Cruise West Cruises, A River Voyage of Discovery, Cruise Vacation Package
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Priced From: $ 3,299 pp Dbl. Occ.
Dates: Apr - Oct
Ship: Spirit Of '98, Spirit of Discovery
Directions: Round Trip from Portland
Itinerary
Day 1 - Cruise From Portland
On arrival in Portland, you will transfer to the ship. This evening enjoy a sparkling wine toast as the ship slowly cruises the Willamette River to view the Portland skyline. This 240-mile tributary of the Columbia River is crossed by 19 bridges and 3 ferries. D
Day 2 - Cruising the World-Renowned Columbia Gorge National Scenic area
Your ship slips through the locks of Bonneville Dam at the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge. Since 1938, this historic landmark has supplied hydroelectric power, fish and wildlife protection, and recreation. Stop at the dam’s Visitor Center, then tour by motorcoach to breathtaking Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon. Return to the ship to continue your journey upriver. This spectacular river canyon, 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, is a natural wind tunnel that cuts the only sea level route through the Cascade Mountains. BLD
Day 3 - Pendleton
Travel to Pendleton along a route used by the Oregon Trail Pioneers. Uncover the Wild West past of Pendleton’s underground tunnels, dug by Chinese emigrants between 1870 and 1930. Lunch is served at the impressive Hamley’s Saloon, offering a home-style barbeque lunch. Explore the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute honoring the 10,000-year history of the confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla. Learn about their history through interactive exhibits and a Living Cultural Village. BLD
Day 4 - Hell’s Canyon
After your final upriver locking at Lower Granite Dam, the vessel will dock in historic Clarkston, Washington, “the Northwest’s most inland seaport” at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. Board motorcoaches for transfer upriver to a riverside lodge where you will have lunch, just prior to boarding covered jet boats for an exhilarating excursion into Hells Canyon. This free-flowing river cuts its way through North America’s deepest canyon and boasts incredible scenery beneath steep cliffs rising thousands of feet on both sides of the gorge. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, bighorn sheep and 7,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs. BLD
Day 5 - Walla Walla
Internationally recognized for its production of award winning wines, Walla Walla is a quaint town where you will enjoy an historic tour and time allowing, an opportunity to explore and shop on your own. A special casually elegant lunch has been arranged at a local favorite restaurant before a tour and tasting at two unique wineries. Return to the ship for dinner and evening cruising. BLD
Day 6 - River Cruising
The river lends its unique rhythms to life onboard. You will have a full day of leisurely cruising past ancient petroglyphs, granite and basalt cliffs, Beacon Rock, Multnomah Falls, Cape Horn and legendary Rooster Rock. By end of day you’ll have locked through McNary, John Day and The Dalles, where man and nature work hand in hand. BLD
Day 7 - Astoria and Fort Clatsop
Stand in Lewis & Clark’s footsteps at the Fort Clatsop National Memorial, where Lewis & Clark spent the winter of 1805-1806. See the fascinating Columbia River Maritime Museum. You’ll have free time to discover the hidden treasures of this charming Victorian seaport, that is the western terminus of the TransAmerica Trail. BLD
Option 1 - Rainier & Mt. St. Helens
Disembark in Rainier for a coach drive to Mt. St. Helens. The Johnston Ridge Observatory brings the 1980 eruption to life. Here you will see evidence of and learn more about the cataclysmic 1980 eruption — an explosion that leveled 230 square miles of mature forest and removed 1,300 feet from the top of the mountain. Discover that the eruption was more than just a single event and see first hand how scientists continue to monitor this active volcano. BLD
— OR —
Option 2 - Astoria
Board a motorcoach for a transfer to the Lewis & Clark National Historic Park and the site of Fort Clatsop where the explorers spent the winter after making it to the Pacific Ocean. See the fascinating Columbia River Maritime Museum. You’ll have free time to discover the hidden treasures of this charming Victorian seaport, that is the western terminus of the TransAmerica Trail before returning tothe Ship. BLD
Day 8 - Back to Portland
Return to Portland’s attractive riverfront where your week-long voyage ends. A transfer to the Portland Airport is included.
Save time, money and stress!
For Reservations: Fill out the Cruise West Cruises Vacation Planner to be Contacted by Our Cruise West Cruises, Columbia & Snake Rivers Vacation Specialist.
Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
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