of the Grand Canyon, the unusual
rock amphitheaters at Bryce Canyon, the odd geological formations of Zion
National Park to a scenic Jet Boat cruise and four-wheel drive tour of Monument
Valley plus the Durango and Silverton Railroad, this is indeed an exciting itinerary.
You are certainly welcome to join SJO-PRO Tours and the Hometown Travelers
exploring the awe-inspiring Canyonlands of the West.
Tour Highlights: Las Vegas * Grand Canyon National Park * Monument Valley *
Zion National Park * Bryce Canyon National Park * Escalante National Monument *
Capitol Reef National Park * Arches National Park * Dead Horse Point State Park *
Colorado River Jet Boat Ride * Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad *
Santa Fe
$2559.00 per person Double * $2432.00 per person Triple * $2998.00 Single
Tour Price Includes: R/T Air Austin/Las Vegas & Albuquerque/Austin * All
Motorcoaching *
8 Nights Lodging including 1 night Las Vegas, 1 Night Grand Canyon, 1 Night Page,
1 Night Bryce Canyon,
2 Nights Moab, 1 Night Durango & 1 Night Santa Fe * 15 Meals including 8
Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 5 Dinners *
Entrance Fees to all Attractions, Monuments & National Parks as listed in itinerary *
Four-Wheel Drive Tour of Monument Valley * Jet Boat Ride & Canyonlands by Night
* Durango & Silverton Railroad *
Services of a professional Tour Director/Guide from Las Vegas to Albuquerque *
All Baggage Handling, Taxes and Gratuities on Inclusions
Call 467-8645 or (866) 776-4126 for further information and complete brochure.
The Bluebonnet is one of the biggest springtime attractions in Central Texas. Our State Flower is as familiar a symbol of Texas as the
Lone Star, Longhorn cattle, or oil wells. As the oft-quoted historian Jack Maguire puts it, the “bluebonnet is to Texas what the
shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland.”
We offered this tour in 2005 and it was indeed, an incredibly scenic day with the theme of “Whimsical Wandering amongst Wonderful
Wildflowers.” If you love to go a wandering, this tour was planned with you in mind with some changes. Our day will begin by
traveling to Johnson City for our morning coffee & homemade sweet rolls at Chantilly Lace Restaurant & Gift Shop in Johnson City.
The owners, Porter & Sylvia are now part of the Blanco Lavender Growers Association with six acres of Lavender and landscaped
gardens along with a new gift shop selling Lavender products. Then, the magnificent Willow City Loop.
The Loop is a narrow 13-mile stretch of farmland back road with green-washed hills streaked with wildflowers - a primary-color
jumble made up of bluebonnets, firewheel, Indian paintbrush, and daisies. Drivers putter over slatted cattle guards, through farm
gates, over mellow creeks, and sometimes through them if there’s been rain. The Loop is just wide enough for two cars, provided
both hug the side and the cows move out of the way. Wait till we come through with the motorcoach!
Next stop will be charming Fredericksburg for a luncheon at the ever popular Fredericksburg Herb Farm & Gardens. Wander the
shops for body care products, candles & herbs plus native and perennial plants or enjoy strolling in their gardens which should be in
full bloom.
It has been a few years since we have stopped at the Wildseed Farms and even if you’ve been there before, you are in for a pleasant
surprise! They have expanded the facility greatly and now, you may enjoy wandering amongst the landscaped gardens in “The
Meadows,” a must for any gardener, or thrill to the miracle of live butterflies native to Texas at the newest Butterfly exhibit in Texas, “The
Butterfly Haus.” Walk amongst the butterflies feeding and flying in the 3,000 square foot exhibit and from the observation window,
witness hummingbirds feeding in native plants and feeders.
On to Becker Vineyards for a tour of this fine winery, tasting and shopping for not only award winning wines, but also for their lavender
products. The vineyards were established in 1992 by Richard and Bunny Becker. Forty-six acres of French Vinifera vines with sixteen
different varieties are planted in a mixture of deep soil and Precambrian granite soils at 1500 feet above sea level. The vines are
watered with well water from limestone formations 300 feet beneath the surface. All vintages are aged in French and American oak
and stored in the largest underground wine cellar in Texas. In 1998, the Beckers planted three acres of lavender behind the winery.
They now produce varieties of potpourris, sachets, soaps and oils from the lavender.
This will indeed be a great way to spend a day traveling into our beautiful Texas Hill Country. Especially when it is adorned with nature’
s spring offering of wildflowers. Join your friends from SJO-PRO Tours and the Scandinavian Club for this incredible day of
“Bluebonnets & Backroads.” What a day it promises to be exploring and spending time with friends on April Fool’s Day!
For reservations: SJO-PRO Tours at 467-8645 / (866) 776-4126
Please make checks payable to SJO-PRO Tours and mail to: P.O. Box 49017, Austin, TX 78765.
A Natchez Spring Pilgimage March 17 - 20, 2008
Shhh! It’s the South’s best-kept secret. Natchez, Mississippi is 40 miles from the nearest
freeway so few travelers find it by accident. This elegant little city of 19,000 is 100 miles
from the state capital in Jackson and 150 miles from New Orleans, both easy drives on
divided four lane highways through lushly wooded countryside. Natchez was a center of
business and culture in the early 1800s and by the mid-nineteenth century was home to
more millionaires per capita than any other city in America. Natchez is your passport to a
timeless realm that stirs the imagination with the Mississippi River, sprawling plantations,
majestic townhouses, intimate gardens, colorful riverboats, celebrated restaurants, splashy
special events and all in a magnificent setting of lush natural beauty.
Natchez has more antebellum houses than any other place in the United States. Nine houses
are available for touring daily. During the Spring Pilgrimage many more open their doors to
visitors. Hundreds more are private homes and not available for touring but still a delight to
the eye as you pass by.
Downtown not only has spectacular antebellum houses, the business section is largely a
phenomenon of late nineteenth century architecture. It is the perfect setting for the antique
shops, variety shops, specialty shops, hotel, churches and fabulous restaurants that reside
inside their historic walls. And we will spend three nights at the historic Eola Hotel, listed in
the National Register of Historic Places. Step out of the Eola’s courtyard into the heart of
historic downtown Natchez, where you’ll discover Natchez Under-the-Hill, riverboat
gambling, and the city’s renowned Antiques Row, all within walking distance of the Eola.
In Natchez, life is to be celebrated and blessings shared. The folks didn’t invent Southern
hospitality in Natchez. They just perfected it. They’ll leave the veranda light on and the door
open wide. Y’all come on home .......come to Natchez.
On Day one, we’ll motorcoach from Austin to Natchez followed by dinner at the Eola Hotel.
Day two, meet our guide for tours of the Shields Town House, Routhland, Longwood, lunch
at the King’s Tavern and then tour Bontura, Elgin and Fair Oaks with dinner at Magnolia
Hall followed by “Southern Exposure.” The morning of day three, meet our guide and tour
the homes Monmouth Plantation, Linden and Bankers. Afternoon for relaxing, exploring and
shopping in the historic downtown area. This evening, dinner at Landsdowne and evening
performance of “Historic Natchez Pageant.” Day four and it’s time to depart this lovely city
and travel back to Austin with incredible memories of a true Southern Hospitality tradition,
Natchez’s “Spring Pilgrimage.”.
$698.00 P/P Double * $637.00 P/P Triple * $824.00 Single
Tour Price Includes: All Motorcoaching * Three Nights Eola Hotel with Baggage Handling *
All admissions to Home & Plantation Tours listed above * Reserved seating for “Southern
Exposure” & “Natchez Pageant” * 3 Breakfasts,
1 Lunch and 3 Dinners * All Taxes & Tips on Inclusions
Not included are items of a personal nature and customary driver gratuity
“Canyon Country” of the West plus
Durango & Silverton Railroad, Santa Fe & Albuquerque
July 15 - 23, 2008
This will indeed be a very special tour in 2008. And to make it even more special,
Ted Winder, our guide in 2006 on our Black Hills/Yellowstone tour will join us on
this nine day adventure. The rugged American West presents landscapes found
nowhere else in the world. From the vastness of the Grand Canyon, the unusual
rock amphitheaters at Bryce Canyon, the odd geological formations of Zion
National Park to a scenic Jet Boat cruise and four-wheel drive tour of Monument
Valley plus the Durango and Silverton Railroad, this is indeed an exciting itinerary.
You are certainly welcome to join SJO-PRO Tours and the Hometown Travelers
exploring the awe-inspiring Canyonlands of the West.
Tour Highlights: Las Vegas * Grand Canyon National Park * Monument Valley *
Zion National Park * Bryce Canyon National Park * Escalante National Monument *
Capitol Reef National Park * Arches National Park * Dead Horse Point State Park *
Colorado River Jet Boat Ride * Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad *
Santa Fe
$2559.00 per person Double * $2432.00 per person Triple * $2998.00 Single
Tour Price Includes: R/T Air Austin/Las Vegas & Albuquerque/Austin * All
Motorcoaching *
8 Nights Lodging including 1 night Las Vegas, 1 Night Grand Canyon, 1 Night Page,
1 Night Bryce Canyon,
2 Nights Moab, 1 Night Durango & 1 Night Santa Fe * 15 Meals including 8
Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 5 Dinners *
Entrance Fees to all Attractions, Monuments & National Parks as listed in itinerary *
Four-Wheel Drive Tour of Monument Valley * Jet Boat Ride & Canyonlands by Night
* Durango & Silverton Railroad *
Services of a professional Tour Director/Guide from Las Vegas to Albuquerque *
All Baggage Handling, Taxes and Gratuities on Inclusions
Call 467-8645 or (866) 776-4126 for further information and complete brochure.
