Portland
Portland 10/11/2025
Arrive in Portland, located on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in the shadow of snow-capped Mt. Hood. The city is known for its eco-friendliness, microbreweries, and coffeehouses. This afternoon, board our ship and discover why Portland is nicknamed "Bridgetown" as we sail under eight of the city's 12 eclectic bridges along the Willamette River, the first of five rivers you will encounter on this voyage. (D),
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10/11/2025 |
10/11/2025 |
Astoria
Astoria 10/12/2025
We begin our journey by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Cape Disappointment, where Meriwether Lewis saw the Pacific in November of 1805, explore the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, see Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and the north jetty of the Columbia River Bar. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which chronicles the history of river navigation and all aspects of maritime commerce in the region. Hear harrowing stories of crossing "The Bar" at the mouth of the Columbia, one of the most dangerous passages in the world. In the afternoon, explore the Astoria area with several options to choose from. (B,L,D),
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10/12/2025 |
10/12/2025 |
Hood River
Hood River 10/13/2025
Immerse yourself in natural and man-made marvels as we explore the scenic Columbia and pass through Bonneville Lock and Dam. Take a steaming cup of coffee to the bow where our naturalists offer honest perspectives on the controversial history of dams along the river. In the afternoon, make a stop at neck-craning Multnomah Falls before an optional hike of iconic Beacon Rock, the 848-foot basalt column where Lewis and Clark first noticed the tides affecting the water levels in the Columbia River, more than 120 miles from its mouth. This evening enjoy an exclusive culinary and wine experience.
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10/13/2025 |
10/13/2025 |
Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge 10/14/2025
Today we will spend the day cruising through some of the most scenic and geologically interesting stretches of the Columbia River and the Columbia Plateau. Our geologists provide fascinating insight on the glacial floods that sculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago, as our food and wine expert illustrates the expression of such unique terrain through its tastes and tannins. Unwind with a massage in preparation for an active day ahead.
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10/14/2025 |
10/14/2025 |
Walla Walla
Walla Walla 10/15/2025
Drive through some of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, with bright, rolling green and purple fields of sprouting wheat, asparagus, and famous Walla Walla sweet onions. Wine lovers can wander downtown on a wine walk, sampling the vineyards bringing this area world-wide recognition. Or opt to visit the Whitman Mission, a standout museum and National Historic Site where friction between Native Americans and white missionaries erupted into an event that reverberates in our culture today. As we sail through the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, enjoy Food & Wine-curated wine selection from this unique region.
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10/15/2025 |
10/15/2025 |
Palouse River
Palouse River 10/16/2025
The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as we set off cruising on our Zodiac and kayak adventures (conditions permitting). Visit Palouse Falls, where cascading waters plunge 198 feet into the pool below. These falls and the canyon are an important feature of the channeled scablands created by the great Missoula Floods that swept periodically across the region. Afterward, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties. (B,L,D),
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10/16/2025 |
10/16/2025 |
Clarkston
Clarkston 10/17/2025
At Clarkston, we find ourselves at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. The name Clarkston is in reference to William Clark and is located directly across the river from Lewiston, Idaho, which is named for Meriwether Lewis, though neither of them ever traveled to the Clarkston side of the river. Travel by comfortable jet boat into one of North America's most scenic spots: spectacular Hells Canyon. The 125-mile-long canyon was carved by the waters of the Snake River and at 7,993 feet is North America's deepest river gorge—most of it inaccessible by road. The earliest known settlers in the canyon were the Nez Percé tribe and, as you travel up the river, look to the hillsides and see remnants of their ancestral horse trails along with pictographs and petroglyphs on the rock formations. In the afternoon, join your fellow travelers in the lounge for songs and stories by a local Nez Percé storyteller. This evening, enjoy the company of a local winemaker onboard. Sip their wines while you hear about how the geology of the area surrounding the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA, the newest Viticultural Area in the United States, affects the flavors of their wines. (B,L,D),
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10/17/2025 |
10/17/2025 |
Clarkston
Clarkston 10/18/2025
After breakfast this morning transfer to the airport for your connecting flights home. Choose to fly from nearby Lewiston, Idaho, or travel though the picturesque landscapes of the Palouse to Spokane, Washington, located two hours away. (B),
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10/18/2025 |
10/18/2025 |