In the Wake of Lewis & Clark
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Overview
Highlights
- Enjoy active adventures featuring kayaks, expedition landing crafts, and biking as you focus on the region's natural history.
- Visit sites such as the campsites used by the Corps of Discovery and the eclectic Maryhill Museum with its collection of Native American basketry and beadwork
- You'll discover the region's culinary delights, aboard ship as we’re underway, and at a family farm and winery
- Pass through the series of eight locks that raise or lower the ship over 700 feet—a monumental triumph of engineering that deserves to be observed up close
- Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which chronicles the history of river navigation and this port town
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- All accommodations (based on double occupancy).
- Meals as noted in itinerary (B-breakfast; L-lunch; D-dinner), including non-alcoholic beverages while aboard ship.
- Group transfers.
- All sightseeing as noted in the itinerary.
- Pre-tour information, including a reading list.
- All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted.
- Gratuities (except to ship’s crew).
- Port taxes and fees.
- Services of an expedition leader, naturalist staff, and expert guides.
- On-tour emergency evacuation insurance (up to $50,000 if tour was booked before 5/1/2014 or up to $100,000 if tour was booked after 5/1/2014), medical expense coverage (up to $25,000), dental expense coverage (up to $500), travel medical assistance and worldwide travel assistance.
Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
Board the ship and cruise the center of Portland on the Willamette River before reaching the Columbia River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin our journey by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Fort Clatsop, where explorers hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806, we walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort. Visit the Co...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we begin our orientation to the Gorge. You’ll get a fresh perspective on such highlights as Bonneville Lock and Dam, Beacon Rock, and Multnomah Falls. Continue through the Gorge to Hood River, where you’ll enjoy fresh fruit from a family farm and taste award-winning wines at a local vineyard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to learn about the region’s natural history. Walk or take bicycles along the beautiful river trail. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Maryhill Museum and view its extensive and eclectic collection of baskets woven by Native Americans, Rodin sculptures, and other fascinating exhibits.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as we set off on our expedition landing craft cruises and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls where cascading waters plunge into the pool below. Afterwards, continue up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At Clarkston, we find ourselves at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. Today, travel by comfortable jet boat up the Snake River into one of North America’s most scenic spots, spect...
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer through Lewiston, Idaho or Spokane, Washington for connecting flights home.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Smithsonian Journeys.
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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Tour Operator
Smithsonian Journeys marks its 45th anniversary in 2015! We, along with our travelers, continue to be inspired by the Smithsonian’s mission of “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” This dedication to lifelong learning and passion for exploring the world drives us to develop authentic and exceptional cultural experiences.
Since 1970, our collection of diverse tours and cruises has grown to more than 150 destinations on all seven continents. From a stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama during a small-ship cruise to touring the sublime collections of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence when the museum is closed to the public from witnessing an infinite array of celestial phenomena during a hands-on telescope viewing at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Arizona to exclusive meetings with top mystery writers in England. Smithsonian Journeys is the enduring leader in cultural and enrichment travel.
It is through our knowledgeable and charismatic Smithsonian Journeys Experts, our dedicated tour staff, and carefully selected travel partners, who combine their expertise, unflagging care, and detailed planning skills, that we are able to create such exceptional travel experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. We look forward to the years ahead and thank you for being part of our journey!
The Smithsonian Journeys Difference
Inspiring generations through learning and discovery, the Smithsonian museums have exhilarated visitors with unique and authentic experiences for more than 160 years. This same sense of awe and wonder can be yours, anywhere you travel in the world with Smithsonian Journeys. So let Smithsonian be your compass and help get you started on your exploration.
Preserving our National Treasures: Like the Institution, our tours enrich our guests’ lives and satisfy their curiosity about the world around them. Your participation benefits the work of the Smithsonian’s nineteen museums, national zoo, and nine research centers, helping to preserve national treasures and shape the future through science, research, and exhibitions.
Bringing Your Destination to Life: When you travel with Smithsonian, you will explore the world with experts who are masters at bringing your destination to life. These inspiring scholars are compelling storytellers and charming travel companions, who will enrich your travel experience in a unique and personal way.
Behind-the-Scenes Access: From people to places, our Smithsonian connections provide you with behind-the-scenes access to iconic sites, knowledgeable guides, local experts, and exclusive events all over the world, adding even more meaning and authenticity to your travel experience.
Travel with New Friends: On any given trip, you will be sure to forge lasting friendships with like-minded travelers who share your passion for exploration. Our small groups deliver an intimate journey and you’ll never feel herded or rushed.
We Know Where to Take You: From unique lodgings in far-flung regions and charming hotels in well-traveled places to the ideal cruise ship or train experience, you’ll always travel in comfort and style, and enjoy authentic cuisine that reflects the local culture.
We've Got Everything Covered: When you travel with Smithsonian, there is no need for exhaustive planning or worrying about travel logistics. Our first-rate staff meticulously manages every aspect of each trip to ensure the highest quality and provide you with comfortable, stress-free travel.
Discover Real Value: Once you add up the extras we include as a matter of course—experts, meals, transfers, excursions, little luxuries, and even airfare inclusive pricing on many tours—you’ll know you’re getting more than you pay for. That’s what we call real value!
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Airfare and air and departure taxes.
- Passport fees, visas, and visa photos as required.
- Travel insurance.
- Transfers and baggage handling abroad for those not traveling on the designated program departure and arrival dates.
- Personal items such as wines, liquors, a-la-carte orders, meals other than specified.
- Expenses incurred by our tour operators in making additional travel arrangements in conjunction with the tour.
- Other items not specifically mentioned as included.
- Gratuities to ship’s crew are at your discretion.
- Optional Travelers’ Protection Plan: Unexpected events before or during a trip may leave you with cancelled plans, lost luggage, or unforeseen medical expenses. This optional plan offers an affordable package of benefits and services that can provide coverage and assistance for the unexpected.
6 Breakfast, 5 Lunch, 6 Dinner
- Optional Extension in Portland
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