Compare An Oregon Adventure by Experience Park Tours vs Enchanting Canyonlands - Classic Group, 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 39,999 | $ 2,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 5,714 | $ 428 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Staged at the end of the Oregon Trail and strategically crafted around the magnificent peaks of the Ring of Fire, this adventure transports travelers back in time to when Lewis and Clark navigated the majestic Columbia River Gorge to the Pacific Ocean. Visiting basalt monolithic rocks, towering waterfalls and awe-inspiring mountains, we’ll traverse diverse terrains and explore some of the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi. The charm of Seaside and Cannon Beach and a float down the Deschutes will inspire lifelong memories while scenic vistas and arid landscapes provide ample opportunities to explore. |
Be surrounded by natural beauty on this one-week guided tour that includes the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Journey to Sedona to marvel at the towering red rocks and explore the funky shops. Then travel to Grand Canyon National Park, where you can board a helicopter to fly above the canyon’s floor — and meet a Local Expert, who will share the history of the natural wonder. Hop on an ATV in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park with a Navajo and learn about his tribal heritage. See the cliff-and-canyon landscape of Zion National Park from the comfort of a private shuttle. |
Day 1: Multnomah Falls, Hood River Fruit Loop, and Mount Hood
Accommodation: Timberline Lodge: Government Camp, OR
Departing from the Rose City of Portland Oregon, we’ll begin our day by traveling through the historic Columbia River Gorge. Our first stop brings us to the 542 foot-tall, two-tiered Multnomah Falls. Here, you may take a stroll to the top of Oregon’s most popular trail or simply view the falls from the foot bridge at the lower cascade. Witness the thunderous waters and enjoy the refreshing mist either way you go. Our journey will continue east to Hood River for lunch before we drive the famed Hood River Fruit Loop, where cherries, pears and grapes are in abundance. Next, we’ll continue towards Mount Hood National Forest to check in to our accommodations at the historic Timberline Lodge. Situated at the base of the glacier on Mount Hood, this one-of-a-kind location is the perfect place to curl up by the fire, explore a walking trail, or simply enjoy general relaxation.
Day 2: Smith Rock State Park
Accommodation: Riverhouse on the Deschutes: Bend, OR
Our scenic drive begins at the top of Mount Hood and descends into the high desert of Bend, Oregon. Within minutes, you’ll see the landscape slowly transition from the lush Evergreen trees of the Mount Hood National Forest to the arid landscape of Central Oregon. The unique smell of the sage, Ponderosa Pine, and fresh water from the rivers and lakes makes this a truly unique visit. This afternoon, we’ll visit Smith Rock State Park – a land full of beautifully-sculpted basalt rock formations. You’ll have time to explore the trails or relax down by the water before our chef serves a hand-crafted in-field lunch. Next, we’ll make our way to our riverside accommodations at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes. Enjoy a quiet evening and dinner at the on-site restaurant, or board the Adventure Coach for a ride downtown to Bend, Oregon’s most notable brew house, Deschutes Brewery.
Day 3: Rafting the Deschutes, Golfing, and other Bend Activities
Accommodation: Riverhouse on the Deschutes: Bend, OR
With a late morning start, the day is yours to explore the shopping district in downtown Bend, Oregon. If you’re looking to get out on the water, an optional rafting excursion on the Deschutes River rapids awaits you! For those who are looking to play a few holes, there are a variety of challenging and unique courses in the area, each boasting beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Overall, this is a day to recharge and reboot before heading into the busy days ahead. Take the time to relax by the pool with a refreshing cocktail, or take a walk on any of the surrounding trails, as the Adventure Coach will be available shuttle you to your activities throughout the day.
Day 4: Lewis & Clark Discovery Center, Stonehenge Memorial, and Maryhill Winery
Accommodation: Skamania Lodge: Stevenson, WA
Our drive this morning will follow along the Deschutes River and through beautiful winding canyons. After an in-transit lunch, we’ll reach the historic town of The Dalles, Oregon for our first stop at the Lewis & Clark Discovery Center. From here, we’ll cross on to the Washington side of the Columbia River for a moment at the WWII Stonehenge Memorial. Venturing west, next we’ll stop at Maryhill Winery for a tasting and sit-down dinner looking over the Columbia River Gorge. Our evening will conclude in the hidden cove of Skamania Lodge.
Day 5: Mt. St Helens & Cannon Beach Oregon
Accommodation: Hallmark Resort Hotel: Cannon Beach, OR
We’ll begin our journey with a visit to Mt. St. Helens, the volcano that devastated the region with its eruption in May of 1980. The Johnstons Ridge Observatory offers insight into how the mountain erupted and recovered over the past 28 years as well as the impact it had on the local community and landscape. Next, we’ll descend the mountain to the Columbia River Gorge, with our eyes overlooking the same view that Lewis and Clark saw when they first arrived to the Pacific at the end of the Oregon Trail. Reaching the town of Cannon Beach, we’ll check in to our Hallmark Resort Hotel accommodations, just steps away from the ocean. The evening is yours to enjoy.
Day 6: Astoria, Seaside, and Cape Disappointment
Accommodation: Hallmark Resort Hotel: Cannon Beach, OR
WToday is a free day to soak in the sun on the shores of Cannon Beach or explore the shops downtown. For those wanting to fish, there are two options: deep sea fishing for salmon, or fishing on the Columbia River at the world-class Buoy 10 for salmon and sturgeon. Fishing is not included in your package but we will help you arrange it. For those wanting to explore outside of Cannon Beach, we’ll board the Adventure Coach to drive to Long Beach, Washington for lunch and a visit to Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. Next, we’ll explore Astoria, the oldest settlement West of the Mississippi where we’ll visit the Flavel House Museum. A stop at the Columbia River Maritime Museum gives us a detailed look the importance of the Columbia River to the culture, economy, and history of this charming region. The evening is yours to explore the beach and shopping districts.
Day 7: Portland and The Journey Home
The morning is yours to sleep in or explore the beach. We’ll depart after breakfast for the Portland International Airport. If you have a later departure or are unable to check in to your post-trip accommodations, we’ll head downtown for a look at the Portland Market and the Portland Japanese Garden. We hope you enjoy your time traveling with us. Thank you for choosing Experience Park Tours.
Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix and Travel to Scottsdale
Welcome to Arizona, famous for its scenic road trips, towering Monument Valley, and of course the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel in Scottsdale where you can enjoy the facilities and grounds of this striking desert oasis. Why not head out and explore Old Scottsdale, a vibrant and unique urban downtown area that introduces you the best of the state? Here, you’ll be surrounded by retro wooden buildings, rodeo inspired artwork and a selection of local stores, all radiating a classic Southwestern flair. At 18:00, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner at Zuzu, where you will have the opportunity to mingle and get to know one another.
Day 2: Sedona and the Wonders of the Mighty Grand Canyon
Travel through world-renowned Red Country along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of only 20 designated All-American Roads nationwide. Explore bohemian Sedona with its shops and galleries, or simply take in the exceptional beauty of Red Rock Country before you make your way to the Grand Canyon. Follow Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway through Coconino National Forest, a breathtaking stretch of road recognized by Rand McNally as one of the Top Five Most Scenic Drives in America. On arrival, you can take an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Whether you prefer a helicopter or a fixed-wing plane, you'll enjoy magnificent scenery with aerial views from above. Meet your Local Expert Canyon Tim at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to discover its wonders. You'll discover the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formations and the human impact on this natural masterpiece. He'll also talk to you about the bountiful flora and fauna, and where you might be able to spot them.
Day 3: Monument Valley and Lake Powell
Early risers will take advantage of the lodge location to witness one of Mother Nature's grandest shows on earth: a sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Travel along the South Rim Desert View Drive, skirting the southern rim of the canyon until you exit the park. Head to the Cameron Trading Post, one of the oldest and most historic general stores in Arizona. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Monument Valley Tribal Park, where Navajo Local Experts guide you through the history, culture and heritage of the tribes. This carefully prepared tour keenly exemplifies the relationship of respect with the land in the valley and the importance placed on preserving the natural treasures found here. Enjoy a Navajo cookout amid the giant buttes and mesas of this unique landscape. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lakefront resort where you will enjoy dinner.
Day 4: Leisurely Lake Powell Relaxed Start
Today is entirely yours to do as you please. Partake in one of our popular optional experiences, explore on your own, or simply relax by the resort swimming pool with views of Lake Powell. As an optional activity this morning, let yourself be tempted by a gentle float trip down the Colorado River. Calmly float down the Colorado, past some of the most awe-inspiring sites, like the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Petroglyph Beach. In the evening, enjoy dinner with wine at the Red Heritage.
Day 5: Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks
Journey across a wide-open landscape punctuated by colorful sandstone cliffs, sagebrush-covered flats, and high ridges dotted with piñon pine and juniper. Travel through Bryce Canyon Country on a portion of the Scenic Highway 89, recognized by National Geographic as the No. 1 Driver's Drive in the world. You will be struck by the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, an otherworldly landscape of red rock pillars known as hoodoos, pink cliffs, and endless vistas.
Day 6: Zion National Park Relaxed Start
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning, as you have a full day to explore the park. After a leisurely breakfast, you will tour the canyon aboard a privately chartered open-air vehicle, with live commentary from a Local Expert to show you the many scenic highlights of the canyon. Explore Zion National Park with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Travel Director for a guided hike to the Emerald Pools. Alternatively, visit the Zion Human History Museum.
Day 7: Depart Salt Lake City
This morning you’ll bid farewell to the beautiful national parks and your fellow travellers. You will be taken to Salt Lake City International Airport, where you will arrive at approximately 15:00. Please be aware when arranging your flights. Alternatively, a transfer to the Hilton Salt Lake City Center hotel is also provided should you wish to extend your stay.
