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 city sightseeing which includes the Pike Place Market. Then onto the Bavarian styled village of Leavenworth, in the Cascade Mountains, in central Washington State. Time to explore Alpine-style buildings with restaurants serving German beer and food on Front Street. Arrive in Washington's wine country and visit a local winery for a tasting.

This morning, take in vistas of famous Mount Hood, towering over the valley below at 11,239 feet. Continue to the picturesque city of Bend for a 2-night stay. This evening is at leisure to 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, and tour the famous Deschutes Brewery to enjoy free samples of 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. The rim drive offers spectacular views of the deep blue circular lake. Overnight in Medford. (CB)

This morning, visit the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Visitor centre. Learn why the Oregon Dunes are a unique area of windswept sand and the product of millions of years of erosion by wind and rain on the Oregon Coast. Follow the coast north to Florence, and enjoy an exciting guided dune buggy ride on the Oregon Dunes. Head east through Old Town Florence, which overlooks one of the many famous 1930s-era bridges set along scenic U.S. 101, the Oregon Coast Highway. 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 tasty saltwater taffy, 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 icy 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, downtown trains, and streetcars.

Your holiday ends this morning. You can extend your holiday with extra nights and explore the City of Roses further. Your Tour Director will have suggestions. (B)