Rivers of the West

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Portland, Oregon - Embark

Welcome to Portland! Meet your shuttle driver in baggage claim for a transfer to the yacht. Board the yacht where your Captain and crew greet you with smiles and appetizers. After dinner you will be provided a brief orientation to your journey.

Day 2 - Columbia Gorge and Bonneville Dam

Join your Expedition Leader on deck this morning as we enter the striking Columbia River Gorge. This spectacular canyon cuts the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range and is a designated National Scenic Area. We’ll spend the day exploring the Bonneville Dam, Hood River and the full 80-mile stretch of the Gorge. After dinner a guest speaker will join us for an informative presentation on the local history, and we’ll stay dockside in Hood River for the night.

Day 3 - Cruising the Columbia River

We’ll pass through two locks and dams as we cruise east today. The story of the dams along the Columbia and Snake rivers is of great significance to the entire west coast as power for millions of people is generated from them. We’ll have a first-hand look at how these dams have impacted both the natural world and cultural history of the west in the last 75 years.

Day 4 - The Washington Wine Country

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before we set off by land for Walla Walla, Washington. We’ll travel to North Star and L'Ecole No. 41 for exclusive tours and tastings. Later, we’ll cruise to Richland, Washington and welcome a guest speaker who will present the cultural history of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Tonight we’ll stay dockside in Richland, so enjoy an evening stroll along the riverfront before turning in.

Day 5 - Birding, Rivers and Historical Confluence

Today we'll transit through the McNary Dam locks. The McNary Dam encompasses an impressive wildlife region. Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars in hand to see some of the 212 species of migratory birds that rest here en route through the Pacific Fly-way: snow geese, tundra swans, canvasbacks, ring-necked ducks, redheads and many others. We then pass by Sacajawea State Park and learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition's travails and triumphs through this river confluence area. Later we’ll enter the Snake River where the vast western landscape rolls away toward the horizon.

Day 6 - The Palouse Canyon

Enjoy breakfast onboard the yacht, as we cruise the cliff-lined Snake River. We’ll pass through three of the four Snake River dams: Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite. We’ll be on deck with our Expedition Leader as we “lock through,” watching the mechanics of these massive structures. We’ll also anchor in the Palouse River and set off by kayak and skiff for a look at a magnificent canyon formed by Ice Age floods.

Day 7 - Hells Canyon by Jet Boat

We’ll join our Jet Boat Captain this morning for an invigorating excursion into Hells Canyon. Protected as a National Recreation Area since 1975, Hell’s Canyon preserves a world of fascinating natural and cultural elements. Lunch will be included in our excursion, and this afternoon we’ll reboard the yacht where a festive Farewell Dinner awaits.

Day 8 - A Fond Farewell

Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you "adieu." At 9:00 am you'll be transferred to the Lewiston, Idaho, airport for connections home.

Dates & Rates

*Reverse Itinerary

Map

Ships

Safari Explorer

The Safari Explorer is exquisitely appointed with new design features such as an intimate Wine Library and spa area including a large hot tub, sauna, fitness equipment, yoga classes and complimentary massage. View ship details...

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