Perfect Indian summer dates to enjoy the wineries of Oregon and Washington State and the turning fall colors aboard a 12 passenger luxury yacht.  The scheduled yacht travels between Oregon and Idaho with stops in Washington State.  We have optional extensions to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the tribal areas of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe and much more.  Private transfers and transportation is also provided as an option to enhance your visit.

Trip Overview

• Enjoy a 12 passenger safari yacht with private facilities for all our guests!
• 8 Days/7 nights with all meals and tours
• Visit 6 wineries including Walla Walla red wines and enjoy culinary treats unique of the Pacific Northwest
• Pass through the spectacular Columbia River Gorge
• Priced from $5,995 per person

In the pale light of sunrise, a wolf pack emerges from the forest into the open expanse of Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley. They yelp and cavort, energized by the awakening day, oblivious to our still presence. A large male halts and sniffs the frozen air. As we watch from a distance, we sense the mystical aura of this beast of legend. Elegant predators, wolves are thriving in Yellowstone’s environs, where abundant elk, moose and other prey provide sustenance. Winter’s white mantle offers a pristine backdrop against which we view these wild creatures on a rare expedition away from summer crowds.

This 8-day, 7 night winery cruise tour down the Columbia and Snake Rivers of Oregon, Washington and Idaho aboard a yacht is spectacular.  Become modern-day explorers, discovering America's extraordinary and "secret" wine regions in the spectacular setting of the Columbia River Gorge. We will introduce exclusive wine and culinary yacht cruise adventures. Sample award-winning wine and cruise through history, witnessing the natural beauty and taste of the Pacific Northwest. Celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary, birthday or just enjoy your passion for highly-rated fine wines amidst one of the USA's most scenic backgrounds. Relax in the comfort of a luxury yacht without the worries of driving.

An exclusive, sublime yet exciting, cruise/tour through Washington's ideal wine grape growing regions is available for individual staterooms and private charter. Visit the wineries of Dunham Cellars, Hedges Family Estate, Northstar, Maryhill Winery, Estate and Museum and the Terra Blanca Winery.

Become modern-day explorers, discovering America's extraordinary and "secret" wine regions in the spectacular setting of the Columbia River Gorge. American Safari Cruises introduces exclusive wine and culinary yacht cruise adventures. Sample award-winning wine and cruise through history, witnessing the natural beauty and taste of the Pacific Northwest.

Our 12 passenger yacht features warm, rich cherry woods which add elegance to the casual atmosphere onboard. She provides a welcome sense of luxury without insisting on stuffiness.  It is equipped with an on-deck hot tub and fitness equipment, guests can also use the casually elegant salon to recap the day's activities, relax, read or watch a movie from our extensive video library on the wide flat screen TV.
The yacht is well-stocked with a complimentary selection of fine wines, premium liquors, and bottled microbrews. Fine cuisine, prepared by the yacht's executive chef, is served in the dining room at one sitting. Guests wear casual clothing to all meals.

Where does the trip take place?
You will fly into Portland, Oregon where you will board the yacht.  You will finish in Lewiston, Idaho.  You will return from Lewiston, Idaho or Spokane, Washington.  Extensions are offered to our diamond Coeur d’Alene, Idaho if you prefer to fly from Spokane, Washington.  (Or on Westbound itineraries you will travel just the opposite.) Round-trip transfers are provided at a cost of $60 to $130 per person round-trip depending on airports used.

Westbound 2012 Dates: Oct 27, Nov 10 (Board in Idaho)
Eastbound 2012 Dates: Oct 6, Nov 3 or Nov 17 (Board in Oregon)

Commander Cabin:  $5,995 per person
Captain’s Cabin:  $6,695 per person
Admiral Stateroom:  $7,495 per person

Yacht is also available for charter

Extensions are available to the wild Oregon Coast or our beautiful diamond, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Day 1 Arrive in Portland, OR- Embark

Day 2 Columbia Gorge and Bonneville  Dam

Day 3 Maryhill Museum and Winery / Columbia Gorge Appellation

Day 4 Red Mountain and Yakima Valley Appellation

Day 5 Walla Walla Appellation

Day 6 Palouse Canyon

Day 7 Hells Canyon by Jet Boat

Day 8 Fond Farewell

Day 1

Arrive in Portland, OR- Embark
Welcome! You will be met at the airport this afternoon and transferred to the yacht. The crew greets you with champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Meet your onboard guest vintner during cocktail hour and be sure to visit the Wine Library after dinner for an introductory wine tasting. Relax on deck and enjoy the sunset as we begin our cruise. To round out the day, slip into the top-deck hot tub before turning in.   

Day 2

Columbia Gorge and Bonneville  Dam
After breakfast this morning we’ll transfer to a jet boat for an invigorating ride into Hells Canyon. Vertical cliffs carved by the river now hem in the rushing waters that we travel upon, and we’ll watch some of the most dramatic scenery unfold as we jet upriver. We’ll watch for Bighorn sheep and hawks throughout the day. After our excursion we’ll cruise the Snake River, passing through our first lock and dam called Lower Granite. This evening's dinner is presented by a culinary arts presentation hosted by an accomplished Guest Executive Chef After dinner our Expedition Leader will provide a brief orientation to the journey.

Day 3

Maryhill Museum and Winery / Columbia Gorge Appellation
We’ll pass through the Little Goose lock and dam first thing this morning then anchor at the mouth of the Palouse River. The kayaks and skiff will be lowered for an up-close exploration of the pristine and lovely Palouse canyon. Watch for hundreds of cliff swallows that nest on the canyon walls, and for Northern harriers and osprey hovering above the still waters as they hunt.

Day 4

Red Mountain and Yakima Valley Appellation
Travel by executive coach to the Walla Walla appellation. Tour family-owned Dunham Cellars, an unusual winery located in a rustic, remodeled World War II era airplane hangar. Join your winemaker on a private tour and tasting of prized reserve wines such as their exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. As you sip vibrant, aromatic wines surrounded by nostalgic remnants of long ago, you’ll encounter high marks with their consistently award-winning Syrah. A short distance away is Northstar, a unique destination winery known for their ultra-premium Merlot wines. Learn about their handcrafted limited production award-winning reserve wines during a private tasting and wine production tour. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to blend your own complex Merlot creation under the tutelage of the world-class winemakers. After a specially prepared lunch, savor some of the Walla Walla Appellation's finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as you stroll the grounds. Upon returning to the yacht, relax on deck as we cruise along the rolling Columbia River. Enjoy the hot tub, read a book, or join the Captain on the bridge to watch the sunset.

Day 5

Walla Walla Appellation
The next two days will focus primarily on winery tours and tastings. Enjoy breakfast onboard the yacht before traveling to Hedges Family Estate Winery. The family estate’s Chateau is known for their Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy an exclusive tasting in the estate’s private family library. Later, explore the adjacent vineyard and European-styled courtyard garden. At the conclusion of the tour, travel a short distance to Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard. Join the winemaker for an exclusive tour before enjoying a romantic luncheon in the caves of this bold Tuscany-style winery. Upon exiting the winery’s caves, stroll the cobbled walkways to explore the meticulously landscaped grounds and reflecting lake. Later this afternoon, rejoin the Safari Explorer for sunset cruising along the Columbia River during a Sommelier-hosted wine tasting during cocktail hour. To end the day of sampling this region's remarkable wines, relax with a glass of fine wine in-hand during a quiet dinner or afterwards in the yacht’s cozy salon.

Day 6

Palouse Canyon
Today’s cruise itinerary cruises through a stretch of wilderness which is home to northern harriers, cliff swallows, osprey, mule deer and coyotes before transiting another series of locks and dams. First we'll make our way through the John Day Lock and Dam. En route a cooking demonstration with our specially-invited Guest Chef will take place. After lunch we’ll anchor and visit Maryhill Museum followed by a visit to the Maryhill Winery . The museum's collections are housed in a castle-like chateau situated on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. The museum offers an eclectic collection of Native arts, European paintings and the Queen of Romania's personal effects. Our winery visit will include a tasting from a special tasting list. Back onboard the yacht we’ll then pass through The Dalles Lock and Dam. After dinner take the opportunity to relax in the hot tub, sauna or with a complimentary massage.

Day 7

Hells Canyon by Jet Boat
This morning, we'll make a port call at Hood River, the windsurfing capital of the world, to visit the town and browse the boutique shops. Back onboard, join your Expedition Leader on deck as we enter the striking Columbia River Gorge. This spectacular canyon cuts the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range and is a designated National Scenic Area. We’ll leave the yacht for a private tour of the impressive Bonneville Dam, the last dam on the Columbia River as you head west towards the Pacific Ocean. View the massive turbines that produce enormous amounts of hydropower, and step outside to view the fish ladder. After tonight’s Farewell Dinner the Expedition Leader will present a slideshow from our week-long journey.

Day 8

Fond Farewell
Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you "adieu." At 9:00 you'll be transferred to the airport for your connecting flights home..