Romantic and scenic, the San Juan Islands in Northern Washington state capture and captivate.  Spread out across the azure waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait and Puget Sound, heralded by bald eagles and capped by lofty Douglas fir trees, it is an experience of a lifetime. Every cove begs to be discovered and visited, and small charming villages welcome you to rediscover yourself. 

Day 1
Depart your home with the beautiful Pacific Northwest as your destination. Arrive in Seattle to be met by your tour manager and coach. Head northward to the charming little town of La Connor and ultimately to Bellingham WA to overnight. A Welcome dinner is included this evening.

Day 2
Following your included breakfast, you’ll board the Viking Star, a 60 foot day yacht to begin your cruise through the beautiful San Juan Islands. It was only this year that it was voted the best scenic place to visit in the USA! Head for the southern end of the San Juans and cruise past Burrows Island lighthouse as well as other scenic points. You’ll love the lunch served as we go. Later, arrive at Friday Harbor where your luggage will be sent to the Earthbox Inn & Spa. Enjoy the delightful town and its quaint shops. You are on your own for dinner this evening and there is time to choose your cuisine among the dozen restaurants available.

Day 3
This will be a full and exciting day as we start with a hot cup of coffee upon boarding, then serve breakfast as you make your way northward to the first stop of the day. This is historic Roche Harbor Resort, established in 1886. There is time for a good walk and a guided tour before we reboard the Viking Star to explore the central San Juan Islands searching for Orca whales and much more – AND we dine on the famous Cracked Crab Feast. Rosario Resort is the next stop where there is an exclusive historian offering a presentation of music and photography about the Moran family and the estate. Not only is the Moran Photograph Collection famous, but the Phantom of the Opera will be played on the nearly 20,000 pipes of the resident organ with a silent film presentation. It’s great! We depart to sail back to Friday Harbor and enjoy another evening on your own.

Day 4
At last, you visit the northern San Juans where you stop at Sucia Island, have a nature walk and a specially prepared picnic on the beach. Once again, look for Orcas, bald eagles, harbor seals and Dall’s porpoise along with magnificent sea birds. Further north at the top of the archipelago lies the Sucia Island State Park. The reefs and broken shorelines are geologic wonders of the Earth’s crust where one can find interesting marine fossils forced to the surface. Then it's time for the picnic – and time to explore for yourself before once again climbing aboard the Viking Star to cruise through channels and past islands not yet explored. Arrive back in Bellingham by 4 pm where you board your waiting motorcoach for the return to Seattle. Check into your hotel in the center of the city, refresh, and you’re off to the iconic Space Needle for a scrumptious dinner and a panoramic view of the “Emerald City.”

Day 5
Following your included breakfast, your coach and guide will give you a city tour of this wonderful “Emerald City” with a stop at Pike Street Public Market for your lunch before heading to the airport and a trip home full of memories of the Pacific Northwest.