Northwest 2

10 nights

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN

Arrival in , where you will spend your first night. The name stems from the Indian name for , “Tacobet”, meaning Mother of the Waters.

DAY 2 TO CHINOOK PASS/MOUNT RANIER 74 miles/118 km

On the way to Mount Rainier, you may make a detour to whose top got ripped off by a powerful explosion only two decades ago. The towering, ice-clad Mount Rainier is a striking landmark in the . Opening into vast arrays of summer colors are the meadows around During mid summer there is a profusion of alpine wild flowers in bloom in the meadow.

DAY 3 CHINOOK PASS/MOUNT RANIER TO WINE COUNTRY 75 miles/121 km

Winery-hopping in the is an unforgettable journey of discovery for those seeking great wines. Across this sun-soaked region, in the same latitude as the great wine-producing regions of , magnificent vineyards feature trellises laden with rich grape varietals. You'll often encounter winery family members in the tasting room delighted to recommend the best wine to enjoy with regional cuisine and learn about the winemaking process, the traditional wisdom of barrel or bottle aging.

DAY 4 TO WALLA WALLA 130 miles/210 km

There are several dozen wineries located along your route - pick up a wine map in before you leave, so you can plan stops at your favorite tasting rooms. Today you'll travel through lush fields, orchards, and vineyards cradled in this agriculturally productive region. Plan a stop in Toppenish, which boasts 65 painted outdoor historical murals that can be viewed in a self-guided walking tour year-round. Take advantage of 's balmy evenings and enjoy dinner at an outdoor bistro or cafe, accompanied by one of their premium local wines.

DAY 5 WALLA WALLA TO 150 miles/242 km

Drive through the unique landscape of 's Palouse - the wheat covered rolling hills extend for miles in each direction. Arrive in and explore their thriving downtown, centered around Riverfront Park-site of the 1974 World's Fair. You may want to visit Cat Tales, a safe haven for more than 50 endangered felines, or spend the afternoon at Green Bluff, 's quaint agricultural region where 28 family farms have offered fresh picked fun, food and crafts since 1902. The Smithsonian affiliated Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture features a massive collection of Northern Plateau Indian art and living history.

DAY 6 TO 185 miles/298 km

Your journey today takes you across the broad, flat plateau that extends across central - just one of the state's unique geological characteristics. Today you'll also witness the grandeur of human skill as you tour Grand Coulee Dam - the largest concrete structure in , and the 3rd largest producer of electricity in the world! The final leg of your travel will take you up the , as you parallel the gently winding - a favorite for white water rafting in the spring and leisurely floats in the summer and fall. Capture the spirit of the American west in Winthrop - a western-style town with wooden boardwalks and hitching posts.

DAY 7 TO 175 miles /282 km + 40 MINUTE FERRY RIDE

Your route takes you over the spectacular over (elevation 5,477 feet) and (elevation 4,855 feet) and through the heart of the . Allow plenty of time to stop at scenic overlooks as you view the glacier-covered peaks that tower above the road. Skagit Tours offers a seasonal narrated cruise along the azure waters of . Stop at the National Park Service Visitor Center in Newhalem for interpretive information and displays. Descend into the , famous for its proliferation of tulips and other bulb flowers, and cross dramatic onto .

DAY 8 TO MULKITEO 88 miles / 142 km + 40 MINUTE FERRY RIDE

has historically served as a strategic gateway between the Straits of Juan de Fuca (which separate 's Vancouver Island and 's Olympic Peninsula) and the protected inland sea known as . The bridge at connects Whidbey Island to the mainland at the north while the marine highway system including Ferry Terminal Road, served by Washington State Ferries, provide the connection to , the Olympic Peninsula and the mainland. Fresh seafood and local produce are on virtually every restaurant menu, and recreational activities include sea kayaking, beach combing and whale watching. Allow time in Mukilteo for a stop at the new Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour, where you can watch the assembly of jumbo jets and the new dreamliner.

DAY 9 MULKITEO TO 22 miles/35 km

Today, drive from Mulkiteo to and explore the city which is famous for their landmark Space Needle, lively waterfront, fascinating tours, northwest style cuisine, exciting downtown shopping and unique attractions including the Pike Place Market, Experience Music Project, and more. Seattle is a walking-friendly city, and many of the visitor activities and attractions are within walking distance of each other. Public transportation, including the monorail that connects downtown with Seattle Center, and private tour companies are available as well.

DAY 10 SEATTLE

The next day enjoy a quiet morning having breakfast at one of the local restaurants then after, spend the day visiting local shops in Seattle where a memorable trip comes to an end.