A sampling of Seattle, the beautiful Oregon coast, and the California wine country make this magnificent journey along the Pacific Coast one you'll remember. Start your vacation in charming Seattle; then travel south to Portland for a sightseeing tour and a visit to the International Rose Test Gardens, the largest rose garden in Portland. Portland is known for its foodie culture, and you’ll get a chance to discover it on your Portland tasting tour and excursion to a local winery. Enjoy some of the spectacular scenery waiting in Oregon, including Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, with wind-sculpted sand dunes stretching 500 feet above sea level; the scenic Rogue River, where you’ll experience a thrilling ride through this wild and remote region via glass-enclosed jetboat; and the many majestic views and scenic lighthouses along the Oregon Coast.In California, view the world's tallest trees in spectacular Redwood National Park and along Avenue of the Giants, a quiet 2-lane road that winds through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery with ancient redwood trees. You’ll even have the opportunity to see an 1,800-year-old redwood! In the famous wine-making region of Sonoma, visit Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyard to tour the wine caves and taste the wines. Conclude your Pacific Coast vacation in vibrant San Francisco.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Seattle. Welcome to the Emerald City! At 6:30 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Day #2 Seattle. This morning begins with a guided tour of Seattle, including Pike Place Market, a local shopping mecca; Pioneer Square, Seattle’s original downtown; and a trip up the SPACE NEEDLE for spectacular views of the city below. Continue your tour at the FUTURE OF FLIGHT AVIATION CENTER for a tour of the Boeing Factory and past, present, and future developments in aviation technology. The afternoon is at leisure in Seattle. Maybe visit Starbucks’ first coffee shop, Seattle Center, or the Seattle Art Museum, with one of the nation’s premier collections of Northwest Coast Indian art and artifacts. (B)
Day #3 Seattle–Mount St. Helens–Portland. Travel south this morning, possibly capturing your first glimpse of Mount Rainier, a towering ice-clad volcano. Then, head for world-famous Mount St. Helens as you journey to VOLCANO VISITOR’S CENTER. Here you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the dramatic eruption in 1980. On to Portland, known as the “City of Roses.” Visit WASHINGTON PARK, home of the INTERNATIONAL ROSE TEST GARDENS, followed by a city sightseeing tour. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day #4 Portland. On our morning [LF] TASTING TOUR, learn how Portland emerged as one of the top dining cities in the country and is now known for its foodie culture. During our tour we’ll visit a tea maker and bakery. Afterward, sample a bite from one of the city’s gourmet food carts. We then head out of the city to a local WINERY. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch while witnessing spectacular views of Mount Hood. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. Why not check out one of the many local brewpubs and see why Portland has been nicknamed “Beervana.” (B,L)
Day #5 Portland–Newport–Gleneden Beach. This morning, continue along the rugged Pacific coastline en route to Newport, one of Oregon’s most popular seaside resorts. Along the way, visit the EVERGREEN AVIATION MUSEUM, home to the famous Spruce Goose. Later, take in the fresh ocean breezes at your hotel, the distinguished Salishan Spa & Golf Resort at Gleneden Beach. (B,D)
Day #6 Gleneden Beach–Florence–Oregon Dunes National Recreation area–Gold Beach. This morning, visit the OREGON COAST AQUARIUM as you explore the indoor exhibits and a vast outdoor marine habitat. Continue south to Bandon-by-the-Sea with its unique offshore rock formations. Also see popular sites such as the Heceta Head Lighthouse and Florence Old Town before arriving at the OREGON DUNES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, where you will have time to explore some of the largest coastal sand dunes in the country. (B,D)
Day #7 Gold Beach–Redwood National Park–Eureka. One of Oregon’s great natural treasures is the scenic Rogue River. Experience a thrilling ride through this wild and remote region by glass-enclosed JETBOAT—have your cameras ready for glimpses of the American Bald Eagle. Travel south along the Pacific coastline and stop in REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK, home to the world’s tallest trees. Then, enter Eureka, California’s lumber center, where you will see the grand Carson Mansion, the most photographed example of Victorian architecture in the world and once the home of a West Coast lumber baron. (B,D)
Day #8 Eureka–Sonoma. This morning, travel along the spectacular Avenue of the Giants, a quiet two-lane road that winds through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery with ancient redwood trees. You will have the chance to see an 1,800-year-old redwood here! (B)
Day #9 Sonoma–San Francisco. Travel this morning to Sonoma to see the town square’s early 19th-century Solano Mission. Visit the GLORIA FERRER CAVES & VINEYARD in the Carneros region for a [LF] guided tour of their wine caves and a tasting of their acclaimed sparkling wines. Leave the lush, gentle slopes of California’s wine country and continue to San Francisco. Cross the bay via the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy an orientation tour. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)
Day #10 San Francisco. The tour ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to San Francisco International Airport. (B)
Hotels:
SEATTLE Sheraton Seattle (SF)
PORTLAND Doubletree Hotel Portland (F)
GLENEDEN BEACH Salishan Spa & Golf Resort (D)
GOLD BEACH Jot’s Resort (F)
EUREKA Red Lion Eureka (F)
SONOMA Doubletree Sonoma Wine Country (F)
SAN FRANCISCO Omni San Francisco (MD)