Oregon
Signature City Portland
Program No. 18533RJ
Learn about the “City of Roses” from acclaimed speakers and discover local history and culture as you explore the Portland Art Museum, Lan Su Chinese Garden and more!
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800-454-5768
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
May 18 - May 23, 2025
Starting at
2,099Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 4L 3D
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Lecture
Portland, OR
4
Historic Downtown, Farmers Market, Free Time
Portland, OR
6
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
Portland, OR
At a Glance
Lauded as one of America’s best big cities, Portland’s small town charm welcomes you with open arms, enveloping you in its beautiful setting between the sparkling waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Explore this “City of Roses,” with experts unveiling its early history, its political savvy and its boundless beauty. Walk its historic streets to examine architecture and bridges and stop to savor locally inspired food and drink.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2-3 miles on uneven surfaces with most days averaging 2 miles, climbing a few flights of stairs, and use of public transportation most days.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience Portland’s iconic landmarks from its famous bridges, on foot through its Arts District and from the water by boat.
- Explore exceptional gardens, including the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden and the Suzhou-style Lan Su Chinese Gardens.
- Learn historic stories of Native experiences from a local storyteller and history keeper of Kalapuya/Coos heritage.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Peter Chausse
A retired elementary and middle school teacher, Peter is a passionate local historian in Portland, Oregon. Peter currently works as an instructor of experiential Continuing Education courses through The Heritage Institute, a branch of Antioch University. In addition, Peter has operated a small walking excursion business in Portland for more than 20 years. He enjoys leading field trips for school groups and walks for Road Scholar programs, during which he shares his knowledge of local art, architecture and natural history.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Peter Chausse
View biography
A retired elementary and middle school teacher, Peter is a passionate local historian in Portland, Oregon. Peter currently works as an instructor of experiential Continuing Education courses through The Heritage Institute, a branch of Antioch University. In addition, Peter has operated a small walking excursion business in Portland for more than 20 years. He enjoys leading field trips for school groups and walks for Road Scholar programs, during which he shares his knowledge of local art, architecture and natural history.
Nathan Hoover
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Nathan moved to Portland in 2003 after studying fine arts and theater at the New College of Florida. Since that move, his creative projects have been covered in The Oregonian, published in Oregon Humanities magazine and awarded grant funding by the Regional Arts and Culture Council. Nathan leads thousands of third graders—and many folks of all ages—on walks around, over, under and inside Portland’s downtown bridges. The walks he leads celebrate Portland’s special sense of place, inspired by his own love for this city.
Esther Stutzman
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Esther is a native Oregonian and traditional American Indian storyteller of Kalapuya and Coos heritage, as well as an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz. She has been sharing stories that she learned from her grandmothers for over 50 years. Esther works with Title VII Indian Education programs as a cultural resource specialist, has been a long-time presenter for the Oregon Chautauqua History Serie, and frequently lectures at colleges in the Pacific Northwest. In 2017, she received the Oregon Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Rex Burkholder
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Rex is a trained biologist and holds an MA in urban and environmental policy. He is the founder of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, which launched Portland’s bicycle revolution. During his 12 years in government, Rex oversaw Portland’s original Climate Action and Equity plans and sustainable transportation policy. His greatest achievement was leading a statewide effort to fund universal outdoor school – weeklong science and nature camp – for every student in Oregon. His book, "The Activist's Toolkit," provides a practical approach to being an effective change agent.
Suggested Reading List
(15 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Signature City Portland
Program Number: 18533
A Guide to the Indian Tribes of the Pacific Northwest
A guide that offers detailed descriptions, in alphabetical order, of 150 Pacific Northwest tribes. With an emphasis on Native voices and tribal revitalization, this book serves as a reference on these diverse peoples and reflects on the many recent political, economic and cultural developments amongst the Native communities.
Willamette Landings: Ghost Towns of the River
The Willamette River was the primary means of transportation for people and goods during the second half of the nineteenth century in the Willamette Valley. Reading Willamette Landings will take you on a journey into a time when the Willamette River was the center of commerce and settlement. It includes maps and numerous historic photographs in this new edition.
The Portland Bridge Book
This detailed guide to the bridges of Portland and Vancouver blends engineering, poetry, history, and more to provide a complete picture of these striking landmarks.
Coyote Was Going There: Indian Literature of the Oregon Country
A collection of 116 traditional American Indian stories from Oregon tribes, which include songs, speeches, personal memoirs and peace treaty speeches, among other published works.
Insiders' Guide to Portland, Oregon
An essential source for in-depth travel information, written by a local. This will guide anyone interested in exploring the gorgeous city of Portland, Oregon.
Up the Capitol Steps: A Woman's March to the Governorship
A personal and political memoir by one of the few women governors in the history of the United States, Up the Capitol Steps details the successes and the frustrations of a woman's life in politics. Roberts embroils herself in controversial policies and challenging elections on the road to Oregon governorship.
Portland in Three Centuries: The Place and the People
Abbott's history of Portland spans from the first European contact to contemporary times, highlighting the well-known Portland leaders as well as Portland's everyday movers and shakers. It makes an excellent primer on Portland's history and character.
Portland Hill Walks: Twenty Explorations in Parks and Neighborhoods
With questions such as: What street used to be a row of floating homes? What eastside peak, with its "healthful air," was home to tuberculosis sanatoriums? and What Portlander modeled swimwear in the U.S. Senate? This unique travelogue is full of questions that you never would have thought that you wanted to know.
An Architectural Guidebook to Portland
Filled with history that demonstrates why Portland is one of the most admired cities across the country. Intertwined with photos presenting the balance of modern architecture and historical architectural traditions.
Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark
This guide includes 53 Lewis and Clark sites and museums and cites 44 landmarks/intriguing events the Corps of Discovery experienced. A brief summary of their trip includes the Louisiana Purchase and color codes states in the Union during the expedition.
Portland: A Food Biography
Chronicles Portland's rise from the Wild West's salmon, berries, hazelnuts and beer to the progressive town full of food trucks, brewers, oyster parlors, and more! A culinary landscape of Portland then and now.
In Search of Ancient Oregon: A Geological and Natural History
Oregon's fascinating geological story is folded in between the pages of beautiful photography of the state. A perfect read for those interested in Oregon's landscapes and environments, written by a passionate and professional geologist who spent hours in the field.
Classic Houses of Portland, Oregon, 1850-1950 (The Classic Houses Series)
More than 200 plans and drawings and over 600 photographs both historical and contemporary, fill this book with houses from the past and the present. Escape into this fascinating home tour, featuring more than 300 residences representing twenty-three distinct architectural styles from Greek Revival, Queen Anne, and Tudor to Bungalow, Prairie and the Northwest Style.
Oregon's Promise: An Interpretive History
This detailed look into the history of Oregon offers jarring perspectives that clash with traditional stereotypes of the state and its residents. The author focuses on those that have been left out of the prosperous society that the pioneers originally looked to create and gives fresh insight into some historical assumptions that, upon further review, may not have been so true.
Oregon Trail Stories: True Accounts of Life in a Covered Wagon
Read through the exhilarating narratives from real letters, diaries and more. These first-hand tales of death, love, adversity and exploration offer insight into the lives of the early Western Pioneers.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
12 meals (
5B, 4L, 3D
)
3 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Lecture
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
D
Stay:
The Benson Portland
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We will begin our exploration of Portland with a local expert who will give us an overview of the city’s culture and history. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day head.
Day
2
Washington Park, Street Art, Native American Stories
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Benson Portland
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 13 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles and periods of standing; unpaved paths and some stairs at Gardens.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and set out on field trips featuring exploration of two exceptional green spaces in Washington Park. First is the International Rose Test Garden overlooking the city. Known simply as the Rose Garden, it covers 4.5 acres in Washington Park and features more than 650 varieties of roses, producing more than 10,000 flowers each year. The Portland Rose Society was established in 1888. In 1915 as World War I raged in Europe, newspaper editor Jesse Currey persuaded city officials to establish a “test garden” to protect and preserve European hybrid roses in danger of being destroyed. Fortunately, the roses outlasted the war. Portland today is known as the City of Roses. The primary purpose of the garden today is to serve as a testing ground for new rose varieties. The City of Portland Gold Medal Awards are issued annually to the best introductions. Afterwards, we’ll continue to the Portland Japanese Garden, acclaimed as “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.” There are five distinct areas that establish a sense of peace, harmony, and tranquility. A docent will lead our exploration of the garden that includes a Japanese Tea House as well as arbors, bridges, pagodas, stone lanterns, water basins, and an unsurpassed view of Mt. Hood.
Lunch:
In Washington Park, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
For our next field trip, we will board our motorcoach travel to the Alberta Arts District. Here we will be joined by a local expert for a walking field trip exploring some of Portland's street art and murals. After our guided walk, we will have a short time to explore the neighborhood on our own. We'll then reboard our motorcoach and return to our hotel where we will gather in our meeting room for an expert-led lecture and story-telling performance. Native American culture is central to the Oregon experience and can be seen in the naming of mountains, rivers, cities and streets to the Maya Lin Confluence Project documenting the journey of Lewis and Clark. Back at our hotel, we will listen to modern and historic stories of Native experience as told by a local storyteller and history keeper of Kalapuya/Coos heritage.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Bridge Walk, Willamette River Cruise, OR Historical Society
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Benson Portland
Activity Note
Use of public transportation. Walking up to 3 miles; city streets and sidewalks; standing for extended periods of time; closed-toe shoes required for the bridge walk. Getting on/off a boat.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll start our day with a walking field trip to explore the bridges of Portland with one of the city’s outstanding bridge experts. We will have great views of the living city as we learn how Portland became “Bridge Town” and how engineers have kept the spans functioning for a century. Because Portland is situated at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, river culture plays a big role in the community, from Rose Festival dragon boat races and Fourth of July festivities to biking and art along the Esplanade. We will end our walk at the Salmon Street Springs dock and board the “Portland Spirit,” a 150-foot yacht with three public decks, two of which are enclosed and climate controlled.
Lunch:
Aboard the “Portland Spirit” as we glide along the Willamette River with narration by the ship staff and enjoy the sights of the city from our vantage point.
Afternoon:
We’ll take the MAX train to the cultural district for a field trip to the Oregon Historical Society Museum. There we will see an expansive collection of artifacts and exhibits on a self-directed exploration. The museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret Oregon’s past in thoughtful, illuminating, and provocative ways. We will reconvene with our group and walk to the MAX station to hop aboard a Portland MAX light rail train and ride back to our hotel to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will have dinner at a local food pod and any are welcome to join. The Group Leader will also be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Historic Downtown, Farmers Market, Free Time
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Benson Portland
Activity Note
Use of public transportation. Walking about 2.5 miles over the course of 2 hours, periods of standing; city streets and sidewalks. Extent of walking and other free time activities due to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we’ll set out on an expert-led walking field trip through Portland’s historic downtown. We will encounter delightful public art, intriguing architecture, and learn about the history of the City of Roses on the street. Our field trip will conclude at the Portland Farmers Market.
Lunch:
At the Portland Farmer’s Market with provided vouchers to have what you like from a variety of vendors.
Afternoon:
Following our lunch at the market, we will be joined by a local farmer and food artisan for a lecture on how various vendors work together to share in the abundance of this region. Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. The Group Leader will accompany those who wish to return to the hotel via MAX.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Lan Su Garden, Japanese American Museum, OR Jewish Museum
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Benson Portland
Activity Note
Use of public transportation. Walking about 2.5 miles, approximately 1 hour and standing for extended periods.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will walk to the MAX station and hop aboard a Portland MAX light rail train and ride to the authentically built, awe inspiring, Suzhou-style, Lan Su Chinese Gardens. The Gardens were created as a collaboration between the cities of Portland and Suzhou, Portland’s sister city in China’s Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful Ming Dynasty gardens. A docent will lead our exploration for an experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design, and nature in perfect harmony. Next, we will walk to the Japanese American Museum of Oregon where we will enjoy an expert-led visit. The Japanese American Museum of Oregon strives to preserve the history of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll learn about the Japanese American experience during WWII, immigration and early life in Oregon, and their role in Oregon’s multicultural community.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will walk a half mile to the Oregon Jewish Museum for a docent-lead tour of the museum's exhibits and rotating exhibitions.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure after our closing session in the morning.
Day
6
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll gather with our Group Leader for a wrap-up session to review program highlights and say farewell to new Road Scholar friends. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
- May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025
- Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
- Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 17 Reviews
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A superb overview of the history, the beauties, the different cultures as well as the challenges faced by the city of Portland in the present 2024.
— Review left October 12, 2024
I’d like to talk a little about the program and upload a photo. Is that possible??
— Review left September 23, 2024
My favorite part of my Road Scholar trip was my fellow travelers. I did not expect to meet so many people (by which I mean everyone) with whom I would have so much fun and with whom I had so much in common.
— Review left September 15, 2024
I went to Portland, OR, primarily for the gardens, and they did not disappoint! I enjoyed all of the activities. The biggest surprise for me was the friendliness of my fellow Road Scholars in our small group.
— Review left September 15, 2024
Highly recommend this Road Scholar program! We are already planning a return trip to Portland for the sights/activities we were not able to experience.
Portland is a walkable city with tons of educational, cultural and outdoor opportunities, beautiful gardens, interesting architecture, great foodie opportunities (amazing food carts), unique shopping and art venues, and multiple museums that highlight the City's history, art, and diverse cultures. The affordable, efficient and easy-to-use city-wide transport system makes Portland's multiple neighborhoods quickly accessible. We found the people of Portland to be very friendly and helpful. The downtown and river areas are beautifully landscaped and tidy. We saw lots of City cleaning/maintenance crews and police patrols walking the areas daily. The downtown was NOT filled with homeless encampments or angry protestors -as depicted on the news. We felt safe on the organized activities and during our free time explorations. Our visit to Portland was a great experience!
— Review left June 13, 2024
This was an excellent trip with a great variety of field trips including lovely gardens, interesting museums, bridges, street art and architecture. The instructors and docents for the field trips were knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their topics. The relaxing lunch cruise on the Portland Spirit was definitely a highlight. Susan Wolfe was an organized, kind and enthusiastic group leader and our fellow travelers were cooperative and friendly. The Courtyard City Center hotel was perfectly located for activities and easy access to transit and meals. All in all, a worthwhile and enjoyable experience!
— Review left June 12, 2024
Outstanding trip!
— Review left June 10, 2024
Signature City of Portland, OR, was a great trip. Susan Wolfe was a fabulous group leader. We got a very well rounded look of Portland from the Rose Garden, Japanese and Chinese Garden, bridges, rivers, and the city. Highly recommend.
— Review left October 21, 2023
This was an excellent introduction to an exciting city, and we learned and saw so much in a short week. Don’t let bad press keep you from this vibrant city and the beauty within it!
— Review left September 19, 2023
If you're interested in visiting a unique American city, this trip could be for you!! We used numerous forms of transportation, walking, buses, public transportation and a cruise boat!! Our group leader Susan Wolfe is a gifted, enthusiastic and delightful person! We visited gardens, museums, walked across a bridge, journeyed on an art walking tour, enjoyed a walking architectual tour, had lunch at the Farmer's Market and enjoyed a lunch cruise viewing wonderful bridges. All of the guides were informed and engaging!! I thoroughly enjoyed this trip!!
— Review left September 26, 2022
I did not know what to expect from The Road Scholar trip I took. Our leader and all the speakers were the best and made the trip special. I plan on taking another in the near future.
— Review left September 19, 2022
I have been on three Road Scholar programs and find them well organized, educational, and fun. I find I have a lot in common with the other travelers in the trips I have done. Though I have only traveled alone once, it is a welcoming environment for lone travelers.
— Review left September 18, 2022
About the program information booklet. It would be a lot easier to carry around during the trip if it were a smaller format. Maybe, half the size, 8" by 5 1/2 and less white space.
— Review left August 24, 2022
The Portland Signature City tour was my first Road Scholar program. It exceeded my expectations! I learned so much from the tours and enjoyed them with all of my new “friends”. As a solo traveler it was an amazing experience to travel with this group and leader and made the experience so enjoyable. I will definitely be traveling with Road Scholars again.
— Review left August 21, 2022
Portland Oregon is a diverse and interesting city. You will enjoy this trip if you like walking tours (some bus) and a sense of community.
— Review left October 25, 2021
Portland is a wonderful, vibrant, a-little-bit-weird city that will spark your intellect and thrill your senses. This program is an excellent dive into culture, art, food, history, geography, progress, equity, sustainability and humanity. It will challenge you to think "out of the box."
— Review left October 23, 2021
This trip is exceptionally well done! So much was packed into 5 days my head was spinning, but it was worth it! We learned about the bridges, architecture, gardens, history, public transportation, and neighborhoods. We ate at great restaurants and a food truck and stayed at a very well appointed hotel with easy access to downtown by MAX train and streetcar. Our leader, Sally, did a fabulous job of keeping us moving through the events of each day. Portland is a fascinating, vibrant, groovy city. Don’t miss it!
— Review left June 23, 2019
