The Columbia and Snake River 8-day, 7-night  yacht cruise is one of the most unique cruise opportunities for global travelers and it is here in our backyard.  In 2012 and 2013 you can board the luxury 12-passenger yacht and sail either from Idaho to Oregon down the Columbia and Snake Rivers or from Oregon to Idaho.  The board point in Oregon is the City of Roses – Portland.  The board point in Idaho is Lewiston.  Lewiston is in North Central Idaho.  Our cruise departures begin or end in Spokane, Washington with an overnight stay nearby on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene.  After a stay in this quaint town, we travel down through the farm country of the Palouse.  We stop for lunch and enjoy the genius of Mary Jane’s Farm and the home of the Nez Perce Tribe and Chief Joseph.  You will see the land of this great American Indian as we pass through two unique Indian Reservations between Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston. 

The Columbia and Snake River cruises provide access to these remote rivers.  If you enjoy an active lifestyle you can also kayak, hike, geo-cache or enjoy the fine wineries of Western Washington and Eastern Oregon.  The culinary offerings of the high desert are matched to the elegant wines on the sailings.  Please join us on one of these unique itineraries of the Wild West.

To charter the yacht, contact Rhonda Sand at TMI at 800 975 7775

.  The yacht is available for the exclusive use of your party and the itinerary can be finetuned to match your interests. 

Columbia & Snake River Luxury Cruise between Oregon and Idaho

The 7-night winery cruise tour down the Columbia and Snake Rivers of Idaho, Washington and Oregon visit the the wine regions of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge.  The culinary yacht cruise begins in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho with a drive through the Indian Country of the mighty Palouse.  We board the cruise and set sail visiting Dunham Cellars, Hedges Family Estate, Terra Blanca, Maryhill Winery and Northstar.  The Walla Walla wine appellations are becoming world reknown to enthusiasts.  Because of the scenery, distances and uniqueness of the cruises they are fast becoming popular with those who have traveled via barge and yacht in Germany and France.  Summer and fall are the best time to enjoy the river, click here for more information.   Add a fly fishing trip in Idaho or Montana or a luxury resort vacation to Coeur d’alene and Sandpoint for the perfect vacation.

The best way to see the majestic Columbia River Gorge is aboard a lovely 8 day/9 nights cruise expedition.   Each day passengers will experience lively discussions with their own on-board naturalist who will also accompany them on many of the shore excursions.  Shore visits range from exploring bird migration routes to exhilarating jet boat rides on the Snake River up the famous Hell’s Canyon.  Experience the Hanford National Monument, kayak the lower Columbia River or relax onboard in the yacht’s hot tub sipping an exceptional Oregon or Washington world class wine. 

 Cruises depart from Lewiston, Idaho to Portland, Oregon on Sept. 24, Oct. 08 and Nov. 19 for 2011.  Eastbound sailings depart from Portland to Lewiston,  Oct. 22 and Nov. 05, 2011 and all of these sailing dates showcase the lovely Indian Summers of the Pacific Northwest. 

 Extend your vacation for 2 nights and try Sturgeon fishing on the Snake River with a hotel stay on our North Idaho diamond, Lake Coeur d’Alene.  For information on sightseeing  and unique experiences as well as the Sturgeon fishing mini-vacation, ask for Rhonda Sand at TMI Tours & Cruises.  We are your vacation specialist for the Pacific Northwest.

TMI Tours invites you to enjoy  exclusive 7 night cruises on the might Columbia River this fall aboard the 12-passenger yacht,  Safari Spirit.  Explore the extraordinary wine regions of the Columbia River Gorge with guest Sommeliers, Vintners, Chefs and culinary arts specialists.  

The  Columbia River Gorge is home to some of the finest wineries in the United States.  Washington wineries are welcoming travellers from around the world to their intimate and diverse tasting rooms.  The Columbia Gorge region offers visitors a wide-range of vineyards and wineries to visit as well as a myriad of outdoor activities with outstanding scenery and true Pacific Northwest hospitality.   Guest aboard the intimate yacht, Safari Spirit,  will enjoy an ambiance of refinement, luxury and relaxation  while  cruising between the river ports of Portland, Oregon and Lewiston, Idaho. 

Adventure  is just around each corner and guest will enjoy such activities as a thrilling jet-boat ride into the Snake River’s famous Hells Canyon, a personal tour of the impressive Bonneville Dam and a visit to the enchanting Maryhill Museum and Winery.   Sample hand-crafted, award-winning wines at 5 private, family-owned wineries with private tours and tastings.  On-board you will enjoy locally purchased produce and seafoods of the Pacific Northwest, prepared by expert Chefs and guest culinary hosts.

Indulge your passion for highly-rated wines and hand-crafted meals amidst one of the United States most scenic backdrops–the Columbia River Gorge.  Contact Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand at TMI Tours & Cruises for details and availability aboard the exquisite yacht, the  Safari Spirit.   Departure dates for 2010: Oct 15, 22, 29 and Nov 05.  TMI Tours 1-800-975-7775 or info @tmitours.com

Spring brings the beginning of the cruise season for the Columbia and Snake River region in the Pacific Northwest.  Every week from April 17th through October 17th, small cruise ships navigate the locks and dams that tame the Mighty Columbia River as they usher guests deep into the Columbia River Gorge.   While most river cruises carry you past urban centers and crowded shorelines, much of the Columbia and Snake Rivers remain pristine and wild.  You can clearly see

Hells Canyon

 evidence of the great floods that carved this region thousands of years ago in the breathtakingly  beautiful Columbia River Gorge, the golden coulees and scablands, the great black pinnacles of basalt that guided explorers, Lewis & Clark.   You’ll find the past and present coexist here, from Oregon Trail wagon ruts to the modern engineering marvel of eight locks and dams.

Adventurous shore excursions entice all ages:  jet boat rides up the Snake River through Hells Canyon to view 7,000 year old Indian petroglyphs, wandering the hidden underground city built by Chinese emigrants below Pendelton as well as fascinating historical and maritime museums, lush wineries and quaint riverside towns.

Columbia River vineyard

Throughout these cruises, the Pacific Northwest’s pioneer history is brought to life with a special series of excursions, guest speakers, narrations and on-board presentations by historians and exloration leaders.  More than just sightseeing, these cruises incorporate American music, culture, cuisine and local history into a total travel experience.  The small ships that cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers are intimate and family oriented, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Touch, breathe and experience first-hand the unique history of the Columbia River Gorge .  Contact Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours & Cruises at 1-800-975-7775 or email info@tmitours.com for more information on these and other cruises in the Pacific Northwest.