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!
Participant Reviews
Based on 21 Reviews
SHOWING
Signature City Portland was my first program. It was a positive experience. The accommodations were comfortable and convenient. The Housekeeping and Catering staff were courteous and professional. The Hotel food was mediocre. The served dinners arrived lukewarm. The local restaurant food was excellent. Bob Vinatieri was personable, conscientious and did a terrific job keeping the group and the itinerary on time. He updated changes to our schedule via email in the afternoon which worked great. The guest speakers were informative and the tours were excellent. It would have been nice to tour the Baird Fruit Orchards the day we went to the Farmers Market. The other travelers were approachable, interesting and pleasant to be with. I will definitely be taking another Road Scholar Trip in the future.
— Review left August 31, 2025
The Signature city Portland Tour was an amazing tour. The program was very well balance, between tours to gardens, field trips, visits to museums, lectures, a cruise on the Portland Spirit and other activities. The Lan Su Chinese Garden, was built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou which is a sister city of Portland. The plants/bushes convey a meaning it was one of my favorite gardens. The Japanese Garden, with its manicure displays of different greenery, had patters in the ground to resemble water, many ponds along the garden had exotic fishes. The Rose garden which is the jewel of Portland, there were over 10,000 rose bushes of approximately 650 varieties. Hence Portland being name “city of roses”. The Benson Hotel built in 1913 is very elegant and the rooms are very comfortable, it is located in the center of the city. The food was excellent in different locations, first time eating shrimp and grits at a brewery (hooked to it now:). The group with the other travelers were very friendly and as always is, it was hard to say good by.
— Review left June 25, 2025
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
The Signature Cities programs are a terrific way to learn about a city with leaders to guide you to important aspects of the city. Portland is out there for you to explore.
— Review left September 15, 2019
In the 70's, Portland, Oregon, citizens and officials began to work together to create a diverse big city without crushing individual spirit. They succeeded-it's a great city!
— Review left September 15, 2019
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