Compare NW Explorer with Rail by InquisiTours

Day 1 : Seattle, Washington to Leavenworth, Washington (Scenic Train)

Meals : Dinner

Meet your InquisiTours Tour Director at Seattle King Street Station in the afternoon (3:30 pm) to board the Amtrak Empire Builder. As you leave Seattle, sit back and enjoy the views of Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains, and Wenatchee National Forest before evening arrival in the Bavarian mountain town of Leavenworth.

Day 2 : Leavenworth, Washington

Meals : Breakfast

Enjoy a morning walk exploring the charming Bavarian town of Leavenworth, the outlying river valley, and nearby trails. The rest of the day is yours to do what you please. With attractions such as the Nutcracker Museum, wine tasting, shopping, miniature golf or even walking more riverside trails there is plenty to keep you engaged in the village. In the evening, join us for a festive reception featuring authentic cuisine and craft ales.

Optional Add-Ons: Guided hike or Rafting trip (prices vary)

Day 3 : Leavenworth, Washington to Walla Walla, Washington

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

This morning board your coach to explore the dramatic Columbia River Basin. Orchards and vineyards complete the expansive views as we travel into the heart of the wine country. You’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the Red Mountain AVA great wineries. After a scenic drive to Walla Walla, our day will finish with a brief walking tour of the town before checking in to the hotel for the night. The evening is yours to explore the many dining options in town.

Day 4 : Walla Walla, Washington

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

In the morning learn about the lifestyles, traditions, and crafts of the regions residents including Native Americans, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and Oregon Trail Pioneers with a visit to the Ft. Walla Walla Museum. The rest of the day is yours for exploration. You can choose from an optional excursion or may decide to spend your day exploring, shopping, or visiting the numerous tasting rooms and art galleries in town. Whatever you do, you will want to be back in time for a special multi-course dinner.

Optional Add-Ons: Cycle tour, Golfing, Wine tasting (prices vary)

Day 5 : Walla Walla, Washington to Hood River, OR

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

The wine and scenery continue today as we travel the great “River of the West”. We’ll visit Maryhill Winery atop the amazing Columbia River Gorge for lunch. Tonight, we overnight in Hood River, OR located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. Hood River is chock-full of scenery, wineries, and farm-to-table bounty. Overnight in the heart of historic downtown, steps from great shopping, breweries and tasting rooms.

Day 6 : Hood River, OR

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

See why the area is called “A World of Wine in 40 Miles”. Located in the beautiful Hood River Valley, this area produces award-winning wines cultivated by expert farmers who’ve been growing fruit on the volcanic soils of Mt. Hood for generations.  We will start the day with a visit to the WAAAM Air & Auto Museum with one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplans and still-driveing antique automobiles in the country.  The items on display at this museum are not only full of history, they’re full of LIFE!  Then, we follow the orchard trail while stopping to sample some of the regions finest craft beverages. This evening, take in the views as we enjoy our dinner cruise onboard the Columbia River Sternwheeler.

Day 7 : Hood River, OR to Seattle, WA

Meals : Breakfast

In the morning, we travel back to Seattle. You also have the option to end your trip in Portland. In the shadow of the Cascadian Mountain Range, we take in the sights of volcanoes surrounding the Puget Sound and learn more about the eco-diverse Salish Sea. We pass through several towns such as Centralia, Olympia, and Tacoma before arriving in Seattle in the early afternoon.

If you are flying home from Portland, arrange your flight after noon.

If you are flying home from Seattle, arrange your flight 5:00 pm or later.