Small Ship Cruises

THE COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS
Round-trip from Portland
8-Day Cruises

DAY 1 SAIL FROM PORTLAND
On arrival in Portland, you will transfer to our hospitality area downtown. After boarding, slowly cruise the Willamette River to view the Portland skyline. This 240-mile tributary of the Columbia River is crossed by 19 bridges and three ferries. D

DAY 2 CRUISING THE WORLD-RENOWNED COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA
Your ship slips through the locks of Bonneville Dam at the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge. Since 1938, this historic landmark has supplied hydroelectric power, fish and wildlife protection, and recreation. Stop at the Dam's Visitor Center, then tour by motor coach to breathtaking Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon. Return to the ship to continue cruising upriver. This spectacular river canyon, 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, is a natural wind tunnel that cuts the only sea level route through the Cascade Mountains. BLD

DAY 3 CRUISING THE SNAKE RIVER
Over the course of the day, cruise from the Columbia River into the Snake, with several lock passages. Explore the rugged cliffs and buttes along the shores. McNary Dam was completed in 1953 and created Lake Wallula. Ice Harbor Dam near the confluence of the two rivers was completed in 1961, and includes a fish ladder. It creates Lake Sacajawea. BLD

DAY 4 HELLS CANYON
After your final upriver locking at Lower Granite Dam, the vessel will dock in historic Clarkston, Washington, where you'll hear the story of the Nez Perce from their perspective. Board jet boats for an exhilarating excursion deep into Hells Canyon. This free­flowing stretch of the Snake River boasts lovely scenery beneath steep cliffs rising thousands
of feet on both sides of the gorge. BLD

DAY 5 WALLA WALLA
Today, relive history at the Fort Walla Walla Museum with a collection of over 35,000 catalogued artifacts. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Walla Walla's 26Brix restaurant, located in the 130-year-old Dacres Hotel, on theNational Register of Historic Places. You will have time to explore the town, taste local wine, or take a walking tour and enjoy the sculptures you'll find throughout town. Return to the ship for some relaxing late afternoon cruising. BLD

DAY 6 THE DALLES AND MARYHILL MUSEUM
The Maryhill Museum is your morning treat, a historic mansion sitting in solitary splendor on a bluff over the Columbia River. You'll discover an eclectic collection of Native arts, European paintings, and the Queen of Romania's personal effects. Then explore the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles and see plants like Lewis & Clark saw on the nature trails, with spectacular dioramas and displays of the region's geography and history. Enjoy lunch in this impressive setting. Return to the ship by way of Rowena Crest, one of America's Scenic Byways. Continue cruising into the dramatically beautiful Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. BLD

DAY 7 ASTORIA AND FORT CLATSOP
Stand in Lewis & Clark's footsteps at Fort Clatsop National Historic Park, the site of Lewis & Clark's fort. See the fascinating Columbia River Maritime Museum. Later, you can see the best of downtown Astoria on your own, equipped with a city map and recommendations from the crew. You're free to discover the hidden treasures of this charming Victorian seaport, that is the western terminus of the TransAmerica Trail. BLD

DAY 8 BACK TO PORTLAND
Return to Portland's attractive riverfront where your week-long voyage ends. A transfer is included to the Portland Airport. B

The cost of your cruise includes service charges for land-based personnel and $349 per person which covers taxes/fees and onboard services. Onboard gratuities are neither required nor expected. Prices are per person, double occupancy, US dollars. Single/Tripe rates are available upon request. Air fare is not included.