Autumn Soujourn in the Pacific Northwest
As one of the most prodigious wine growing regions outside of Napa Valley, home to a legendary American expedition and volcanic eruption, a region saturated with stunning beauty, the Pacific Northwest is tailor made for an autumn sojourn. Join us as we navigate the flowing waters of the Columbia River, all the while kayaking, hiking or bicycling for further exploration. The highlights of this voyage are accentuated by a focus on the wines, cheeses and fresh seafood of the region.
Itinerary:
DAY 1 — Portland, Oregon / Embark
In the late afternoon embark National Geographic Sea Bird and navigate the lower reaches of the Willamette River through the center of downtown Portland before an overnight sailing down the Columbia River to Astoria. (D)
DAY 2 — Astoria / Fort Clatsop / Kayaking
Originally established as an outpost of the fur trade in the early 1800’s, the small town of Astoria lies near the mouth of the Columbia River. In the morning, visit the nearby full scale replica of Fort Clatsop, where Lewis & Clark spent the winter of 1805-1806. Walk through the wooded trails to experience what the explorers would have seen over 200 years ago. Moving a few miles upstream to the Lewis & Clark Wildlife Refuge, in the afternoon there is an opportunity to kayak, or Zodiac among the many islands in this broad part of the river. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 — Mount St. Helens / Hiking
Twenty-eight years ago Mount St. Helens’ spectacular eruption blew the top 1,300 feet off the peak, created an ash cloud that caused darkness in the middle of the day and leveled the forest for many miles. The visitor centers superbly illustrate the drama of the eruption and its aftermath. A walk along the hiking trails gives an intimate look at an ecosystem that is making an amazing recovery from this devastating event. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 — Columbia River Gorge / Hike / Bike/ Wine Taste
Venture through the Columbia River Gorge, perhaps the most awe-inspiring section of the entire river, passing the 620-foot-high Multnomah Falls along the way. Pass through the navigation locks at Bonneville Dam to continue on up the river. Today there are opportunities to hike or bicycle along this scenic stretch of the river. In the afternoon, drive to the eclectic Maryhill Museum on the very rim of the gorge for a tasting of Pacific Northwest wines accompanied by a small feast of local fruits and cheeses and an assortment of seafood from the nearby Pacific. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 — Portland / Disembark
Disembark in Portland and transfer to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures in the Pacific Northwest. (B)
Included:
- All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar
- All meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated
- Air transportation where indicated as included
- Shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees
- Special access permits
- Transfers to and from group flights
- Use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits
- Use of kayaks (where available)
- Tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges
- Services of a ship physician on most voyages
- Services of our expedition staff.
Not Included:
- Air transportation (except where shown as included)
- Extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees
- Scuba diving (where available)
- Meals not indicated
- Baggage/accident/travel protection plan
- Items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry
- Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.
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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port
charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability
and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be
higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible
for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any
errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and
cancellation penalties may apply. |
