Arrive in Portland in the early afternoon, nestled beneath the snow-capped Mount Hood. In the early evening, embark on a journey while enjoying wine and champagne as the ship sails under eight of Portland’s twelve eclectic bridges along the Willamette River.

Experience natural and man-made wonders as you explore the scenic Columbia River and pass through the Bonneville Lock and Dam. Bring a steaming cup of coffee to the bow, where your naturalists will provide candid insights into the complex history of the dams along the river. In the afternoon, stop by the breathtaking Multnomah Falls and consider taking an optional hike up Beacon Rock. This basalt column towers 848 feet above the Columbia River or visit the Bonneville Fish Hatchery. Later, enjoy a private event with Syncline Winery at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. Savor delicious canapés alongside Syncline’s unique wines as you delve into 15,000 years of cultural history, featuring indigenous art and an impressive working steam engine.

Today, spend the day cruising through some of the most scenic and geologically interesting stretches of the Columbia River and the Columbia Plateau. Your geologists provide a fascinating insight into the glacial floods that sculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago, as your food and wine expert illustrates the expression of such unique terrain through its tastes and tannins.

Drive through some of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, with bright, rolling green and purple fields of sprouting wheat, asparagus, and famous Walla Walla sweet onions. In the morning, discover the thriving art scene on a guided tour, or visit the Whitman Mission, a standout National Historic Site, where friction between Native Americans and white missionaries erupted into an event that continues reverberating in American culture. After lunch at a local winery, explore charming downtown Walla Walla at your leisure, perusing local galleries, sampling sweets at the country’s #1 candy store, or popping into cozy tasting rooms.

The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as you set off on Zodiac and kayak adventures. Later, visit Palouse Falls, where waters plunge 200 feet into a churning pool. These falls, the surrounding canyon with its towering cliffs, cavernous holes in the earth, and winding water routes are part of geologically unique channeled scablands created by ancient floods. Before an exceptional final dinner, raise your glasses to an unforgettable adventure through the food, wine, and history of the Pacific Northwest.

Arrive in Clarkston this morning and enjoy breakfast on board before transferring to the airport for connecting flights home. Choose to fly from nearby Lewiston, Idaho, or from Spokane, Washington, two hours away.