call our experts
800-728-2875

business hours
M-F: 8-5 PST

north america: columbia river

Legacy of Discovery

Step into the American west on this Snake River and Columbia River small ship cruise that encompasses the human and natural history of the region. The 8-day Legacy of Discovery journey begins and ends in Portland, Oregon. The 88-guest Safari Legacy, which emulates an early Victorian-style steamer, navigates nearly 1,000 miles through the Columbia River Gorge each September through November and March through May. Explore historical landmarks, quaint riverside towns, the golden coulees of the east and Washington’s premier viticultural areas. Learn the history of Lewis & Clark, Oregon Trail pioneers and Native Americans and see how agriculture and engineering have shaped this vast region.

Highlights include a visit to Multnomah Falls; transiting eight sets of locks and tour of the Bonneville Dam Visitor Center; jet boating into Hells Canyon; visiting Fort Clatsop, Fort Walla Walla, downtown Walla Walla or Whitman Mission; stopping by the Columbia Maritime Museum in Astoria and the Maryhill Museum and Columbia Gorge Discovery Center; and enjoying a private wine tasting at a Washington winery. Comprehensive Heritage Adventure programming for each sailing combines on-board presentations with tours ashore, all coordinated by the ship's Legacy Leaders who retrace Lewis and Clark’s expedition along the rivers. Stories and characters from the past are brought to life through educational presentations, expert guest speakers and character reenactments.

Day 1 - Portland, Oregon - Embark

Welcome to the Northwest! You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to a hospitality area before boarding the Safari Legacy in Portland. Enjoy champagne and hors d’oeuvres before dinner, and afterwards, gather in the Victorian-style main salon for a route talk in preparation for your journey through time.

Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Near the Columbia River Gorge entrance, slip through the locks of Bonneville Dam and embark on a private tour of the massive turbines and fish ladder at the dam’s Visitor Center. Since 1938, this historic landmark has supplied hydroelectric power and river navigation. Travel by motorcoach and take a moment at the towering Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon. Back on board, cruise upriver through spectacular Columbia River Gorge. At 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, this river canyon cuts the only sea level route through the Cascade Mountains.

Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Richland, Washington / Snake River Cruising

After an early-morning transit of the McNary Dam, arrive in Richland, at the confluence of the Yakima, Columbia and Snake Rivers. Hillsides reveal the orchards more than 160 wineries found within the region in appellations such as Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain and Yakima Valley. Learn about the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and its role in World War II’s Manhattan Project. Returning to the boat for lunch, view the surrounding wheat fields and pass by massive wind farm turbines atop the hills. Observe the intricacies of locking through Ice Harbor Dam, followed by the Lower Monumental Dam. Step back in time with colorful stories about pioneer hardships and triumphs.

Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Clarkston / Hells Canyon

After your final upriver locking at the Lower Granite Dam, dock in Clarkston to delve into the history and culture of the Nez Perce people. Historical sites connected to the Lewis and Clark Expedition abound in this area, including Clark’s first encounter with the Nez Perce in 1805. Board a covered jet boat for an invigorating ride into Hells Canyon. This free-flowing river, hemmed in by vertical cliffs, cuts its way through North America’s deepest river gorge at 7,993 feet. Protected as a National Recreation Area since 1975, Hells Canyon preserves a world of fascinating natural and cultural elements. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, hawks, and 7,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs. This evening marks your return downriver for a vibrant combination of Lewis and Clark history, river lore and wine.

Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Walla Walla

A visit to Fort Walla Walla celebrates the “Cradle of Northwest History” with a pioneer village, Living History presentations, museum and extensive galleries. Recognized internationally for its award-winning wines, turn your attention to the vibrant wine-making industry that thrives in and around Walla Walla. This world-class wine country was shaped by its desert-like conditions, rich volcanic terroir and controlled river irrigation. Enjoy the pride of this appellation with a tour and tasting at one of the region's distinctive wineries.

Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - The Dalles, Oregon

It’s a day of culture at the Maryhill Museum and Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. With its eclectic collection of European paintings, Native artifacts and the Queen of Romania’s personal effects, the museum’s collection is housed in a castle-like chateau situated on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. The Discovery Center’s interactive exhibits provide a life-sized look into the area’s volcanic upheavals and severe flooding, Ice Age, pioneers and missionaries, and the Lewis and Clark expedition. Take in the magnificent scenery traveling the Sam Hill Highway back to the Safari Legacy. Transit The Dalles — another of the eight dams harnessing these mighty rivers.

Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Astoria

Near the mouth of the Columbia River, step back in time with a visit to Fort Clatsop and Astoria. Fort Clatsop National Monument is a replica of the encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition during the winter of 1805-1806. The fort was the Corps of Discovery’s last encampment before their return trip east to St. Louis. Visit the fascinating Columbia River Maritime Museum and take time to stroll through the quaint Victorian streets of Astoria. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening, then relive the week through photos and storytelling hosted by your Legacy Leaders.

Accommodations: Safari Legacy
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Portland, Oregon - Disembark

Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you “adieu.” Disembark for your included transfer to the Portland airport.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: Columbia River small ship cruises may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. This ability to be spontaneous makes the small ship style of cruising unique.

Included: All onboard meals, tastefully prepared with locally sourced ingredients where possible; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; winery tours and tastings; exclusive round-trip transfers and baggage handling between airport/boat; port taxes and fees; entry fees to parks, museums and other historical venues; sauna, hot tub, yoga classes and a complimentary massage.

Exclusions: Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew, typically 5-10% of the cruise fare; travel insurance; optional excursions and land tours.

Room Configurations: Any stateroom (except designated Master Single) may be booked as a single for 175% of the double occupancy rate. Triple accommodations are available in the Admiral Staterooms 101 and 102, and quadruple accommodations are available in the Owner's Suite; inquire for pricing details.

Arrival & Departure: This cruise begins and ends in Portland, Oregon. Plan to arrive at the Portland airport (PDX) no later 2:30pm on Day 1. On Day 8, the final day of the cruise, please do not schedule return flights to depart Portland until after 12pm/noon.

Payment & Cancellation: A deposit of $1500 per person is required to secure a 2013 reservation. For 2014 and beyond, the deposit is $750 per person. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more - 50% of initial deposit
90 to 61 days - Forfeiture of full deposit
60 to 46 days - 50% of gross fare
45 to 31 days - 75% of gross fare
30 to 0 days - 100% of gross fare

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: This trip is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com