Planes and Trains of the Pacific Northwest

• Day 1

  After your mid-morning arrival in Portland, journey southwest to the town of McMinnville on board our own SuperCoach III. The town is the home of the Evergreen Aviation Museum and Howard Hughes’ infamous Spruce Goose. Built of birch, not spruce, due to wartime rationing of aluminum, you’ll see the plane in its restored glory after flying only once. Lunch is available at the museum. Return to Portland and cross the Columbia River where you will find your accommodations for the evening. The Heathman Lodge

• Day 2

  Rise early today to meet your first train, Amtrak’s Cascade. Equipped with European cars manufactured by Talgo, your morning will be spent traveling in comfort as you pass through the shadows of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. Arrive in Seattle a short while later and enjoy lunch on the water at Cutters Bayhouse. Just next door, spend some time browsing and shopping at famous Pike Place Market. Your hotel is in the heart of the city, tucked between the Space Needle and Queen Anne Hill. Hampton Inn Downtown – 2 nights (L)

• Day 3

  This morning journey north to Everett, home of the Boeing Widebody Manufacturing Plant and the Future of Flight Aviation Center. You’ll see 747’s being assembled before your eyes and have time to see exhibits that highlight Boeing’s newest aircraft, the 787. Lunch is a treat as you dine at the foot of the Mukilteo ferry dock at Ivar’s, a Pacific Northwest tradition. Back in Everett, observe historic aircraft being meticulously restored at the Boeing Restoration Center. The planes you’ll see later on the tour at the Boeing Museum of Flight began their journey here. Back in Seattle, take in the view from atop Seattle’s famous Space Needle with a visit to the observation deck before an included dinner on Queen Anne Hill. (ECB,L,D)

• Day 4

  It’s another early day this morning as you rejoin the Cascade for its final leg from Seattle through Northwestern Washington and across the border to Vancouver, British Columbia. Arrive just in time for lunch in Stanley Park at The Fish House. For the next two evenings, enjoy fine Canadian hospitality at your hotel, inside one of the finest indoor markets in Vancouver. This evening, stay in or join your Tour Director for a trip across the water for dinner in Downtown Vancouver aboard the Sea Bus. Lonsdale Quay Hotel – 2 nights (ECB,L)

• Day 5

  The Whistler Mountaineer is truly a wonderful rail experience and continues to garner high marks from all who come aboard her. Enjoy a full breakfast service at your seat in the private dome car as you wind your way north along the waters of Howe Sound and the coastal mountains to Whistler. After some time in the village, return to Vancouver by motorcoach pausing in the small town of Squamish, home to the Western Railway Heritage Park and the recently restored Royal Hudson Steam Engine. A farewell dinner in downtown Vancouver brings the day to a close. (B,D)

• Day 6

  Say goodbye to Canada as you cross the border back into the good ol’ USA, stopping for lunch en route and a visit to the Boeing Museum of Flight. Similar to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum in Washington DC, view restored aircraft from throughout the past century. Ever wanted to stroll the aisle on a Concorde or former Air Force One? Here’s your chance! For your final flying experience, your flight home awaits at SEA-TAC airport to return you to Sacramento. (L)

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