Columbia River Explorer: An Easy-Paced Riverboat Adventure

11 days
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Voyage along the Columbia River to learn about its unique history and breathtaking nature. Trace the path of Lewis and Clark, explore the landmarks of Portland and sample local wines.
From$6,499
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • You know what moves me? Exercising my mind
    • Let’s keep walking to a minimum and avoid stairs when we can

What's this trip about?

    Voyage along the Columbia River to learn about its unique history and breathtaking nature. Trace the path of Lewis and Clark, explore the landmarks of Portland and sample local wines.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityPortland, OR
End CitySpokane, WA

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Photography
  • National Parks
  • Holy Land

Destinations

Activities

  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Wildlife Viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 10

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 24

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrivals, Portland, OR, Welcome Dinner, Orientation Portland, OR

Hotel check-in begins at 4:00 pm.

Program Check-in: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, ...

Day 2 Chinese Garden, Rose Garden, Pittock Mansion Portland, OR

Walking at the Chinese Garden and International Rose Test Garden, exploring on your own at Pittock Mansion.

After breakfast we'll depart via motorcoach for the Lan Su Chinese Garden, where we'll enjoy a guided visit. The Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland’...

Day 3 Portland Art Museum, OHS Museum, Embark American Empress Portland, OR

Walking on docent-led tours through the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Historical Society Museum.

After breakfast, we'll board our motorcoach for a visit to the Portland Art Museum for a docent-led visit. The Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum in t...

Day 4 Fort Clatsop, Astoria Column, Maritime Museum Astoria, OR

Walking on paved paths and flat trails at Fort Clatsop, self-exploration at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and an opportunity to climb the Astoria Column (164 stairs) if you wish.

This morning we'll board our motorcoach and head to Fort Clatsop, where the L...

Day 5 Maryhill Museum of Art, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center The Dalles, OR

Walking on docent-led tours through the Maryhill Museum of Art, exploring on your own at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.

Known as the end of the Oregon Trail, The Dalles has long been a destination point for pioneers and adventurers alike. This morning we w...

Day 6 Bonneville Dam, Chanticleer Point, Multnomah Falls Stevenson, WA

Walking on docent-led tour through Bonneville Dam powerhouse, exploring on your own at Chanticleer Point State Scenic Viewpoint and Multnomah Falls.

We will make port in Stevenson, on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge. After breakfast, we'll board our Ro...

Day 7 Columbia River Cruising Columbia and Snake Rivers

Road Scholar lecture aboard the ship.

Today we will remain on the ship cruising through the area. We will see picturesque canyon walls, mountains and fertile fields as we learn about the area through informal lectures from our study leader and onboard expedition...

Day 8 Sacajawea State Park, Franklin County Museum, REACH Museum Richland, WA

Educational walk through Sacajawea State Park with our study leader, walking on docent-led tour through Franklin County Historical Society Museum, self-exploration at the REACH Museum.

With our study leader, we will depart via motorcoach and head to Sacajawea Hi...

Day 9 Lecture, Hells Canyon Jet Boat Excursion Clarkston, WA

Getting into and out of a jet boat.

This morning we will be treated to a lecture from our study leader in a private meeting area aboard the ship.

This afternoon, we will ride on a jet boat through Hells Canyon with commentary by onboard expedition staff. H...

Day 10 Disembarkation, Transfer to Spokane Spokane, WA

Total driving time today is approximately 2.5 hours (110 miles); getting on/off the motorcoach.

This morning we'll disembark the American Empress at the Port of Clarkston, where we'll board our motorcoach for transfer to Spokane, WA where we'll be staying tonigh...

Day 11 Spokane, Departures Spokane, WA

Transfer to the airport is included in program cost.

This concludes our program. Hotel provides complimentary airport transfer - check with the front desk to schedule your airport shuttle. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independen...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,499
Price per day$591
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Road Scholar Reviews & Ratings

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
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Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 10
  • Number of Lunch: 8
  • Number of Dinner: 10
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
roadscholar-871000

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