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Peregrine Travel Centre

Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey

Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey

From AUD $7,800

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Description

Travel along the Columbia and Snake Rivers as early explorers, settlers, and natives did—by the waterways that stretch far inland from the Pacific Ocean. You’ll experience the region’s history, harvests, and landscapes sailing through a beautiful land that offers access to fantastic wineries, places to kayak and hike, and extraordinary scenery. Taste local fruit from a nearby orchard and enjoy views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Learn of the struggles experienced by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark while they made their way to the Pacific Coast. And on our spring itinerary spend a lively day in bountiful Walla Walla, Washington, where you’ll enjoy a special lunch and tasting at one of the city’s celebrated wineries.

Trip Name
Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 72 metres Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins) Built: 2017 Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Created with a shallow draft, Quest draws only nine feet of water allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go. PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness centre; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation. MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasises local fare. CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Expedition landing craft, a fleet of 24 kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkelling gear for all guests (where applicable). SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist. WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Portland, Oregon / Embark Ship
Arrive in Portland, located on the Columbia andWillamette Rivers in the shadow of snow-cappedMt. Hood. The city is known for its eco-friendliness, microbreweries, and coffeehouses.This afternoon board our ship and discover whyPortland is nicknamed “Bridgetown” as we sailunder eight of the city’s 12 eclectic bridges alongthe Willamette River, the first of five rivers you willencounter on this voyage. (D)
Day 2 - DAY 2-3: Columbia River Gorge / Hood River
Gain a fresh perspective on such highlights asBonneville Lock and Dam, Multnomah Falls, andBeacon Rock (perhaps even hike it if you areinclined). Bonneville is first in the series of eightlocks that will lift or lower the ship some 700 feetabove sea level—nearly 10 times that of thePanama Canal.Continue through the Gorge to Hood River,located in the shadows of majestic Mount Hoodwhere you will have the option to see the springbloom in the Hood River Valley. The valley isknown for its fruit growing orchards—including oneof the world’s largest pear growing areas. Visit theWestern Antique Aeroplane & AutomobileMuseum and explore one of the largest collectionsof still functioning antique cars and planes orchoose to do something more active in the area,like river rafting on the White Salmonriver. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 4: Cruising
Today we will spend the day cruising throughsome of the most scenic and geologicallyinteresting stretches of the Columbia River and theColumbia Plateau. Our onboard geologist andnaturalists will talk with you about the ColumbianBasalt Flows and the Missoula Floods thatsculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago. Relivethe historic tales of the Corps of Discovery throughthe eyes of the historian as you sail by landmarksfrom their epic journey. Or unwind with a massagefrom the wellness specialist. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAY 5: Walla Walla
Drive through some of the most fertile agriculturalareas in the nation, with bright, rolling green fieldsof sprouting wheat, asparagus, the famous WallaWalla Sweet Onions, and now the vineyards thatbring Walla Walla world-wide recognition. Enjoyhistoric Walla Walla with a visit to the WhitmanMission, a National Historic Site, and the locationof the 1847 attack on missionaries Marcus andNarcissa Whitman and 12 members of theirhousehold by a group of Cayuse seekingretribution for the spread of measles among theirpeople and the inability of Whitman to heal thesick. Enjoy lunch and a tasting at a localwinery. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 6: Exploring the Palouse River
The still water of the Palouse River is the perfectmirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as we set offcruising on our Zodiac and kayak adventures. VisitPalouse Falls, where cascading waters plunge198 feet into the pool below. In spring, the falls areat their peak, fueled by melting snows nearby.These falls and the canyon are an importantfeature of the channeled scablands created by thegreat Missoula Floods that swept periodicallyacross the region. Afterwards, sail up the SnakeRiver, enjoying a taste of local specialties. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 7: Clarkston, Washington
At Clarkston, we find ourselves at the confluenceof the Snake and Clearwater rivers, more than 450miles from the sea. The name Clarkston is inreference to William Clark and is located directlyacross the river from Lewiston, Idaho, which isnamed for Meriwether Lewis, though neither ofthem ever traveled to the Clarkston side of theriver. Travel by comfortable jet boat into one ofNorth America’s most scenic spots, spectacularHells Canyon. The 125-mile long canyon wascarved by the waters of the Snake River and at7,993 feet is North America’s deepest river gorge—most of it inaccessible by road. The earliestknown settlers in the canyon were the Nez Percétribe and, as you travel up the river, look to thehillsides and see remnants of their ancestral horsetrails along with pictographs and petroglyphs onthe rock formations.This evening, enjoy the company of a localwinemaker onboard and sip of their wines whileyou hear about how the geology of the areasurrounding the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA, thenewest Viticultural Area in the United States,affects the flavors of their wines. (Winemakeronboard Eastbound itin only.) (B,L,D)
Day 7 - DAY 8: Clarkston / Disembark
After breakfast this morning transfer to the airportfor your connecting flights home. Choose to flyfrom nearby Lewiston, Idaho, or travel though thepicturesque landscapes of the Palouse toSpokane, Washington, located two hours away.(B)
Day 8 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
25-09-202302-10-2023AUD $8,040Category 1
25-09-202302-10-2023AUD $9,350Category 2
25-09-202302-10-2023AUD $10,920Category 3
25-09-202302-10-2023AUD $12,040Category 1 Single
25-09-202302-10-2023AUD $12,120Category 4
25-09-202302-10-2023AUD $13,440Category 5
25-09-202302-10-2023AUD $14,030Category 2 Single
02-10-202309-10-2023AUD $11,690Category 1 Single
02-10-202309-10-2023AUD $11,770Category 4
02-10-202309-10-2023AUD $13,050Category 5
02-10-202309-10-2023AUD $13,620Category 2 Single
02-10-202309-10-2023AUD $7,800Category 1
02-10-202309-10-2023AUD $9,080Category 2
02-10-202309-10-2023AUD $10,600Category 3

Inclusions

    • Sail in the wake of Lewis and Clark and their legendary Corps of Discovery expedition
    • Spend a day cruising through the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, taking in the views from the bow and perfecting your landscape photography skills
    • Taste the bounty of the region through their harvests and fresh, local, and delectable cuisine
    • Experience the region up close on water-level Zodiac and kayak forays on the Palouse River or by hiking monumental Beacon Rock
    • Transit a series of eight locks that lift the ship 700 feet—10 times the elevation of the Panama Canal

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