Welcome to Seattle, the ‘Emerald City’. Collect your hire car from the airport depot and head southwest to Olympia, Washington State’s welcoming capital.

If you have time, take a stroll through the gardens of the Capital Campus, on the edge of Capitol Lake. Guided tours of the Capitol Building, are also available, if you would like to learn about the state’s history.

In the evening you could try Downtown or the Historic District for dinner. The seafood is fresh! With crab is a local speciality.

Seattle > Olympia | 50 miles

Hilton Garden Inn Olympia or similar

Spend today exploring the dramatic Mount Rainier National Park.

You could start by heading to the Sunrise Visitor Centre, the highest point reachable by vehicle in the park, where you can learn about the local geology and wildlife, and enjoy panoramic vistas of Mount Rainier and the surrounding peaks.

If you’re feeling energetic, you could follow the Sunrise Rim hiking trail, a challenging, but rewarding 5 mile loop, from which you can see Emmons Glacier and the start of the White River.

By car, the winding, one-way 2.2 mile Paradise Valley Road also offers breathtaking views.

Please note, the Sunrise Road is typically open late-June / early July to mid-September, depending on snowfall.

Round trip to Mount Rainier National Park | 200 miles

Hilton Garden Inn Olympia or similar

The stunning scenery of Washington State continues today as you head south from Olympia to Hood River.

Make a stop at the Mount St. Helens Interpretive Centre to learn about the 1980 eruption and its impact on the region. After a landslide damaged a section of State Route 504 in 2023, it’s not currently possibly to drive to the Johnston Ridge Observatory to see the volcano crater, however you can still get as far as the Science & Learning Centre at Coldwater, with beautiful views on the way.

Back on route, cross the state border into Oregon, then follow the southern bank of the Columbia River until you reach the charming town Hood River, where you can unwind for the night.

Olympia > Hood River | 168 miles

Best Western Plus Hood River Inn or similar

Begin your morning with a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, stopping at picturesque viewpoints and waterfalls like Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Wahkeena Falls. Continue exploring the Columbia River Gorge and enjoy the stunning natural beauty.

In the afternoon, visit Multnomah Falls, one of Oregon’s most iconic waterfalls, just a short drive from Hood River. Take in the breathtaking views and hike to the upper viewing platform for an even more spectacular sight. Afterward, head back to Hood River.

Round trip to Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls | 94 miles

Best Western Plus Hood River Inn or similar

After, leaving Hood River this morning, make the Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint your first stop, to see the basalt-cliff canyon carved by the Crooked River.

Nearby is the impressive Smith Rock State Park, with its own towering volcanic rock formations, and numerous hiking trails to follow.

You’ll find lots of options for lunch in Bend, before you continue south to  the town of Klamath Falls.

Hood River > Klamath Falls | 278 miles

Best Western Plus Olympic Inn or similar

Today’s round trip leads you through fascinating volcanic Lava Lands to Crater Lake National Park. The park encompasses the remains of the destroyed Mount Mazama volcano.

Start your visit with a stop at Rim Village to marvel at the stunning views of the lake from various overlooks and visit the Crater Lake Lodge for panoramic vistas.

You can choose to take a hike along one of the park’s many trails, such as the Garfield Peak Trail or the Cleetwood Cove Trail leading down to the lake’s shore.

You should definitely complete the scenic route around Rim Drive, that navigates the whole lake, to experience different perspectives of the caldera and perhaps enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s designated areas.

Round trip to Crater Lake National Park | 120 miles

Best Western Plus Olympic Inn or similar

Leave Klamath Falls and head north, enjoying the picturesque views of the Umpqua River, Toketee Falls and its surrounding forests.

Explore the scenic Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where you can hike, ride dune buggies, or simply take in the breathtaking coastal landscape.

Finish your day in the charming town of Florence, where you’ll spend the night.

Klamath Falls > Florence | 264 miles

Best Western Pier Point Inn, Florence or similar

Head north on Highway 101, enjoying Oregon’s stunning coastline.

Stop at various viewpoints to admire dramatic sea stacks and rugged cliffs. Don’t miss the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the top of the cape and explore the tide pools at Thor’s Well.

Continue to the charming town of Cannon Beach, renowned for the iconic Haystack Rock and beautiful sandy shores, before concluding today’s journey in Astoria.

Florence > Astoria | 182 miles

Bowline Hotel or similar

Today is yours to enjoy the coastal town of Astoria.

Begin at the decorated Astoria Column, for panoramic views of the Columbia River and surrounding landscape. Then, delve into the town’s nautical heritage at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, showcasing exhibits on shipwrecks, fishing, and navigation.

Stroll along the picturesque Riverwalk, lined with shops and eateries, before visiting the historic Flavel House Museum for a glimpse into Astoria’s Victorian past. Finally, cap off your day with fresh seafood at one of the local waterfront restaurants, savouring the local flavours of the Pacific Northwest.

Bowline Hotel or similar

Head to Forks, a small town known as the primary setting for Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” novels and the films that followed.

Make sure to stop at Kalaloch Beach, Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach along the way to enjoy iconic views of natural rock formations, including towering sea stacks and arches carved into the cliffs above the soft, sandy shores.

You could also take a detour to Hoh Rainforest, where, from the visitor centre, you can follow the mystical 0.8 mile Halls of Mosses Nature Trail, or the longer Spruce Bottom  Nature Trail.

Astoria > Forks | 185 miles

Kalaloch Lodge or similar

Today’s drive through Olympic National Park from Forks to Port Angeles should only take an hour, however there are plenty of places to take a detour on the way!

Following Route 101, you’ll hug the southern shore of Lake Crescent. There’s a car park half way, from where you can follow the wonderfully named, Moments in Time Trail to Barnes Point and a beautiful view of the lake, or the Marymere Falls  Nature Trail through temperate rainforest to a tumbling cascade.

Arrive in Port Angeles, for your overnight stay.

Forks > Port Angeles | 56 miles

Red Lion, Port Angeles

This morning, drive up to Hurricane Ridge, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Explore the well-marked trails, visit the visitor centre, and keep an eye out for the resident marmots.

Afterwards, take the car ferry from Bremerton to Seattle’s Pier 50. Upon arrival, drop off your car at Seattle International Airport and take a taxi to your hotel, where can relax after your Pacific Northwest road trip, or head out to explore the city.

Port Angeles > Hurricane Ridge > Bremerton | 115 miles

Graduate Hotel or similar

Spend the next two days exploring the sights and sounds of Seattle. Immerse yourself in daily life with a stroll through Pike Place Market, where fresh seafood and local crafts abound.

Visit the iconic Space Needle for panoramic view across the waterfront, explore the diverse exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture, and discover the glass sculptures at Chihuly Gardens.

Graduate Hotel or similar

You have time for a leisurely breakfast before your Alaska cruise departs early afternoon, typically from Pier 91, known as the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal.

After checking in and settling into your cabin, head up on deck as you sail through Puget Sound, a stunning inlet of the Pacific Ocean, known for its calm waters, lush islands, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This evening, enjoy a ‘Welcome Aboard’ dinner in the main dining room, followed by live entertainment or a sail-away party on deck as you cruise towards Alaska.

Your choice of cabin

Dinner

Enjoy a day at sea, as your Holland America cruise to Alaska passes to the west of the remote Haida Gwaii archipelago.

You may like to participate in various onboard activities such as cooking demonstrations, art auctions, fitness classes, or a relaxing spa treatment.

In the evening, enjoy a formal dinner followed by a Broadway-style show or live music in one of the lounges.

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

Passing Port Alexander on the tip of Baranof Island, your Alaska cruise heads past the mouth of Frederick Sound to Stephens Passage, where the mountains come right down into the sea, high tide licking the roots of spruce and hemlock.

Arriving into the Alaskan capital, Juneau, around 13:00, you can spend the afternoon at leisure, or join one of several excursions on offer, including whale watching, sea kayaking, a tour to Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau’s Glacier Gardens, a helicopter flight and the ever-popular all-you-can-eat salmon bake!

Dinner will be served back on board, before you depart late evening.

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

Have your binoculars and camera ready as you cruise through Glacier Bay to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier, where you may have a chance to witness ice calving.

This area is also known for its abundant wildlife, with humpback whales frequenting the icy waters and  brown bear patrolling the wind-swept beaches.

Whilst you’ll probably want to spend most of the day on deck, do make sure to join the onboard presentation from a local Huna Tlingit guide about the ecology and geology of Glacier Bay, and why it’s critical that wild lands remain forever wild.

Late afternoon, you will stop at Icy Strait Point, where there is a variety of optional activities available, including kayaking, whale watching, and cooking in a wild kitchen.

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

Arriving into Sitka early morning, you have the best part of the day to explore this fascinating former Russian outpost.

Originally named New Archangel, the city’s past is evident in the onion dome of St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, both National Historic Landmarks.

Optional excursions here include a guided hike in the Tongass National Rainforest, a 4×4 nature safari, sea kayaking, fly fishing, and a wildlife cruise, with the chance to spot sea otters.

Reboard the ship for an afternoon departure. Enjoy dinner and onboard entertainment, perhaps a movie night or a comedy show.

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

Your next port of call is Ketchikan, a colourful town that appears to cling to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, surrounded by forest.

Rich in resources, this area has been the home to the Tlingit people since time immemorial, and the Haida and Tsimshians who moved to what is now South East Alaska from Canadamuch later. You can learn about their history and traditions at the Totem Heritage Centre and Totem Bight State Park, and in nearby Saxman Village.

A number of optional excursions are also available including sea kayaking, salmon fishing, an e-bike ride through the rainforest, and bear spotting by floatplane!

Lastly, for souvenirs (or locally smoked salmon), take a stroll along historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek.

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

Enjoy your final day at sea as your Alaska cruise makes one final call on its way back to Seattle, in the garden city of Victoria, on Vancouver Island.

You’ll arrive in the evening, but still have a chance to enjoy a stroll along the picturesque Inner Harbour, or join an optional excursion to the acclaimed Butchart Gardens (an hour’s drive away) or an ‘Afternoon Tea with a twist’ at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Onboard, you can enjoy a farewell dinner or one last night of entertainment.

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before arriving back into Seattle this morning.

Your Pacific Northwest road trip and Alaska cruise has come to its close, though if you would like to add extra nights in the city just let your Travel Consultant know.

Otherwise, make your way to Seattle International Airport for your flight home

Breakfast