Pacific Northwest & California

Embark on a sightseeing tour of the “Emerald City,” including the colourful restored waterfront area, historic Pioneer Square, and lively Pike Place Market, a famous fish and vegetable market dotted with restaurants and shops. Departing Seattle, travel south through Olympia and stop at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Centre. Learn about the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens as well as the history and geology of the state park. Continue to Portland, Oregon for a two-night stay in North America’s “Best Big City.”

  Breakfast     High  23  Low  11     Hotel Eastlund

Day 3. Portland – Cascade Mountains – Portland

Drive along the Mt. Hood route to the lush 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. Discover the awe-inspiring landscapes on a tour of the magnificent Columbia River Gorge and the Bonneville Dam, where you will learn about its fascinating hydropower and history. This evening, relax on Portland’s premier dining and sightseeing cruise. Enjoy a vibrant setting enhanced by dazzling city sights and city lights, festive cuisine and live performances. Glide along the Willamette River and Lake Oswego for an unforgettable and delightful evening.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  23 Low  11     Hotel Eastlund

Day 4. Portland – Willamette Valley – Newport – North Bend

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 travelling along some of the country’s most beautiful coastline and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

  Breakfast & Dinner       The Mill Casino

Begin your day with a drive to Bandon State Natural Area. You will be amazed by the scenery along the striking Beach Loop with sights such as Bandon Rocks and Face Rock, known to many from the American Indian legend. Stop in the picturesque coastal town of Gold Beach, known for amazing wildlife including bald eagles, cormorants, seals and blue heron. Continuing south, enter the redwood country of California. Travel through the famous Redwood National Park, home to some of the world’s tallest trees. Inside the park, get up-close to these trees that rise to nearly 91 metres tall and see for yourself why the sun seldom hits the ground. Arriving in Eureka, enjoy a delightful tour through this historic timber and fishing village and witness the Victorian architecture of Old Town.

  Breakfast    High  16  Low  9     Red Lion Eureka

Day 6. Eureka – San Francisco

Continue your journey through the majestic beauty and splendid grandeur of the Redwood Forest, 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. Tonight, gather for dinner on Pier 39 which offers exceptional views of San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High 20 Low  13    San Francisco Marriott Hotel

Day 7. Choice of San Francisco Bay Cruise or City Tour of San Francisco

After breakfast the choice is yours! Perhaps you’ll choose to take an hour-long cruise on San Francisco Bay featuring an in-depth narration on its history and landmarks including Alcatraz* and the Golden Gate Bridge. Or join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of the city…hear stories of the city’s past and present as you drive past its famous landmarks including Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the view of the city from the Twin Peaks. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore San Francisco independently. For a true local experience, ride the famed cable cars up and down San Francisco’s thrilling hills.

  Breakfast     High  20  Low  13    San Francisco Marriott Hotel

Day 8. San Francisco – Tour Ends

Your tour ends today, but the memories will stay with you forever.