Adventure in the Pacific Northwest, top trips in Europe
Cruises on the Columbia River aboard small ships have been gaining in popularity, and many of the tours are aimed at oenophiles, with visits to the vineyards that produce many of the Pacific Northwest’s famous wines.
UnCruise Adventures offers such voyages, but — true to its name — its new itinerary incorporates other adventures, too.
The 86-passenger S.S. Legacy sails one-way between Portland, Ore., and Clarkston, Wash., (and reverse) through scenery ranging from temperate rainforests to the hills of the Palouse and high desert.
Adventures offered include whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River, biking in the Columbia Gorge, hiking the Rowena Plateau, kayaking, swimming and a jet boat ride into Hells Canyon. Activities such as the hiking generally offer a choice between moderate and more strenuous routes.
The eight-night trip is priced from $4,995 per person, double occupancy, plus $175 port taxes and fees. Dates are from August through mid-October. For more information, call 888-862-8881 or visit www.tinyurl.com/ydbcbkvy.
Oldies and goodies
If you like history, you’ll probably enjoy looking over Business Insider’s list, “The Oldest Building in Every State,” to see what’s worth a stop on your next travels. It ranges from Alabama’s Joel Eddins House in Huntsville to Wyoming’s Fort Laramie. Check them out at www.tinyurl.com/ya3vh3t6.
Deep dive in Europe
Explore is a company that offers small-group, wellpriced trips with an emphasis on getting up-close to the destination. They’ve put together a listing of what they consider their top 10 summer trips in Europe for those who want to sample the local culture.
Though Portugal is on the list, most of the destinations are in less-visited parts of Eastern Europe, such as the Baltics and the Balkans.
Transport and lodging on Explore trips is modest as befits the mission of experiencing a destination. “This is one of the last places in Europe where you can experience authentic rail travel on ex-socialist and Soviet trains, travel with the local people and it’s the only way to see the incredible scenery along the way,” the website explains. “Take toilet roll, hand sanitizer and an open mind for maximum enjoyment!”
Check out the 10 trips at www.tinyurl.com/ycy79tva.