Roll on, Columbia, roll on! The pioneer history of the Pacific Northwest comes alive as you retrace the journeys of explorers Lewis and Clark and the many settlers who traveled westward along the Oregon Trail. Learn about the rivers’ geology, visit important historical sites and explore the area’s scenic wonders on small-boat excursions with naturalist guides.
Highlights include:
• Retrace the epic journey of Lewis and Clark.
• Transit eight sets of locks and visit the Bonneville Dam Visitor Center.
• Enjoy a wine-tasting tour in Washington’s wine country.
• Price includes wine, beer and liquor onboard plus 1 massage per guest.
$75 shipboard credit per cabin
Follow in the wake of famed American explorers Lewis and Clark as you cruise 1,000 miles of historic waterways aboard Safari Legacy, an intimate 88-passenger luxury yacht that lets you sail within close range of the area's magnificent scenery. The ambiance aboard the newly refurbished Safari Legacy evokes an early Victorian steamer with carved wooden cabinetry and a Grand Salon complete with a dance floor, full bar and old-world charm. Enjoy an intimate wine bar and library, hot tub, sauna, fitness equipment, yoga classes and massage suite - complete with a complimentary massage for every guest!
The Columbia and Snake Rivers provide a dramatic backdrop to learning the history, culture and geology of the river system. You'll cross eight major locks and dams as some new wonder waits around every bend: Mighty waterfalls dropping into the Columbia River Gorge; historic forts where blue-coated U.S. Cavalry strived to tame the new frontier; and a fascinating look at how the rivers themselves were tamed. Learn how the Columbia River basin was forged by volcanic eruptions and catastrophic Ice Age floods at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Dock in Clarkston and visit traditional sites of the Nez Perce Indians as well as sites important to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. And in the mid-20th century, learn how industrialists harnessed the mighty Columbia with a series of dams. Today, the dams along the Columbia produce more hydroelectric power than those of any other North American river.
Other highlights include a visit to Multnomah Falls in the spectacular Columbia River Gorge; a rollicking jet boat ride into Hells Canyon with its 8,000-foot-high canyon walls; a visit to Fort Walla Walla's “Cradle of Northwest History” pioneer village and museum; wine tasting of premium wines from renowned vineyards in Washington’s wine country; and a visit the reconstructed log fortress at Fort Clatsop National Monument - passing the heavy wooden gates, you can feel the presence of buckskin-clad Lewis and Clark who sheltered here from the elements during the rainy winter of 1805.
Price includes:
• 7 nights cruise accommodations
• All onboard meals plus premium wine, beer and liquor
• Kayaking and small-boat exploration, including jet boat ride in Hells Canyon
• Expertise of onboard professional naturalists
• Complimentary onboard massage for each guest
• Exclusive excursions and activities: Visits to the Bonneville Dam Visitor’s Center and Multnomah Falls in Columbia River Gorge; tour of Lewis and Clark sites in Clarkston, Washington; visit a pioneer village in Walla Walla, followed by wine tour and tasting; Maryhill Museum and Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles, Oregon; Fort Clatsop National Monument and Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Oregon
• Round-trip airport transfers
• All taxes, port charges and fees
Day 1 – Arrive in Portland / Embarkation the Safari Legacy
Welcome to Portland! You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to our hospitality area before boarding the Safari Legacy. Enjoy champagne and hors d’oeuvres before dinner, and after dinner, gather in the Victorian-style main salon for a presentation about our upcoming voyage.
Accommodation: Selected stateroom aboard Safari Legacy – 7 nights
Day 2 – Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
As we sail through the Columbia River Gorge entrance, we’ll slip through the locks of Bonneville Dam and embark on a private tour of the massive turbines and fish ladder at the dam’s Visitor Center. Since 1938, this historic landmark has supplied hydroelectric power and river navigation. Travel by motor coach and take a moment at the towering Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon. Back on board, cruise upriver through spectacular Columbia River Gorge. At 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, this river canyon cuts the only sea level route through the Cascade Mountains.
Day 3 – Richland, Washington / Snake River Cruising
After an early morning transit of the McNary Dam, arrive in Richland at the confluence of the Yakima, Columbia and Snake Rivers. Hillsides reveal the orchards of over 160 wineries found within the region in appellations such as Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain and Yakima Valley. Learn about the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and its role in World War II’s Manhattan Project. Returning to the boat for lunch, view the surrounding wheat fields and pass by massive wind farm turbines atop the hills. Observe the intricacies of locking through Ice Harbor Dam, followed by the Lower Monumental Dam. Step back in time with colorful stories about pioneer hardships and triumphs.
Day 4 – Clarkston / Hells Canyon
After our final upriver locking at the Lower Granite Dam, dock in Clarkston to delve into the history and culture of the Nez Perce people. Historical sites connected to the Lewis and Clark Expedition are abundant in this area, including Clark’s first encounter with the Nez Perce in 1805. Board a covered jet boat for an invigorating ride into Hells Canyon. This free-flowing river, hemmed in by vertical cliffs, cuts its way through North America’s deepest river gorge at 7,993 feet. Protected as a National Recreation Area since 1975, Hells Canyon preserves a world of fascinating natural and cultural elements. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, hawks and 7,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs. This evening marks your return downriver for a vibrant combination of Lewis and Clark history, river lore and fine wine.
Day 5 – Walla Walla
A visit to Fort Walla Walla celebrates the “Cradle of Northwest History” with pioneer village, Living History presentations, a museum and extensive galleries. Recognized internationally for its award-winning wines, turn your attention to the vibrant wine making industry that thrives in and around Walla Walla. This world-class wine country was shaped by its desert-like conditions, rich volcanic terroir and controlled river irrigation. Enjoy the pride of this appellation with a tour and tasting at one of the region's distinctive wineries.
Day 6 – The Dalles, Oregon
It’s a day of culture at the Maryhill Museum and Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. With its eclectic collection of European paintings, Native artifact and the Queen of Romania’s personal effects, the museum’s collection is housed in a castle-like chateau situated on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. The Discovery Center’s interactive exhibits provide a life-sized look into the area’s volcanic eruptions 40-60 million years ago and catastrophic floods near the end of the last Ice Age; pioneers and missionaries; and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Take in the magnificent scenery as we travel along the Sam Hill Highway back to the Safari Legacy. Transit The Dalles—another of the eight dams harnessing these mighty rivers.
Day 7 – Astoria
Situated near the mouth of the Columbia River, you’ll step back in time with a visit to Fort Clatsop and Astoria. Fort Clatsop National Monument is a replica of the encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition during the winter of 1805-1806. The fort was the Corps of Discovery’s last encampment before their return trip east to St. Louis. Visit the fascinating Columbia River Maritime Museum and take time to stroll through the quaint Victorian streets of Astoria. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening, then relive the week through photos and storytelling hosted by your Legacy Leaders.
Day 8 – Portland, Oregon / Disembark
Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you farewell. Disembark for your included transfer to the Portland Airport.
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Single supplement may apply. Price given valid for Master Stateroom on 11/2, 11/9 and 11/16/2013 departures; rates for other stateroom categories and departure dates may be higher. Except for packages including air transportation, unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member Benefits are per person and apply to first and second traveler only. Member Benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or canceled subject to the travel providers’ policies. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of printing but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance. Except for packages including air transportation, fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement or port charges and vary by provider. Ship’s registry: United States.
CST #1003968-80. Registration as seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Links:
[1] http://calstate.aaa.com/travel/about-aaa-travel/aaa-sojourns