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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. After dinner our Expedition Leader will provide a brief orientation to the journey.

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.

Travel by executive coach to the Walla Walla appellation. Tour L’Ecole Nº 41, an unusual winery located in an historic 1915 Frenchtown schoolhouse. Join your wine “scholar” on a private tour and tasting of prized reserve wines such as an Estate Syrah from the wineries acclaimed partner, Seven Hills Vineyard. As you sip vibrant, aromatic wines surrounded by nostalgic remnants of school classes of long ago, you’ll encounter “high marks” with their wine reviews consistently scoring in the 90’s. 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 landscaped gardens of Basel Cellars Estate Winery. Housed in a subterranean structure, the wine-making facilities are modeled after the famous Chateau Mouton Rothschild in the Pauillac Appellation of Bordeaux, France. 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.

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, then 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 Safari Explorer 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.

This morning, we’ll make a port call at Hood River, the windsurfing capital of the world, to tour the Full Sail Brewing Co.’s local brewery 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.

Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you “adieu.” At 9:00 am you’ll board a coach for a transfer to the Portland, Oregon, airport for your connections home. En route to the airport we’ll visit a unique tasting room, Clear Creek Distillery, which is located not far from the Safari Explorer’s disembarkation dock. Clear Creek’s signature product is pear-in-the-bottle brandy.