12 Days
Pacific Northwest with Columbia River Gorge & Seattle
Day
01.
Sunday - Arrive in Seattle
Welcome to Seattle on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest. Transfer independently to the hotel. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM.
Overnight: Seattle
Day
02.
Monday - City Tour of Seattle, Hiram H. Chittenden Locks
The day begins with an ascent to Seattle's iconic Space Needle, with its 360-degree vistas of the city, the nearby mountain ranges, and Mt. Rainier. Continue to Chihuly Garden & Glass to view the mastered glass sculptures of artist Dale Chihuly. The panoramic drive continues to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks), providing a link for boats between Puget Sound and the Ship Canal. Arrive at Pike Place Market with its endless rows of stalls with local produce, specialized foods, fresh caught fish, and handicrafts.
Overnight: Seattle | Meals: Breakfast
Day
03.
Tuesday - Full Day Whale Watching
Today, depart early for an exciting full day whale watching adventure in Puget Sound. Your expert guide will provide you with fascinating facts into the diverse ecosystems that exist in the area. Opportunity to watch humpback, orcas and gray whales in action, as they breach, spy-hop
and play in the water. An unforgettable experience that offers a unique glimpse into the world of these magnificent creatures.
Overnight: Seattle | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
04.
Wednesday - Depart Seattle, Travel to Portland
This morning, depart Seattle for Portland. Arrive at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center and view exhibits that focus on the history and geology of the area, forest recovery, and conservation of resources. Afterwards, continue to Portland, known for its unique culture centered around art,
theater, and music.
Overnight: Portland | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
05.
Thursday - City Tour of Portland, Columbia River Gorge
The morning tour of Portland accents this city, with its streetcars and pedestrian friendly downtown. Continue to Columbia River Gorge, a twisting river canyon 80 miles long, cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. Enjoy scenic viewpoints at Crowne Point Vista House and Multnomah Falls. Proceed to Cascade Locks for lunch on your own and view the cantilever Bridge of Gods that spans the river between Cascade Locks, Oregon and Washington State. Continue to Bonneville & Locks and the Fish Hatchery for a visit of this hydropower facility. Tonight, celebrate your arrival to Portland with dinner.
Overnight: Portland | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
06.
Friday - Depart Portland, Willamette Valley, Newport
The drive from Portland passes historic towns and scenic bikeways to the fertile Willamette Valley, Oregon’s famed wine country. Enjoy lunch with a vineyard tour and tastings at a nearby winery. Afterward, on to the Oregon Coast and the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. Arrive in Newport,
nestled between the mountains, Pacific Ocean and Yaquina Bay. Check into your hotel and spend time at leisure.
Overnight: Newport | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
07.
Saturday - Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Travel to Grants Pass
This morning, travel along the rugged edge of the coast to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This large expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America extends for 40 miles along the coast. The wind-sculpted dunes stretch approximately 500 feet above sea level. Ride on a dune buggy that takes you through this region. Later, continue to Grants Pass for overnight.
Overnight: Grants Pass | Meals: Breakfast
Day
08.
Sunday - Crater Lake National Park
Begin the day with a drive to Crater Lake in southern Oregon with its crystal-blue waters surrounded by cliffs almost 2,000 feet high. Explore the park which encompasses the caldera of Crater Lake, a remnant of a destroyed volcano, Mount Mazama, and the surrounding hills and
forests. Linger a while for independent discoveries before returning to Grants Pass for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Grants Pass | Meals: Breakfast
Day
09.
Monday - Depart for Eureka, Redwood National & State Parks
As you enter California, drive through Redwood National Park. In this unique park look for wildlife and learn more about the history of the park, designated a World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, travel toward Eureka, California’s lumber center on the edge of giant Humboldt Bay. Here, you can see Victorian architecture, including the ornate Carson Mansion, former home of a lumber baron, and the newly revitalized waterfront. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Eureka | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
10.
Tuesday - Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Travel to San Francisco
Depart Eureka and continue to the “Avenue of the Giants”, a road that winds through panoramas of ancient redwood trees. Then, arrive at Humboldt Redwoods State Park, encompassing over 17,000 acres of ancient old-growth coastal redwoods. At Founders Grove, see the tree commemorating founders of the “Save the Redwoods” movement and the fallen Dyerville Giant. At the Humboldt Redwood Interpretive Center, view interactive displays and wildlife exhibits. Lunch on your own en route to San Francisco. The rest of the day is free.
Overnight: San Francisco | Meals: Breakfast
Day
11.
Wednesday - City Tour of San Francisco
A scenic morning drive takes you to the historic Presidio. Transformed by the U.S. Army from windswept dunes to a military post, this area is now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Returning to the city, view Nob Hill, Union Square, Chinatown and Ghirardelli Square. Look out over Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island. Remainder of the day is free to explore San Francisco, at leisure. Tonight, gather for dinner and bid farewell to your Tour Manager.
Overnight: San Francisco | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
12.
Thursday - Return Home
Transfer independently to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
National Parks route and program may vary according to weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety issues and wildlife migration patterns.
