Duration: 9 Days
Set your sights higher than the Museum of Flight or the redwoods for lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and ice-smothered volcanoes – just the opening scenes of this west side story. From Seattle to Portland and all the way to the Golden Gate of San Francisco, the dramatic views of both city and seaside astound on this nine-day Pacific Coast holiday. While Oregon’s fabled lighthouses cast their beams to reveal the wonder of the West, your Tour Director will shed light on what makes this side of the country so uniquely spectacular – from its waterfalls to its fresh catches of the day. If the Seattle coffee scene doesn’t wake you up, a dune buggy ride along the Oregon coast, a jet boat ride across the wild Rogue River, and a journey down Redwood National Park’s Avenue of Giants certainly will.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Welcome to the "Emerald City!"
At 6:30 pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Gem of the Pacific Northwest
This morning begins with a tour of the Museum of Flight, the largest independent non-profit air and space museum in the world featuring over 175 air and spacecrafts. Return to Seattle for a guided tour including the Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. This evening is at leisure in Seattle. Maybe visit the Space Needle or Chihuly Garden and Glass. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Experience the vibrant energy of Seattle's authentic farmer's market that tempts the senses with an array of aromas, eats, and friendly people. Pike Place Market has been a gathering place and bustling market for more than a century as one of the oldest operating farmer's market in the U.S. Visitors and locals alike are drawn to the energy and extraordinary array of farm-fresh produce, paper-wrapped flowers, shops, restaurants, bars, fishmongers, street performers, and the first Starbucks - all mixing a rich blend of coffee culture and true Seattle style.
Cascades & Craft Beer
Travel south into Oregon today for a [LF] visit the highest waterfall in Oregon followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Portland for an orientation tour followed by free time in the late afternoon and evening. During your free time, explore one of the many craft breweries, music venues, or Powell's City of Books - the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world! (B,L)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
NATURAL WONDERS Native American lore tells the story of a young princess who sacrificed her life on the falls to save her village from illness. This legendary spectacle of roaring waterfalls of Multnomah Falls plunges from 611 feet in a thunderous cascade of icy water and mist. Enjoy lunch at the historic lodge here in a magical setting in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge.
Rugged & Rosy
Discover why Portland is called the "City of Roses" with a visit to Washington Park and the International Rose Test Gardens. Continue through the Willamette Wine Valley to the rugged Oregon coast to Newport, one of Oregon's most popular seaside resorts. Next, visit Yaquina Head and learn about the headland's importance to the indigenous tribes of the area. The Lighthouse remains the tallest on the Oregon Coast and has been guiding ships safely shore since 1873. This evening, enjoy a special (LF) dinner on the water at Clearwater Restaurant featuring local regional wine. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
SEASIDE SIGHTS & SAVOURY BITES Embodying the spirit of Newport, Clearwater Restaurant places an emphasis on fresh, local seafood and offers unmatched views of the surrounding harbour. Watch Sea Lions bask and gulls glide through the salty air while savouring each bite. In addition to an incredible dining venue, Clearwater's commitment to sustainability and their community involvement have made this location a favourite amongst locals.
Sand, Sea & A Sailors' Sentinel
As you travel down the coast today, see popular sites such as Heceta Head Lighthouse and Florence Old Town, followed by a dune buggy ride along the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Continue to your bayside hotel in the quaint village of North Bend. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Buckle up for a bracing ride in Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Take a dune buggy ride across the sweeping dunes along the Oregon coast for an adventure in a misty mix of sand dunes, forests, and ocean creating an unforgettable experience.
Coastal Giants
Travel south to one of Oregon's great natural treasures, the scenic Rogue River, tumbling over 200 miles from the Cascade Mountains into the Pacific Ocean. Embark on a thrilling [LF] jetboat ride here. Continue along the Pacific coastline and stop in Redwood National Park, home to the world's tallest trees. Then, enter Eureka, California's lumber centre, where you have a photo stop at 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)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE Visit Gold Beach and experience a thrilling jetboat ride on the Rogue River through this wild and remote region with your camera ready for glimpses of the American bald eagle!
Reach for the Sky!
This morning, travel to Humboldt Redwoods State Park for the spectacular Avenue of the Giants. Continue to the "City by the Bay," San Francisco, for a 2-night stay. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Enter an ancient world of towering trees along the Avenue of the Giants, a quiet 2-lane road that winds through some of the world's most spectacular scenery with redwood trees that seem to touch the sky. Take the opportunity to marvel at a 1,800-year-old redwood here!
Golden Gate Gems
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks and sites. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale to your holiday. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS On our included sightseeing tour, see Golden Gate National Recreation area, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio. Also, see Twin Peaks, Fisherman's Wharf, and much more.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in San Francisco? Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)