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Taste of the Pacific Northwest Cruise
Epicurian Cruise with Cruise West
Round trip from Portand
8 days / 7 Nights
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Savor a vintner's true artistry as it expands across your palate in a private tasting among the vineyards of Coyote Canyon Winery.
Meet the owners of a wheat farm-turned-winery in Walla Walla, whose stories add as much flavor to your experience as the delicate traits in their wines.
Taste the difference among a Royal Comice, Seckel and Columbia Red d'Anjou pear picked fresh from the orchard.
Linger over leisurely dinners prepared with local bounty ranging from hazelnuts & huckleberries to artisan cheeses, chocolate covered cherries and fresh, local salmon - topped off, of course, with a premium Washington or Oregon wine.
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CRUISE ITINERARY:
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Day 1 Sail from Portland
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Upon arrival, transfer to the Cruise West hospitality area in downtown Portland. We'll welcome you aboard with a taste of Willamete Valley's signature flavors: a Pinot Noir and a Pinot Gris. Relax on deck as we cruise the Willamette River. BLD
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Day 2 The Columbia River Gorge
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Carved by cataclysmic floods, the Columbia River Gorge is a defining beacon of the American West. Slip through the locks of Bonneville Dam at the entrance of the 4000-foot-deep Gorge. Enjoy a guided tour of the abundant wildlife and rich history of the area. Cross the Bridge of the Gods and continue to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center for a presentation on Native foods.
Cruise the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the Dalles, where pioneers once loaded their wagons onto barges and floated down the Columbia to the mouth of the Willamette River. Transit the John Day Dam, the highest single-lift lock in the free world, at the head of Lake Celilo. BLD
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Day 3 Walla Walla
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Set on top of a small knoll, the Three Rivers Winery boasts remarkable views of the Blue Mountains and the Whitman Mission. Winemaker Holly Turner prides herself on producing well-balanced wines.
Next, visit Spring Valley Vineyard, where the Corkrum family first began farming the area for wheat in the mid-1800s. Today, the family livelihood includes wines, and every grape is harvested by hand. Sample Spring Valley's highly acclaimed red blends, each proudly named after a family member who once tended the land.
Enjoy a casually elegant lunch at the extolled 26brix Restaurant, where Chef Mike Davis, recognized for excellence by the James Beard Foundation, creates a mouthwatering fusion of French technique and local Washington fare.
The third winery of the day is the Beresan Winery, home of truly exceptional handcrafted Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Semillon wines. Return to your ship for dinner and evening cruising. BLD
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Day 4 Hanford Reach National Monument
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Home to the last free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River, the Hanford Reach National Monument is swept with towering bluffs and expansive vistas. Rare flowers and abundant wildlife stubbornly defy persistent drought, wind and heat. Elk, mule deer, coyotes, great blue herons and white pelicans are common sights. The Monument is also a reminder of our history. Plutonium reactors, now being dismantled, stand in the distance, remnants of WWII and the Cold War. Depart by jet boat for a 4-hour tour of the Monument's rich history and enduring habitat.
Join a local farmer on a private motorcoach tour of the region. Learn about the abundance of crops and the agricultureal heritage of the Columbia River Basin.
A lunch-to-go will be prepared by your ship's Chef. Upon your return to the vessel, enjoy an exclusive onboard sparkling wine tasting as we relax overnight dockside at tree-lined Howard Amon Park. BLD
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Day 5 Horse Heaven Hills & Red Mountain
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Today begins at Coyote Canyon Vineyards, one of Washington's newest appellations, Horse Heaven Hills. Enjoy a vineyard tour, exclusive tasting and mouth-watering chocolate dessert hosted by the winemaker.
Continue on to a lunch and wine tasting at Red Mountain's Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard. Stroll along cobbled walkways past meticulously landscaped courtyards and savor the regional varietals from this increasingly notable viticultural land.
Your final stop is the Hedges Family Estate, a grand French-style chateau built on the slopes of Red Mountain overlooking Yakima Valley.
Following our tasting at this first-rate family owned winery, return to the ship to cruise the Columbia River. BLD
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Day 6 Hood River
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The Hood River Valley's nutrient-rich volcanic soils, pristine glacial waters and ideal microclimate create the perfect fruit-growing environment . . . which is exactly why the family run Fruit Company has been harvesting and hand-picking fruit from orchards in the Valley for 65 years. Take a tractor tour of the Company's orchards, soaking up a breath-taking view of the Hood River Valley. Tour the Fruit Company's packing facility and explore an authentic picker's cabin and historic artifacts at the Fruit Heritage Museum.
Spend your afternoon at the Maryhill Winery, with sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood. Maryhill harvests a wide variety of grapes, including several difficult to grow varietals. Cozy up to the antique tasting bar and let the friendly staff treat you to a tasting. BLD
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Day 7 Astoria
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Delve into the seafood of the Oregon coast. Spend the morning at the Seafood School, to prepare a delectable lunch with the help of Chef Eric Jenkins. Listen and learn as Chef Jenkins shares tips and techniques on fusing seafood like halibut, salmon, Dungeness crab, oysters, and clams with the unique local flavors of Oregon: locally-produced artisan cheeses, farmer's fruits and vegetables. Your afternoon is free to explore the quaint maritime community of Astoria. This evening, enjoy a farewell gourmet dinner onboard. BLD
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Day 8 Portland
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Return to Portland's riverfront. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Portland Airport. B
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CRUISE #40
TASTE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
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EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS for Fall 2009 Departures -
$250pp If you book & deposit by 3/27/2009 -
PLUS, Pay in full by same date and save an additional $100
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SPECIAL BENEFIT CRUISE & TRAVEL DISCOUNT OF 10% per person
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SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY
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CABIN CATEGORY
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Departure
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April 5, 12, 2009
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April 19, 26, 2009
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September 13, 20, 27, 2009
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October 4, 2009
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October 11, 18, 2009
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BBB
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A
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AA
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AAA
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DLX
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SGL
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$3299
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$3349
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$3599
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$3999
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$4399
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$4399
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$3599
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$3649
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$3849
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$4249
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$4649
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$4649
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$3749
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$3799
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$3999
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$4449
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$4849
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$4849
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| $3549 |
$3599 |
$3799 |
$4249 |
$4649 |
$4649 |
| $3399 |
$3349 |
$3549 |
$3999 |
$4399 |
$4399 |
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The cost of your cruise includes services charges for land-based personnel and $433 per person which covers taxes/port charges/fees and onboard services. Onboard gratuities are neither required not expected.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability and in US Dollards. Single/Triple rates available upon request. Airfare and vacation protection insurance are additional. Prices do not include fuel surcharges which may be added up to the time of your departure.
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Benefit Cruise & Travel is a Certified Small Ship Partner with Cruise West
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Benefit Cruise & Travel, Inc.
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PO Box 347305
Parma OH 44134
216-459-9094
info@benefitcruisetravel.com
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All Rights Reserved, Benefit Cruise & Travel 2009 - Cleveland, OH
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