Scenic Seattle, Portland and Oregon Coast

Welcome to Seattle, named the Emerald City due to its lush evergreen forests. Relax after your journey or explore on your terms before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception.

This morning enjoy an orientation of Seattle and get your 'fix' on a guided tour of the Starbucks Reserve Roastery including a coffee seminar, 'Dive into Culture' with a brewing demonstration along with a step by step coffee tasting. Head on towards Pike Place Market, where the fish fly low from one fishmonger's hands to the next. Explore on your own to become a market insider experiencing the sights, sounds and flavours of this historic 100+ year old landmark. Enjoy your choice of sightseeing this afternoon. Choose between a self-guided visit of the famous Seattle Space Needle or the beautiful Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit.

Today you say goodbye to Seattle. Next you'll head through the diverse terrain of the Olympic Peninsula (bordered by mountains, ocean, strait, and canal) to explore the lush Olympic National Park -- stopping at the gorgeous fresh-water Lake Crescent, and then into Hoh Rain Forest to trek to the eerie "Hall of Mosses", and the wild and windswept beaches of the Western Olympic Peninsula. Later, we head to Olympic National Forest to the Lake Quinault Lodge and meet a Local Specialist, historian and storyteller who will share the tribal legends of the Quinault nation. Board the Bainbridge Island Ferry and journey across the Puget Sound.

This morning you'll drive down to have your 'Dive Into Culture' moment and take a step back in time in historic Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. You'll visit Astoria Column where you can climb the stairs for a view ("built in 1926 to celebrate the discovery, exploration, and settlement of the West"). You'll board a restored street car for a ride on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley. The historic journey continues during a docent-led tour of the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which shares the stories of the legendary Columbia River Bar, one of the most dangerous passages in the world.

We start the day with a drive down the coast to Newport. Today you will join a Local Specialist on-board an included nature cruise to spot local sea life and marine birds. After you will explore the unique and engaging Oregon Coast Aquarium that allows for an immersive experience and promotes ocean education and conservation in the Pacific Northwest.

We depart Newport today to head towards the Willamette Valley where our first stop will be at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. After, we'll take a side trip to Oregon's wine country and 'Connect With Locals' over an exclusive 'Be My Guest' gourmet lunch with the area's signature Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. Next we head to Portland where we have an orientation tour of the city before joining a Local Specialist for a food walking tour that expertly showcases the unique and quirky city through delicous, magically creative bites as you delve into the history and importance of the Pearl District. Formerly occupied by warehouses, this revamped district of the city is now a vibrant centre for art galleries and stylish bars.

This morning, we'll embark on a full-day sightseeing trip to Columbia River Gorge. Nothing will prepare you for the incredible scenic beauty that will unfold along this journey as you follow the historic Columbia River Highway. Waterfalls cascade from basalt cliffs lining the road and the views from Crown Point are simply spectacular. You'll have some free time in Hood River for lunch and a stop along the famed "Fruit Loop" which sells farm produce and artisan food. We continue to Timberline Lodge, located on the slopes of Mt. Hood (weather permitting). Later enjoy a Farewell Dinner back in Portland with your travel colleagues.

Say goodbye to Portland as you take your transfer to the airport. Or perhaps extend your stay to enjoy more of the the city.