Experience the craggy peaks and glaciers of the North Cascade Mountains, the picturesque beauty of Puget Sound, and the cosmopolitan cities of Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver on this Pacific Northwest tour in Washington and British Columbia.  Catch great views aboard a ferry ride through the San Juan Islands, on a floatplane tour over the Gulf Islands, and atop Seattle's Space Needle.  Visit the Butchart Gardens and enjoy a regal afternoon tea in Victoria; meet the elite Smokejumpers; check out the scene at Seattle's Pike Place Market; and tour the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, and an historic Victorian fishing village.

1. Arrive Seattle. Tour begins: Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle at 6:30 PM. Welcome to the Emerald City of Seattle, one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.  Nestled between scenic Lake Washington and Puget Sound, and overlooking Mount Ranier, Seattle enjoys a spectacular setting and flourishing cultural scene.  We invite you to join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight.  Meals:D

2. Explore Seattle, "The Emerald City". Explore the city today on a sightseeing excursion that takes you to the site of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair where Seattle's best-known landmark, the Space Needle, made its debut; the views of majestic Mount Ranier, the Cascades and Olympic Mountains are awe-inspiring (weather permitting).  Visit colourful Pike Place Market, the soul of the city, before spending the remainder of the day at your leisure.  Meals:B

3. Cascades / Orchards
Journey along the Skykomish River into the Cascade Mountains, over Stevens Pass; you will be amazed at how quickly the city turns to wilderness.  Descend the sunny eastern slopes of the Cascades to the delightful Bavarian alpine village of Leavenworth.  The high surrounding peaks make you feel as if you are in the European Alps.  Travel to the sun belt of Washington, where apple and peach orchards blanket the rolling countryside.  This is coulee country, a network of waterways, sluices and dams along the Columbia River that provides one of the largest hydroelectric power sources in the world.  Follow the Columbia River past Lake Chelan into cowboy, cattle and horse counrty.  Arrive at the Sun Mountain Lodge for a two-night stay; this remote and rustic ranch-style hotel enjoys a delightful hilltop setting overlooking the North Cascades.  Meals: BD


4. Sun Mountain Lodge. Meet the famed "Smokejumpers" this morning, considered the most highly-skilled wildland fire fighters in the U.S.  Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps hiking or riding the area's many trails or visiting the nearby historic town of Winthrop, embodying the spirit of the Old West.  Meals: BLD

5. Cascades / San Juan Islands.  View some of America's highest peaks in the Cascade Mountains en route to British Columbia.  This unheralded part of America rivals the world's most spectacular wilderness areas. Traverse the North Cascades and see Skagit, a power project including three lakes, three dams and three power plants that light the city of Seattle.  Visit La Conner, a 19th-century Victorian fishing village featuring arts, crafts and unique shops, before taking a ferry through the lovely San Juan Islands, refuge to many wildlife species including the bald eagle.  Your final destination today is the Fairmont Empress in Victoria; it is the city's landmark harborside hotel.  Meals: B

6. Butchart Gardens / Victoria. Journey north to the colourful floral displays of historic Butchart Gardens this morning, recently celebrating its 100th anniversary.  Explore Victoria upon your return this afternoon and experience a regal afternoon tea at your hotel, enjoying a local tradition.  Meals: BD

7. Flightseeing / Vancouver.  Marvel at the view of the Gulf Islands and the Coast Mountains on a floatplane ride, a Pacific Northwest tour highlight.  Continue on to the city of Vancouver, where you'll spend the afternoon exploring as you please; your hotel is centrally located close to many landmark sights.  We invite you to join us this evening for a farewell dinner.  Meals: BD

8. Journey home.  Journey back to Seattle this morning.  Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Hyatt Regency Vancouver to Vancouver International Airport.  Allow a minimum of two hours for your flight check-in.  Meals B

B = Breakfast. L = Lunch. D = Dinner

Departure dates 2009
8 Days / 7 Nights
Begins Seattle
Jun: 12, 19
Jul: 03, 10, 31
Aug: 07, 28
Sep: 18
Additional dates may become available as these sell out.

Prices 2009
Price Per Person
Twin £1619
Single £1995
Triple £1519
(twin with roll-away)

13 Meals Included.

Special Airfares: Airfare to Seattle is additional. Just America will be pleased to quote for transatlantic airfares please enquire at time of booking. Note: Due to seasonal ferry schedules, tours departing in early June and late September will cruise to Victoria via the BC Ferries through the Gulf Islands, instead of via the Washington State Ferries through the San Juan Islands.


Nights 1 & 2 Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle, WA.
Nights 3 & 4 Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop, WA
Nights 5 & 6 Fairmont Empress, Victoria, BC
Night 7 Hyatt Regency, Vancouver BC