Best of Seattle & Washington State

Your tour begins this morning at our start hotel, where you can meet the group and guide for a welcome meeting before setting off on a guided tour of Seattle. We begin with a coffee-themed introduction to the city, stopping at the historic Pike Place Market. Here, you can explore at your own pace or ask your guide for food recommendations - from hearty clam chowder to fresh fruit and artisan cheeses. We include tastings of what we consider must-try market favourites. Highlights include the famous flying fish display and the quirky Gum Wall. Coffee enthusiasts can also admire the queue outside the original Starbucks.

Next, we drive along Alaskan Way, passing the Seattle Great Wheel, Aquarium, and a range of shops and seafood restaurants. We then head past the elegant architecture of Pioneer Square and on to the Seattle Center, home to the iconic Space Needle. There's time to visit the observation deck as an optional activity.

In the afternoon, we venture into nearby neighbourhoods such as Ballard and Fremont. Here, we’ll see the offbeat Fremont Troll and enjoy views over the city from Gas Works Park. We also visit the Ballard Locks Fish Ladder & Visitor Centre, where - depending on the season - you may see salmon navigating their way upstream.

Seattle - Snoqualmie Falls - Wine Country - Seattle. Today we leave Seattle behind and drive towards the dramatic Snoqualmie Falls, where you can enjoy the misty spray and roaring cascade as it drops into the gorge below. There's also time to visit the Salish Lodge, a local landmark made famous by the TV series Twin Peaks.

From here, we continue into Washington’s wine country. With its rolling hills and boutique vineyards, the region offers an ideal setting to sample a range of local varietals. If you're interested, your guide can help arrange a tasting and share insights into the area's winemaking history. You’ll also have free time to relax at a winery or explore one of the small towns along the route.

Seattle - Diablo Lake - North Cascades National Park - Seattle. Today we journey into the remote beauty of North Cascades National Park, heading towards Diablo Lake. The scenic drive passes dense forests and dramatic peaks, offering a preview of the wilderness to come.

At Diablo Lake, we enjoy a short hike along the lakeshore trail. This offers spectacular views of the vivid turquoise waters set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. There will be photo stops along the way to capture the stunning scenery. Known for its solitude and unspoiled landscapes, the park provides a rare opportunity to reconnect with nature in its purest form.

Seattle - Bainbridge Island - Seattle. We begin the day with a scenic ferry crossing from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island, offering sweeping views of Puget Sound and the city skyline. On arrival, we take a guided walk through the peaceful Bloedel Reserve, with its tranquil ponds, forested paths and cultivated gardens.

We then explore the region’s Native American heritage. At the Suquamish Museum and Cultural Centre, you can learn about the history and traditions of the Suquamish Tribe, whose ancestral territory includes Bainbridge Island. This visit is followed by a stop at the Chief Seattle Gravesite and Suquamish Memorial, where we reflect on the life and legacy of this influential leader.

The day ends with some free time in the island’s charming downtown area. Stroll along Winslow Way, browse local boutiques and galleries, or relax by the waterfront and enjoy the view across Eagle Harbor. Your guide will assist with an included airport drop off if needed.