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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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jun 2 - Jun 7, 2024
Starting at
1,499
Jul 7 - Jul 12, 2024
Starting at
1,499
Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
1,499
Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
1,499
May 18 - May 23, 2025
Starting at
1,599
Full Inventory
Jun 1 - Jun 6, 2025
Starting at
1,599
Full Inventory
Aug 24 - Aug 29, 2025
Starting at
1,599
Full Inventory
Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
1,599
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jun 2 - Jun 7, 2024
Starting at
1,999
Jul 7 - Jul 12, 2024
Starting at
1,999
Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
1,999
Filling Fast!
Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
1,999
May 18 - May 23, 2025
Starting at
2,099
Full Inventory
Jun 1 - Jun 6, 2025
Starting at
2,099
Full Inventory
Aug 24 - Aug 29, 2025
Starting at
2,099
Full Inventory
Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
2,099

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
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.

What You'll Learn

  • Experience Portland’s iconic landmarks from its famous bridges, on foot through its Art 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
Profile Image
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.

Profile Image of Peter Chausse
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.
Profile Image of Nathan Hoover
Nathan Hoover View biography
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.
Profile Image of Esther Stutzman
Esther Stutzman View biography
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.
Profile Image of Rex Burkholder
Rex Burkholder View biography
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.
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.





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