Pacific Coast Adventure (10 Days) 

     Welcome to the Emerald City! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6:30 pm welcome reception. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.

     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. Later this 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)

     Travel south this morning, possibly capturing your first glimpse of Mount Rainier.
Then, head for world-famous Mount St. Helens as you journey to VOLCANO VIEWPOINT. 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. (B)

     Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Portland before seeing impressive MULTNOMAH FALLS. 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)

     This morning, visit the OREGON COAST AQUARIUM as you explore their indoor exhibits and a vast outdoor marine habitat. After time for lunch in Newport you may opt for a behind-the-scenes look at the fishing and crabbing industry on a harbor cruise aboard the Discovery. Onboard activities include opportunities as volunteer deckhands blended with a lively narration from a team of marine Naturalists. Or, enjoy a free afternoon to explore your lodge. (B)

     Continue south and visit Yaquina Head Lighthouse before time in Bandon-by-the-Sea with its unique offshore rock formations. Also see popular sites such as Heceta Head Lighthouse and Florence Old Town before arriving at Gold Beach. (B,D)

     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. Also enjoy a light brunch en route. 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,BR,D)

     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)

     Travel this morning to Sonoma to see the town square’s early 19th-century Solano Mission and tour the historical SEBASTIANI VINEYARDS. Next, visit VIANSA, one of Sonoma’s most famous wineries. Enjoy a tour of the Italian heritage winery, followed by an unforgettable hilltop luncheon featuring a gourmet picnic feast and wine tasting under olive trees and grape trellises. 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. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,L,D)

     The vacation ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to San Francisco International Airport. (B)