Daily Itinerary

Columbia & Snake River

Day 1 - Portland, OR
Day 2 - Astoria, OR
Day 3 - Rainier, OR
Day 4 - Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
Day 5 - Stevenson, WA
Day 6 - Pendleton, OR
Day 7 - River Cruising
Day 8 - Clarkston, WA
Itinerary the reverse for one-way Clarkston/Lewiston to Portland

Port Descriptions

Day 1 - Portland, OR
Arrive early to visit the beautiful city of Portland. Situated between the sparkling waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland has flourished throughout history with the fortunes of the great rivers. In the golden age of riverboats, sternwheelers crossed Portland’s busy waterfront while steam whistles and calliopes rang out across the water. Today big city excitement, combined with small town charm, make Portland one of the favorite destinations in the West. Highlights include the Portland Art Museum, International Rose Test Garden and the famous Powell’s Bookstore, filling an entire city block.

Day 2 - Astoria, OR
A nationally significant historic region at the western end of the Lewis & Clark Trail, Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies and today showcases more than 70 Victorian-era homes in its unique historic district. In the winter of 1805-06 the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery headquartered at Fort Clatsop. In 1955, a replica of the fort was built near the original site, following Clark’s own sketches, and was eventually named a National Monument. At Fort Canby and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, get a comprehensive overview of the Corp’s entire expedition.

Day 3 - Rainier, OR / Mount St. Helens
Cruise through Volcano Alley on the Columbia River with views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. From Rainier, travel to Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. At the nearby observatory and interpretive center, look right into the volcanic crater with its steaming dome, and witness first hand the destructive power and damage caused by this volcanic blast in 1980.

Day 4 - Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
Eighty miles long and up to four thousand feet deep, the Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. A popular recreational destination, the gorge holds federally protected status as a National Scenic Area called the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area and is managed by the United States Forest Service. The cliffs of the awe-inspiring Gorge look down on quaint riverfront towns and exhilarating windsurfing waters. Through millenniums of geologic events, waterfalls have found their home in the Columbia River Gorge.

Day 5 - Stevenson, WA
In the heart of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range, the ship will transit the Bonneville Lock and Dam to reach the port of Stevenson. At the Bonneville Dam Visitors Center, learn about the workings of the massive turbine generators behind this imposing hydroelectric power source. The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center showcases the area's unique cultural and historical diversity, from the Native American tribes that inhabited the Gorge, to Lewis and Clark and 19th-century loggers.

Day 6 - Pendleton, OR
Journey to Pendleton and get a taste of the real west watching working cowboys at the world-famous Pendleton Roundup and learn of the coming of the pioneers from the perspective of the Native Americans at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute.

Day 7 - River Cruising

Day 8 - Clarkston, WA / Lewiston, ID
The twin cities of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington, are known as the Northwest’s most inland seaports. Here, along the Snake River, you’ll find Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America. The canyon is known for its pristine wilderness and breathtaking scenery. View ancient Indian petroglyphs and magnificent wildlife

SHORE TOUR INFORMATION

Portland, OR City Tour: A 2.5 hour narrated city tour of Portland where you will witness all the hidden treasures of “The City of Roses.”

Astoria, OR City Tour of Astoria Fort Canby Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center:
Travel across the Astoria-Megler Bridge, the longest continuous truss bridge in the world spanning 1,232 feet across the mouth of the Columbia River. See the site of Station Camp, the end of Lewis and Clark’s journey by canoe.  Follow their overland trail to Fort Canby and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, where you get a comprehensive overview of the Corp’s entire expedition. Snap a photo of Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, which guards the infamous Columbia River Bar.

Fort Clatsop: Explore Fort Clatsop, where the Corps of Discovery headquartered during the winter of 1805-06. Although the original fort fell into natural disrepair, in 1955, a replica of the fort was built near the original site, following Clark’s own sketches and eventually named a National Monument. While here, you enjoy interpretive programs presented by rangers, some dressed in period costumes.

Astoria, Astoria Maritime Museum & Astoria Column: Visit the highly acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum; see Columbia, the last lightship on the West Coast named a National Historic Landmark; tour Astoria’s unique historic district with more than 70 Victorian-era homes (many on the National Historic Register); and photograph the famous Astoria Column with panoramic views of the city and Pacific Ocean.

Rainier, OR Mount St. Helens Tour & Visitors Center: Enjoy a scenic bus ride to Mount St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory. The Johnston Ridge Observatory sits on a bluff just 5-1/2 miles from the crater and offers grand views of Mount St. Helens and much of the 1980 blast zone. Here you can enjoy spectacular views of the lava dome, crater, pumice plain and the landslide deposit. Also visit the Mt. St. Helens Forest Learning Center, located inside the blast zone of the May 18, 1980 eruption. Walk through a life-like forest and experience the Eruption Chamber. Learn about forest recovery, reforestation and conservation of forest resources.

Stevenson, WA Best of the Columbia River Gorge Multnomah Falls: Visit the breathtaking Multnomah Falls, the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States. Enjoy the falls from the Visitor Center or hike the paved trail to Benson Bridge where you can get up close views of the falls. Make sure to save time to explore the Visitor Center, where park rangers, plaques and brochures are available to give you a wealth of knowledge about the area.

Bonneville Dam: Upon arrival, enjoy a greeting and introduction from a Bonneville Dam Ranger, who will let you know all the fascinating things you can learn while at the dam. After the greeting, take a 1-hour self-guided tour of Bonneville Dam and learn all about fisheries and hydropower of the area.

Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum:  The museum interprets the natural and cultural history of the region with exhibits highlighting the cultural diversity of Gorge inhabitants from the first Native Americans to the Japanese, Chinese and other nationalities who arrived in the 19th century. Other exhibits emphasize the natural history of the area.

Pendleton, OR/Walla Walla, WA Old West Pendleton Roundup & Tamastslikt Cultural Institute: Step back into the days of the Old West.  Follow the route used by the Oregon Trail pioneers as you make the scenic trip to Pendleton, home of the world famous Pendleton Roundup. You seem to time-travel to another era as working cowboys display their riding skills. Witness sheep dog demonstration and firing of an authentic flintlock gun. 

Also visit the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, which plays tribute to the Umatilla, Cayuse and Walla Walla Indians. These three distinct peoples melded together over the past 150 years in an alliance, now called the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The facility, which helps document and preserve traditions and practices that distinguish the Confederated Tribes, also includes impressive exhibits and dioramas. Their colorful culture comes alive during a festive native dance program.

Pendleton Woolen Mill: Pendleton Mills has been producing world famous woolens since 1909, including Native American blankets inspired by ancient designs and legends. Learn about the renown Pendleton weaving process. When you’re finished you can visit the Mill Store where you can select from Pendleton’s array of menswear, women’s wear, blankets and fabrics.

Fort Walla Walla / Whitman Mission / Walla Walla Wineries: A visit here is a step back to the pioneering days of Pacific Northwest history.  Fifteen original and replica structures and a wealth of artifacts dating from 1859 to the turn of the 20th Century help tell the story of the original pioneer settlement.  Structures include original cabins, a school, a railroad depot, a livery stable, and a military exhibit from Fort Walla Walla. 

On November 29, 1847, the family of Dr. Marcus Whitman and others were massacred by Native Americans of the Cayuse. The Whitman Mission National Historic Site commemorates Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, the role they played in establishing the Oregon Trail, and the challenges encountered when two cultures meet. 

The Walla Walla Valley is home to more than three dozen wineries. Stop at a local winery to hear an expert wine maker explain how local conditions are ideal for growing superb grapes while conducting a tour and tasting.

Clarkston, WA Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tour: Climb aboard a jet boat for a safe yet exhilarating adventure into Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Your United States Coast Guard certified captain will narrate as you travel across the Snake River through the pristine wilderness of Hells Canyon – the deepest canyon in North America. Along the way, you’ll stop to view 7,000-year-old petroglyphs, foraging big horn sheep and rock formations sculpted over millions of years.

Saturday, Disembarkation Day Transfer to Portland, OR (or Clarkston) Maryhill Winery Tour: While transferring back to Portland, OR, enjoy a stop at the Maryhill Winery for a luncheon, tasting and tour. Upon arrival, receive a 30 minute tour of the winery, followed by a 30 minute tasting in the newly renovated, outdoor pavilion. Lunch will follow the tasting in the pavilion. After lunch there will be time to explore the gift shop or tour the winery on own.

 *Shore excursions are optional and not included in the cruise fare. 

Subject to change.

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.

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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.

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.

Your onboard experience is as important as your onshore experience, so we take special care in providing the best in service, accommodations, entertainment, dining, all in an elegant yet comfortable environment. The all-American crew is there to see to all your needs, with the goal of providing you with the most memorable adventure possible.

Onboard Activities

Not only do we provide unique ports on our cruises, but unique entertainment as well. Activities are designed to highlight the areas in which we visit, including guest lecturers, local musicians, demonstrations, minor theatrical performances and games. From a performance by a fife and drum corps on Chesapeake Bay to a visit from a local lobsterman in Maine or a visit from costumed antebellum characters in the historic south, activities are as rich in history and culture as the ports themselves. Unlike the mega ships, you won’t find glitzy shows or casinos; instead we offer a refreshingly casual atmosphere, with an intimate ambience that is perfect for congenial camaraderie with fellow passengers and quiet relaxation. Open decks and glassed-in observation lounges allow for the watching of passing scenery and wildlife, while a well-stocked library provides reading material and videos focusing on the areas to be visited.

Onboard Experts

In order to enhance your cruise experience we invite carefully selected experts to join us on board. Through informal lectures, open discussions and activities, they bring local history, nature and culture alive with their knowledge and passion for American heritage. These enlighteners, naturalists and historians also lead shore excursions while in port, to give our guests behind the scenes tours of some of American’s best-kept secrets and favorite treasures. Not only will you find knowledge in these experts, but a friend as well. Onboard activities and entertainment are included in your cruise fare.

Dining Experience

We make it a top priority to offer a first-class dining experience at every meal. Expect exceptional cuisine prepared by chefs who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. The all-American crew offers an outstanding level of service to make the most discerning passenger’s journey memorable and relaxing. Dining onboard is informal, dress is resort casual, and seating is unassigned and served in the glass-enclosed dining room, where every seat offers a panoramic view. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties. Each evening before dinner, passengers are invited to mingle and share their day’s adventures over complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.