A region sandwiched between mountains and the sea… the essence of the Pacific Northwest is characterized by lush country and sophisticated city life. Join us as we showcase this marvelous region, exploring Seattle, Portland, Eureka and San Francisco. Feel the roar of America's greatest volcanic eruption when you visit Olympia's Mt. St. Helens Cinedome Theater. Mt. Hood dominates the horizon as you travel along the Cascade Mountains to the magnificent Columbia River Gorge and the Bonneville Dam, where a park ranger will guide you through the dam and provide insight on its history. You'll cruise the spectacular Rogue River for a chance to view bald eagles, seals and heron. From there it's on to the famous Redwood National Park in California, location of the world's largest trees. Enjoy a delightful tour of Eureka with its beautiful Victorian architecture before driving over the legendary Golden Gate Bridge arriving in the "City by the Bay." A change of pace awaits you in San Francisco, with its vibrant, cosmopolitan attitude and world-famous landmarks, including Chinatown, Twin Peaks, Fisherman's Wharf, and Alcatraz.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive Seattle, Washington - Tour Begins - Your scenic tour through the Pacific Northwest and California begins with an overnight stay in one of America’s most picturesque cities, Seattle. Get to know your fellow travelers tonight at a welcome dinner.
Day #2 Seattle - Olympia - Portland, Oregon - Embark on a sightseeing tour of the “Emerald City,” including the colorful restored waterfront area, historic Pioneer Square, and Pike Place Market, a famous fish and vegetable market dotted with restaurants and shops. As you depart Seattle, travel south through Olympia and stop at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center. Learn about the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens as well as the history of the state park. Continue to Portland for a two-night stay in North America's “Best Big City”.
Day #3 Portland - Cascade Mountains - Portland - Drive along the Mt. Hood route to the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. It's a day of sightseeing you will never forget. Mt. Hood dominates the horizon as you leave the valley and enter the slopes of the Cascade Mountains. Your day will be highlighted by a tour of the magnificent Columbia River Gorge and the Bonneville Dam where a US Army Corps of Engineers park ranger will guide you through the dam and provide an interpretive talk on its might, hydropower and history.
Day #4 Portland - Willamette Valley - Newport - Coos Bay - Your scenic journey takes you through what was the promised land for many pioneers during the days of the Oregon Trail. The Willamette Valley contains some of the most fertile agricultural soils of Oregon and nurtures vegetables, flowers, herbs, nuts and vineyards. Next, head to the coastal town of Newport for a brief stop before traveling along some of the country's most beautiful coastlines and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Day #5 Coos Bay - Bandon State Natural Area - Redwood National Park - Eureka - Start your morning with a drive to Bandon State Natural Area. You will be amazed by the scenery along the scenic Beach Loop with sights such as Bandon Rocks and Face Rock, known to many from the American Indian legend. Next, enjoy a cruise up the spectacular Rogue River taking you into Oregon’s rugged wilderness for a chance to see bald eagles, cormorants, seals and blue heron. Continuing south, you enter the redwood country of California. Visit the famous Redwood National Park, home to some of the world's tallest trees. Inside the park you will see some of these trees that are close to 300 feet tall and understand why the sun seldom hits the ground! Tonight, arrive in Eureka for your overnight stay.
Day #6 Eureka - San Francisco - Enjoy a delightful tour through the historic timber and fishing village of Eureka and behold the beautiful Victorian architecture of Old Town. Journey through more redwood forests, including the “Avenue of the Giants,” a scenic highway loaded with towering redwoods. Next, drive over the legendary Golden Gate Bridge and arrive in the “City by the Bay,” San Francisco.
Day #7 San Francisco - Today you discover this amazing city with a fascinating sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s most popular landmarks. You will see the stunning Twin Peaks, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Later, enjoy leisure time to explore Fisherman’s Wharf. For a true local experience, ride the famed cable cars up and down San Francisco’s thrilling hills as you sightsee. Tonight, gather for dinner on Pier 39 which offers exceptional views of San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge.
Day #8 San Francisco - Tour Ends - Your tour ends today, but the memories will stay with you forever.