Pacific Northwest Grand Circle Adventure - Fully Escorted
Duration: 13 Days
Highlights:
• Experience the best of Seattle, including a behind the scenes private tour of Pike Place Market and other signature attractions of the Emerald City
• Explore Mt Rainier National Park via a full-day private-guided tour OR a private-guided tour of world famous artist Dale Chihuly’s Glass Blowing Studio
• Enjoy a private reception/storytelling session with a master totem carver from the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe
• Delve deep with two days of private-guided touring in and around spectacular Olympic National Park, including Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest, and Lake Crescent
• Enjoy a day of whale watching and a walking food tour in iconic Victoria, BC
• Visit a First Nations art gallery in Victoria or the Butchart Gardens, followed by a seaplane transfer to Vancouver
• Cycle Vancouver's Stanley Park and hike Lynn Canyon, with its waterfalls and suspension bridge
• Travel the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler and ascend to the top of Grouse Mountain
• Sample dumplings and noodles on the world Famous 'Dumpling Trail' in Richmond (adjacent to Vancouver)
Request a quote
AKORN DMCs’ specialised services are only available on a business-to-business basis, to travel industry advisors. We regret that we cannot provide quotations for consumers.
Send itinerary to client
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Seattle
Upon arrival in Seattle, meet your private driver and transfer to your nearby hotel for check in and overnight.
Seattle is the cultural capital of the Pacific Northwest. From cutting-edge technology companies to the finest coffee, the Emerald City offers you a wide variety of cultural and natural experiences. Stroll through Pike Place Market, enjoy the spectacular views looking west to the Olympic Mountains, or ascend to the top of the iconic Space Needle. After exploring the city or visiting nearby parks, nothing tastes better than fresh northwest seafood and award-winning Washington wines.
Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to stretch your legs with a walk on the waterfront before heading out to dinner (payable locally).
One of Seattle’s most historic hotels, the Fairmont Olympic strikes the right balance between old-world glamour and contemporary luxury in the heart of the city. The hotel is walking distance to dining and shopping as well as the city’s financial district. You’ll also be close to Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market. In 2016, the hotel completed a $25-million renovation of its guest rooms with midcentury-inspired furnishings, contemporary art, and a palette of shimmery gray and tourmaline that nod to the natural colors of the Puget Sound. The hotel's health club features an indoor heated swimming pool and spa whirlpool covered by an enclosed solarium.
Food options are plentiful, with fine dining at the Georgian, oysters and microbrews at the Shucker Bar, and traditional high tea service in the afternoon. The hotel is home to the Founders Club, an intimate spirit drinker’s enclave, which showcases unique and sought-after bottles of cognac and other spirits. There is a beauty bar and 10,000 square foot workout facility on site. The hotel is 30 minutes from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Overnight: Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Meal Plan:
Day 2 - Seattle - Mt Rainier National Park - Seattle
This morning, meet your guide for a full day of exploring Mount Rainier National Park. Standing over 14,000 feet (4,200 meters), this volcano is the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range. As you explore the park's forests and wildflower-filled meadows with your guide, learn about the wide variety of plants and animals that live here. Your guide will tailor the experience to your style of walking, so you may choose a hike above the tree line or a gentle walk through the woods. While afield, keep an eye out for marmots, eagles, and mountain goats. Along the way, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch.
Return to your hotel in late afternoon.
Alternatively, for those who choose not to visit Mt. Rainier National Park you may wish to:
Option A: Chihuly Studio & Woodinville Winery Visit (at an additional fee)
Meet your guide in the morning and take a short drive for an exclusive visit to the Chihuly Boathouse (not open to the public) to experience the creative environment which inspires and drives the work of artist Dale Chihuly.
Since 1989, The Boathouse has been a place for Chihuly to experiment with and generate new ideas. Inside, the space is representative of Chihuly's design aesthetic, showcasing pieces from his iconic bodies of work, as well as his personal collections of art and unique objects. It is also home to The Hotshop, where Chihuly and his team of glassblowers create works in glass for exhibitions and art installations at museums and gardens around the world.
During your two-hour private tour, watch these glassblowers work seamlessly together in The Hotshop, view works by Chihuly and other notable artists, and see Chihuly's huge collection of Pendleton blankets and other unique memorabilia.
Your guide will then drive you to Woodinville, renowned for its scenic river valley, small town vibe, and a growing community of celebrated wineries, craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries. There are four distinct districts here, each with its own feel, flavor, and philosophy. After lunch at a restaurant in the heart of town, your guide will take you to one of Woodinville's top-rated wineries for a private tasting.
Return to your hotel in late afternoon.
Option B: Snoqualmie Falls & Winery Tasting (at an additional fee)
Meet your guide in the morning and journey approximately 45 minutes to famous 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls. As a sacred place for Native American culture and spirituality, the falls are almost twice as high as Niagara Falls and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During high water, the falls take on a unique curtain form. Visitors can stroll the two-acre park, observation deck, and the Salish Lodge with a gift shop that spotlights its pop culture history, having been featured in the legendary television series, Twin Peaks.
After lunch travel to nearby William Grassie Wine Estate for a private tasting experience. Time and interest permitting, visit the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field, just south of Seattle before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 3 - Seattle
This morning, embark on a quintessential Pike Place Market experience. Delve into the heart of the neighborhood on a guided journey encompassing the Market’s finest culinary delights and merchants. Not only will you learn about the famous market's rich history and taste your way through the market, but you’ll hear captivating stories of the small-batch food and craft producers who have contributed to making this locale one of Seattle's most cherished landmarks.
Enjoy lunch (payable locally) at one the Market's notable restaurants or in the neighborhood along the waterfront looking out onto Elliott Bay. This afternoon, your guide will show you some of Seattle's other signature attractions including the Chihuly Garden & Glass and Space Needle (both at Seattle Center), and the Ballard Locks where during summer months salmon pass through the locks via the fish ladder on their way to spawn upriver.
Return to your hotel late afternoon.
No matter which activity you plan for today, your evening will be an adventure for those who love spirits and craft cocktails. Enjoy a private tasting at the Fairmont's Founder's Club. A nod to the roaring 20's, this speakeasy-inspired oasis is tailored for both the seasoned aficionado and the daring spirit. Sample cognacs from the club's extensive collection while immersing yourself in a world of rich wood hues and gleaming brass accents.
Overnight: Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 4 - Seattle - Olympic Peninsula
After checking out of your hotel, meet your driver-guide and depart for the Olympic Peninsula. The scenic drive will take you to Tacoma and over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. You'll continue along the Hood Canal with the majestic Olympic Mountains as a backdrop. Your driver will take you to a lunch stop along the way. Oyster fans should not miss the Hama Hama Oyster Saloon.
Also along the Hood Canal, experience a private reception/storytelling session with a master totem carver from the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe (subject to totem carver availability).
The Olympic Peninsula, home to the spectacular Olympic National Park, is cradled by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north, and Hood Canal to the east. Within these natural borders lies one of the most unspoiled regions in the contiguous United States. Encompassing nearly 1 million acres of this peninsula, an astonishing 95 percent of Olympic National Park is designated as pristine wilderness. While the park is often depicted as an enchanting temperate rainforest veiled in shadows and moisture, it also showcases towering alpine peaks, tranquil lakeshores, and a rugged Pacific coastline that exudes an untouched allure, seemingly unmarked by human presence.
Continue past Port Angeles and arrive at Lake Crescent Lodge.
Set in the Olympic Peninsula, the historic Lake Crescent Lodge is a charming turn-of-the-century resort that offers the region's best-in-class accommodations. Built in 1915, the Lodge's location makes it an ideal base camp for exploring magnificent Olympic National Park. The comfortable guest rooms are nestled among the giant fir and hemlock trees on the shores of beautiful Lake Crescent. Enjoy the simple elegance of yesteryear in the antique-furnished lobby and unwind by the stone fireplace or settle into the cozy sun porch and take in a spectacular sunset over the lake.
Overnight: Lake Crescent Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 5 - Olympic National Park
Today, embark on a full-day privately guided tour of some of the signature attractions of Olympic National Park: Sol Duc Falls, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge. Easy walks to moderate hikes are available.
Overnight: Lake Crescent Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 6 - Olympic National Park
Your private-guided tour today takes you to the stunningly beautiful Hoh Rainforest within Olympic National Park. Pronounced "Hoe," it is named after the ceaseless flow of the Hoh River as it winds its way from Mount Olympus to the Pacific Coast. With an average annual rainfall of approximately 140 inches, the region is a verdant tapestry adorned with both coniferous and deciduous species, where mosses and ferns delicately blanket every surface, adding yet another layer of enchantment to this lush rainforest.
Situated amidst the remnants of the once-vast Pacific Northwest rainforest, which stretched from southeastern Alaska to the central coast of California, the Hoh Rainforest stands as a testament to nature's resilience. It remains one of the finest examples of temperate rainforest in the United States, drawing visitors from far and wide to revel in its captivating beauty.
Along the way, pass through the town of Forks. For years, its economy was fueled by the local timber industry. More recently, Forks has drawn thousands of tourists as it was the setting of the Twilight novels and films. Stop for a picnic lunch in a beautiful setting.
Overnight: Lake Crescent Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 7 - Olympic Peninsula - Victoria, BC
Enjoy a morning at leisure. For an easy walk with great vistas, consider self-guided walk on Dungeness Spit Wildlife Refuge. Afterward join your driver-guide to depart Port Angeles (and the USA) on the Coho Ferry and head to Victoria, British Columbia.
Experience the enchanting landscapes of the Pacific Northwest on a ferry ride between Victoria, Canada, and Port Angeles, on the stunning Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington. Offering both passenger and vehicle ferry service daily and year-round, it’s a seamless travel experience for those wishing to visit both countries on a single road trip.
Your 90-minute journey covers 22.59 nautical miles (42 km) through the picturesque Strait of Juan de Fuca. Enjoy traveling like a local and relax onboard with your choice of indoor and outdoor seating areas, a coffee shop with food menu items, a gift shop, and duty-free store.
Welcome to Canada! Upon arrival, your driver-guide can recommend a variety of options for lunch (payable locally).
Dynamic and diverse, colorful and cosmopolitan, British Columbia’s seaside capital city is chock full of walkable attractions and delights. The Inner Harbour is home to horse-and-carriage rides, street entertainers, boutique shops, and whale-watching excursion boats. Victoria’s Chinatown — the oldest in Canada — is a hidden gem. The stunning Craigdarroch Castle, Parliament House, and Victoria Public Market are but a few of the must-see attractions. One can bike, kayak, sail, or whale-watch straight from the city center, and forests, beaches, offshore islands, and wilderness parklands lie just minutes away.
This afternoon check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of your evening at your leisure.
Feel the refreshing embrace of the Salish Sea breeze at Oak Bay Beach Hotel, a haven of refined luxury tucked away on the scenic shores of Vancouver Island. Here, old-world charm harmonizes effortlessly with contemporary style, delivering an unforgettable experience enriched by impeccable service.
Inspired by the timeless elegance of an English Manor House, Victoria's Oak Bay Beach Hotel graces the Pacific Ocean's edge, its presence a tribute to over 90 years of history. Situated on the same oceanfront grounds as its historic predecessor, the boutique resort offers a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. As stewards of the land, they honor and acknowledge that the Oak Bay Beach Hotel resides on the traditional territories of the Coast and Straits Salish Peoples.
Overnight: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Meal Plan: B
Day 8 - Victoria, BC
This morning, board a whale watching vessel in Victoria's Inner Harbour and set out onto the Salish Sea in search of marine wildlife.
These rich waters are home to a wide variety of animals, from minke and humpback whales to the famous black and white orca. Sea otters cluster around the area's kelp forests, while seals and sea lions may be sprawled out on shoreline rocks. Dolphins, porpoises, and sea birds are also in abundance. Your excursion lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
This afternoon, embark on an informative (and delicious!) culinary tour of Victoria’s vibrant Inner Harbour. Stroll amidst the city’s iconic skyline, including the majestic Legislature building and the renowned Empress Hotel, with stops for delightful local tastes and intriguing insights into the harbour's rich history, perfect for capturing memorable snapshots.
Venturing further with your knowledgeable guide, uncover Victoria's hidden gems, sampling food from a variety of artisan family-owned businesses, indulging in a BC wine tasting, savoring sweet and savory pastries, relishing a playful twist with a Korean corn dog, experiencing the flavors of an authentic Iranian stew, and indulging in delectable charcuterie. Your culinary odyssey concludes on a sweet note with luxurious chocolates.
Overnight: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 9 - Victoria
This morning, get out on the water via a private-guided kayak tour. You'll put-in near your hotel and enjoy a leisurely paddle along the historic coastline of Oak Bay at the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
The nearby islets are ideal for viewing vibrant marine life including resident harbor seals and river otters. With the majestic Olympic Mountains to the south and the enchanting Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands to the east, breathtaking vistas await at every turn.
Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure. If desired, your driver-guide will provide a round-trip transfer to the world famous Butchart Gardens or take you out for a walk in nature. A couple of easy and scenic options include Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary and Witty's Lagoon.
Overnight: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Meal Plan: B
Day 10 - Victoria - Vancouver
After checking out of your hotel, your driver-guide will depart for Vancouver with your luggage, and you'll be met by a local driver-guide who will take you on a delightful morning tour to visit at least two local First Nations art galleries. Then stop for an included lunch at a local’s favorite spot. Alternatively, your local driver-guide can also take you to world famous Butchart Gardens (self-guided touring), or visit wineries or the Horticulture Center of the Pacific.
From there, you'll be escorted to the Harbour Air Terminal at the Victoria waterfront for your shared 35-minute flight to Vancouver.
Travel by floatplane is an experience unto itself – with spectacular views of the islands and sea before the cosmopolitan cityscape of downtown Vancouver comes into glorious view. Upon arrival at the Vancouver Harbour Terminal, it's just a short transfer to your hotel.
Vancouver welcomes you to Canada's most eclectic city, combining urban sophistication and on-your-doorstep wilderness adventure. It is often ranked as one of the world's most livable cities. Set among lush coastal mountains at the mouth of the might Fraser river, Vancouver is rich in both modern and First Nations culture. It is an outdoor mecca for hiking, skiing, kayaking, cycling, sailing, and much more. Magnificent Stanley Park with its iconic totem poles, the brick streets of historic Gastown, and Asian eateries that rival those in the world capitals, are but a few of the many distinct layers of this vibrant city.
The Pacific Rim - true to its name - towers over Vancouver's waterfront, providing its luxury suites unparalleled views of Vancouver Harbor. Spacious rooms reveal incredible views of Coal Harbour and the dramatic architecture of Vancouver's skyline. Its proximity to downtown Vancouver ensures the easy exploration of the city’s parks, museums, restaurants, and other highlights. A day spent at the Pacific Rim could include a visit to the award-winning full-service spa, poolside relaxation, and a locally sourced gourmet meal at the Botanist restaurant.
Overnight: Fairmont Pacific Rim
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 11 - Vancouver
Begin your day with a private guided cycling tour of Stanley Park, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Set out with your guide to explore the park's expansive and diverse greenspace by bicycle.
Visit highlights, such as the First Nations' totem poles at Brockton Point, as you ride along the sea wall and through a maze of trails in the park's old-growth interior. Enjoy views of Coal Harbour, the Lion's Gate Bridge, and the Coast Mountains before riding through West End neighborhoods on your way back to the city. Your tour lasts approximately 3 hours. At the conclusion of your tour, your guide will provide you with lunch suggestions (payable locally).
Following lunch, your private driver-guide will take you to Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver. Just minutes from the skyscrapers of downtown Vancouver, Lynn Canyon is a stellar outdoor escape, with waterfalls, hiking trails, and a dramatic suspension bridge.
The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge towers 50 meters (160ft) over the canyon and is part of the Baden Powell Trail. In addition to the bridge, the park features several hiking trails, a Café and Ecology Centre to enjoy. Your driver-guide will customize your experience to your interests.
Time and interest permitting, your guide will also take you to Jericho Beach, a favorite for locals. Take time to slow down, wander along the beach, clamber over driftwood and savor unsurpassed views of the North Shore and the downtown skyline.
Enjoy the rest of your evening at your leisure.
Overnight: Fairmont Pacific Rim
Meal Plan: B
Day 12 - Vancouver - Whistler - Vancouver
Set out with your driver-guide for a private journey up the Sea to Sky Highway, lauded as one of the most gorgeous drives in North America. Your destination – Whistler Resort, site of the 2010 Winter Olympic Village. Gaze out at panoramic ocean views, towering mountains, and sprawling glaciers as you travel along the Coast Range.
On the way to Whistler, stop at Grouse Mountain and ride the gondola to the top for a great photo stop. Back on the road, there are optional stops at Shannon Falls and Squamish before you arrive at Whistler.
Nestled in the rugged Coast Mountains, Whistler offers luxury accommodation, fine dining, and unlimited recreation. At the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains lies the Village, the center of dining, shopping, and activities. Over the years, Whistler has been home to the Lil'wat and Squamish Nations, European trappers, and was the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Upon arrival, your guide will take you to lunch at one the village's signature restaurants. Then enjoy time to wander Whistler Village before you return to Vancouver.
This evening, consider dining (payable locally) at one of the establishments along the 'Dumpling Trail' in Richmond. Just outside of Vancouver, Richmond is justifiably famous for its vibrant food scene and the wide variety of global cuisines. The Dumpling Trail is a collection of restaurants, cafes, and food stalls that specialize in the art of dumpling making. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse immigrant communities, Richmond is truly a 'foodie must' for diners seeking an authentic and colorful culinary experience.
Overnight: Fairmont Pacific Rim
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 13 - Depart Vancouver
On this, your last day, you are privately transferred 30 minutes to Vancouver International Airport for your departing flight.
Overnight:
Meal Plan: B