There are few cities in the world blessed with a more beautiful setting than Seattle. Sitting at the edge of picturesque Puget Sound, America’s Emerald City is the gateway to the Pacific Northwest and the spectacular landscapes of Olympic, Mount Rainier and North Cascades national parks, all of which lie within a few hours’ drive of the city. Several cruises to Alaska also start from the Seattle waterfront, while a little offshore, the gloriously scenic San Juan Islands offer some of the best orca watching in the world, as well as chances to spot seals, sea lions and porpoises
Set between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is a working waterfront city where ferries cross the bay and snow capped Mount Rainier appears on clear days.
Pike Place Market rewards an early visit. Fishmongers set out the morning catch while bakers, florists and small producers open counters that locals have relied on for generations.
Neighbourhoods give the city its character. Pioneer Square holds Seattle’s oldest streets, Ballard reflects its Nordic roots and Capitol Hill remains the centre of its creative life.
The Space Needle still defines the skyline. Go up for wide views across Elliott Bay and the Cascades, then walk next door to Chihuly Garden and Glass for Dale Chihuly’s striking installations.
Ferries run frequently across Puget Sound and the short sailing to Bainbridge Island offers one of the best views back towards the Seattle skyline.
Arrive on a direct flight from London and transfer to Lotte Hotel Seattle. Venture up the Space Needle to take in your surroundings then head to the waterfront to sample Seattle’s
famous seafood trifecta: Dungeness crab, wild salmon and oysters.
Start the day with a private food tour of Pike Place Market, getting the inside scoop from its merchants, chefs and store
owners. After lunch, embrace the city’s art and museum scene with visits to the Museum of Pop Culture or the sleek and contemporary Seattle Art Museum. Then toast the city’s
culture in the Ballard Brewery District.
Cross pretty Puget Sound for a full-day tour of Olympic National Park, taking in its moss-draped forests, piercing azure lakes and
striking mountain peaks.
Enjoy views of the downtown skyline, Space Needle and Elliot Bay from beautiful Kerry Park before transferring to the airport
for your flight home.