
Accommodations
Embassy Suites
Located in the heart of downtown Portland, the Embassy Suites is housed inside the historic Multnomah Hotel building, built in 1912. Having earned top honors for quality and exceptional service, the hotel also offers easy access to Portland's waterfront, the Pearl District, MAX Lightrail system, shopping, restaurants and attractions. Enjoy such features as a fitness center with indoor pool and whirlpool; Salon Nyla, a day spa; and a gift shop. The hotel's Portland Steak and Chophouse is one of the city's finest restaurants. All two-room suites are fully equipped with cable television, direct-dial telephone with voice mail, bathrobe, hair dryer and minibar.
Spirit of '98
Designed along the lines of an early 20th-century, North American river steamship, the 96-passenger Spirit of ’98 offers every modern convenience. Built and flagged in the United States and staffed by an American crew, the Spirit of ’98 offers an intimate cruise experience, promoting interaction between passengers and crew. The ship’s shallow draft, maneuverable size and highly skilled crew make close-up encounters with the wonders of nature possible. Relax in Soapy’s Parlour, or in the comfortable, wood-paneled Grand Salon, with its cozy array of overstuffed chairs, player piano and library shelves stocked with movies, novels, literature and guidebooks. Stroll or jog on the open-air Sun Deck. Savor hearty American cuisine in the Klondike Dining Room while admiring incomparable Pacific Northwest views. The ship has spacious public areas, an elevator between the Main and Upper Decks, and an open-bridge policy. Cozy, tastefully appointed cabins have picture windows, individual climate co
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Passage of Lewis & Clark 
Spirit of '98
June 3 - 11, 2011
In 1804, Merriwether Lewis and William Clark undertook a daring expedition to explore the resources gained in the Louisiana Purchase. Today, you have the exciting opportunity to retrace part of their route in a level of comfort these brave leaders could only have dreamed about. Travel to Oregon’s beautiful wine country from Portland. Marvel at Bonneville Dam, an amazing engineering feat, and admire the sapphire waters of Bonneville Lake. Immerse yourself in Wild West history at Pendleton, and learn about the Walla Walla, Cayuse and Umatilla Native American tribes at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. Board enclosed, high-speed jet boats for a thrilling ride in Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area, the deepest canyon in the country, and explore the lovely town of Walla Walla. Immerse yourself in local history at Astoria, the oldest American settlement on the Pacific coast.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
INCLUDED FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE AHI EXTRAS
Enjoy extremely close-up viewing of river landscapes and the comfort of deluxe accommodations aboard the Spirit of ’98 —modern small ship cruising at its best with the nostalgic ambience of early 20th-century river exploration.
Explore landmark sites, natural history and Native American culture with the insights of an on board guide and local experts.
Visit the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, devoted to the traditions of the Umatilla, Cayuse and Walla Walla Tribes.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest with included shore excursions featuring Willamette Valley; the majestic Columbia River Gorge; breathtaking Multnomah Falls; spectacular Hells Canyon; Victorian Astoria; and the Lewis & Clark National Historic Park.
Cost Special Tulane pricing is from approximately $3428 per person, plus airfare, and V.A.T., based on double occupancy. An Air Program will be offered.
Booking For booking information please contact Alumni Holidays International at 800-323-7373, or Tulane Alumni Travel at 877-488-5263.
Specific trip details (itinerary, meals, sightseeing & accommodations) will be published in the brochure.
Brochure Request
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 :
In Transit/Portland
Air Program travelers will depart their gateway city for Portland, Oregon. The AHI Travel Group Air Program offers advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee that includes all fuel surcharges and airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers, including baggage handling; and many other benefits.
Arrive at Portland International Airport. Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to meet the AHI representative.
Transfer to the Embassy Suites Hotel. After checking in, your luggage will be delivered directly to your room. Your AHI Travel Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics and will be available daily to assist with sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions and any other assistance you may require.
Independent Exploration
The afternoon is at leisure to explore Portland on your own.
This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception.
Accommodations— Embassy Suites Hotel
Meals—Appropriate in-flight meal service
Day 2 :
Portland/ Willamette Valley
Educational Focus: Lewis & Clark
Learn about Lewis and Clark’s famous expedition and discover which sites from their journey will be featured on your cruise.
Excursion: Wine Country
Explore Oregon’s vast wine-growing region, which rests in the majestic shadow of the Cascade Mountains.
This afternoon, embark the Spirit of ’98 and begin your cruise of the Willamette River.
Accommodations— Spirit of ’98
Meals—Breakfast and dinner
Day 3 :
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Excursion: Bonneville Dam
Built to raise and divert the Columbia River, Bonneville Dam was the first major structure to incorporate a hydraulic drop capable of generating more than 500,000 kilowatts of electric power. Admire the gorge’s beautiful cascades, such as the 620-foot Multnomah Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the United States.
Accommodations— Spirit of ’98
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 :
Pendleton
Excursion: Pendleton
Trace a route forged by the Oregon Trail pioneers. Immerse yourself in Pendleton’s Wild West history and discover its underground tunnels. Continue to the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of the Walla Walla, Cayuse and Umatilla tribes. Learn about the arrival of the pioneers from the Native American perspective rendered in interactive exhibits and a Living Cultural Village.
Accommodations— Spirit of ’98
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 :
Clarkston/Hell’s Canyon
Excursion: Hell’s Canyon
Board covered, high-speed jet boats for a safe, but exhilarating, trip into Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, North American’s deepest canyon—even deeper than the Grand Canyon! Sail across swift, shallow waters through pristine wilderness and breathtaking natural landscape formations.
Accommodations— Spirit of ’98
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 :
Walla Walla
Excursion: Walla Walla
Take a historic tour of the charming town of Walla Walla, world famous for its award-winning wines. Then visit two wineries for a tour and tasting.
Accommodations— Spirit of ’98
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7 :
Cruising
Immerse yourself in the scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Sail past granite and basalt cliffs, interesting petroglyphs, and through a series of three locks, McNary, John Day and The Dalles. See Beacon Rock, named by Lewis and Clark in 1805; Cape Horn, a massive basalt outcrop and intriguing Rooster Rock.
Accommodations— Spirit of ’98
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8 :
Astoria
Excursion: Astoria
Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is the oldest American settlement on the Pacific coast. Discover the beauty of Lewis & Clark National Historic Park. Explore the site of Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1805-06 preparing for their return journey to St. Louis. A film and presentation by a park ranger in the Interpretive Center details the site’s storied history. Visit the highly acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum. See the Columbia, the last floating lighthouse to safeguard the waterways of the West Coast. Spend some free time exploring Astoria’s unique Historic District. This neighborhood showcases more than 70 Victorian homes, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Accommodations— Spirit of ’98
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9 :
In Transit
Following breakfast, depart for Portland International Airport for your return flights home.
Meals—Breakfast
Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.
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INCLUDED FEATURES
Accommodations
- One night in Portland, Oregon, at the deluxe Embassy Suites Hotel.
- Seven-night cruise aboard the Spirit of ’98.
Transportation
- Deluxe motor coach transfers from the hotel to the ship.
Activities and Events
Informative educational programs, presented by local experts, will enhance your insight into the region.
All excursions:
- Explore Portland’s Wine Country.
- Visit and learn about Bonneville Dam.
- Discover Pendelton and Tamástslikt Cultural Institute.
- Board jet boats to explore Hell’s Canyon.
- Tour historic Walla Walla.
- Explore historic Astoria and Lewis & Clark National Historic Park.
- Attend a festive Welcome Reception with your fellow travelers at the hotel.
- Enjoy the captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions on board the ship.
Meals
- Enjoy nine breakfasts, seven lunches and eight dinners; tea or coffee with all meals.
Air Program
For your convenience, AHI offers a flexible Air Program featuring special air fares available at an additional cost in conjunction with the Land Program.
AHI has designated specific Group Air Schedules for this departure utilizing scheduled, round-trip jet service to/from Portland, Oregon. Those participating on these flights will enjoy:
- Motor coach transfers between the arrival/departure airports abroad and the ship, including baggage handling.
- Prices are dependent upon dates, air routes and class of service chosen and will be reflected on your Reservation Confirmation, which will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation. Air schedules will be sent with your Final Invoice approximately 90 days before departure.
- Prices quoted to you will include all domestic and foreign governmental airport departure taxes and fees and any applicable fuel surcharges.
- AHI ticketed passengers will also receive Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance, subject to policy terms.
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OPTIONAL INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY T'ang Dynasty Dinner Show Xi'an, cosmopolitan capital of the T'ang Dynasty (618-907), was an important city on the Silk Road. Standing on the crossroad of commerce and culture, the city's affluence grew and the arts flourished as rulers of this dynasty embraced the many cultures introduced to the city. So admired was Xi'an that the ancient Japanese capitals of Nara and Kyoto were modeled after it. Join this excursion to an entertaining T'ang Dynasty Dinner Show that highlights the culture of this Chinese Golden Age. Enjoy the music, dancing and singing of this glorious period in Chinese history. back
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