Compare In the Wake of Lewis & Clark by Smithsonian Journeys vs Sunsets & Southern Charms by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
3 | Average
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 4,300 | $ 1,579 |
| Price Per Day | $ 614 | $ 316 |
| 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 | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
6 Breakfast, 5 Lunch, 6 Dinner |
4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners |
| 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. |
Experience the charms of the South by horse and carriage, tour the only tea plantation in North America, see pristine Antebellum Mansions up close, shop in markets that date to 1700s… and dine on unforgettable Low Country cuisine…these are all the ingredients for an unforgettable trip! |
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 - Arrive Charleston, SC
Today, depart on a journey south to enjoy a taste of southern hospitality. See the beautiful architecture and history that Charleston and Savannah are known for, and take in some beautiful southern sunsets! Transfer to the airport for your flight to Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Upon arrival in Charleston, we check into our hotel for the next two nights, the Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant. Tonight, dinner is included at Hyman’s Seafood Restaurant. (D)
Day 2 - Charleston
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a guided tour of Charleston, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the south. Admire the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings and colorful houses throughout the city. The tour will conclude at the Charleston City Market to enjoy some free time and lunch on own. This afternoon, we will travel to Wadmalaw Island, where we enjoy a guided tour at the beautiful Charleston Tea Plantation, then we make a stop at the Deep Water Vineyard. While here, we enjoy a wine tasting of 9 different wines. After, it’s back to Charleston, where we will board The Spirit of Carolina for a dinner cruise! (B, D)
Day 3 - Savannah, GA
After breakfast, we’re off and out again, making our way to Beaufort, SC! Historic Beaufort, was founded in 1711, and stands strong as a living landmark, handcrafted from the storied history of the south. We will enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour of Beaufort, have time for lunch and to do some shopping before resuming our journey south to Savannah, GA. We check into the Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District, before dinner at Belford’s Seafood & Steak. (B, D)
Day 4 - Savannah
This morning, we meet our guide following breakfast for a full day of touring. Our travels include a visit to the Andrew Low House, former home of Juliette Magill Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, and Andrew Low himself. This afternoon, we stop at the Savannah City Market for lunch, on own, before our tour to the Atlantic Low Country and Tybee Island. This evening’s dinner is included at the Crab Shack on Tybee Island, followed by a relaxing sunset dolphin cruise. What a way to complete this wonderful tour!
(B, D)
Day 5 - Depart Savannah
Breakfast is included this morning, before we start making our way home and say our farewells to Georgia & South Carolina. We will be dropped off by our motor-coach at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for the flight home. (B)
