Join the#1 rated Seattle tour company (July 2012) based on traveler reviews to Snoqualmie Falls and then tour the city with us.
We are not a simple transportation company that only drives you around the city and point out different locations through the windows with one or two quick 5-10 minute stops. With Shutter Tours we take the time to stop and explore the locations allowing you to have a richer Seattle experience and help you with simple photos tips on your scenic tour.
Itinerary
Seattle History
Our tour begins with either a hotel pickup or meet your tour guide at the Pike Place market at 10 AM. As we make our way through the city you'll learn the history of the city, how the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 became an important event to turn Seattle into a major city and explain the "Underground" of Seattle.
We then make our way on I-90 over the worlds second longest floating bridge. Your guide will then share some fun facts about Bill Gates house as you cross Lake Washington and make your way to the Cascade Foothills.
Snoqualmie Falls
Your first experience in the Cascade foothills will be a drive through the town of Snoqualmie, the real "Twin Peaks" of the Pacific Northwest. Then you'll enjoy the majesty of Snoqualmie Falls, which is sure to be a favorite memory on your tour with us.
Japanese Gardens
Our next stop is the beautiful Japanese Gardens located at the Washington Park Arboretum. A 3 1/2 acre formal garden designed and constructed under the supervision of world-renowned Japanese garden designer Juki Iida. Rated one of the top Japanese Gardens in the world outside of Japan.
The Fremont Troll
Next stopping point is the Fremont Troll where you can take some time to get some photos of this one of a kind piece of public art. As we drive through Fremont you'll see a 16' tall statue of Bolshevik Russian Communist revolutionary Vladimir Lenin. Your guide will share with you how this statue arrived in Seattle and the story behind its history.
Theo Chocolate
Next we make our way to some chocolate tasting at Theo Chocolate, the only Organic, Fair Trade, Fair for Life certified Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Factory in North America. When you walk into Theo, you'll get a blast of chocolate smells with the ability to taste different combinations from Coconut Curry, to Spicy Chili and many others.
The Ballard Locks
We then stop at the Ballard Locks also driving through Fisherman' Terminal where you'll see the Pacific Fishing fleet. At the Ballard Locks you may see migrating salmon going through the locks system, Sea Lions, Eagles and maritime traffic as they navigate this engineering marvel.
Best Seattle View
Next we take in the #1 rated location in Seattle for taking a photo of the skyline, the picturesque viewpoint at Kerry Park.
Arrival back at Pike Place Market between 2-2:30 PM for you to continue your sightseeing of the city with a newfound love of Seattle. The simple photography tips you learned will help you have postcard perfect photos on the rest of your vacation.
Returning from a Cruise?
We can pick you up at the end of your cruise to start the tour.We have a secure luggage compartment onboard our bus. Our pickup time is between 9-9:30. Cruise departure dropoffs may be available. Please contact us at 425-516-8838 for more information.
Our itinerary ensures adequate time spent at each location allowing individual feedback and suggestions from our guides. We've done all the work and planning, so you can spend your time having a positive experience.