Take a ride into the 1960s vision of the future at Seattle's iconic Space Needle. From the 520-foot (159-m) observation deck, look out over the extraordinary waterfront downtown of the Emerald City. Then, step into the magical world of famed local glass artist Dale Chihuly at his namesake museum and garden.

Pick up a ticket for timed entry and then hop into the glass elevators that scale the side of the Space Needle. Take in views of urban neighborhoods and landmarks like the colorful Museum of Pop Culture as you ascend to the observation deck. Once you arrive at the top of the needle, soak in 360-degree panoramas from your sky-high vantage point. Glimpse Mt. Rainier beyond the skyscrapers of downtown, spot ferries crisscrossing the deep blue waters of Elliott Bay, and use the 520 Teleporter to travel —virtually—to the city’s top sights.

After learning all about the history of the Space Needle on the interactive SkyPad, jump back in the elevator to be whisked down to earth. Cross the park-like grounds of Seattle Center to reach the whimsical Chihuly Garden and Glass. Step into a wonderful world of color, design, and glass created by Northwest artist, Dale Chihuly. Explore the exhibition galleries to see Chihuly's signature design—a vibrantly hued ball of glass tentacles. Walk through the light-filled glasshouse beneath suspending sculptures, and study walls hung with sketches of works still waiting to be created.

Get an up-close and personal introduction to the Emerald City, scoping out major landmarks and locally loved neighborhoods with a passionate guide. See sights from Pike Place Market to the Space Needle, and uncover distinctive neighborhoods like Fremont and Queen Anne.

After you're picked up from your hotel, kick off your Seattle exploration in the heart of the city. Cruise between diverse neighborhoods like funky Fremont, historic Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market and the bustling International District, and hop off to check out attractions like lively the fascinating fish ladders Ballard Locks on foot. Take in the panorama over downtown and Elliott Bay from Kerry Park in Queen Anne, and soak up the Scandinavian atmosphere in the marina-centric neighborhood of Ballard.

Scope out charming pockets of coffee shops, locally owned boutiques, and cozy eateries as your guide shares stories about the city, and learn the best places to come back to for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Pass the warped architecture of the EMP and the futuristic spire of the Space Needle, see where the Seahawks and the Mariners play at Safeco Statium and Qwest Field, and check out the historic piers, the Olympic Sculpture Park, and the sky-high observation wheel along downtown's waterfront, admiring the view across Puget Sound to the Olympic mountains before your tour concludes.

Take flight on a tour of Boeing's immense Everett factory as you get an up-close look at some of the most impressive planes in commercial aviation. Discover the world of air travel and airliner design as you see where Boeing 787 Dreamliner is assembled, and learn about all the moving pieces of planes like the 747, 767, and 777 as well.

Head north of Seattle to the massive Boeing Everett Factory, the largest building in the world by volume. Your guide leads the way through this vast production space as you're given a behind-the-scenes view of some of the world's most famous airliners, from the gigantic Boeing 747 to the company's latest model, the state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner.

As you look down over the factory floor, your informative guide explains the stages of the manufacturing process. From the outfitting and assembly of the engines to the painting and finishing on the wings and tail, you can see how a modern airliner is made.

At the Future of Flight Center, you have the chance to design and test your own aircraft with a virtual touch-screen interface. The museum offers up-close views of a variety of engine types and interactive exhibitions, offering a hands-on experience in aircraft design.

Pike Place Market is one of Seattle's most celebrated culinary landmarks. With this walking tour get a behind-the-scenes look at the local merchants, unique delicacies, and exceptional people that give this place its vibrant feel.

Feel the convivial energy as you make your way through the crowds and take in the scent of the fresh-baked goods found here at the farmers market. Enjoy a taste of seasonal fresh produce before sampling award-winning clam chowder at Pike Place Chowder.

Locally made chocolate-covered cherries at Chukar Cherries are sure to delight. Appreciate all-natural cheeses made by passionate cheese makers at Beecher's Handmade Cheese. Savor locally sourced marionberry and passion fruit Greek yogurt at Ellenos Yogurt. And a tour of this iconic market is not complete without meeting the famous fish throwers—a quintessential Seattle experience.

Through discrete headphones your tour guide shares insightful information as you stroll around the 9-acre (3.6-ha) public market. More than 200 kinds of merchants work in this year-round farmers market, from bakers and butchers to specialty store clerks and local and international chefs, making this lively gathering place enticing for locals and visitors alike.

Sit back and relax during a scenic ferry cruise aboard the Victoria Clipper between Seattle and Victoria. Drink in sights of the Pacific coast, peruse an eclectic assortment of boutiques and breweries along Victoria's waterfront, and sample Vancouver Island's exciting array of outdoor activities.

The speedy Victoria Clipper ushers you from Seattle to Victoria in just 3 hours, passing through the exquisite scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Soak up spectacular views of the Puget Sound while crossing between the United States and Canada. All the while, keep your camera close by and snap stunning photos.

When you arrive, step off the boat and into the heart of downtown Victoria—a highly walkable city beloved by travelers from all over the world. With its endless quiet pathways, bevy of flourishing microbreweries, and plethora of athletic pursuits, Victoria contains countless wonders to explore.

In the city, consider strolling through Butchart Gardens—a glorious, 50-acre (20-ha) floral extravaganza. Or, catch a water taxi and sail to additional destinations on your sightseeing bucket list. Whether you’re traveling for the day or are spending an overnight, the pleasurable Victoria Clipper lets you see Victoria your way.

Explore the imaginative works of Seattle's famous glass-blowing artist, Dale Chihuly, with admission to his expansive gallery. Examine drawing walls filled with sketches of future designs, check out the massive hanging sculptures in the glasshouse, and watch how past masterpieces have come to life in the theater.

Make your way to the Dale Chihuly Garden and Glass gallery at the base of the Space Needle, and start your day in the Glasshouse, where swirls of massive red-and-yellow blown flowers hang, waiting to catch the day's light as if caught on a light breeze.

Continue through exhibits that feature drawings of future works, listen to audio commentary on Chihuly's background and creative process, and step into the theater to watch the master himself at work. Outside, stroll through gardens punctuated by more of Chihuly's grand designs, whose floral forms mimic nature's patterns in both color and shape.

The exhilaration of flight has long sparked the imagination of people everywhere. With over 150 different exhibits dedicated to air and space, the Museum of Flight celebrates the greatest achievements of aviation.

The history of aviation, from the first flying contraptions to modern military jets (like the M21 Blackbird), is on full display for you in this family-friendly, interactive museum.

Begin with The Birth of Aviation exhibit to experience the journey the Wright Brothers took to create their flying machine; learn through historical documents and interactive displays. Visits to the World War I and World War II galleries provide a glimpse into some of the aircraft that were instrumental in helping the US and its allies prevail in these global conflicts.

Commercial aviation is explored in The Boeing Story. Boeing's original manufacturing plant is part of the museum grounds and has been fully restored to tell the story of Boeing's rise to prominence. The Great Gallery houses many of the magnificent aircraft that comprise the museum's vast collection. Early model Boeing planes are mixed with modern military jets like the F-14 Tomcat and F-4 Phantom.

Complete your day by exploring the famous aircraft in the nearby Airpark. Walk through the first presidential jet, a Boeing 707, which was used by presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. You can also explore a Concorde (the only supersonic passenger jet ever used in service) as well as the first 747 ever built.