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Peregrine Travel Centre

Columbia River: Harvests, History and Landscapes of the Pacific Northwest

Columbia River: Harvests, History and Landscapes of the Pacific Northwest

From AUD $8,786

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Description

Journey through the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia River, where soaring basalt cliffs, fertile valleys and historic river towns reveal the rich natural and cultural history of one of North America’s most iconic waterways. Sail through landscapes shaped by glacial floods and volcanic forces alongside experts in geology and history, tracing the route of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery between the Columbia Gorge and the Pacific coast. This voyage also offers immersive culinary experiences that celebrate the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy private tastings with local winemakers, savor seasonal cuisine inspired by the region’s agricultural bounty, and explore the distinctive terroirs of the Pacific Northwest through an onboard wine list curated by Food & Wine Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle.

Trip Name
Columbia River: Harvests, History and Landscapes of the Pacific Northwest
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 100 Built: 2017 National Geographic Venture is a purpose-built expedition vessel designed to follow the seasons and uncover the wild beauty of North America’s west coast and Baja California. A sister ship to National Geographic Quest, she was constructed at the renowned Nichols Brothers shipyard in the Pacific Northwest, continuing a legacy of shipbuilding excellence that began with Sea Bird and Sea Lion in the 1970s. Carrying 100 guests in 50 comfortable cabins, Venture offers the perfect balance of modern amenities and expedition-ready design, with a shallow draught that allows for access to hidden coves, narrow inlets, and wildlife-rich waters. On board, guests enjoy spacious public areas including a lounge with bar and presentation space, a dining room with open seating, a Global Gallery, fitness centre, and a furnished sundeck. A mudroom with lockers keeps expedition gear handy, while the open Bridge invites guests to learn from the Captain and crew. With twin Zodiac platforms for efficient embarkation, Venture is ideally suited for spontaneous wildlife encounters and exploration by paddleboard or kayak. Her design, informed by over 50 years of expedition expertise, ensures an immersive, flexible, and unforgettable experience at sea.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Portland, Oregon / Embark Ship
Arrive in the early afternoon in Portland, located in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Hood. Embark in the early evening and enjoy wine and champagne as the ship sails along the Willamette River under eight of Portland’s 12 eclectic bridges.Arrival Time: Arrive by 3:00 p.m. local time.  Arrival City: Portland, Oregon
Day 2 - Day 2 Cruising the Columbia Gorge
Witness natural and man-made marvels as you navigate the scenic Columbia River Gorge and pass through the Bonneville Lock and Dam. Enjoy a fresh-brewed coffee on the bow, where your naturalists offer insightful perspectives on the controversial history of dams along the river. Later, enjoy an onboard tasting with your wine specialist while learning about the local terroirs.
Day 3 - Day 3 Walla Walla, Washington
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. This morning, discover the city’s 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 continues to reverberate in American culture today. After lunch at a local winery, explore charming downtown Walla Walla at your leisure, perusing local galleries, sampling sweets at one of the country’s best candy stores or stopping in cozy wine-tasting rooms.
Day 4 - Day 4 Cruising the Columbia Gorge
Spend the day cruising through some of the most picturesque and geologically significant stretches of the Columbia River and the Columbia Plateau. Your geologists will provide insight on the glacial floods that sculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago, as your food and wine expert highlights the tastes and tannins of this unique terrain. Relive the historic tales of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery through the eyes of a historian as you sail by key landmarks.
Day 5 - Day 5 The Dalles or Hood River, Oregon
Make a stop at the towering Multnomah Falls before an optional hike to the 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 a massive working steam engine.
Day 6 - Day 6 Astoria
In the morning, navigate the Columbia River to its mouth in Astoria. Later, choose to explore Cape Disappointment and take in the dramatic scenery where Meriwether Lewis first glimpsed the Pacific Ocean in 1805. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic hike to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center or embark on a culinary heritage walk.
Day 7 - Day 7 Astoria
This morning, choose to visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum and learn about the estuary’s navigational hazards and history of shipwrecks. Alternatively, take a shuttle to the Astoria Column—a monument to the natural riches of the Pacific Northwest—or explore Astoria’s shops and restaurants at your own pace. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise accompanied by local wine tastings on board.
Day 8 - Day 8 Portland / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Portland after breakfast and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-10-202718-10-2027AUD $0Category 01
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18-10-202725-10-2027AUD $0Category 01
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18-10-202725-10-2027AUD $0Category 03
18-10-202725-10-2027AUD $0Category 04
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25-10-202701-11-2027AUD $0Category 01
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25-10-202701-11-2027AUD $0Category 03
25-10-202701-11-2027AUD $0Category 04
25-10-202701-11-2027AUD $0Category 05

Inclusions

    • Marvel at Multnomah Falls and hike iconic Beacon Rock—an 848-foot basalt monolith rising straight from the Columbia River
    • Explore the Columbia River Gorge, a landscape carved by the Missoula Floods more than 13,000 years ago, alongside geology experts to illuminate the forces that shaped it
    • Savor gourmet, seasonal menus featuring ingredients sourced primarily from the surrounding Pacific Northwest region
    • In Astoria, trace the footsteps of the Corps of Discovery at Cape Disappointment, where Meriwether Lewis first glimpsed the Pacific in 1805
    • Enjoy nightly tastings of the region's best wines, personally selected by Food & Wine magazine's Executive Wine Editor, Ray Isle—plus, gain exclusive access to private tours and tastings with local winemakers
    • Explore art galleries, sweets shops and tasting rooms in delightful downtown Walla Walla

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