From painted deserts to rainforest gorges to the mighty Pacific coast, experience the variety, beauty and majesty of Oregon and its seven unique wonders.
Day 1 Arrive in Portland
Welcome to Portland where we begin our search for Oregon’s Seven Wonders. Meet your Tour Manager at 6:00 p.m. and get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner in the hotel. Meal: D
Day 2 Portland City Tour and Columbia River Gorge
This morning a guided tour of Portland includes Lloyd Center, the downtown area on the Willamette River, Old Town Historic District and famed International Rose Test Gardens. The afternoon features our first Oregon Wonder, the Columbia River Gorge. At Vista House, sheer cliffs rise as high as 2,000 feet and verdant mountainsides and waterfalls meet the Columbia River, and offers spectacular gorge views. At spectacular Multnomah Falls, experience the power of this 600-foot tall roaring cascade of water which legend says was created to win the heart of a young princess who wanted a private place to bathe. We also stop at mammoth Bonneville Lock and Dam before returning. Meal: B
Day 3 Mount Hood and Timberline Lodge
Leaving Portland behind, we head towards our second Oregon Wonder, Mount Hood. At over 11,000 feet, it is the highest mountain in the state. Our lunch today is at spectacular Timberline Lodge, one of Oregon’s most popular attractions. Considered an architectural wonder, Timberline was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Later, we arrive in Pendleton, known for fine woolens, leather craftsmanship and western heritage and traditions. Meals: B, L
Day 4 Hells Canyon Jet Boat and Wallowa Mountains
Rising almost 10,000 feet out of the ranchland of eastern Oregon are the Wallowa Mountains, our third Oregon Wonder. We take a panoramic guided tour of the bustling little town of Baker City before heading to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the deepest river gorge in North America. After our included lunch we take to the river on an exciting jet boat excursion into the deeper parts of the canyon. Later, we arrive at our hotel in Baker City. Meals: B, D
Day 5 Painted Hills and Smith Rock State Park
At John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, we find our fourth Oregon Wonder, the Painted Hills. This remnants of this ancient flood plain undulates in hues of red, gold and black. Our fifth Oregon Wonder features red rock spires soaring more than 500 feet above the sagecovered high desert plateau of Central Oregon. Later, we arrive in Bend, an inviting mountain getaway with a cosmopolitan appeal for the next two nights. Meals: B, L
Day 6 Crater Lake National Park
Today is entirely dedicated to our sixth Oregon Wonder, Crater Lake National Park. Here, rain and snow filled the empty caldera of the ancient volcano Mount Mazama with brilliant blue waters to a depth of 1,932 feet, creating the deepest lake in North America. We’ll follow the 35-mile Rim Drive for unmatched panoramic views. This afternoon we head back to Bend and a delicious included dinner. Meals: B, D
Day 7 Oregon Dunes Dune Buggy Ride
Departing the interior today, we make our way to Oregon’s beautiful coast. At Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area we climb aboard special designed four-wheel-drive dune buggies for thrilling ride off the beaten path. Some of the wind-sculpted sand dunes tower almost 500 feet above sea level and the area features thick “tree islands”, marsh-like deflation plains and beaches. At Newport, oceanfront accommodations have been arranged to the evening. Meals: B, D
Day 8 Oregon’s Dramatic Coastline
Today we experience our seventh Oregon Wonder, its incredible coastline. Here, wind-sculpted trees lean inland and rugged sea stacks rise from the surf. We begin with a stop at the 1873 Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the tallest in the state. Continuing up the coast, we’ll take the breathtaking Three Capes Scenic Drive before coming to the town of Tillamook, home to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. For over 100 years Tillamook has been producing only the finest cheese the region has become known for. Tonight we enjoy a fun-filled farewell dinner at Gustav’s Restaurant, a unique, festive dining experience. Meals: B, D
Day 9 Travel Home
Depart for home from this memorable vacation with a group transfer to the Portland International Airport at 8:00 a.m. for flights out after 12:00 p.m. Meal: B