Pacific Coast Journey featuring Oregon’s Coast and San Francisco

Revel in the natural beauty of the Pacific Coast experiencing the wonders of the Columbia River Gorge, glorious mountains, magnificent redwood trees, lush vineyards and the exciting City by the Bay.

9 Days • 13 Meals (5 dinners and 8 breakfasts)

Day One – Arrive in Portland

Welcome to Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses” to begin your Pacific Coast Journey. Meet your Tour Manager at 5:00 p.m. and get to know your fellow travelers during a fun-filled welcome dinner at the Rheinlander German Restaurant, a unique, festive dining experience complete with singing servers. (Dinner)

Day Two – Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood

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. This afternoon features the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, where sheer cliffs rise as high as 2,000 feet! First a stop at Crown Point offers spectacular gorge views from the Vista House, then we’ll see splendid Multnomah Falls, mammoth Bonneville Lock and Dam, and historic Timberline Lodge at towering Mount Hood. (Breakfast)

Day Three – Explore the Oregon Coast

Today we begin our exploration of the magnificent Oregon Coast, viewing beaches, sheer cliffs, and pounding surf. We’ll pause to tour the Tillamook Cheese Factory, take the breathtaking Three Capes Scenic Drive and visit the unique Lookout Gift Shop, perched high above the Pacific at Otter Rock. Nearby we’ll see the 1873 Yaquina Head Lighthouse, tallest in the state. Oceanfront accommodations have been arranged tonight in Newport. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day Four – Oregon Dunes Buggy Tour

Continuing our coastal adventure through Yachats, Florence, Reedsburg, and Coos Bay, today’s sightseeing includes exploration of the fabulous 250-foot sand dunes at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area by four-wheel-drive vehicle, a visit to the lovely botanical gardens of Shore Acres State Park, and a stop at a myrtlewood gift factory. This evening begins a two-night stay in Grants Pass. (Breakfast)

Day Five – Crater Lake National Park

Today features the natural wonders of Crater Lake National Park, where rain and snow filled the empty caldera of an ancient volcano 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 for historic Jacksonville and a delicious dinner at the charming Jacksonville Inn. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day Six – Hellgate Canyon Jetboat Trip and the Redwoods

A special treat this morning is our 36-mile jetboat excursion down the Rogue River through the spectacular Hellgate Canyon wilderness area. Then, entering California, home of skyscraping coastal redwoods, we’ll visit splendid state parklands and the fine groves of Redwood National Park. Following the coastline through miles of giant forests, today’s destination is Eureka, where accommodations await and dinner features the lumberjack camp-style cooking of historic Samoa Cookhouse. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day Seven – Avenue of the Giants and Sonoma Valley

Another tour highlight is this morning’s drive along the “Avenue of the Giants,” through huge stands of magnificent redwoods in Humboldt Redwoods and Richardson Grove State Parks. This afternoon we’ll motor through the famed Sonoma Valley wine country, where a stop has been scheduled for a tour and tasting at Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville. Reaching the San Francisco Bay area, we’ll check-in for a two-night stay at a charming inn at Novato. (Breakfast)

Day Eight – San Francisco Touring and Bay Cruise

We’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge, then spend the morning touring San Francisco, discovering the many sights for which the “City by the Bay” is renowned. Free time for browsing at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 begins the afternoon, before an invigorating cruise of San Francisco Bay. Our farewell evening in Chinatown includes a Chinese banquet dinner at the Cathay House. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day Nine – Travel Home

Depart for home from this memorable vacation with a group transfer to San Francisco International Airport for flights out after 1:00 p.m. (Breakfast)

Accommodations

Days One and Two – Red Lion Hotel, Portland, Oregon
Day Three – Shilo Inn Oceanfront Resort, Newport, Oregon
Days Four and Five – La Quinta Inn, Grants Pass, Oregon
Day Six – Best Western Humboldt Bay Inn, Eureka, California
Days Seven and Eight – Inn Marin, Novato, California

Dates and Rates

2012 Departure Dates:
June 4
July 9
August 6
September 17

Per Person Rates:
Twin $1,799
Single add $699
Triple deduct $16
Call for air rates and schedules from your city to Portland, Oregon and from San Francisco, California

Stay another night
Rooms for the night before the tour are available. Cost for a room in Portland is $139, tax included.