Alaska, British Columbia and the San Juan Islands

DAY 1 — Sitka, Alaska/Embark

Our Forest Service Special Use Permit for Tongass National Forest enables you to hike and kayak in wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska.

In the native Tlingit language, Sitka means the village behind the island, and it has been home to various cultures for thousands of years. Sitka has a strong Russian heritage, which is readily apparent as you visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church with its onion domes right in the middle of town. Gaze up at the grand totem poles throughout Sitka National Historic Park. At the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, we have views of species normally seen in the wild — bald eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Sitka’s oceanfront setting is framed by the volcanic peak of Mount Edgecumbe and a string of small islands. The crystalline waters of Sitka Bay abound with sea stars and translucent moon jellyfish. (D)

DAY 2 — Southeast Alaska's Islands, Bays and Fjords

Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. There are many options for landings on islands such as Baranof and Chichagof, where bald eagles nest and brown bears make themselves at home. If you’re a beachcomber, the shoreline is rich with treasures. The forest trails are dense and beautiful, whether you choose the long walk option or a short stroll, accompanied by one of our Naturalists familiar with the local terrain. Hemlock and spruce abound in the old-growth forest. When kayaking, we always offer choices. If you’re looking for exercise and excitement, choose a more strenuous course. If you want scenery and relaxation, you’ll have the option to paddle slowly — exploring, poking into little inlets and relishing the quiet and up-close, personal view. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 — Point Adolphus & Chichagof Island

Our day begins on the waters off Point Adolphus, a favored area for marine mammals. Keep watch on deck and you may find yourself rushing to the side as a pod of whales begins lunge-feeding right off our bow. As we watch with awe, our Naturalist lowers the hydrophone and we’re not only watching the whales, we’re listening in on their communications. A sense of wonder pervades. When questions come up, as they surely will, our marine mammal expert can tell you everything you want to know and more. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — Glacier Bay National Park

We spend the entire day amidst the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers, freshwater lakes and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. You’ll see glaciers that end abruptly at the water’s edge and observe them “calving” — tons of ice crashing into the sea — accompanied by an exhilaratingly thunderous sound. Mountain goats scaling the peaks as well as harbor seals and Steller's sea lions are some of the creatures we may observe in these icy waters. You may have the opportunity to see not only one, but two kinds of puffins: the tufted and the horned puffin. A visit to Tidal Inlet may bring the sight of brown bears lumbering up the hillside. If the timing is right, a bear and her cub may be playing in the water. We’ll watch their interactions, knowing the cub will be on its own next year. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — Juneau, Alaska

After breakfast, we’ll visit Juneau, Alaska's state capital. Here we'll visit the Alaska State Museum, viewing its fascinating permanent collection with an emphasis on Alaska's native peoples and natural history. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — Petersburg and Chatham Strait

These waters are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. It is also fertile ground for the majestic bald eagle which you may see keeping watch atop a tall spruce. We may also see Steller's sea lions hauled out on the rocky islands and dozing. Once ashore, we’ll have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail, accompanied by our Naturalists. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — Misty Fiords

Misty Fiords National Monument, often referred to as "Yosemite of the sea" for its sheer majesty, is 2.3 million acres of pristine wilderness that will leave you with exquisite memories of your stay in Alaska. Head out on a personal kayak reconnaissance or take a Zodiac cruise beneath glacier-carved cliffs with saw-tooth tops. Float past sheer cliffs and icy waterfalls, easily navigating in and out of areas the “big white boats” that ply Alaska’s waters can't get near. (B,L,D)

DAY 8-9 — Inside Passage of British Columbia

You'll feel like a true explorer as we continue northward looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife. This is an area where vast sections of untouched coastal rain forest still exist — and where an expedition ship proves to be the perfect vessel. Without a specific plan, open to spontaneity and adventure, we’ll freely rove within the near-limitless expanse of pristine wildness — to explore any intriguing bay or inlet we happen upon, or reverse course to follow a sighted whale pod. Our small ship gives us this freedom. Our onboard kayaks and Zodiacs can be lowered swiftly to bring it all closer. Wherever we choose to stop and explore, we’re certain to be the only human life, accompanied by spectacular birds and animals. In such a populated and busy world, these opportunities are tonic for the mind, body and soul. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Johnstone Strait and Alert Bay

Johnstone Strait is one of the foremost viewing areas for orca whales in the entire Northern Hemisphere and since nineteen whale pods are known to spend part of the year here, there is a chance of exciting whale watching.

We arrive in Queen Charlotte Sound on course for Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. Once the ship is secured, we make our way to the U'Mista Cultural Center, home to a stunning collection of potlatch masks created by the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples. At the Center, anyone related to any member of this tribe is able to trace their ancestry. We then walk or ride to the Big House, just a short distance away where the Tsasala Cultural Group puts on a dance and the performers explain the story of the dance movements. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — San Juan Islands, Washington

The San Juan Islands are the gems of northern Washington State and today we explore them with the freedom of no specific plan. We explore this archipelago of some 170 idyllic forested islands with varied coastlines offering wonderful opportunities to observe seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles and orcas as sea birds form patterns in the sky overhead. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 — Seattle, Washington/Disembark Ship

Disembark the ship in the heart of Seattle, with the Olympic Mountains, majestic Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline as the backdrop. (B)

Allow us to introduce you to Portland, “The City of Roses.” We offer complete sightseeing packages of Portland and surrounding areas including the Oregon Coast, Mt. Hood, Tillamook Aviation Museum and the Columbia River Gorge. Our tours can be combined the your Northwest cruise vacation or booked as a stand-alone vacation. Below please find our city tours featuring the best of Portland.

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Portland 3-day Tour Package!

Dates:   Year Round

Start Time:  9:00 am

Pricing:  $250.00 per person

Tour package include:

Portland City Tour (daily)

Wine Tasting Tour (wed & sat)

Oregon Coast Tour (wed & sat)

Mt. Hood Loop Tour (tue & thu & sun)

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Itinerary

Day 1

Portland City Tour

Join us for morning sightseeing and touring of Portland. See different areas of the city while enjoying views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St Helen and more.  Starting at the waterfront near OSMI, travel to Pittock Mansion, Portland International Rose Garden and a variety of art galleries. The Portland art scene is widely recognized for talented artists, magnificient galleries, and historic contributions to non-profit organizations.

Portland Wine Tasting Excursion

From its first plantings in 1965 by winemaker David Lett, this sub-appellation in the Willamette valley has slowly established itself as a premium wine growing region. Oregon is home to some of the most scenic vineyards in the world. The heart of these vineyards is located in the Willamette Valley on gentle hills that give way to amazing views of the vines and valley below. Join us on our Oregon Wine Tour and experience wine tasting at some of this area’s best wineries and most unique tasting rooms.

Day 2

Mt. Hood Loop Tour 

Stand above the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States! Drive along the Columbia River Gorge Historic Highway and see waterfalls, viewpoints, lush green forests, and wildlife. Learn, from a geology perspective,how the Columbia River Gorge was formed. Waterfalls may include stops at Horsetail Falls,  Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Crown Point Vista House, Hood River and the amazing  Mt.  Hood Lodge.

Day 3

Oregon Coastal Tour

Your tour of the coast will begin in Cannon Beach where you will have time to explore the many wonders of this world reowned coastal city.  At Cannon Beach enjoy a short hike along cliffs, walking along the sandy beach, viewing lighthouses and shopping. Also, Cannon Beach boasts of many scenic views including beautiful shorelines, cliffs, and an up-close view of the famous Haystack Rock.

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Group Rates: Group rates for 6 or more people available for most tours.

Customized and Private Tours: All tours can be customized and/or made private. Please contact us for details and pricing.

Tour Departure/Pick Up: Complimentary pick up from select area hotels. Please call for other arrangements and corresponding fees. Customers will be notified prior to any cancellation 24-hours in advance when possible. Departure times may vary.

Tour Price Includes: Van, tour guide and gas. All applicable fees, unless otherwise stated. Lunch and Gratuity NOT included.

Requirements: Tours require 4 person minimum for confirmation. Please contact us for current status of tour.

Payment: Please call our professional Pacific Northwest tour experts to make your reservations. Payment will be processed immediately to secure your reservation. Payment on day of pick up will not guarantee your reservation.

Solo travelers, looking to meet visitors from around the world? Contact us

Portland City Tour/Waterfalls Combo

Dates: Daily
Departures: 9:00am until 5:30pm
Pricing: $88 per person

Portland City Tour

Discover Portland’s Living Legacy.100 years old. 1000 feet up. 23 treasure-filled rooms. A French Renaissance Chateau listed on the national registry of historic places. Enjoy the spectacular views over Portland from the grounds of the mansion. Explore early mountaineering, with all of its risks and glory. With artifacts, photographs, and film footage of Henry Pittock and friends on a 1912 Mt. Hood climbing expedition.

1.      Downtown Portland: Heart of the city “Pioneer Square”, plus the Park blocks, VOO DOO DONUTS, Willamette River Waterfront, historical information and more.

2.      OMSI: Enjoy evening views along the Portland waterfront and across the Willamette River from the east side location of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. This is a great location for a romantic photograph with the Portland city skyline in the background.

3.      Portland International Rose Garden: Enjoy a stroll through the world’s largest rose test garden with over 500 varieties of roses on 5.5 acres.

4.      The Pearl District and Nob Hill shopping- Boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, fine dining and more. This part of Portland is popular with residents and visitors alike.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls

We’ll introduce you to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area, a geologic wonder that forms the border between northern Oregon and southern Washington. Let us guide you with a fun and educational tour of basalt cliffs, year round waterfalls, and the charming Historic Highway and epic views.

1.  This 3.5 hour tour begins with a short, 20-minute drive along I-84 east where the guides share information about Portland and the geology of the gorge. Follow the Sandy River to the Crown Point Vista House, a unique visitor’s facility built in 1916 situated 733 feet above the Columbia River, offering phenomenal views and photo opportunities of the gorge.

2.  We’ll continue along the Historic Highway where guests will have an opportunity to get out of the van and view Latourell Falls. Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls

3.  There will be a half hour stop at Multnomah Falls to view the 620 foot falls, with time to visit the gift shop and visitor’s center in the historic lodge. Other waterfalls that may be seen from the Highway route include Sheppard’s Dell Falls, and Wahkeena Falls.

_______________________________________________________
Group Rates: Group rates for 6 or more people available for most tours.

Customized and Private Tours:  All tours can be customized and/or made private. Please contact us for details and pricing.

Tour Departure/Pick Up: Complimentary pick up from select area hotels. Please call for other arrangements and corresponding fees. Customers will be notified prior to any cancellation 24-hours in advance when possible. Departure times may vary.

Tour Price Includes: Van, tour guide and gas. All applicable fees, unless otherwise stated. Lunch and Gratuity NOT included.

Requirements: Tours require 4 person minimum for confirmation. Please contact us for current status of tour.

Payment: Please call our professional Pacific Northwest tour experts to make your reservations. Payment will be processed immediately to secure your reservation. Payment on day of pick up will not guarantee your reservation.

Traveling alone, looking to meet visitors from around the world? Contact us!

Allow us to introduce you to Portland, “The City of Roses.” We offer complete sightseeing packages of Portland and surrounding areas including the Oregon Coast, Mt. Hood, Tillamook Aviation Museum and the Columbia River Gorge.  Our tours can be combined the your Northwest cruise vacation or booked as a stand-alone vacation.

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Tillamook Aviation Museum & Oregon Coastal Tour

This tour is available year round.

Days of week: Customized for Groups

Duration: 9:00am until 6:00pm

Retail Pricing: $120 per person

Special Offering: $100.00 per person

Oregon’s coastline is graced with unforgettable vistas: dramatic cliffs, offshore rocks and lively sea lions; wide sandy beaches; majestic capes; historic lighthouses; enchanted forests and lovely small beach towns which artists and artisans make their homes. We will take you to Cannon Beach, a story book beach town with many scenic views including beautiful shorelines and Haystack Rock.

You cannot leave the Northwest without having visited our breathtakingly beautiful Pacific Coast.

Itinerary

8:30 am: Hotel pick up with a brief introduction to our Coastal Tour Itinerary

9:00 am:  Depart hotel discuss some current events and history of the area.

10:30am –11:00am   Tillamook Aviation Museum

As we enter Tillamook off to your right you can’t miss the huge hanger, with AIR MUSEUM, painted on the side then the jet perched on a pedestal along the. Built in 1943, the wooden hangar was originally constructed for the U.S. Navy for the home base for blimps to be used in anti-submarine missions along the Pacific coast. On display in the main hangar are more than 30 aircraft, from World War 1 to an F-14 Tomcat from the modern jet age. No better way to start an excursion than a sneak peak of America’s history.

11:15 am – 11:45am

Next stop in Tillamook is The Blue Heron French Cheese Company. They offer cheese and wine tasting, complimentary samples of Northwest gourmet foods, an award-winning deli, a petting farm and outdoor picnic area for the whole family to enjoy.

12:30 pm-         Lunch

A short drive through Manzanita; cozy little coastal communities that strives to remain sheltered from coastal tourism. Optional stop to take a quick stroll to the ocean and snap some photos of the great Neahkahnie Mountain

1:45 pm                        View Point Stops

1. View Point #1: A great vantage point from Neahkahnie Mountain, one of the largest peaks in the Coast range. Look south to Manzanita and the Nehalem River.
2. View Point #2: More great views of the Pacific Ocean
3. View Point #3: Enjoy great views north of Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock

3:00 pm            Haystack Rock & Cannon Beach

En route to Cannon Beach, we will stop at the world renowned Historic Haystack Rock, a large basalt monolith.  Wind-swept trees, dramatic cliffs, historic light-house, bird sanctuaries and of course the majestic Pacific Ocean.

3:30pm             Cannon Beach

We will take you to Cannon Beach, a story book beach town with many scenic views including beautiful shorelines and Haystack Rock. Enjoy the many boutique shops and a stroll along the beach while you view the Haystack lighthouse from a different view point.

5:00 pm            Return to Portland

____________________________________________________________________

Group Rates: Group rates for 6 or more people available for most tours.
Customized and Private Tours:  All tours can be customized and/or made private. Please contact us for details and pricing.

Tour Departure/Pick Up:  Complimentary pick up from select area hotels. Please call for other arrangements and corresponding fees. Customers will be notified prior to any cancellation 24-hours in advance when possible. Departure times may vary.
Tour Price Includes: Van, tour guide and gas. All applicable fees, unless otherwise stated.  Lunch and Gratuity NOT included.
Requirements: Tours require 4 person minimum for confirmation. Please contact us for current status of tour.
Payment: Please call our professional Pacific Northwest tour experts to make your reservations. Payment will be processed immediately to secure your reservation. Payment on day of pick up will not guarantee your reservation.