Winter Wonderland Adventure
December 16-18, 2024
Full Price: $1499
Activity Level — Moderate
Travelers should be able to walk quite a bit without assistance. This trip is not wheelchair accessible.
Trip Overview
Welcome to the winter wonderland of Leavenworth, Washington.
Situated at the foot of craggy, snow-covered peaks, this adorable Bavarian-themed town glows bright each December in millions of colorful holiday lights.
The Leavenworth area is known for its rugged mountains and outdoor adventures, while the town itself offers cute shops, hearty German-style eateries, and ample photo opportunities.
On this trip, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds, spending three days in December in this world-famous Pacific Northwest destination with a group of fun and adventurous women like you.
This is an all-women, small-group trip.
Your Tour Leader: Caroline is an avid outdoorswoman and has hiked all of the Pacific Crest Trail. She lives near Leavenworth and is the author of Moon Drive & Hike: The Pacific Crest Trail. This is a special opportunity to experience this diverse area with an expert.
“Our guide, Caroline, was absolutely delightful. She generously shared her local and hiking knowledge while introducing us to lovely Leavenworth. Thank you for a fun weekend and for the opportunity to meet such enchanting fellow adventurers!”
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Visit the Bavarian mountain village of Leavenworth, adorned in holiday lights
Savor and sip local, seasonal fare at group dinners and lunches
Learn about the region’s history and unique beauty
Ride in an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleighCraft a holiday gift with an expert local artisan (to keep or give away!)
Visit a reindeer farm to meet and greet with the gentle herd
Meet other bold women who love travel as much as you do!
Activity Highlights
Connect with other Bold Spirit women
Explore Leavenworth in holiday lights
Group dinner and lunches
Easy outdoor activities and sightseeing
Reindeer encounter
Old-fashioned sleigh ride
Artisan craft class
Expert, local guides
DETAILED Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Leavenworth
Arrive in Leavenworth. We highly recommend taking Amtrak’s Empire Builder train from Seattle to avoid potentially dangerous winter weather on mountain passes.
Check into the hotel and get settled. Soak in the hot tub or take a walk around downtown Leavenworth. Our hotel is right in the center of town so you are within walking distance to cute shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants, not to mention the Wenatchee River.
In the evening, meet up with the whole Bold Spirit Travel crew for a warm spiced cider from a local orchard, followed by dinner at an elegant restaurant with a fresh, seasonal menu.
You must arrive in Leavenworth by 3:00PM to join our afternoon activities.
Considerations: The Empire Builder train from Seattle arrives in Leavenworth at 8PM. While the tour doesn’t officially start until December 16, we recommend that you extend your stay to see more of this stunning area, arriving on the 15th in the evening and departing early Thursday morning by train.
Meals: Dinner & Welcome Drinks
Hotel: Bavarian Lodge
Day 2: RUB NOSES WITH REINDEER, THEN COZY UP WITH A CRAFT
Sip coffee and enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning.
Today you’ll visit Leavenworth Reindeer Farm for a one-of-a-kind meet and greet with a friendly herd of these iconic animals.
Reindeer thrive in Leavenworth, which is located on the same latitude as the parts of Mongolia with the largest, healthiest reindeer in the world. Did you know that reindeer are domesticated caribou, and that they are a protected species in the U.S.?
Learn more fascinating facts about them in an educational presentation, then step inside the reindeer enclosure for an up close and personal experience with the whole herd. Feed reindeer from the palm of your hand, and feel their furry noses.
You’ll also have plenty of time to spend with the other animals—draft horses that pull the carriage downtown, ponies, chickens, bunnies, friendly turkeys and more—at this conservation-focused farm.
Our private transportation awaits to whisk us back to the Bavarian Village, where we’ll tuck into a cozy restaurant specializing in nourishing broths and soups.
After lunch, let’s get crafty. Local artist Julie will guide you as you put together a simple, lovely dried citrus and botanical garland created from nature. String your natural garland using foraged seasonal items, dried citrus, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, evergreen leaves, pine cones, pods, seeds and more. You will also have the chance to create dried ornaments – they make a great holiday gift.
The evening is yours to explore the twinkling village of lights. Sip on local wines in a tasting room, grab a bite at an eatery, or shop for unique gifts.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Bavarian Lodge
Day 3: DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, then grab your warmest layers and bundle up!
Hop into our private van with your crew for a scenic drive through the steep river canyons and towering evergreen forests that surround Leavenworth.
Upon arrival in an open valley about 30 minutes north of town, climb aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh. Enjoy the clean crisp air, the crunch of fresh snow, and snow-covered mountains on the horizon.
The scenic sleigh ride lasts about 45 minutes, meandering through quiet meadows and conifer groves, and includes a stop for hot apple cider around the campfire.
Bring warm clothing, socks, boots, gloves, and a hat.
***Please note: The sleigh ride is a snow-dependent activity. While we expect early season snow to fall, every winter is different and there is a chance that there will not be enough snow for the sleighs to be operational.
If weather does not permit the sleigh ride, we will visit nearby Lake Wenatchee State Park for a guided forest walk, including stunning views from the shoreline of this crystal-clear lake, its surface reflecting the mountains surrounding it.
Relax on the drive back to town, then enjoy a Bavarian-themed lunch and beverage with the group.
After lunch, you’ll say farewell to Caroline, your Bold Spirit Travel guide, but she’ll offer plenty of recommendations for the rest of your time in Leavenworth.
Considerations: The Empire Builder train departs for Seattle early the next morning. We recommend you extend your stay to see more of this stunning area, departing early the following day. If you plan to drive, make sure you have studded tires or chains in case there is wintery weather.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
“We had a great time hiking and learning about the area, great food and conversation. Really helpful with making the trip a comfortable experience for all.”
What’s Included:
A Bold Spirit facilitator accompanying you during the trip
Your hotel rooms for 2 nights (single rooms available)
Meals indicated in the detailed itinerary (dinner includes wine)
Trail use/permit fees
A small-group experience
Local tours as described in the itinerary
Packing tips to get you ready for this Bold Spirit adventure
Holiday craft class
What’s Not Included:
Round-trip airfare
Transportation (some may choose Amtrak)
Meals not outlined in the detailed itinerary
Alcoholic beverages, unless otherwise specified (dinner includes wine)
Personal expenses, such as souvenirs
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
See our cancellation policy here
What to Bring on This Adventure:
Comfortable shoes for possible snowy weather
Day pack
Layers for winter weather
Reusable water bottle
You will receive packing tips upon registering
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Refund amounts are determined as follows:
120+ days before trip: Full refund minus non-refundable deposit
120–90 days before trip: 50% of balance minus non-refundable deposit
90 days or fewer before trip: No refund