Embrace dramatic scenery and relive the daring exploits of Lewis & Clark on the Snake and Columbia Rivers for the trip of a lifetime.
October 6 – 14, 2024 | 9 Days/8 Nights
Itinerary
Oct 6 | Spokane, WA
Upon arrival at the Spokane airport, you will be met by your Universal Travel staff member and assisted with your transfer to the hotel, located in Downtown Spokane. At the hotel, you will have time to visit with the AQSC’s friendly staff in the lobby area. They will assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. After some time to freshen up, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.
Overnight: Downtown Spokane, Davenport, or similar (D)
Oct 7 | Spokane to Clarkston, WA Embarkation
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a private tour of the rich history, historic homes, and attractions of Spokane. See the historic area of Browne’s Addition where many of the old mansions have been restored to their original splendor. Discover Manito Park, voted one of the Top 25 Parks in the US, featuring the formal French Renaissance Gardens, Perennial Gardens, and Rose Gardens. Stop at Bing Crosby’s childhood home to see the largest public collection of his memorabilia in the US. Learn about the Native Americans that first discovered this area. Travel along the Spokane River, view the Spokane Falls and the grounds of the former Expo 74 site. Stop for a ride at the historic Looff Carousel, built in 1909, and rated one of the Top 10 Carousels in the US. Enjoy an included picnic lunch complete with a wine tasting in a beautiful setting at Riblet Mansion. Early this afternoon journey to Clarkston, and embark on the beautiful American Empress, your luxurious floating hotel for the next 7 nights.
Overnight: American Empress (B,D)
Oct 8 | Clarkston, WA
Today explore the Clarkston area on your complimentary hop-on, hop-off shore excursion. Nestled at the union of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers in southeast Washington, the Clarkston-Lewiston Valley is the gateway to North America’s deepest gorge, Hell’s Canyon. The picturesque vistas, year-round mild climates and a rich history make these scenic inland ports the perfect destination! Learn how these cities can trace their heritage and their names back to 1804, as you trace the footsteps of Captains Meriwether Lewiston and William Clark. Both cities are filled with artifacts and stories that depict the journeys of the two famous explorers. Clarkston and Lewiston also have the ideal climate for visitors to enjoy countless activities including fishing, scenic walks along their trails, shopping and exploring. The ship sets sail this afternoon.
Overnight: American Empress (B,L,D)
Oct 9 | Richland, WA
Step off the boat directly into a perfectly polished park and take a short stroll to downtown shops, eateries, and attractions. Incorporated in 1910, Richland remained a small agricultural community until it was acquired by the U.S. Army for the site of the Hanford Engineer Works, used to produce plutonium during World War II and the Cold War. Today the historic B Reactor and other important historic venues are part of the Manhattan Project National Historic Park. This and many other intriguing locations are offered as part of your experience in Richland.
Overnight: American Empress (B,L,D)
Oct 10 | The Dalles, OR
At the end of the overland Oregon Trail, the city of The Dalles holds a unique place in history as a jumping-off spot for pioneers, soldiers, gold miners, adventurers, gun-slingers, floozies and scallywags. Lewis and Clark camped at this location at Rock Fort Camp during their historic journey in 1805 and 1806. Fort Dalles was established in 1850. Oregon Trail pioneers ended their overland journey at The Dalles, forced to build rafts and take the “river road” west to Fort Vancouver, then into the Willamette River Valley. Ten thousand years of Native American trading took place on the banks of the Columbia River, shaped by the Ice Age Missoula floods. The town was located at the foot of a series of dangerous rapids which the Hudson’s Bay Company fur traders called “The Dalles of the Columbia.”
Overnight: American Empress (B,L,D)
Oct 11 | Stevenson, WA
Stevenson embraces the adventurist, with hiking trails, hot springs, and local wineries, a visitor is sure to find plenty to do. The town’s location is in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Opportunities for educational enlightenment abound within the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center and at Bonneville Dam. Consider a stop downtown to visit restaurants, cafés, and small locally-owned shops filled with treasures of the Pacific Northwest.
Overnight: American Empress (B,L,D)
Oct 12 | River Cruising
Watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner, and relish in the moment of tranquility. Experience the fulfillment that river cruising offers.
Overnight: American Empress (B,L,D)
Oct 13 | Astoria, OR
In 1811, John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Trading Company settled in Astoria, making it the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. For thousands of years, Clatsop Indians inhabited the lands that are now known as Astoria. In 1805, Lewis and Clark led their expedition through the area and spent the winter at Fort Clatsop. In 1813, a British warship sailed into the Columbia River, gaining possession of the city and holding control until 1818, when they finally agreed to a joint occupation of the land. There is no doubting the rich history has deep roots grounded in this Columbia River town. When the history combines with the town’s scenery, an incredible harmony is created that will surely bring you back for more!
Overnight: American Empress (B,L,D)
Oct 14 | Vancouver, WA/ Portland, OR
Early this morning the Empress docks in Vancouver. After disembarkation board your luxury motor coach for a half-day panoramic city tour of Portland. Enjoy windshield views of downtown, traditional neighborhoods, china town, and more. Next, stop and stroll through the famous International Rose Test Garden, home to 10,000 blooms during the season. Early this afternoon check in at the Portland airport for your flight home. The memories of the Snake and Columbia Rivers will last forever. (B)
Inclusions:
- Air to Spokane and from Portland back home
- 1 pre-night accommodation in Spokane including a welcome dinner and breakfast
- Half day private city tour of Spokane including a lunch and wine tasting
- Panoramic city tour of Portland including a stop at the International Rose Test Garden
- 7 nights aboard the American Empress
- All onboard meals, incl. both fine dining and casual cuisine
- Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, specialty coffees, tea, bottled water, and soft drinks throughout your voyage
- Gracious onboard service from a friendly, all-American Staff
- Acclaimed entertainment worthy of Broadway
- Hop-On/Hop-Off Standard Shore Excursions (Premium Shore Excursions for more in-depth experiences are available at an additional cost)
- Free internet while onboard
- 24 hour Room Service
- Hotel taxes and Port-charges
- Porterage of one suitcase per person
- Prepaid ship gratuities
- All gratuities for drivers & guides
(except for Hop-On/ Hop-Off shore excursions)
Payment
$750.00 deposit due when making a reservation/$250 non-refundable at time of sign up
Final Payment due May 26, 2024
Cancellation
50% non-refundable June 1, 2024
100% non-refundable July 1, 2024
An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information.
A valid passport is required on this itinerary and must be valid for at least 6 month after returning back to the USA.