Travel along the Columbia and Snake Rivers as early explorers, settlers, and natives did—by the waterways that stretch far inland from the Pacific Ocean. You’ll experience the region’s history, harvests, and landscapes sailing through a beautiful land that offers access to fantastic wineries, places to kayak and hike, and extraordinary scenery. Taste local fruit from a nearby orchard and enjoy views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Learn of the struggles experienced by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark while they made their way to the Pacific Coast. And on our spring itinerary spend a lively day in bountiful Walla Walla, Washington, where you’ll enjoy a special lunch and tasting at one of the city’s celebrated wineries.
Highlights
• Sail in the wake of Lewis and Clark and their legendary Corps of Discovery expedition
• Spend a day cruising through the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, taking in the views from the bow and perfecting your landscape photography skills
• Taste the bounty of the region through their harvests and fresh, local, and delectable cuisine
• Experience the region up close on water-level Zodiac and kayak forays on the Palouse River or by hiking monumental Beacon Rock
• Transit a series of eight locks that lift the ship 700 feet—10 times the elevation of the Panama Canal
Arrive in Portland, located on the Columbia and
Willamette Rivers in the shadow of snow-capped
Mt. Hood. The city is known for its eco-
friendliness, microbreweries, and coffeehouses.
This afternoon board our ship and discover why
Portland is nicknamed “Bridgetown” as we sail
under eight of the city’s 12 eclectic bridges along
the Willamette River, the first of five rivers you will
encounter on this voyage. (D)
Gain a fresh perspective on such highlights as
Bonneville Lock and Dam, Multnomah Falls, and
Beacon Rock (perhaps even hike it if you are
inclined). Bonneville is first in the series of eight
locks that will lift or lower the ship some 700 feet
above sea level—nearly 10 times that of the
Panama Canal.
Continue through the Gorge to Hood River,
located in the shadows of majestic Mount Hood
where you will have the option to see the spring
bloom in the Hood River Valley. The valley is
known for its fruit growing orchards—including one
of the world’s largest pear growing areas. Visit the
Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile
Museum and explore one of the largest collections
of still functioning antique cars and planes or
choose to do something more active in the area,
like river rafting on the White Salmon
river. (B,L,D)
Today we will spend the day cruising through
some of the most scenic and geologically
interesting stretches of the Columbia River and the
Columbia Plateau. Our onboard geologist and
naturalists will talk with you about the Columbian
Basalt Flows and the Missoula Floods that
sculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago. Relive
the historic tales of the Corps of Discovery through
the eyes of the historian as you sail by landmarks
from their epic journey. Or unwind with a massage
from the wellness specialist. (B,L,D)
Drive through some of the most fertile agricultural
areas in the nation, with bright, rolling green fields
of sprouting wheat, asparagus, the famous Walla
Walla Sweet Onions, and now the vineyards that
bring Walla Walla world-wide recognition. Enjoy
historic Walla Walla with a visit to the Whitman
Mission, a National Historic Site, and the location
of the 1847 attack on missionaries Marcus and
Narcissa Whitman and 12 members of their
household by a group of Cayuse seeking
retribution for the spread of measles among their
people and the inability of Whitman to heal the
sick. Enjoy lunch and a tasting at a local
winery. (B,L,D)
The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect
mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as we set off
cruising on our Zodiac and kayak adventures. Visit
Palouse Falls, where cascading waters plunge
198 feet into the pool below. In spring, the falls are
at their peak, fueled by melting snows nearby.
These falls and the canyon are an important
feature of the channeled scablands created by the
great Missoula Floods that swept periodically
across the region. Afterwards, sail up the Snake
River, enjoying a taste of local specialties. (B,L,D)
At Clarkston, we find ourselves at the confluence
of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, more than 450
miles from the sea. The name Clarkston is in
reference to William Clark and is located directly
across the river from Lewiston, Idaho, which is
named for Meriwether Lewis, though neither of
them ever traveled to the Clarkston side of the
river. Travel by comfortable jet boat into one of
North America’s most scenic spots, spectacular
Hells Canyon. The 125-mile long canyon was
carved by the waters of the Snake River and at
7,993 feet is North America’s deepest river gorge
—most of it inaccessible by road. The earliest
known settlers in the canyon were the Nez Percé
tribe and, as you travel up the river, look to the
hillsides and see remnants of their ancestral horse
trails along with pictographs and petroglyphs on
the rock formations.
This evening, enjoy the company of a local
winemaker onboard and sip of their wines while
you hear about how the geology of the area
surrounding the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA, the
newest Viticultural Area in the United States,
affects the flavors of their wines. (Winemaker
onboard Eastbound itin only.) (B,L,D)
After breakfast this morning transfer to the airport
for your connecting flights home. Choose to fly
from nearby Lewiston, Idaho, or travel though the
picturesque landscapes of the Palouse to
Spokane, Washington, located two hours away.
(B)
Itineraries are subject to change
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25 September, 2023 to 02 October, 2023
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Book now
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Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
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02 October, 2023 to 09 October, 2023 (reverse)
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Book now
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Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
National Geographic Quest
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 72 metres
Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins)
Built: 2017
Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Created with a shallow draft, Quest draws only nine feet of water allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go.
PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness centre; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation.
MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasises local fare.
CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies.
EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Expedition landing craft, a fleet of 24 kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkelling gear for all guests (where applicable).
SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist.
WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.
Special Offers
• BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS. Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.
• TRAVELING AS A GROUP. Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.
• COMBINING OFFERS. Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
Small Ship Cruise
