Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey
Overview
Highlights
- Follow the path of Lewis and Clark’s expedition through what are today the states of Washington and Oregon.
- Cruise through the towering canyons of the Columbia River Gorge, and explore the coastline by kayak or motorized landing craft.
- Hike or bike along breathtaking vistas, and take an exhilarating jet boat ride up the Snake River to Hell’s Canyon.
- Enjoy locally sourced, sustainable cuisine and nightly beer and wine tastings on board. Also visit a winery for a tasting and tour.
- Learn about the history of the Nez Perce and other Native American tribes of the area.
- Learn from a National Geographic photographer aboard a specially-crafted fall foliage Photo Expedition on the Oct. 10 departure.
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Trip includes
- Accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
- Ground transportation
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Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
After boarding our ship, cruise the lower reaches of the Willamette River through downtown Portland, nicknamed Rose City for its many rose gardens.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Sail to the mouth of the Columbia River at Astoria, Oregon. At Fort Clatsop, walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806 before their re...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Sail east on the Columbia River, which forms the border between Washington and Oregon. Deepening canyons signify the beginning of the 100-mile stretch called the Columbia River Gorge. Begin exploration of the Gorge with visits...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to learn about the region’s natural history. Hike or bike among the cliffs and cascades along Highway 30, one of the original east-west, coast-to-coast U.S. highways. In the afternoon, visit the Maryhill Museum of Art with its eclectic collection of native baskets, Rodin sculptures, and chess sets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This tributary of the Snake River empties out from a remote, narrow canyon and its calm waters are ideal for exploring with the ship’s Zodiacs and kayaks. Visit Palouse Falls, where cascading waters plunge into pools below. Afterward, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Near the Idaho border, Clarkston, Washington, is at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Guests can opt for a jet boat ride up the Snake River over rapids and past abandoned homesteads and gold mines to Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America.
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer through Lewiston, Idaho, or Spokane, Washington for your flight home.
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Dates & Availability
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin in 2015, add $2,300 for Category 1 and $2,700 in Category 2.For a single cabin in 2016, add $2,340 in Category 1 and $2,780 in Category 2.
Third person rates are available in a limited number of Category 3 cabins at one-half the double occupancy rate.
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Air transportation
- Gratuities for ship’s crew
- Passport, visa, and permit expenses
- Medical expenses and immunizations
- Baggage/accident/cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages
Accommodation
Accommodating just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins, the National Geographic Sea Lion is large enough to operate in remote environments in comfort, yet small enough to enter ports and inlets inaccessible to bigger ships. The ship carries sea kayaks and a fleet of Zodiacs, providing easy access to coastlines and other places of interest. All cabins have windows and are attractively and comfortably furnished with lower berths, private bathrooms, reading lights, and individual climate control. The Sea Lion is authorized to operate in the Tongass National Forest under a Forest Service Special Use Permit
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 6 Dinners
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