Compare In the Wake of Lewis & Clark by Smithsonian Journeys vs California Panorama by Omega Tours
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
3 | Average
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 4,300 | $ 2,127 |
| Price Per Day | $ 614 | $ 266 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
6 Breakfast, 5 Lunch, 6 Dinner |
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| Description |
Enjoy autumn colors and clear blue skies while exploring one of America’s great waterways along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Follow the route of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery expedition, which carved a pathway to the West, accompanied by our team of experts, including a historian, expedition leader, naturalist/geologist, and photo instructor. Enjoy active adventures featuring kayaks, expedition landing crafts, and biking as you focus on the region's natural history; visit sites such as the campsites used by the Corps of Discovery and the eclectic Maryhill Museum with its collection of Native American basketry and beadwork. And all along the way, you'll discover the region's culinary delights, aboard ship as we’re underway, and at a family farm and winery. Our expedition ship is perfectly suited to river travel and fosters an incredible spirit of shared adventure. You'll also pass through the series of eight locks that raise or lower the ship over 700 feet—a monumental triumph of engineering that deserves to be observed up close. |
Tick off all the Californian must-sees on this fantastic escorted tour as you experience Las Vegas in all its glittering glory, see the spectacular Yosemite National Park in awe and embrace San Francisco with its diverse and incredible surroundings including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Discover all the glamour Los Angeles has to offer with stops at some of its most famous spots and much more |
Day 1 : Portland, Oregon, Embark
Meals: Dinner
Board the ship and cruise the center of Portland on the Willamette River before reaching the Columbia River.
Day 2: Astoria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin our journey by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Fort Clatsop, where explorers hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806, we walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which chronicles the history of river navigation and this port town. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit Cape Disappointment or expedition landing craft and kayak in the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge, conditions permitting.
Day 3: Columbia River Gorge/Hood River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we begin our orientation to the Gorge. You’ll get a fresh perspective on such highlights as Bonneville Lock and Dam, Beacon Rock, and Multnomah Falls. Continue through the Gorge to Hood River, where you’ll enjoy fresh fruit from a family farm and taste award-winning wines at a local vineyard.
Day 4: The Dalles/Maryhill Museum, Oregon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to learn about the region’s natural history. Walk or take bicycles along the beautiful river trail. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Maryhill Museum and view its extensive and eclectic collection of baskets woven by Native Americans, Rodin sculptures, and other fascinating exhibits.
Day 5 :Exploring the Palouse River, Washington
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as we set off on our expedition landing craft cruises and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls where cascading waters plunge into the pool below. Afterwards, continue up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties.
Day 6 : Clarkston
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At Clarkston, we find ourselves at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. Today, travel by comfortable jet boat up the Snake River into one of North America’s most scenic spots, spectacular Hells Canyon. Or you may opt to follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Clearwater River, visiting several of their actual campsites.
Day 7: Clarkston, Washington, Disembark
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer through Lewiston, Idaho or Spokane, Washington for connecting flights home.
DAY 1: LOS ANGELES ARRIVAL
Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer independently to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles, or similar
DAY 2: LOS ANGELES > MOJAVE DESERT > LAS VEGAS
Meet your Tour Director and depart for Las Vegas, the glittering “Entertainment Capital of the World,” for non-stop fun, gambling, and world-class entertainment. Your tour stops at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture your photo memory of Las Vegas.
Accommodation at the Luxor Las Vegas, Las Vegas, or similar
DAY 3: LAS VEGAS > DEATH VALLEY > MAMMOTH LAKES/FRESNO
Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/Visitors Center before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for its superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.
Important note: Winter Routing The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).
Accommodation at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes, or Piccadilly Inn, Fresno
DAY 4: MAMMOTH/FRESNO > YOSEMITE > MODESTO
Your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass (please see important note on day 3) into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls, and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in Modesto.
Accommodation at the Doubletree by Hilton Modesto, Modesto, or similar
DAY 5: MODESTO > SAN FRANCISCO
Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).
Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar
DAY 6: SAN FRANCISCO (NAPA VALLEY OPTIONAL)
Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough bread, or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to watch them frolic.
Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and ”Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine-tasting tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).
Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar
DAY 7: SAN FRANCISCO > MONTEREY/ CARMEL > CENTRAL COAST
Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and famous Cannery Row Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries, and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.
Accommodation at the Radisson Santa Maria, Central Coast, or similar
DAY 8: CENTRAL COAST > SANTA BARBARA > SANTA MONICA > LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE
Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, an orientation tour commences to include Hollywood, portions of Beverly Hills, and Century City before arriving in Santa Monica, home to the finish line of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier before departure or arriving at your hotel.
