Artisan Adventures in the Wild Northwest Self Drive Tour

10 Nights

Seal Bay, AK

Hug close to the coast, as you zigzag between ocean, farmland and forest discovering some of the West Coast’s artisanal gems. You’ll get a taste for the sea at San Francisco’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf, where restaurants and artisan bakeries abound, or elect to venture into the famously steep rolling hills of the city to check out Chinatown’s authentic flavours.  Your adventure to the “Normandy of California” will not disappoint with tastings and tours on cheese farms peppered across soft rolling grassy knolls that eventually give way to grand forests of California Redwoods, the tallest tree in the world, and a protected species in the state. A full 31 miles of shaded forest driving will give you an appreciation for their sheer size and scale. Also larger than life are the famous Oregon Dunes, uniquely formed by wind and time 500 feet above the sea. Leave behind the dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches for the city of Portland, touted as America’s most walkable city, where you’ll find many artisanal treats at some of the finest independent food vendors. Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a climb up into the Northwest’s “Ring of Fire” to take in stunning views of the local active volcanoes Mount St Helens and Mount Rainer.

From £1373pp
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Highlights

  • Grab a taste of San Francisco: sample seafood or stop by an artisanal bakery on Fisherman’s Wharf, enjoy the finest dim sum in Chinatown, or satisfy your sweet tooth at iconic Ghirardelli’s
  • Visit the “Normandy of California” for a farm visit or cheese tasting of some of the country’s finest cheeses - including Goat, Brie, Swiss and Mozzarella - on the Marin Cheese Trail
  • Enter California’s Redwood Empire, and explore the world-renowed Avenue of the Giants” for a stunning 31-mile drive through 51,000 acres of giant Redwoods, the tallest tree species in the world
  • Uncover local gems like the Bandon Cheese Factory and The Tillamook Cheese Factory that allow you to tour their facilities and learn more about their unique cheese making processes
  • Go on a sampling tour in the America’s most walkable city, Portland, stopping in at local chocolatiers, microbreweries, bakeries, coffee makers and a variety of independent food artisans along the way
  • Seek out coastal adventures or find the perfect picnic spot in the Oregon Dunes Recreational Area where massive uniquely formed dunes are sculpted by the wind 500 feet above the sea
  • Be awed by the breathtaking heights of Multnomah Falls, and the frightening grandeur of Mount St Helens and Mount Rainer, two active volcanoes and part of the Northwest’s “Ring of Fire”
    Find farm-fresh and artisan products at Seattle’s Pike Place Market, then hit the waterfront for local seafood from Puget Sound or go international and try Seattle’s international District Restaurants
  • Day 1 - SAN FRANCISCO ARRIVAL
  • Day 2 - SAN FRANCISCO
  • Day 3 - SAN FRANCISCO - DRIVE-THROUGH TREE PARK - CLOVERDALE - FT. BRAGG
  • Day 4 - FT BRAGG - AVENUE OF THE GIANTS - ARCATA
  • Day 5 - ARCATA - REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK - COOS BAY
  • Day 6 - COOS BAY - OREGON SAND DUNES - LINCOLN CITY
  • Day 7 - LINCOLN CITY - TILLAMOOK - PORTLAND
  • Day 8 - PORTLAND (COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE SCENIC AREA)
  • Day 9 - PORTLAND - MT. ST. HELENS - MT. RAINIER - SEATTLE
  • Day 10 - Seattle
  • Day 11 - SEATTLE DEPARTURE

Arrive at San Francisco International Airport, pick up your car and proceed to your hotel.

Meals Included: Ro

Americania Hotel

From its mid-century modern design to its playful spirit and amusing décor, the Americania Hotel is a San Francisco hotel that dares to be different. Decked out in retro-style furnishings and bold yet simple colors, each of our 143 guest rooms offers a refreshing alternative to cookie-cutter, chain hotel rooms.Our central location – in the heart of downtown San Francisco’s SoMa district – brings the best of the city to your doorstep – from Union Square, the Moscone Convention Center and the world-famous Cable Cars.  Within the hotel, a tranquil garden courtyard and the heated swimming pool create an atmosphere brimming with warmth and relaxation.If work is on the agenda, our Wi-Fi and business center access ensure that you’ll stay connected throughout your visit.

Today enjoy the sights and sounds of “The City” by the bay. Hop a cable car if you so choose and drop to Fisherman’s Wharf for a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge and some  of the tasty fresh seafood. Whilst there visit an arti- san bakery where the local sourdough bread is made  fresh daily. And, for chocolate lovers, no trip to The  City is complete without a visit to the local chocolat- iers, Ghirardelli’s, whose founding location is now a  public landmark and part of the National Register of Historic Places. Under the historic Clock Tower, you may wish to feast upon an ice cream Sundae with hot chocolate sauce, Ghirardelli’s style. This evening, you may wish to stroll the Embarcadero or sample Dim Sum in Chinatown or see the twinkling city lights atop Twin Peaks (bring your jacket!).

Meals Included: Ro

Americania Hotel

From its mid-century modern design to its playful spirit and amusing décor, the Americania Hotel is a San Francisco hotel that dares to be different. Decked out in retro-style furnishings and bold yet simple colors, each of our 143 guest rooms offers a refreshing alternative to cookie-cutter, chain hotel rooms.Our central location – in the heart of downtown San Francisco’s SoMa district – brings the best of the city to your doorstep – from Union Square, the Moscone Convention Center and the world-famous Cable Cars.  Within the hotel, a tranquil garden courtyard and the heated swimming pool create an atmosphere brimming with warmth and relaxation.If work is on the agenda, our Wi-Fi and business center access ensure that you’ll stay connected throughout your visit.

Today head north from the city and at the base of the first giant redwood grove, you may wish to drive your car through the base of a redwood tree at the Drive-Through Tree Park! (admission fee). Continuing north, you’ll reach the Sonoma Marin Cheese Trail, comprised of farmsteads for local cheese makers. This area is known as the Normandy of California. Here you may wish  to visit a farm where cheese is made and per- haps attend a cheese tasting or two. Some of  the finest Goat, Brie, Swiss, Mozzarella’s and more hail from these farms. Next you will drive through Cloverdale Wine Country where you may wish to stop and picnic at one of the many local vineyards or orchards. Perhaps you’d like to pick up a crisp local Cabernet Sauvignon or freshly bottled olive oil to compliment your sourdough bread from San Francisco for later this evening. After lunch your journey takes you past the historic Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, where you may wish to stop and explore, to the coastal city of Ft. Bragg, a historic lumber town where you may wish to ride horseback on the beach, walk along the Fort Bragg coastal trail or visit a local glass artisan’s studio.

Driving Distance: 154 MI / 247 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Best Western Vista Manor Lodge

Property Location With a stay at Best Western Vista Manor Lodge in Fort Bragg, you'll be near the beach and minutes from Pudding Creek Beach, and close to Glass Beach. This hotel is within close proximity of Skunk Train and Triangle Tattoo Museum.

Awaken at the seaside town of Ft Bragg and perhaps consider a brisk morning walk along Glass Beach where the sand at this unusual beach is covered with interesting-shaped and colored rocks and stones. Time permitting, walk along the bluffs, home to a production mill of yore for special views. Continue north on the Shoreline Highway 1 through the moss covered trees lining the Pacific Coastline and will take you to California’s Redwood Empire. At Redway, the world famous the Avenue of the Giants section of the drive begins, a 31 mile drive with 51,000 acres of magnificent Redwood Trees, the  tallest tree species in the world. At the many conve- nient services along the way, you may enjoy stops to  picnic, hike, swim, fish, raft, bike ride or simply expe- rience peace in the cool hush of this ancient forest.  Then you dip again to the coastline city of Eureka, the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland which played a leading role in the West Coast lumber trade and where today Redwood Burl Artists abound. Here we invite you to experience artisan shops with tables, mantles, clocks, carvings and more made from the special burl wood. From Eureka we suggest you travel the Samoa Bridge which takes you across Humboldt Bay, Indian Island and Woodley Islands to your overnight destination, Arcata, home of the Redwoods Ziplining Canopy  tour (fee applies). Arcata is also the home of Six Riv- ers Artesian Brewery, one of the first female owned  breweries in California.

Driving Distance: 141 MI / 227 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Best Western Arcata Inn

Property Location Located in Arcata, Best Western Arcata Inn is in the business district and close to Humboldt State University and Humboldt State University Natural History Museum. This hotel is within close proximity of Arcata Theatre Lounge and Arcata Playhouse.

You may wish to start your day in Arcata  with a morning walk along the shores of Hum- boldt Bay at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary  known for pleasant walking trails and outstanding  birding. Your journey north takes you through Red- wood National Park where miles ahead wind grace- fully through the majestic giants. Crossing the Cali- fornia border into Oregon, enter America’s Wild River  Coast. At Gold Beach, the mighty Rogue River meets the Pacific is home to scenic jet boat and other river touring adventures (fee applies). Continue north to Bandon and perhaps drop by the Bandon Cheese Factory for a bite of tasty cheese or ice cream before reaching picturesque Cape Arago Lighthouse. Your destination today is Coos Bay, the largest city on the Oregon coast.

Driving Distance: 210 MI / 337 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Red Lion Hotel Coos Bay

Experience Red Lion's signature blend of comfort and convenience at our Coos Bay hotel. Red Lion Hotel Coos Bay is located off Highway 101 mere blocks from the Oregon shore. Spread out in comfortable accommodations that feature plush pillow-top beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, and HBO. When your stomach rumbles, Brickstone Restaurant offers delicious dinners and Red Lion's Signature breakfast. After you've satisfied your craving, stop by our seasonal outdoor pool and whirlpool for a refreshing dip.

Your coastal adventure continues today through the spectacular Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area where wind-sculpted dunes tower to 500 feet above the sea. Formed by the ancient forces or wind, water and time, these dunes are like no others in the world and hold many special spots to spend the day exploring. Perhaps consider a picnic today, weather permitting. Your seaside drive continues alongside lighthouses, marinas and parks to the town of Lincoln City, named after the 16th USA President, Abraham Lincoln.

Driving Distance: 125 MI / 201 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Best Western Plus Landmark Inn

Property Location When you stay at Best Western Plus Landmark Inn in Lincoln City, you'll be near the beach and minutes from Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio and North Lincoln County Historical Museum. This hotel is within close proximity of Theatre West and Tanger Outlet Center.

Dip your toes this morning into the Pacific before starting your drive which takes you  inland to Tillamook and then on to Portland, the larg- est city of Oregon. In Tillamook, small creameries  joined forces to produce a world-renown cheese. Here you may visit the fascinating Tillamook Cheese Factory for an up-close look at the cheesemaking process and to try some tasty cheddar. Continue through the fairytale-esque Tillamook State forest with its evergreen trees covered in bright green moss to the city of Portland. Portland is known as being the most-walkable city in America. In this city, you will easily find some of the best local chocolatiers,  bakeries, microbreweries, coffeemakers and inde- pendent food artisans, all within walking or a short  public transit distance.

Driving Distance: 115 MI / 185 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Jupiter Hotel Portland

The Jupiter Hotel is a mid-century, renovated motor inn-turned-boutique hotel in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The 81 modern guestrooms, connect guests to the vibrancy of Portland at affordable rates. The hotel has been featured by national magazines such as Elle Décor, Travel + Leisure, GQ and more.

This morning you may wish to wake up with a cup of fresh local coffee take a city walking tour to visit the famous Portland Landmarks, museums or stroll the along River Walk. The city holds sightseeing to fill the day. Alternately you may wish to drive east to see the spectacular Columbia River Gorge (first explored by the American settlers: Lewis & Clark) and visit Multnomah Falls and historic Lodge.  This breathtaking cascade is the 2nd highest water- falls in the United States.

Driving Distance: 60 mi / 96 km

Meals Included: Ro

Jupiter Hotel Portland

The Jupiter Hotel is a mid-century, renovated motor inn-turned-boutique hotel in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The 81 modern guestrooms, connect guests to the vibrancy of Portland at affordable rates. The hotel has been featured by national magazines such as Elle Décor, Travel + Leisure, GQ and more.

Depart today for the Emerald City, Seattle.  En route are both Mount St. Helens and Mount Rain- ier National Parks, both active volcanoes and part of  the Northwest’s “ring of fire”. Tonight you may wish to dine atop the famous Space Needle’s 520-ft high tower (reservations highly recommended) or on the Famous Seattle Waterfront, renown for local crab and tasty seafood from Puget Sound.

Driving Distance: 173 MI / 278 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Quality Inn & Suites Hotel Seattle Center

Property Location With a stay at Quality Inn & Suites Hotel Seattle Center, you'll be centrally located in Seattle, minutes from Museum of Pop Culture and Space Needle. This hotel is close to Nordstrom and Pike Place Market.

Enjoy a full day to explore the famous sights and sounds of this charming city. Perhaps start your day early at Pike Place Market as the vendors lay out farm-fresh goods and artisan products. Be sure to see the famous “fish-throwers” there. Then perhaps experience Seattle’s history in the underground city tour, or the Seattle Center originally built for a World’s Fair and today is a large park, arts and entertainment center home to the Space Needle or the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum and other art and entertainment venues (fee may apply). Tonight you may wish to dine at a local seafood restaurant  or enjoy one of Seattle’s international District Restau- rants to enjoy tasty Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Med- iterranean or Vegetarian cuisine prepared with Seat- tle hospitality.

Meals Included: Ro

Quality Inn & Suites Hotel Seattle Center

Property Location With a stay at Quality Inn & Suites Hotel Seattle Center, you'll be centrally located in Seattle, minutes from Museum of Pop Culture and Space Needle. This hotel is close to Nordstrom and Pike Place Market.

Enjoy any free time remaining for a final farewell exploration of charming Seattle before returning your rental car and transferring to
the airport for your departure flight.