Seattle Tours

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Discover Seattle's Highlights

Thursday, March 12, 2009 (9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m) Cost: $43

	Get the best view of Seattle... the perspective of a local. You will be escorted around town by a friendly and informative Seattleite who will provide historical background of the area, point out interesting landmarks, as well as give insider tips on special shopping and sightseeing areas. The tour begins with a drive by Seattle’s waterfront en route to historic Pioneer Square, Seattle's oldest residential area and now a major visitor attraction with restaurants, galleries and lively clubs. From Pioneer Square, you will enjoy driving tour past the heart of Seattle's Asian community, the International District; a vibrantly eclectic part of Seattle.
	A stop at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks will show how the area's fresh and salt waters meet. The Locks are the most popular destination along the Lake Washington Ship Canal. They are made up of 2 navigational locks, a dam and spillway, a fish ladder, a botanical garden and their regional visitor’s center. The Locks allow vessels to pass from fresh water Lake Washington into the salt water of Puget Sound. A highlight of this stop is the underwater viewing at the adjoining salmon ladders. Following the Locks, the coach will embark on a scenic drive through Seattle’s best neighborhoods.
	The final stop on this tour is Pike Place Market. Known for its exciting sights, sounds and aromas, Pike Place Market began on August 17, 1907. A century after its founding, the Market remains a vital part of Seattle's social and economic fabric. The nine-acre historic district hosts an estimated nine million visitors each year who come to experience a feast for the senses and shop for a diverse array of products. Helping to make up the “market experience” are local farmers, craftspeople, businesspeople, and those crazy fish throwers. There will be time to shop and explore this fascinating area and visit the first Starbuck’s Shop ever, and easy-to-read maps will be provided for those who wish to linger on their own. There are many options for guests to have lunch on their own in the Market.

Waterfalls, Chocolate, and Wine (This tour is sold out.)

Thursday, March 12, 2009 (9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Cost: $53

	Start your tour at Boehm's Candy Kitchen, known throughout the Northwest for their fabulous Swiss chocolates. You will view the candy making process and sample their chocolates as well as tour the Swiss chalet home of the late Julius Boehm and view his European art collection. Following the stop at Boehm’s, travel to Gilman Village. Gilman Village began in 1972 when Marvin and Ruth Mohl started saving unwanted buildings from around the old farming and mining town of Issaquah, just east of Seattle. They renovated and combined them into an attractive retail area in a park-like setting. Their goal was to create a haven for independent shops and restaurants. A quarter century later, the 40-plus shops and restaurants that make up Gilman Village constitute one of Puget Sound's best known and most distinctive shopping destinations. Guests will be given time to shop, explore and have lunch on their own before heading to their next stop.
	Just 25 miles east of Seattle, you will discover one of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions, Snoqualmie Falls. Here, the Snoqualmie River cascades 270 feet through a spectacular rock gorge into a 65 foot deep pool. On top of the falls sits one of Seattle’s most romantic getaways, the Salish Lodge & Spa. The exterior of the Salish may look familiar as it was the lodge used to film the quirky TV hit Twin Peaks. Take time to tour the gift shop and take pictures from the observation deck while here.
	At the end of the day, head to Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. Located on 87 acres of arboretum-like grounds, Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington's oldest winery, taking its place among the classic wineries of the world. Enjoy a tour here that allows a romantic yet technologically accurate view of the art and science of wine-making, followed by wine tasting. After the tour and tasting, enjoy strolling the grounds and visiting the extensive wine and accessory shop.

Seattle Glassblowing (This tour has been cancelled)

Thursday, March 12, 2009 (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) Cost: $49

	Seattle has become internationally recognized as being the center for glass art in the world, second only to Venice, Italy, long considered the mecca for glass art. Seattle’s reputation is reflected in the many glass art galleries, public glass collections and studios located throughout the city. Pioneer Square is considered the glassblowing capital of Seattle and is home to many glass and art galleries which guests will have the opportunity to visit. There will also be a private glassblowing demonstration for your group at Glasshouse Studio in Pioneer Square, where they’ll be amazed glass artist form pieces right before their eyes.
	Foster White Gallery is located near Pioneer Square and offers a large viewing area complemented by brick walls and hardwood floors. Since its inception in 1968, Foster White Gallery has become one of the premier galleries on the West Coast and has attracted worldwide attention with its varied and excellent exhibitions. Foster White Gallery exhibits a wide range of contemporary paintings, sculptures and glass pieces. The gallery has represented internationally renowned artist Dale Chihuly since 1978 and continues to represent the best and brightest glass artists. Guests will enjoy viewing work by respected artist while here.
	Travel to Ballard’s Blowing Sands to view local artist, David Smith, blow glass in a studio. Glass artist and studio owner, David Smith, was introduced to the art of glass blowing in 1978 while studying for a degree in Materials Science and Engineering at M. I. T. After graduation in 1983 he returned to Seattle and began working full time as a glass blower. In 1992, David established his own studio hot shop. His art glass has been collected and appreciated around the world, and his glass castings are installed in the Atlanta Federal Building as well as public and private buildings in the Northwest. His work is an extension of his technical background in glass science and his love of the traditions and history of glass blowing throughout the world. Guests will enjoy a tour of the studio and shop before heading back downtown.