Exploring the Pacific Northwest

Welcome to the Emerald City! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

This morning begins with a city tour where you'll see the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and other landmarks. Then drive through the Cascade Mountain Range to Mount Rainier National Park to view the grandeur of Mount Rainier, its glaciated peak ascending 14,410 feet above sea level. Continue to Yakima for an overnight. (B)

This morning, take in vistas of famous Mount Hood, towering over the valley below at 11,239 feet. Stop at Draper Girls' Country Farm to sample fresh, local cider. Continue to the picturesque city of Bend for a 2-night stay. This evening is at leisure. Perhaps explore some of Bend's 27 breweries and restaurants. (CB)

The day begins with a visit to the High Desert Museum for a self-guided tour that highlights the true Spirit of the West. Return to Bend where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may want to browse the downtown area's many shops and art galleries, stroll along the Deschutes River, or sample some of the local craft beer. (CB)

Today is devoted to Crater Lake National Park. Founded in 1902, Crater Lake is the fifth-oldest national park in the United States. Behold the stunning blue waters of the deepest lake in the United States. Overnight in Medford. (CB)

This morning, visit the Oregon Dunes, a unique area of windswept sand and the product of millions of years of erosion by wind and rain on the Oregon Coast. Enjoy an exciting, guided dune buggy ride then head to Old Town Florence and take a stroll along the banks of the Siuslaw River. End your day with a walk around Newport's Historic Bayfront, where you may see (and hear) sea lions barking, or perhaps dine on superb Dungeness crab cakes at Local Ocean Seafoods.

For a taste of the dramatic Oregon coastline, we follow the Three Capes Scenic Route, which provides an excellent view of the most populous colonies of nesting sea birds on the continent. Explore Cape Meares Lighthouse, the shortest lighthouse in Oregon, standing at just 38 feet high. Enjoy a break in Tillamook, best known for its famous cheese and ice cream, before continuing to the resort city of Seaside, bursting with shops and great places to eat, miles of sandy beach and a grand promenade to stroll. See the "End of the Trail" monument dedicated to the Lewis & Clark expedition.

Overnight in the coastal city of Astoria with Victorian-era homes etched into hills overlooking the Columbia River. This picturesque settlement is a port city with Scandinavian flavour and great local brews.

Depart for the City of Roses, Portland. En route, visit Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall roaring and awe-inspiring cascade of water. After time for lunch, visit Washington Park, home of the International Rose Test Garden, followed by a Portland city sightseeing tour that shows you an enlightened city rich with artwork, parks, bridges and of course, coffee shops, and craft breweries. (B)

Your holiday ends this morning. Consider extending your holiday with extra nights and explore the City of Roses further. (B)