Excursion Seattle space needle & dale chihuly glass museum tour at Seattle

Visit some incredible glass artwork by Chihuly and visit one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Space Needle. Depart the cruise pier and travel and short distance by bus to the Seattle Center. Walk to the base of the Space Needle, a treasured Seattle icon.

Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the 21st Century Exposition whose theme was "The Age of Space," the tower's futuristic design was inspired by the idea that the fair needed a structure to symbolize humanity's Space Age aspirations. Since its grand opening on April 21, 1962, the landmark continues to symbolize the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of Seattle. Travel in an elevator from the base of the Space Needle, which stands at 605 feet tall, to the top.

The tower's 520-foot, saucer-shaped "top house" offers visitors Seattle's only 360-degree indoor and outdoor panoramic views (on a clear day) of downtown, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges.

After taking in the views, travel back down to the base of the Space Needle and walk a short distance to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibition. Providing a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly, this exhibition includes eight galleries, the centerpiece Glasshouse and the lush Garden. The eight galleries and three Drawing Walls offer a comprehensive collection of Dale Chihuly's significant series of work. Learn how this prolific artist pushed the boundaries of glass as an art medium in concept, execution and presentation.

The centerpiece of Chihuly Garden and Glass is the Glasshouse. A 40-foot tall, glass and steel structure covering 4,500 square feet of light-filled space, the Glasshouse is the result of Chihuly's lifelong appreciation for conservatories. The installation in the Glasshouse is an expansive 100-foot long sculpture in a color palette of reds, oranges, yellows and amber. Made of many individual elements, it is one of Chihuly's largest suspended sculptures.

Take a private guided tour with specialist from the Chihuly Glass Museum. Anchored by four monumental sculptures, the exhibition Garden provides an opportunity for discovery and surprise. A rich backdrop for the art, it features paths lined with trees, plants and flowers. Crimson camellias, scarlet day lilies, dogwoods, hardy fuchsias and handkerchief trees provide the setting for the Crystal and Icicle Towers and an installation of Reeds on Logs. At the center of this lush landscape, on a bed of black mondo grass, is the Sun, an explosion of yellow and orange.

Walk back to the tour bus and travel from the Seattle Center back to the cruise pier.

Note

Please note: This tour includes four hours riding on a coach. This tour is not suitable for guests afraid of heights or fast elevator rides. Most walking is on flat, paved walkways; there is minimal walking. Bring binoculars to use on viewing deck at the top of the Space Needle. Please do not bring large backpacks or handbags in the Chihuly Museum.