Taste of the Pacific Northwest- 8D/7N

Glorious grapes Taste of the Pacific Northwest culinary cruise will feature the rich history and delicious flavors unique to this region. Journey along the mighty Columbia River through Washington’s Wine Country, round trip from Portland, Oregon.

Travel this scenic river-way punctuated by orchards, vineyards, evergreens and imposing bluffs. Throughout your cruise, the Pacific Northwest’s respectable wines and other epicurean delights are introduced with a special series of tours, tastings, excursions, and narration and presentations by your onboard Exploration Leader.

Highlights:

  • Start your journey with a taste of the Willamette Valley wines as your journey begins down the Columbia River. Here, some new wonder awaits around every bend. See dramatic waterfalls dropping into the Columbia River Gorge as you approach the Bonneville Dam and enter the locks to the National Scenic Area. .
  • Visit the Three Rivers Winery, Spring Valley Vineyards (noted by Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list) and the Beresan Winery and enjoy a fabulous lunch in Walla Walla, Washington..
  • At the last stretch of the Columbia River, arrive to the Hanford Reach National Monument where elk, mule deer, coyotes, great blue herons and white pelicans are a common sight. .
  • Visit the vineyards of Coyote Canyon Winery with an up-close explore of the vineyards, Red Mountain’s Terra Blanca Winery and Estate with a tour of the winery’s cave system, and the Hedges Family Estate with an explore of the French style Chateau on the slopes of the Red Mountain and the Yakima Valley..
  • Learn how the rich volcanic soils and pristine glacial waters create the perfect conditions for the pear orchards of the family run Fruit Company and the Maryhill Winery at the edge of Mt. Hood. .
  • In Astoria Oregon, delve into the seafood of the Oregon Coast with a cooking demonstration by chef Eric Jenkins and top it all off with a stop at the Shallon winery for a taste of their unique chocolate wine.

Spirit of Discovery - The first thing guests notice when stepping into the Discovery Lounge aboard the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery is light, air, and views - wide picture windows port and starboard, and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows facing forward. Backing the delightful scene are a bar and library with exquisitely detailed woodworking.
This is one of Cruise West’s most popular vessels. Every category stateroom offers a wide view window, many of which open for you to enjoy fresh breezes. Ample outside deck space and easy access to the extra-roomy bow area are perfect spots to view the sights around you.

Included: Accommodation in the cabin of your choice - all meals on board - all excursions - Shore activity in every port. Onboard gratuities are neither required nor expected.

Not Included: Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges).

Spirit of Discovery2008 Departures: Sep 28, Oct 5, Oct 12
2009 Departures: Apr 5 - Apr 12 - Apr 19 - Apr 26 - Sep 13 - Sep 20 - Sep 27 - Oct 4 - Oct 11 - Oct 18

Sketch Itinerary:

    >Day 1 - Sail from Portland
  • Day 2 - Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
  • Day 3 – Walla Walla, Washington & Wineries
  • Day 4 – Hanford Reach National Monument & wildlife area
  • Day 5 – Horse Heaven Hills & Red Mountains, orchard and vineyards
  • Day 6 – Hood River, Oregon & Wineries
  • Day 7 – Astoria, Oregon Seafood and Winery
  • Day 8 - Back to Portland

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Also tagged with: Cruise Expeditions, North America, United States, Educational, Special Interest, Culinary / Wine Discoveries, Cruising Type, River Cruises, Cruise West, West Coast, Exploration Cruise, Coastal Cruises


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