7 Night Cruise sailing from Vancouver to Clarkston aboard American Empress. 1 night hotel stay pre-cruise in Vancouver.

As the American Empress transports guests through the riverways of the Pacific Northwest, evergreen and ever-beautiful, the landscape transforms from a majestic wall of spruce and pine to rolling hills speckled with vineyards and cherry trees. The water seizes the sky, and swallows it whole to reflect cloud and fowl. Here, Mother Nature presents her purest expression of life – untamed, spiritual and free.

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Hotel Stay - Vancouver, WA
Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel.

Day 2: Vancouver, WA, Departure 6:00 PM
A suburb of Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington, has taken on a distinctive identity of its own. Located in an ideal spot among Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge and the Pacific Coast, Vancouver boasts a newly renovated waterfront and an abundance of activities, scenic landscapes and historic attractions for all to enjoy.

Day 3: Astoria, OR
Astoria is known to be the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. There is no doubting the richness of the history grounded in this Columbia River town. For thousands of years, the Clatsop Tribe inhabited the lands. Today, you can climb to the top of the Astoria Column – wrapped in depictions of history – look out over the landscape toward the Pacific Ocean and watch your model wooden airplane glide through the air to its rest below.

Day 4: River Cruising
Because history plays such a large part of your river cruise experience, spend some time with our onboard Riverlorian to gain insight into our nation’s history and heritage. Relive a tale from Mark Twain, or simply enjoy fascinating stories, facts and fables about the very stretch of river on which you are cruising.

Day 5: Stevenson, WA
Stevenson embraces the adventurist – with hiking trails, hot springs and local wineries, a visitor is sure to find plenty to do. Opportunities for educational enlightenment abound within the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center and at Bonneville Dam. Consider a stop downtown to visit restaurants, cafés and small locally owned shops in which reside treasures of the Pacific Northwest.

Day 6: The Dalles, OR
At the end of the overland Oregon Trail, The Dalles holds a unique place in history as a jumping-off spot for pioneers, soldiers, gold miners, adventurers, gun-slingers, floozies and scallywags. The Dalles, although a part of the Oregon High Desert, features a long growing season and a relatively warm climate that supports the growing of grapes. As a result, the region is home to a wine scene unlike any other in Oregon. Visitors will be pleased to see the rolling hills speckled with vineyards.

Day 7: Richland, WA (Tri-Cities)
Step off the boat directly into a perfectly polished park, and take a short stroll to downtown shops, eateries and attractions. Incorporated in 1910, Richland remained a small agricultural community until it was acquired by the U.S. Army for the site of the Hanford Engineer Works – used to produce plutonium during World War II and the Cold War. Today, the historic B Reactor and other important historic venues are part of the Manhattan Project National Historic Park. This and many other intriguing locations are offered as part of your experience in Richland.

Day 8: Clarkston, WA
Nestled at the union of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers in southeast Washington, Clarkston is the gateway to North America’s deepest gorge – Hells Canyon – on the Snake River. Picturesque vistas, year-round mild climates and a deep history make this scenic inland port a desirable stop. Spend the day enjoying Clarkston, Washington and neighboring Lewiston, Idaho while tracing the legacy of the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark – for whom the cities are named.

Day 9: Clarkston, WA,
Disembark the American Empress.