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A Legacy of Discovery: Columbia and Snake Rivers

Program Number: 20810RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/19/2013 - 10/26/2013;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Oregon/Washington
Price starting at: $4,295.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising
Meals: 20; 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Nestled amid breathtaking mountains and striking canyons, the Columbia River Gorge and Snake River region are not only feasts for the natural senses, but are home to a wealth of U.S. history. Experience the best of the region as you stop at local vineyards, learn about the adventures of Lewis and Clark and early pioneers, and marvel at the beauty of Multnomah Falls.




Activity Particulars

Some walking on paved paths; getting on/off coach bus and jet boat.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Embark Safari Legacy, 7 nights.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.



Days 1-2: Arrival Portland (Ore.) / embark Safari Legacy:

Enter the incredible Columbia River Gorge and transit the Bonneville Lock and Dam to learn about its production of hydropower. Marvel at the beauty of the 600-foot Multnomah Falls.



Days 3-5: Richland (Wash.) / Clarkson (Wash.)

In Richland, learn about the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and its place in the Manhattan Project. Consider the history of the Nez Pearce people at the Spalding Visitor Center, and take a jet boat into the majestic Hell’s Canyon for an opportunity to spot big horn sheep. A day in Walla Walla offers a look into pioneer history and samplings at a local vineyard.



Days 6-7: Astoria (Wash.)

Take in the artworks of the Maryhill Museum, and learn about the region’s history at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Walk along the Victorian streets of Astoria and enjoy a field trip to Fort Clatsop National Memorial where Lewis and Clark made camp.



Day 8: Portland / disembark / departure


Safari Legacy

With the look of a classic turn-of-the-century steamer on the outside, the Safari Legacy delights its passengers with an exquisite Victorian-style décor throughout its interior. Its staterooms comfortably accommodate up to 88 guests, and the ship features a stunning dining room, library and spa retreat.


Meals and Lodgings
   Safari Legacy
  At Sea 7 nights
 Safari Legacy
Type: Cruise Ship
  Ship Information: Length: 192' Beam: 37' Draft: 7.5' Guests: 88 Cruise speed: 13 knots Crew: 35
  Contact info: 3826 18th Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119 USA
phone: 877-901-1009
web: www.innerseadiscoveries.com
  Room amenities: All staterooms come equipped with flat screen TVs/DVDs, iPod docks, plush robes, slippers, hair dryers, writing table and other fine amenities and toiletries.
  Facility amenities: The Safari Legacy has the look of a classic turn-of-the-century coastal steamer from the outside and the interior has a Victorian style décor throughout the vessel. The main salon on the Lounge Deck is wrapped with large viewing windows and comfortably accommodates all 88 guests at one time for Living History presentations and programs. It features an ornate bar and comfortable seating all throughout this warm and inviting space. The Klondike Dining Room is situated on the Main Deck. Just behind the dining room is a wonderful separate space for wine tastings, socializing, game or card playing and reading. It’s called the “Gold ‘n Locks Wine Library.” The Safari Legacy uniquely features an elevator mid-ship that runs from the Main Deck up to the Upper Deck. (It does not reach the Bridge Deck which holds the Bridge itself as well as the Owner’s Suite, hot tubs, etc.) On the Bridge Deck, hot tubs and sauna as well as exercise equipment combine to make up a welcome wellness and spa area. Yoga classes are also conducted in the mornings on this deck. The Massage rooms for complimentary massages is located on the Lounge Deck. All premium spirits, fine wines, microbrews are included throughout the voyage.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
2:30 PM You will be staying at Safari Legacy that night.
  End of Program:
9:00 AM You will be staying at Safari Legacy the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Best option is to park at airport for $10 per day (7th day free) in the economy lot and take public transportation, commercial shuttle or taxi to the program site. Downtown parking runs $18 per day. Valet parking runs $30 per night.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  At Sea
  From End of Program
  Location:  Portland, OR
  Nearest highway: I-84 and I-5
  Nearest airport:  Portland International Airport (PDX)
Travel Details
 

Downtown Portland

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Radio Cab
phone: 503-227-1212

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30
Prices are subject to change.

 

Travel Time:

 

20 mins 

 

Distance:

 

12 Miles

 

Downtown Portland

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Blue Star Shuttle
phone: 503-249-1837
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$14 or $24 round trip
Prices are subject to change.

 

Travel Time:

 

20 mins 

 

Downtown Portland

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Trimet Max Lightrail

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$1 Honored Citizens (65+), $2.40 adult for all zones (zone 3 for airport)
Prices are subject to change.

 

Travel Time:

 

45 Mins 

 

Distance:

 

12 Miles

   

Board MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC at airport station.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival / Tranfers / Embarkation
(Saturday, October 19)
   
 Afternoon: You will be greeted at the Portland International airport and transferred to our group's hospitality room in downtown Portland. Here you will have a chance to meet our group leader and Lewis and Clark expert and visit with the other Road Scholar travelers. At 3:00 pm, luggage will be transferred to the ship. You will be transferred to the ship beginning at 5:15 pm. Once on board the Safari Legacy crew will welcome you aboard with champagne and hors d'oeuvres.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: After dinner, gather in the Victorian style main salon for a route discussion to prepare you for your journey through Living History.
   
Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Bonneville Dam, Multnomah Falls, and the Columbia River Gorge
(Sunday, October 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Join your Legacy Leaders on deck this morning as we enter the striking Columbia River Gorge. This spectacular canyon cuts the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range and is a designated National Scenic Area. We’ll transit the Bonneville Lock and Dam to embark on a private tour of the massive turbines that produce enormous amounts of hydropower. Take a moment to step outside to view the fish ladder. Continue via motorcoach to a gorge gem, towering Multnomah Falls.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: After lunch, cruise upriver to view the heart of the 80-mile Columbia River Gorge. Transit The Dalles – another of the eight lock and dam marvels found along both rivers.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: After dinner enjoy an informative presentation staged by your Legacy Leaders.
   
Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Richland, WA and Snake River Cruising
(Monday, October 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: After passing through McNary Lock and Dam, visit the town of Richland, WA in the morning hours. The tri-cities of Richland, Pasco and Kennewick are set alongside the confluence of the Yakima, Columbia and Snake rivers. Hillsides reveal orchards of over 160 wineries found within an hour’s drive in appellations such as Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain or Yakima Valley. Learn about the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and its place in World War II’s Manhattan Project.
 Lunch: Re-board the Safari Legacy for a barbecue lunch as you enter the mouth of the Snake River, the Columbia’s largest tributary.
 Afternoon: Relax on deck to view surrounding wheat fields. Observe the intricacies involved in locking through Ice Harbor Dam followed by Lower Monumental.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: After dinner, step back in time with your Legacy Leaders for colorful stories about pioneer hardships and triumphs.
   
Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Port of Clarkston, Nez Perce Tribe, Hells Canyon Jet Boat
(Tuesday, October 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Once docked at Clarkston, WA, depart via motorcoach to delve into the history and culture of the Nez Perce people with a visit to the Spalding Visitor Center. Historical sites connected to the Lewis and Clark Expedition abound in this area, including William Clark's first encounter with members of the Nez Perce tribe in 1805.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: After lunch on the Safari Legacy, board jet boats for an invigorating ride into Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge at 7,993 feet. Protected as a National Recreation Area since 1975, Hells Canyon preserves a world of fascinating natural and cultural elements. Vertical cliffs carved by the river now hem in the rushing waters. Watch dramatic scenery unfold as we jet upriver. We'll watch for big horn sheep and hawks throughout the journey.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: This evening marks your return downriver for a vibrant combination of Lewis and Clark history, river lore and wine.
   
Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Fort Walla Walla, Whitman Mission, Washington Wine Country
(Wednesday, October 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: The Walla Walla region is a storyteller's dream. Visit Fort Walla Walla which celebrates the "Cradle of Northwest History" with a pioneer village, Living History presentations, museum and extensive galleries, or enjoy a visit to the storied Whitman Mission historical site. Attention then turns to the vibrant winemaking industry which thrives in and around the community of Walla Walla. This is world-class wine country shaped by long, warm summer days, rich volcanic soils and ample river irrigation. We'll enjoy a tour and tasting at a distinctive destination winery featuring the pride of this appellation - Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Settle back on deck as we cruise along the rolling Columbia River.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Enjoy the hot tub, sauna, relax with a complimentary massage, read a book, or mingle with your Road Scholar mates in the cozy Wine Library or Main Salon.
   
Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Maryhill Museum and Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
(Thursday, October 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Enjoy breakfast onboard the Safari Legacy before traveling to Maryhill Museum and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Maryhill Museum's collections are housed in a castle-like chateau situated on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. The museum offers an eclectic collection of Native arts, European paintings and the Queen of Romania's personal effects. The Discovery Center's interactive exhibits provide a life-sized look into the area's volcanic upheavals, Ice Age, periods of severe flooding, native heritage and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the sunset cruising along the Columbia River en route to the Pacific Ocean.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: This evening's educational presentation introduces tomorrow's center of attraction - Victorian Astoria, the oldest settlement west of the Rockies.
   
Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Astoria, Fort Clatsop, Columbia River Maritime Museum
(Friday, October 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Breakfast is served followed by a full day to step way back in time in and around historic Astoria. Board a motorcoach for a trip to Fort Clatsop National Memorial, the encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition near the mouth of the Columbia River during the winter of 1805-1806. The fort was the last encampment of the Corps of Discovery before embarking on their return trip east to St. Louis. Stroll through the quaint Victorian streets of Astoria and take time to wander through the many exhibits at the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
 Lunch: Lunch is provided.
 Afternoon: Reboard ship. Conditions dictate the turnaround point to start the final evening’s river passage.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: After dinner, re-live the week through photos and storytelling hosted by your Legacy Leaders.
   
Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Arrive in Portland – A Fond Farewell
(Saturday, October 26)
   
 Breakfast: Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you "adieu."
 Morning: Disembark at 9:00 am for transfer to the Portland airport for connections home or to your Portland hotel if staying over.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
 
  Portland, OR Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden was originally developed as a test garden. The oldest rhododendron in the current garden was planted prior to 1917. There are more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, and companion plants in the garden. For additional information, visit www.portlandonline.com/parks
  International Rose Test Garden
With 8,555 rose bushes representing 722 varieties of roses, this garden is definitely worth a visit. Call 503-823-3635 or visit the website for additional information. For additional information, visit rosegardenstore.com/thegardens.cfm
  Lan Su Chinese Garden
Discover an ever-changing landscape of pavilions, stone, water, plants and literature. Call 503-228-8131 or visit the website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.portlandchinesegarden.org
  Oregon Historical Society
Experience the Oregon story, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day, with fascinating displays of rare Oregon treasures. Call 503-222-1741 or visit the website for more information. For additional information, visit www.ohs.org
  Pittock Mansion
The Pittock Mansion was home to Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock from 1914 to 1919. During the late 1800s and the early 1900s, their lives and work paralleled the growth of Portland from a small Northwest town site to a thriving city with a quarter million population. With its eclectic architectural design and richly decorated interior, including family artifacts, the Pittock Mansion stands today as a living memorial of this family’s contributions to the blossoming of Portland and its people. Information from www.pittockmansion.org. Call 503-823-3623 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.pittockmansion.org
  Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest. The Museum’s collection includes works of European painting and sculpture, American painting and sculpture, English silver, Asian art, Native American art, Pre-Columbian art, Cameroon and other African art, contemporary art, sculpture, prints and drawings, and photography. Call 503-226-2811 or visit the website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.portlandartmuseum.org
  Portland International Airport
For information about airlines, parking, restaurants or shopping at the airport call 877-739-4636 or visit their website. For additional information, visit www.flypdx.com
  Portland Japanese Garden
This beautiful and tranquil garden features five gardens in 5.5 acres. Call 503-223-1231 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.japanesegarden.com
  Portland Spirit River Cruise
Portland Spirit River Cruises offer Willamette River cruises and Columbia River cruises from downtown Portland Oregon aboard the Portland Spirit, the Willamette Star, the Crystal Dolphin and the Outrageous Jetboat. Call 1-800-224-3901 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.portlandspirit.com
  Portland Walking Tours
Portland Walking Tours offers a wide range of walking tours- from the Best of Portland, to Underground Portland to an Epicurean Excursion. Call 503-774-4522 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.portlandwalkingtours.com
  Powell's City of Books
Powell's City of Books has over a million new and used books on the shelves. Get lost in the nine color coded rooms while searching through the 3,500 sections. This is more than just a bookstore, it's an entire block! Call 1-800-878-7323 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.powells.com
  Travel Portland
Portland's one-stop visitor center, includes local events calendar and trip planning information. Visitor's information center conveniently located in Pioneer Courthouse Square (also known as Portland's living room). Call 1-800-962-3700 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.travelportland.com
  Tri Met
Tri Met is Portland's public transportation system (includes lightrail, streetcar and buses). Call 503-238-7433 or visit their website for more information. For additional information, visit www.tri-met.org
  Waterfront Bicycle
Whether you're looking to rent a bike for a few hours or for a week, Waterfront Bicycle will have what you need. All rentals include a helmet, lock and handlebar bag. Choose from five styles of bikes. Website includes suggested rides. Call 503-227-1719 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.waterfrontbikes.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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