Mt. Rainier & Olympic National Parks

Deep Discovery in the Pacific Northwest

  • Date

    July 11-19, 2024 | Thu / Fri – 9 Days 

  • Location

    Seattle | Tacoma | Mount Rainier National Park | Port Gamble | Port Townsend | Sequim | Port Angeles | Olympic National Park | Victoria, BC Canada | Forks | Quinault Rainforest | Bainbridge

Overview

Don’t miss these often-overlooked gems in the Pacific Northwest! Journey from Seattle’s lively waterfront to the charming sights of British Columbia’s capital, Victoria. Start in Tacoma, your gateway to discover the majesty of Mount Rainier National Park and surrounds. Connect with the glass creations of Dale Chihuly and take a futuristic electric tram ride through a nature park to see moose, bison, caribou, mountain goat, big horn sheep and more in their natural habitat. Then move on to Port Angeles, your springboard to the stunning landscapes of Olympic National Park, the deep, dark waters of Puget Sound, sparkling Lake Crescent, and lush Quinault Rainforest. Along the way, learn about the region’s native cultures, poke around in historic towns, and visit world famous Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

  • Narrated city tour of Seattle including free time at Pike Place Market
  • Sightseeing in Mount Rainier National Park with its Douglas firs and icy glaciers
  • Visit the Museum of Flight including Boeing’s original Red Barn factory
  • Tour Olympic National Park featuring Lake Crescent and the beautiful Olympic Mountains
  • Ferry to Victoria, known for its English flavor
  • Discover the flourishing, ornate landscaping of Butchart Gardens
  • Ride through Northwest Trek Wildlife Park on an open-air tram
  • Explore Quinault Rainforest in Olympic National Park
  • Experience the Museum of Glass—featuring the Chihuly Bridge of Glass

PACKAGE INCLUDES

  • Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Seattle, Washington
  • Escorted
  • 8 nights accommodations
  • Breakfast daily
  • 5 dinners
  • Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
  • Ground transportation
  • Hotel baggage handling

NOTE:

This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required.

A passport is required for the ferry crossing into Canada, and must be valid for at least six months after your return.

Thu, July 11: Fly to Seattle, Washington and transfer to the hotel in Tacoma, your home base for the next four nights.  Get settled before a welcome dinner with the group at the hotel. (Meals: Dinner)

Fri, July 12: Today begins with a “hands on” session in a Tacoma “glass hot shop,” where you’ll design and make your own art glass pieces! Then, spend some time at the acclaimed Museum of Glass where you can cross the Chihuly Bridge of Glass—where the covered top is filled with the artist’s glass works. Next, visit a prized collection of classic vehicles at the LeMay-America’s Car Museum. (B)

Sat, July 13: Begin with a short drive south from Tacoma to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park for an open-air tram tour to view American bison, Roosevelt elk, caribou, and moose in their natural habitat. Next, the fields of wildflowers and giant Douglas fir await you at Mount Rainier National Park! Of course, the views of this grand mountain stand as the focal point of the park, but clear front runners are the icy glaciers and the valleys teeming with wildlife. (B,D)

Sun, July 14: The guided tour of Seattle today takes you to Pioneer Square Historic District, Waterfront Park and the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Locks—followed by free time at world-renowned Pike Place Market. Top off the day by visiting the numerous displays and historic aircraft, the space gallery, and Boeing’s original Red Barn factory at Seattle’s outstanding Museum of Flight. (B)

Mon, July 15: Check out of your Tacoma hotel today and cross the Tacoma Narrow Bridge to the Olympic Peninsula and visit the charming village of Port Gamble—once a bustling logging town in the 1850’s, now a popular tourist destination filled with unique galleries and gift shops, as well as mouth-watering restaurants. Enjoy some free time before arriving in Port Townsend for a guided tour around town, highlighting its handsome Victorian-era homes. This afternoon, pass through the Sequim area during colorful lavender blooming season. Tour a local lavender farm before arriving in Port Angeles at your hotel. (B,D)

Tue, July 16: Today, embark on a scenic drive through extraordinary Olympic National Park. Discover a plethora of stunning vistas—beautiful Lake Crescent, panoramic views of the towering Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the mile-high Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. (B)

Wed, July 17: Bring your passports and ferry across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Arrive to delightful Victoria, spiced with English flare—red double-decker buses, Tudor-style buildings, and immaculate gardens. See the Parliament Buildings and the impressive Empress Hotel. Explore Butchart Gardens, world-famous for ornate landscaping and superb international rose gardens. Dinner tonight is included in Victoria before returning by ferry to Port Angeles. (B,D)

Thu, July 18: Travel to Forks and visit John’s Beachcombing Museum, where the treasures the ocean brings to shores from around the world are put on display!  Since 1976, this eclectic museum has garnered local and distant beach finds for visitors to enjoy.  Afterward, witness the panoramic views of Lake Quinault before coming to the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station. Have the opportunity to stretch your legs on one of the short trails to see Quileute Nation’s beach with its stunning coastal scenery. (B,D)

Fri, July 19: Cross Puget Sound by ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle, then transfer to Seattle’s Sea-Tac Airport for your afternoon flights to Indianapolis. (B)

Hotel Murano, Tacoma. Situated at the center of Tacoma’s energetic downtown surrounded by Commencement Bay and the Carr Inlet. Highlights: Modern elegance meets true comfort amidst colored glass accents and spacious room design. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • fitness center.

Nestled between the strait of Juan de Fuca and Olympic National Park, Port Angeles is the perfect home base for exploring this beautiful region. Hotel information will be posted soon.

PRICING

  • Package with Air
  • Double P/P – $5,599
  • Single – $6,799
  • Land Only
  • Double P/P – $4,849
  • Single – $6,049

*Subject to change due to increase in exchange rate or fuel surcharge  

Documents Required: Valid Passport

CANADA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Any person may be denied entry to Canada for reasons including, but not limited to, security risks, human or international rights violations, medical reasons, financial reasons, misrepresentation, failure to comply with Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, having an inadmissible family member and involvement in criminal activity (regardless of degree or length of time since such crimes occurred) such as DUI, DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, misdemeanor drug possession, all felonies, domestic violence, shoplifting, theft, and other crimes. It is recommended that a person who has ever been charged with, or convicted of, a crime obtain the necessary approval documents before attempting to enter Canada. To learn more about applying for and receiving these approvals and corresponding documentation, we strongly recommend that you visit the following website for details regarding the requirements and process: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html. This is only a guide. A Canadian immigration officer will decide if you can enter Canada when you arrive at a port of entry.