Northwest and British Columbia For Fall 2013 Week-Long Cruises

AdventureSmith Explorations Recommends
Easy-to-Access Pacific Northwest and British Columbia
For Fall 2013 Week-Long Cruises

 The active travel company securing matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships, AdventureSmith Explorations (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/), suggests  cruises this fall in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia.

Many of these trips are also scheduled to operate in April and May of 2014.

Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey is a seven-day adventure cruise with many excuses for enjoying local wines and craft beer along with vibrant food thanks to an affiliation with Food Alliance that ensures that the vast majority of on-board fare is locally and sustainably produced.  Off-ship, guests hike, bike, kayak and drift in Zodiacs for up-close perspectives of a vibrant land and its early peoples. The journey begins in Portland and ends in Lewiston, ID, or Spokane, WA. The per person double rate is from $4,390 aboard one of two twin expedition ships,  National Geographic Sea Lion and Sea Bird, each accommodating 62 guests. Departures are from mid September through mid October. See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/columbia-and-snake-rivers-journey

Historian and Lewis and Clark expert Stephenie Ambroise Tubbs will be on the Sept. 13 departure; an acclaimed chef known for innovation and sustainability, Barton Seaver, joins on Oct. 14; and Rich Reid conducts a Fall Foliage Photo Expedition on Oct. 2 & 8.

Legacy of Discovery is an eight-day, 1,000 mile journey through the Columbia River Gorge, transiting through the lock systems of eight mammoth dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers aboard the 88-guest Safari Legacy that replicates a Victorian-style steamer. This trip that begins and ends in Portland, OR, is conducted September through November and again from March through May. Washington’s premier viticulture areas (think private wine tastings), the history of Lewis & Clark, Oregon Trail pioneers and Native Americans enhance this richly textured tour. The per person double rate is from $3,195.  See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/legacy-of-discovery

Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands is an eight-day expedition on the 60-passenger Wilderness Adventurer exploring coastal Washington that begins by circumnavigating Seattle. There are opportunities to hike, kayak, paddleboard and utilize a skiff for up-close wildlife viewing. Iconic Orcas Island and Friday Harbor are popular stops on this tour that highlights fresh and regional cuisine and wines. The per person double rate is from $1,595. See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/san-juan-islands-cruise

British Columbia's Yachter's Paradise is an eight-day journey to and from Seattle on the luxury 22-guest yacht, Safari Quest, conducted from mid September through late November and again from mid April through late May.  In the famed Northwest Passage, orca whales move silently through the water in search of salmon. Seals and sea lions lounge on rocky islets, and black bears and deer flourish in evergreen forests. Victoria, BC’s Butchart Gardens, Washington’s Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands, hiking, kayaking and bird watching are among the highlights. The per person double rate is from $3,695.  See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/british-columbias-yachters-paradise

Northwest Island Reflections focuses on the San Juan Island as the 12-guest Pacific Catalyst heads south down the San Juan Channel home to spotted harbor seals, Steller sea lions and the seabirds of numerous wildlife refuges. Guests may marvel at one of the three resident pods of Orca whales feeding on salmon in these plankton-rich waters. Activities include a kayak orientation and shoreline paddle and basking in the alpenglow of 10,107-foot Mount Baker. Home port is Friday harbor. The per person double rate is from $2,150. See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/northwest-island-reflections

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. In 2012, owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious 14th Annual Travel Specialists List as the world’s expert on small ship expeditions. A distinction he received again in 2013.  For information, availability and 2013-2014 reservations; Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free, visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com or Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com.