Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Seattle - Winthrop - Friday Harbor - Orcas Island - Port Angeles - Kalaloch - Mount Rainier National Park
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine, because your epic road-tripping adventure through Washington starts today. Head to the airport and relax in the airport lounge as you await the departure of your ten-hour flight to Seattle.
Once you land, a private driver will be waiting at the airport to whisk you off to your hotel on Fifth Avenue. Thanks to the time difference, you’ll arrive in the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to head out and sample the city’s delights.
We’ve arranged a trip to the MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture) this afternoon for a spot of cultural immersion. Created by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and designed by Frank Gehry, the museum showcases iconic moments in TV, music and science fiction. It’s also a great way to learn about Seattle’s status in the nation’s iconic rock’n’roll scene: Jimmy Hendrix, Nirvana and Soundgarden all hail from here.
The next two days in Seattle are yours for the taking. Nicknamed the ‘Emerald City’ for its year-round greenery, Seattle is as scenically stunning as it is culturally exciting. Admire the city’s skyline from the iconic Alki Beach – think Pacific beaches, enchanting woodlands and snowcapped mountains. Fancy a spot of souvenir shopping? Why not browse the independent shops and the arty Fremont district, before tucking into a classic fish and chips lunch in Pike Place Market.
Youngsters in tow? They’ll love the Pacific Science Centre and Seattle Aquarium. Once you’ve admired the colourful fish, soak in the 360° view of Seattle from the Space Needle, a futuristic tower stretching 600ft into the sky.
If you’d still like to explore further into Seattle’s culture, we can also arrange for you to discover the city through the lens of a local on a private walking tour.
It’s time to get some miles under your belt on this road trip across Washington State. After breakfast this morning, collect your hire car and drive four hours northeast to Winthrop, a beautiful old Western town nestled on the edge of North Cascades National Park.
Once you’ve settled in for the next two nights, head out and spend your first evening admiring the old town centre, which is full of multicoloured Victorian properties, log cabins and atmospheric saloons.
Today is all about getting into nature and admiring the stunning scenery of North Cascades National Park. Boasting over 350 miles of well-marked trails, this park is a big hit among lovers of the great outdoors. Hike and mountain bike along the beautiful forested trails, spot incredible wildlife (including elk, beavers and bears) or brave a climbing adventure.
Other natural wonders around Winthrop include Lake Chelan, reminiscent of a Scandinavian fjord, and Lake Pearrygin, a popular swimming spot. When you’re ready for a bit more culture, head to the Shafer Museum to learn about the fascinating daily lives of Winthrop locals in the 19th and 20th centuries.
After a busy day, unwind with a beer or two at one of the town’s many microbreweries – our expert Concierge is on hand to provide recommendations – or simply kick back, relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel.
Today, swap the mountains of Winthrop for the beautiful coastline of San Juan Island. After a delicious breakfast, hop back into your hire car and head five hours to Anacortes, where you’ll catch a one-and-a-half-hour ferry ride to Friday Harbor, the main village on the island.
On arrival, check into your next hotel and spend the rest of today settling into island life. This postcard-perfect village charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, colourful wooden facades and beautiful views across the water.
Mad about marine life? You’re in luck: Seattle is the only major metropolis in the world with a resident population of nearly 90 orcas. Head out on a cruise to admire these majestic creatures and other local sea life, including sea lions and porpoises.
The rest of today is free for you to explore the island at your leisure. Remain in the harbour to kayak, or rent bikes and cycle along the coast paths and through the rainforest. If you’re feeling inspired by the morning’s activities, learn more about orcas at the small Whale Museum.
Hungry after all that sightseeing? Tuck into fresh seafood at one of many restaurants in the village, or visit one of the island’s many farms and vineyards, such as the San Juan Island Vineyard or the Westcott Bay Cider house and distillery.
The island-hopping chapter of this Washington State adventure continues today on Orcas Island, a one-and-a-half-hour ferry ride away. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of today and tomorrow to soak in the vast and varied landscapes of the island.
The island is home to fantastic natural scenery, including the 2,000-acre Moran State Park and the highest mountains of the San Juan archipelago. These mountains offer excellent views across the archipelago, Vancouver Island and the Canadian coast.
Today, bid a warm farewell to the beautiful island landscapes of the San Juan archipelago and embark on the journey back to the mainland. After breakfast, board the 30-minute ferry back to Port Townsend and hit the road an hour west to Port Angeles, the largest city on the Olympic Peninsula.
From here, continue a further twenty miles to Lake Crescent, an electric-blue glacial lake surrounded by forested hills. Settle in for the night in a waterside lodge and spend the rest of the day walking through the forest to Marymere Falls or bathing in the mineral-rich Sol Duc Hot Springs.
If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the small chain of Hurricane Mountains, complete with alpine meadows and snow-covered peaks. Or, hike through enchanting forests like Hoh Rain Forest and Quinault Rainforest.
Your road trip adventure continues today with a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Kalaloch, a small coastal resort town in the heart of Olympic National Park. On arrival, check in for two nights in a charming rustic lodge and spend the rest of today and tomorrow exploring Kalaloch’s natural beauty. The town is the perfect base for exploring the south of the Olympic Peninsula and the Pacific coastal strip, which is teeming with misty beaches and enchanting coves.
It’s time to leave the coast behind and head to your final destination in Washington: Mount Rainier National Park, the state’s most emblematic. During the four-hour drive to the park, make sure to stop at the Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park, a fascinating field of outdoor sculptures designed by artist Dan Klennert.
From here, continue to your final hotel, where you’ll hang up your hat for the next two nights. The rest of today is yours to play with, but we recommend simply kicking back and enjoying the hotel’s facilities and breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, ready for a day of outdoor adventures tomorrow.
Your final full day in Washington State is dedicated to soaking in the natural splendour of Mount Rainier National Park. Embark on a guided hike to the Paradise Glacier to admire its many ice crystals, or walk a section of the Wonderland Trail, which circles the snow-covered summit and offers views across forests, mountain streams and blueberry fields.
If you fancy a spot of history, visit the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Centre to learn about the geological characteristics and fauna and flora of the park. Round your day off with a trip through the forests aboard a historic steam train.
Sadly, the time has come to wave goodbye to the majestic landscapes of Washington State. After breakfast, travel two hours back to the airport in Seattle, drop off your hire car and enjoy some downtime in the airport lounge before your ten-hour, overnight flight back to the UK.
However, if you’re not quite ready to bid the Pacific Northwest goodbye just yet, spend a few days across the US-Canada border in Vancouver or further south in Portland, Oregon. Tempting, right?
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
