Apple Country Tours
Please read below for all the information you need to assist in planning your next event Washington Apple Country Tours.
Click here to go directly to our special group planning page.
A Unique Tour Package
We would like to share our visions, reasons & philosophy for Apple Country Tours. We provide a truly unique service, offered nowhere else in the United States. We coordinate a collection of ag-education tours conducted throughout our Chelan County region, and far more than a single farm location.
We explore the agriculturally diverse region of north-central Washington, between the mountains of the Cascades, where lies the Wenatchee valley. Known by the title Apple Capital of the World for over 100 years, the region is world famous for the production of high-quality fruit delivered with care to the world market.
The History...
In 1901, a train carload of Wenatchee Apples was transported to the Chicago World Fair. Wenatchee grower John Horan astounded the world with the quality of fruit grown from a little known area of Washington State. That was the beginning of an unprecedented agricultural event- the development and growth of the world's most important apple and fruit growing region. A rich agricultural heritage surrounds the region as well as the latest technological development and advancements in the industry.
The Beauty...
As we showcase and highlight our agriculturally diverse area, the blossoms in the spring provide incredible photo opportunities. The ever-changing fruit orchards with their beautiful vistas are set in the Cascade mountains and along the areas streams and rivers.
The Romance...
The majority of the modern American population, and therefore our tour guests, are now two and three generations removed from the family farm. They find farming operations to be of great interest and steeped in romance and nostalgia. They enjoy and appreciate a sense of connection to the roots of their past, and the chance to see a lifestyle they have never experienced. Guests are not looking for the Disneyland experience, but rather a genuine and educational experience and memories to share with their family and friends.
Up Close and Hands-on...
Throughout the season we tour a commercial packing house, vintage packing line and compare to current technology; a working orchard, farm or winery, we see the process of value-added fruit products like candy, cider, jams, jellies, and wine. We sample the many fresh fruit varieties and pick fruit in season right off of the tree.
Education...
Our trained guides are prepared to present during the entire travel time from one location to the next. As we tour, an entertaining narrative provides increased awareness of the risks and challenges the growers experience as they provide a quality food with your health and well being in mind. We meet and interact with the growers, gain an understanding of pest management, hear a discussion & demonstartion of pruning and grafting. Other subjects covered are responsible water choices, optimal growing conditions, and many other topics. Even if one visited several times a year, you would experience a slightly different tour and a rotation of locations, while emphasizing different topics and season changes. All this is directly tied to the significant production region for apples, cherries, and pears.
The Seasons of the Orchard...
April - May: blossom time, pruning, winter hibernation wake up…..
June - July: fresh cherry varieties, & peaches
August: early apple and pear harvest
September: majority of apple varieties harvested
October: apple harvest of late varieties such as Fugi's & Pink Lady
Custom Designed Tour Opportunities...
Apple Country Tours stands ready to plan, organize and facilitate any tour or event in the Chelan County region that relates to agriculture. We work with over 100 different orchards and growers, tourist attractions, businesses & associations.
We range in services where we provide educated step-on guides to your group tour bus, to facilitated packaged events. Group tour escorts typically may be simply reading from an AAA point of view. Our guides on the other hand provide regional history and a local experience and point of view. Many area attractions are highlighted and worked in as your schedule allows. The pre-registration allows education and facilitation of stops, for 1 hour, 2, 4 hours, full day or entire trip in our county. Features may include up to 6 stop locations in one day, samples, meals, fresh apple pie or any other options customized to your schedule and group.
Perfect for a Wide Variety of Groups...
Other scenarios may be convention groups, family reunions, wedding parties, and corporate team trainings. While your group may have traveled individually to our area by airplane or otherwise, now they wish to interact together as a group.
We work very closely with our regional hotels to facilitate events and entire package options.
As we work with you and plan ahead for the desires of your group, activities are co-coordinated to fit your criteria. These may be breakout sessions, spousal events, agricultural tours, wine tasting, all customized to your group.
Sample Tour Packages
****Complimentary Apple Pie for all Group Tour Bus Drivers*****
Click here to take the next step in your event planning by going to our special group planning page.
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