ORIENTATION: From 4:00 - 5:00 PM, we'll have greetings, introductions to your fellow participants and program staff. We'll also review the up-to-date schedule, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer any questions.

The Rhododendron Garden bursts into a blaze of color early in May with its hand-sized blooms. An expert will guide us as we view more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, and companion plants — all donated by volunteers and interested individuals, or purchased with specially donated funds. Rhododendrons and azaleas cover the city and inhabit the forests as a living reminder that spring has arrived!

At the International Rose Test Garden, enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Hood, as well as an expansive collection of rare, unique and beautiful roses. An expert will guide us through these magnificent gardens which were established in 1917 to serve as a safe haven during World War I for hybrid roses grown in Europe. The gardens which are typically in bloom in June, have grown to include over 6,800 rose bushes representing 557 varieties. Make sure you visit the themed gardens as well...the Shakespeare Garden and the Miniature Rose Garden.

Next we'll take a trip through time and learn about Chinese culture, history and way of thinking at the Lan Su Chinese Garden. Their mission is to cultivate an oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony to inspire, engage, and educate the global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture.

Our docent guides our examination of the garden’s living collections that present hundreds of native Chinese plant species and forms including more than 90 specimen trees, many rare and unusual shrubs and perennials, and signature collections that include Magnolia, Cymbidium, Camellia, Osmanthus, Rhododendron and bamboo — all within a one block area inside Portland's China town.

Among its many innovations, Portland has become one of the great beer destinations in the U.S. It has so many brewpubs and microbreweries that it has been called "Munich on the Willamette."

We'll explore a local microbrewery with the guidance of the brewmaster and have an opportunity to taste locally crafted brews.

The next stop is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks — also known as the Ballard Locks for their location — provide a link for boats between saltwater Puget Sound and the freshwater canal connecting local lakes. The grounds feature the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden, one of Seattle’s most beautiful park settings, and a fish ladder critical for salmon and steelhead heading upstream to spawn.

Our expert guide will lead your walk along the locks, the botanical garden, and fish ladder. Learn about the history and operation of this engineering marvel as you observe boats, flowers, and swimming fish.

We'll stop at Volunteer Park, designed by the Olmstead Brothers, and then we'll explore the Conservatory and view the outstanding Asian art exhibits at the Seattle Asian Art Museum.

You’ll have some time to relax and refresh at the hotel prior to dinner.

Then we'll get a first-hand look on a walking tour as your guide takes you through the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods to gain fascinating (and occasionally offbeat) insights into the city's history, architecture, and people. Beginning with Gastown, the city’s birthplace, walk through this historic neighborhood, with much of its early architecture and character intact, and see how it is evolving into one of the cities newest residential areas.

We'll begin with an introductory lecture, "Towards a Sustainable Future — the Post War City," with your expert guide, who will lead you in an in-depth exploration of Vancouver's multi-faceted personality from past to present.

We'll begin exploring on Granville Island, home to a thriving artistic community of painters, furniture makers, jewelers, and even a cobbler. See how a sandbar was transformed first into an industrial area then into a renowned public market.

We'll move on to Chinatown, with its rich culture and striking collection of designated heritage buildings recalling the contributions of early pioneers and leaders.

Canada’s largest teaching museum is located in a spectacular building overlooking mountains and sea, renowned for providing insights into the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world. Meet with Anthropology students from the University for an introduction to the indigenous peoples of the northwest coast of British Columbia. Explore an outstanding collection of Pacific Northwest Aboriginal artifacts.

Upon arrival at Vancouver Island, we'll meet a local historian, who will accompany us to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens. After an introduction to the Gardens on the motorcoach, we'll arrive in time for lunch.

Then, we’ll explore the historic chapel and restored gardens of St. Ann’s Academy’s, continuing on foot as we walk into Old Town and around the historic harbor. At the famous Empress Hotel, examine the gardens and learn about its intriguing history and royal visits. Established in 1843 by James Douglas as a fort for the Hudson's Bay Company, Victoria's British ancestry is apparent in double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages, formal gardens, and tearooms.

Later in the afternoon, we will have the unique opportunity to meet a native artist, who will introduce us to his fascinating craft.

The nationally recognized Whale Museum is the first of its kind dedicated to promoting stewardship of whales — especially Orcas — and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. You’ll find a fascinating collection of exhibits, artwork, models, and artifacts, including real whale skeletons and a family tree of the resident Orcas. You can also listen to the "songs " of various species of whales.

At the San Juan Historical Museum, the Executive Director will guide you back in time through the island's history. The museum consists of eight buildings, including an 1894 farmhouse, a carriage house, root cellar and milk house, the original San Juan County Jail, a barn, 1891 log cabin, and Resource Center. Each building houses displays and exhibits of early life on San Juan Island.

The group will be sub-divided to enhance your experience at these museums.

Next we'll visit San Juan Island National Historic Park. Following the precedent set by the Great Pig War, in which the U.S. and Great Britain settled ownership of the island through peaceful arbitration, the Park now celebrates how disputes can be resolved without resorting to violence. The Park also encompasses a rich and diverse environment intimately involved with he island's 3,000 year human history.

We'll travel to the Park by charter bus where an American Camp guide will provide a Park overview, followed by the opportunity for self-exploration of the trails, the remaining historical buildings on site, the grounds and the barracks.

Roche Harbor, once a Hudson's Bay Company trading post and limestone production outpost, is now a popular resort featuring Historical Hotel de Haro; colorful gardens; and large marina.

Westcott Bay Sculpture Park contains over 100 sculptures scattered throughout its outdoor museum. Gaze at the striking artworks of bronze, wood, stone, ceramic, medal and glass created by notable Pacific Northwest artists.

In the hotel conference room, our expert local guide will tell you all about Pike's Place Market, a special place that is recognized as one of America's foremost farmers' markets, comprising nine acres and more than a century of history. Today, the market is home to more than 200 year-round commercial businesses; 190 craftspeople and approximately 100 farmers who rent table space by the day; 240 street performers and musicians; and more than 300 apartment units, most of which provide housing for low-income elderly people. "The Market," as locals affectionately call it, attracts millions of visitors a year, making it one of Washington state's most frequently visited destinations.

At the conclusion of the presentation, we’ll walk to the Market, 3 blocks from the hotel.

Then zip to the top of the Space Needle, also built for the exposition in 1962. When the Space Needle was built it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. The view is magnificent! You'll see cruise lines and cargo ships crossing Elliott Bay, the sparkling water of Lake Union, and the city streets abuzz with activity. The whole city will open up before you! Return via the Monorail with a short walk back to the hotel.

The program concludes with breakfast as we say farewell to new friends and take home a host of memories. We hope you have enjoyed this exciting new program and will join us again for other rewarding Road Scholar learning adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Individual departures from Seattle.