Booking Deadline - 10 May 2009
Reserve a Space on this Tour

Space Available

$1245
(non-member: $1320)
Single Room–add $429

Activity Level:
  85% Easy;
   15% Moderate
  
 

TOUR INCLUDES:

- Services of WTT Tour Leader and transportation throughout the tour

Air Information
Travelers will make their own air reservations and are requested to arrive and depart as follows:

Monday, August 24:  Arrive Portland, City Tour, Welcome Dinner

Arrive in Portland no later than 2:00pm. The tour begins at the hotel at 3:00pm where we will meet as a group and go on a walk - lead by the WTT tour leader - around the surrounding areas of our hotel to get acquainted with our surrounding and with what Portland has to offer. Upon conclusion of the walking orientation tour, explore on your own before we meet up again for our welcome dinner. (D)

Tuesday, August 25:  Explore Oregon's Pacific Coastline

After breakfast we will depart for a leisurely day exploring the Pacific Coastline. Oregon's nearly 400 miles of pristine, public coastline are made up of diverse terrain that change from rugged cliffs to evergreen forests to Sahara-like dunes and boundless sandy beaches.  You have undoubtedly seen pictures of the Oregon beaches with the famous monolith rocks rising from the sand and the surf. The most famous is Haystack Rock that we will visit today. Our day will start in Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, then a visit to Cannon Beach. We will plan a lunch break in Garibaldi, a fishing village before visiting Tillamook Cheese Factory. Our return route back to Portland will take us through Oregon's wine country. Upon return to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is free. (B)

Wednesday, August 26 :  Full Day Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood 

Today we will experience the soul of the Columbia, the grand river of the American West. This waterway cuts through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, an 80-mile stretch between Portland and the town of Biggs, where basalt bluffs rise 1,500 to 4,000 feet above the water. One of the most awe-inspiring ways to experience the gorge is to drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway.  This European-style byway features distinctive Florentine viaducts crafted by Italian stonecutters in the early 1900s. Frequent turnouts afford breathtaking views of many of the 77 brilliant waterfalls that tumble from the glaciers and snowfields of Mount Hood, including Multnomah Falls, Oregon's tallest cataract and America's second highest year-round waterfall. After a full day we will return to Portland. (B)

Thursday, August 27:  International Rose Test Garden and Japanese Garden, Free Time, Farewell Dinner

Our day begins at Portland’s International Rose Test Garden, the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the country. The Garden has 7,000 rose bushes and spectacular views of the city.  In the beginning, roses were received from around the world to keep the new hybrids safe from being destroyed by the war in Europe.  Adjacent to the Rose Garden is the Portland Japanese Garden.  It was designed for authenticity and offers a sense of tranquility while taking in the view of the Cascade Mountains. 

This afternoon will be yours to explore as you wish.  You might enjoy strolling Portland's historic Old Town, charming McCall Waterfront Park and Pioneer Courthouse Square, known as "Portland's Living Room."  We will gather this evening for dinner. (B,D)

Friday, August 28: Return Home

Return home at your convenience. The WTT tour leader will help coordinate ride-shares to the airport. (B)

Reserve a Space on this Tour