Washington
The Evergreen State
Washington is the ideal fly/drive destination - a state of spectacular contrasts. Fly into Seattle direct non-stop from the UK in just under 9.5 hours and head out to see pristine, little populated wide-open spaces where nature abounds! Explore the national parks (Mt. Rainier / Olympic / North Cascades), old-growth forests, historic towns, driftwood-strewn beaches and go wildlife spotting – think bald eagles, Roosevelt deer, orcas and sea lions. With over 1,000 vineyards, Washington is the second largest wine producing state in the USA, second only to California. Tasting rooms range from an outdoor patio to candlelit rooms. If you’re lucky, you may even get to share a glass with a winemaker.
Taste bud tempting cuisine, award-winning wines and delicious home-roasted coffee are all part of the Seattle experience. The city is the perfect gateway to the Pacific Northwest and to cruises to Alaska. Downtown is walkable with an array of unique neighbourhoods offering world-class hotels and restaurants, vibrant arts and cultural institutions and signature attractions such as the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass and the USA’s oldest farmers’ market, Pike Place Market.
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is connected from the UK and Ireland by British Airways, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, by Aer Lingus from Dublin and there are one-stop options with Icelandair. In 2021, a new International Arrivals Facility will greet passengers providing streamlined immigration and baggage processes. With safety and wellbeing top priorities, the Port of Seattle is preparing for travel to resume to Washington state.
Visit www.SeattleCruiseAlaska.co.uk to find ideas for fly/drive itineraries and pre or post Alaska cruise tourism opportunities.
Image: Visit Bainbridge Island – a ferry ride from Seattle!