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7 Night Columbia and Snake Rivers Food Wine and History Cruise from Portland

Ship: National Geographic Sea Bird

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Saturday, Sep 21, 2024 from Portland, United States

Ended: Saturday, Sep 28, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Sep 21, 2024 departure of the National Geographic Sea Bird. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Saturday - Sep 21, 2024

Portland, United States

Arrive in the early afternoon in Portland, located in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Hood. Embark in early evening and enjoy wine and champagne as we sail under eight of Portland's 12 eclectic bridges along the Willamette River.

Day 2 - Sunday - Sep 22, 2024

Astoria, United States

We begin our journey by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Cape Disappointment, take in the dramatic scenery where Meriwether Lewis saw the Pacific for the first time in 1805. Walk or enjoy a scenic hike to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to learn more. In the afternoon, there are several options to explore Astoria-visit the maritime museum to learn about this estuary's navigational hazards and history of shipwrecks, take a shuttle to the Astoria Column, or explore the shops and restaurants on your own. Back onboard, enjoy local beer and oysters provided by Buoy Beer Company.

Day 3 - Monday - Sep 23, 2024

Bonneville, United States

The Dalles, United States

Immerse yourself in natural and man-made marvels as we explore the scenic Columbia and pass through Bonneville Lock and Dam. Take a steaming cup of coffee to the bow where the onboard naturalists offer honest perspectives on the controversial history of dams along the river. In the afternoon, make a stop at neck-craning Multnomah Falls before an optional hike of iconic Beacon Rock, a basalt column towering 848 feet above the Columbia River. Later, enjoy a private event with Syncline Winery at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. Savor canapes and Syncline's distinctive wines as you take in 15,000 years of cultural history, including indigenous art and massive working steam engine.

Day 4 - Tuesday - Sep 24, 2024

Columbia River Gorge, United States

Today we will spend the day cruising through some of the most scenic and geologically interesting stretches of the Columbia River and the Columbia Plateau. Our geologists provide fascinating insight on the glacial floods that sculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago, as our food and wine expert illustrates the expression of such unique terrain through its tastes and tannins. Relive the historic tales of the Corps of Discovery through the eyes of a historian as we sail by important landmarks. Or, unwind with a massage in preparation for an exciting day ahead.

Day 5 - Wednesday - Sep 25, 2024

Burbank, United States

Bus Travel

Walla Walla, United States

Bus Travel

Burbank, United States

Drive through some of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, with bright, rolling green and purple fields of sprouting wheat, asparagus, and famous Walla Walla sweet onions. In the morning, discover the thriving art scene on a guided tour, or choose to visit the Whitman Mission, a standout National Historic Site where friction between Native Americans and white missionaries erupted into an event that reverberates in our culture today. After lunch at a local winery, explore charming downtown Walla Walla at your leisure, perusing local galleries, sampling sweets at the country's #1 candy store, or popping into cozy tasting rooms.

Day 6 - Thursday - Sep 26, 2024

Cruising the Palouse River, United States

Cruising the Snake River, United States

The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as we set off on our Zodiac and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls, where waters plunge 200 feet into a churning pool. These falls and the surrounding canyon with its towering cliffs, cavernous holes in the earth, and winding water routes are part of geologically unique channeled scablands created by ancient floods. Afterwards, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties.

Day 7 - Friday - Sep 27, 2024

Clarkston, United States

Today, we find ourselves at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. Travel by comfortable jet boat into spectacular, 125-mile Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge, mostly inaccessible by road. Observe remnants of the Nez Perce tribe, including ancestral horse trails along the hillsides and petroglyphs on rock formations, while keeping an eye out for the stately and nimble Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. In the evening, we are joined by a Nez Perce storyteller, and a local winemaker hosts our final tasting as we toast an unforgettable journey before a special final dinner.

Day 8 - Saturday - Sep 28, 2024

Clarkston, United States

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for connecting flights home. Choose to fly from nearby Lewiston, Idaho, or travel though the picturesque landscapes of the Palouse to Spokane, Washington, two hours away.