LEAVENWORTH “BAVARIAN MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY GETAWAY” HOLIDAY 2008
FULL DAY TOUR

Tour Length: 12 Hours
Tour Code: EV11H
Pick Up: City Hotels & Cruise Terminals
Departing: 8:00a
Returns: 8:00p
Activities: Hiking, nature walks, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, birding, ecological & geological sightseeing with naturalist interpretation
Interests: Local & natural history, forest ecology, wildlife, sustainability, Bavarian culture
Difficulty: Easy
Carbon Offsetting: Please ask for a quote
Season: Winter
Tour Cost:
Adult: $195 per person plus tax
Child: $150 per person plus tax

Inclusions:
Hotel pick up and drop off, highly qualified and knowledgeable naturalist guide, travel in adventure outfitted luxury Mercedes or Jeep, morning & afternoon tea, northwest style lunch or picnic, selected Washington wines and refreshments, all park entry fees and comprehensive naturalist commentary.

Escape Plan:
Our escape route follows the roaring Skykomish River as it ascends the west slope of the Cascades to 4,061’ Stevens Pass. We stop for morning tea and scones to enjoy one of the many trails or waterfalls located just off the road. Several small towns along the route have logging heritages with nature still at their doorsteps. This region is noted for river rafting, hiking and fly-fishing. The mountain township of Index nestles at the foot of spectacular 5,979’ Mount Index and is a favorite of rock climbers. At the crest of Stevens Pass, we take in dramatic panoramas of the dense evergreen forest to the west. The terrain changes rapidly as we descend upon the town of Plain we witness the change from a wet, lush, maritime climate to the drier open woodlands and rolling hills of sagebrush. This climate produces some powdery snow to make snow angels in! The vast natural surroundings of Leavenworth and Plain include the Wenatchee National Forest, Alpine Lakes and Glacier Peaks Wilderness. For us, these surroundings provide four seasons of activity and adventure. Next we arrive at Mountain Springs Lodge for lunch and the opportunity to go on a snowshoe and either a sleigh ride or dog sledding adventure through Beaver Valley. Next we transport into the festive Bavarian-inspired village of Leavenworth, all decked out in Holiday Lights! We grab a hot cocoa or holiday latte and stroll this winter wonderland until everyone gathers at the gazebo at dusk to greet Saint Nicholas. On Saturday and Sunday enjoy roasting chestnuts, holiday music from the gazebo while youngsters sled in the park; holiday personalities stroll the street and horse drawn sleighs abound. Then we join the masses gathering to sing "Silent Night" and witness the lighting of the village transforming it into a magic wonderland of lights. Before the festivities we will have a chance to head down to Waterfront Park on the Icicle River. Surrounded by tall cottonwoods and other streamside vegetation your naturalist guide will interpret the winter ecology and spot for wildlife and the wintering bird species found here. We jump back into the Escape Vehicle, wind down, relax and continue the mountain loop adventure crossing over Snoqualmie Pass before arriving back home.

This tour can be customized as a private tour or corporate retreat, call or email for a quote.