Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History 6-Day

Arrive in the early afternoon in Portland, located in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Hood. Embark in early evening and enjoy wine and champagne as the ship sails under eight of Portland’s 12 eclectic bridges along the Willamette River.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 3:00 p.m. local time. 
Arrival City: Portland, OR

Portland, Oregon’s largest city is located at the merging of the Williamette and Columbia Rivers. Two groups of indigenous Chinook peoples inhabited this area long before American pioneers started arriving in the 1800’s. Once the Oregon Trail, a 2,170 mile historic east–west, large-wheeled wagon route connecting Oregon to the Missouri River, opened in the 1830’s, large numbers of settlers started arriving. Portland’s original name was "Stumptown" because so many trees had been cut down to allow for development. Two men owned the land - Asa Lovejoy of Boston, Massachusetts and Francis W. Pettygrove of Portland, Maine. They decided to rename it, but disagreed about the new name. They wanted to name it after their respective hometowns, so they settled this disagreement with a coin toss, which Pettygrove won. Today, Portland is ranked the 26th most populous city in the United States, and is especially known for all its bridges, many of which are historic landmarks.

Immerse yourself in natural and man-made marvels as you explore the scenic Columbia and pass through Bonneville Lock and Dam. Take a steaming cup of coffee to the bow where your 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, a basalt column towering 848 feet above the Columbia River, or a visit to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery. Later, enjoy a private event with Syncline Winery at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. Savor canapes and Syncline’s distinctive wines as you take in 15,000 years of cultural history, including indigenous art and a massive working steam engine.

The Dalles is a historic city located along the Columbia River in northern Oregon. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the state and played an important role during the Oregon Trail era. The city is known for its scenic beauty, with dry hills, river views, and nearby waterfalls. Today, it serves as a regional hub for agriculture, trade, and tourism. The Dalles also has a rich cultural heritage shaped by Native American history and early pioneers.

Hood River is a scenic city located along the Columbia River in northern Oregon. It is famous for its beautiful landscapes, with views of Mount Hood nearby. The city is known as a popular destination for outdoor sports like windsurfing, hiking, and skiing. Hood River also has a strong farming community, especially known for its apple and pear orchards. It attracts visitors year-round for its natural beauty and adventure activities.

Today, spend the day cruising through some of the most scenic and geologically interesting stretches of the Columbia River and the Columbia Plateau. Your geologists provide fascinating insight on the glacial floods that sculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago, as your food and wine expert illustrates the expression of such unique terrain through its tastes and tannins.

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. In the morning, discover the thriving art scene on a guided tour, or choose to visit the Whitman Mission, a standout National Historic Site, where friction between Native Americans and white missionaries erupted into an event that continues to reverberate in American culture. After lunch at a local winery, explore charming downtown Walla Walla at your leisure, perusing local galleries, sampling sweets at the country’s #1 candy store, or popping into cozy tasting rooms.

The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as you set off on Zodiac and kayak adventures. Later, visit Palouse Falls, where waters plunge 200 feet into a churning pool. These falls and the surrounding canyon with its towering cliffs, cavernous holes in the earth and winding water routes are part of geologically unique channeled scablands created by ancient floods. Before a special final dinner, raise your glasses to an unforgettable adventure through the food, wine and history of the Pacific Northwest.

Arrive in Clarkston this morning and enjoy breakfast on board before transferring to the airport for connecting flights home. Choose to fly from nearby Lewiston, Idaho, or from Spokane, Washington, two hours away.

Departure Time: After 12:00 p.m., local time.
Departure City: Lewiston, ID or Spokane, WA