Day 1 - Welcome to Seattle
Upon arrival, enjoy city views westward across Puget Sound to the snow-capped Olympic Mountains on the Olympic Peninsula. Our Pacific Northwest tour begins at 7:00 pm at your hotel. Mix and mingle with your tour manager and fellow travelers at a Welcome Reception this evening! (R)
Day 2 - Seattle Highlights Tour / Overnight Rail to Montana
Take in the incredible views of the city, and Cascade and Olympic Mountains from the 520-foot-high observation deck of the Space Needle. Visit Pike Place Market famous for flying fish, fresh produce, colorful characters and local artists. This afternoon, depart for King Street Station to board Amtrak's Empire Builder. The wheels turn and the train moves slowly forward as you wave goodbye and your wonderful rail journey begins. A train attendant will check you into your sleeper car and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy one of Amtrak's most scenic routes as we head east through the soaring mountain ranges and into the Big Sky Country. Enjoy dinner in the diner before nestling in for the night. See the feature film, "Glacier Park" in the lounge car in anticipation of tomorrow's adventure. Tonight let the trains movement gently rock you to sleep. (D)
Day 3 - Glacier National Park / Going-to-the-Sun Road
Awaken this morning to a hearty breakfast. As we leave Whitefish, Montana, the train follows the Flathead River for eighty miles as it skirts the southern boundary of Glacier National Park and crosses the Continental Divide at Marias Pass, the lowest rail crossing of the Divide in the United States. Upon arrival at Glacier Park, our mode of transportation will change to a 1930s vintage convertible touring bus to view the extraordinary scenery offered on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The afternoon is exciting as we ascend Logan Pass, surrounded by craggy mountains, glaciers, veil-like waterfalls, lush alpine meadows and wild life. See the reason that this is widely considered one of the nation's most scenic roads as you see how the geological processes have sculpted peaks and left 50 glaciers, 200 lakes and great habitat for mountain goats and grizzly bears. Enjoy lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge, the largest lake in Glacier Park before our journey ends at Many Glacier Hotel, located on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake in the heart of the Park. The Great Northern Railroad built this historic hotel in 1915. Many Glacier Hotel boasts a true Swiss atmosphere with alpine beauty. Tonight, enjoy Montana singer/songwriter David Walburn and his contemporary folk multimedia shows that blends music, scenic photography, and slides of historic paintings. (B)
Day 4 - Glacier Park / Cruise on Swiftcurrent Lake
After a hearty breakfast, board Chief Two Guns for a scenic cruise on Swiftcurrent Lake. Soak up the alpine ambience before our travels continue east to Glacier Park Lodge. Huge Douglas fir pillars that are over 40 feet high and 40 inches in diameter form the supports in the impressive lobby that welcomes you to the lodge. The Blackfeet Indians, awed by the size of the timbers called it "Omahkoyis," or Big Tree Lodge. The lodge features a heated outdoor swimming pool and nine-hole golf course. Tonight enjoy a Glacier Cabaret! It's an entertaining evening complete with song, dance and various live entertainment!
Day 5 -Glacier National Park / Empire Builder to Seattle
Rise and shine! After breakfast, you are free to explore on your own. There are many options. You may wish to golf, swim in the pool, take a scenic float trip or go on a morning hike. This afternoon we'll reboard the Empire Builder for the return trip West. After nestling into your Roomette, enjoy dinner in the diner. Crack open a good book, or head to the lounge for a cocktail or movie before settling into bed. (D)
Day 6 - Seattle
Good Morning! Enjoy breakfast as we descend Stevens Pass and cruise Puget Sound's coastline on our way into the Emerald City. Take a moment to say goodbye to your newly found friends and wonderful memories of our Rail to Glacier Park. Our motorcoach will take you to SeaTac airport or you can continue your travels on your own. (B)
