Romance of the Train

Arrive at Union Station at 1:00 PM

All aboard EMPIRE BUILDER 1:30 PM.

Pull away from Union Station 2:15 PM as you trace the footsteps of the early pioneers heading west.  You will travel parts of the Lewis and Clark trail on the edges of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.  You will pass through Glacier National Park on a route that travels all the way from Chicago to Seattle via the shores of the Puget Sound.  Travel from Chicago through Wisconsin and the great plain states of Minnesota and Montana before entering scenic states of Idaho and Washington. 

Enjoy a Champaign welcome on board and settle into your Pullman accommodations.

The Maître’D will make your dinner reservation for the dining car where you will enjoy your choice of menu selections and camaraderie of fellow passengers.   

When you return from dinner, the Porter will have your roomette or bedroom transformed from your comfortable day seats to your sleeping accommodations.   

Overnight on the train.

Day 2, September 18

Train travel day through the Great Plains.

Enjoy Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board THE EMPIRE BUILDER. (included)

Today there will be a wine and cheese tasting (included) for you in the Dining Car late afternoon.

Overnight on the train.

Day 3, September 19

After breakfast (included) arrive in Seattle 10:25 AM.

We will be met at the Seattle Station by luxury coach to begin our 3 day tour of beautiful Seattle and surrounding areas including Victoria, Canada (Passport required).

You will begin the tour at PIKES PLACE MARKET.  You  will be anxious for some exercise! 

Begin the trip with THE WALKING FOODIE TOUR  – 2 Hours Approximately

Here we will split the groups with so as not to overwhelm the local markets that we visit and explore Seattle's culinary riches on this exciting guided walking food and cultural tour of Seattle's most iconic landmark, Pike Place Market! We will take you beyond the rows of colorful produce and glistening seafood to experience some of our favorite market spots. You will taste locally made foods and beverages that will awaken your palate, meet some of the storied characters and artisans that give the market life, and learn about the market's rich and vibrant history. 

The tour will include delicious samples of…

~ Alderwood smoked salmon
~ Fresh seasonal produce
~ Locally-roasted coffee
~ Cherry-inspired treats
~ Tom Douglas' crab cakes
~ Russian piroshky pastries
~ Artisan handmade cheeses
~ Nation's best clam chowder
~ Hot old-fashioned doughnuts
~ And other tasty surprises!

(included)

* Food tastings are subject to change without notice.

After the FOODIE TOUR we will board the coach with one of our tour guides who will narrate the SEATTLE HIGHLIGHTS TOUR, during which we will make a stop at the famed SPACE NEEDLE (admission included) for a unparalleled vantage of the city! Other highlights include...

Day 4, September 20

7:30 AM Our bus and guide will pick us up for The Boeing and   Future of Flight Tour.

On this Up close and Personal Tour we take you through a look at cutting-edge airline production and continue right on into the future of aviation. Not only do you get to experience the largest production line in the world, you get a chance to step up and feel, hands on, the power and wonder of modern aeronautical design. Be there as Boeing takes mankind to new limits in aviation technology with the 787 Dreamliner. Feel the new advanced composite shell of a real 787, have a seat in the most advanced and comfortable cabin ever, feel the power of the near 100,000lb 777 engine, or even digitally design and test your own plane. This tour is truly a hands on experience.

1:00pm gourmet lunch box for the group to enjoy enroute to       Wine Country (included)

2:00ish PM

Arrive Chateau Ste Michelle Winery; with roots that date back to the Prohibition Chateau Ste Michelle is the founding winery of Washington state with some of the oldest and established vineyards of Columbia Valley. A guided tour of the winery, highlighted by a memorable tasting experience. 

Leisure time at the wine shop.

Board coach for trip back to Seattle

Seattle Dinner Cruise 6:30 PM reservation (included)

Cruise from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Overnight Marriott.

Day 5, Sept 21
Victoria, BC Day Trip
To Include RT Ferry Tickets, Admission to and Tea at Butchart Gardens

6:30am pick up and transport to Pier 69 board and enjoy a 3 hour scenic cruise to Victoria via the Victoria Clipper. There is concession so breakfast can be taken once onboard (cost not included)