Culinary & Wine DiscoveryRelive American history and the Lewis & Clark expedition Become modern-day explorers, discovering America’s extraordinary wine regions in the spectacular setting of the Columbia River Gorge and valleys east of the Cascade Mountains. Sample award-winning wine, gourmet cuisine, and cruise through the history and natural beauty of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Through golden coulees and deep canyons, witness the engineering feats that harnessed this mighty river, and enjoy your passion for highly-rated fine wines amidst one of the USA’s most scenic backgrounds. CruiseDay
01 | Lewiston, Idaho - Embarkation
Welcome! You will be met at the airport this afternoon and transferred to the yacht. The Captain and crew greet you with champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Relax on deck and enjoy a sunset dinner cruise. | Day
02 | Hells Canyon by Jet Boat
After breakfast, transfer to the jet boat for an invigorating ride into Hells Canyon. Vertical cliffs carved by this free-flowing river hem in the rushing waters, while dramatic scenery unfolds as you jet upriver. Keep watch for Bighorn sheep and hawks throughout the day. After returning to the yacht, you’ll cruise the Snake River, passing through your first lock and dam—the Lower Granite. This evening’s dinner is a culinary arts presentation by our Executive Chef. After dinner, enjoy a brief orientation to the journey. | Day
03 | Palouse River Canyon
We’ll pass through the Little Goose lock and dam first thing this morning then anchor at the mouth of the Palouse River. The kayaks and skiff will be lowered for an up-close exploration of the pristine and lovely Palouse canyon. Watch for hundreds of cliff swallows that nest on the canyon walls, and for Northern Harriers and osprey hovering above the still waters as they hunt. | Day
04 | Walla Walla Appellation
Travel by executive coach to the Walla Walla appellation. Tour family-owned boutique wineries. Enjoy private tours and tastings of prized reserve and award-winning wines. Visit with winemakers to learn about their handcrafted production and blend your own complex creation under the tutelage of a world-class winemaker. | Day
05 | Red Mountain & Yakima Valley Appellations
Enjoy breakfast on board, before another day of exclusive wine tastings in a private setting. Join a winemaker for an exclusive vineyard tour before enjoying a romantic luncheon at a spectacular winery. | Day
06 | Maryhill Museum & Winery / Columbia Gorge Appellation
As you cruise the rolling Columbia River, you’ll make your way through the John Day Dam and enjoy a cooking demonstration en route. After lunch you’ll anchor and tour the Maryhill Museum followed by a visit to the Maryhill Winery. The museum’s collections are housed in a castle-like chateau situated on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. Our winery visit includes a tasting from a special tasting list. Back on board the yacht you’ll transit The Dalles Dam. | Day
07 | Hood River / Bonneville Dam / Columbia River Gorge
We’ll make a morning port call at Hood River, the windsurfing capital of the world, to visit the town. Back on board, join your Expedition Leader on deck as we enter the striking Columbia River Gorge. A designated National Scenic Area, this spectacular canyon cuts the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. Later we’ll visit the spectacular Multnomah Falls and enjoy a private tour of the Bonneville Dam, the last dam on the river as you head west towards the Pacific Ocean. View the massive turbines that produce enormous amounts of hydropower, and step outside to view the fish ladder. | Day
08 | Portland, Oregon - Disembark
Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you “adieu.” At 9:00 am you’ll be transferred to the Portland airport for connections home.
Due to the nature of our explorations, itineraries are guidelines and will change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur. |
Day
01 | Portland, Oregon – Embarkation
Welcome! You will be met at the airport this afternoon and transferred to the yacht—the crew greets you with champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Relax on deck, enjoy the sunset, and round out the day as you slip into the top-deck hot tub before turning in. | Day
02 | Columbia Gorge and Bonneville Dam
Join your Expedition Leader on deck this morning as you enter the striking Columbia River Gorge. This spectacular canyon cuts the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range and is a designated National Scenic Area. You’ll leave the yacht for a private tour of the impressive Bonneville Dam, the first dam on the Columbia River as you head east. View the massive turbines that produce enormous amounts of hydropower and step outside to view the fish ladder. Later, explore the town of Hood River—windsurfing capital of the world—and browse the boutique shops. We’ll stay dockside in Hood River for the night. | Day
03 | Maryhill Museum and Winery / Columbia Gorge Appellation
Today’s cruise itinerary enters a stretch of wilderness which is home to Northern Harriers, cliff swallows, osprey, mule deer, and coyotes. After transiting The Dalles Lock and Dam, we’ll drop anchor to visit the Maryhill Museum and Maryhill Winery. The museum's collections are housed in a castle-like chateau situated on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. The museum offers an eclectic collection of Native arts, European paintings, and the Queen of Romania's personal effects. The winery visit includes a tasting from a special tasting list. Back onboard, make your way through the John Day Lock and Dam. Later, take the opportunity to relax in the hot tub or sauna. | Day
04 | Red Mountain & Yakima Valley Appellations
The next two days will focus primarily on winery tours and tastings. Enjoy breakfast on board before exclusive wine tastings in a private setting. Join a winemaker for an exclusive vineyard tour before enjoying a romantic luncheon at a spectacular winery. | Day
05 | Walla Walla Appellation
Travel by executive coach to the Walla Walla appellation. Tour family-owned boutique wineries. Enjoy private tours and tastings of prized reserve and award-winning wines. Visit with winemakers to learn about their handcrafted production and blend your own complex creation under the tutelage of a world-class winemaker. | Day
06 | The Palouse Canyon
Enjoy breakfast on board, cruising along the cliff-lined Snake River. You’ll pass through three of the four Snake River dams: Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite. Be on deck with our Expedition Leader as we “lock through,” watching the mechanics of these massive structures. Lunch includes a special cooking demonstration. Anchor in the Palouse River and set off by kayak or skiff for a look at a magnificent canyon formed by Ice-Age floods. | Day
07 | Hells Canyon by Jet Boat
Enjoy a morning hike after breakfast before getting underway. After docking at the Port of Clarkston, join our Jet Boat Captain for an invigorating excursion into Hells Canyon. Protected as a National Recreation Area since 1975, Hells Canyon preserves a world of fascinating natural and cultural elements. Lunch is included in the excursion, and this afternoon you’ll reboard the yacht where a festive Farewell Dinner and Wine Event awaits. | Day
08 | Lewiston, Idaho – Disembark
Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you “adieu.” At 9:00 am you’ll be transferred to the airport for connections home.
Due to the nature of our explorations, itineraries are guidelines and will change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur. |
|
|
