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Oregon

Signature City Portland

Program No. 18533RJ
Learn about the “City of Roses” from acclaimed speakers and discover local history and culture as you explore the Portland Art Museum, Lan Su Chinese Garden and more!
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Regional StudiesSignature CitiesSmall GroupCity Discoveries
Length
6 days
Rating (4.82)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,599

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6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 4L 3D
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Lecture
Portland, OR
2
Bridge Walk, Willamette River Cruise, Portland Art Museum
Portland, OR
3
Lan Su Garden, Japanese American Museum, Native Stories
Portland, OR
4
Historic Downtown, Farmers Market, Free Time
Portland, OR
5
Rose Test Garden, Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion, Art Walk
Portland, OR
6
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
Portland, OR
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At a Glance

Lauded as one of America’s best big cities, Portland’s small town charm welcomes you with open arms, enveloping you in its beautiful setting between the sparkling waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Explore this “City of Roses,” with experts unveiling its early history, its political savvy and its boundless beauty. Walk its historic streets to examine architecture and bridges and stop to savor locally inspired food and drink.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2-3 miles on uneven surfaces with most days averaging 2 miles, climbing a few flights of stairs, and use of public transportation most days.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Experience Portland’s iconic landmarks from its famous bridges, on foot through its Arts District and from the water by boat.
  • Explore exceptional gardens, including the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden and the Suzhou-style Lan Su Chinese Gardens.
  • Learn historic stories of Native experiences from a local storyteller and history keeper of Kalapuya/Coos heritage.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Nathan Hoover
Nathan moved to Portland in 2003 after studying fine arts and theater at the New College of Florida. Since that move, his creative projects have been covered in The Oregonian, published in Oregon Humanities magazine and awarded grant funding by the Regional Arts and Culture Council. Nathan leads thousands of third graders—and many folks of all ages—on walks around, over, under and inside Portland’s downtown bridges. The walks he leads celebrate Portland’s special sense of place, inspired by his own love for this city.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Nathan Hoover
Nathan Hoover View biography
Nathan moved to Portland in 2003 after studying fine arts and theater at the New College of Florida. Since that move, his creative projects have been covered in The Oregonian, published in Oregon Humanities magazine and awarded grant funding by the Regional Arts and Culture Council. Nathan leads thousands of third graders—and many folks of all ages—on walks around, over, under and inside Portland’s downtown bridges. The walks he leads celebrate Portland’s special sense of place, inspired by his own love for this city.
Profile Image of Esther Stutzman
Esther Stutzman View biography
Esther is a native Oregonian and traditional American Indian storyteller of Kalapuya and Coos heritage, as well as an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz. She has been sharing stories that she learned from her grandmothers for over 50 years. Esther works with Title VII Indian Education programs as a cultural resource specialist, has been a long-time presenter for the Oregon Chautauqua History Serie, and frequently lectures at colleges in the Pacific Northwest. In 2017, she received the Oregon Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Profile Image of Eric Wheeler
Eric Wheeler View biography
Eric Wheeler has over twenty years of experience as an architectural historian. He has written numerous National Register nominations, taught graduate level classes in architectural history and consulted with architects and realtors. Eric discovered the Pacific Northwest several years ago and continues to explore and interpret the captivating built environment of Portland and environs. Currently Eric designs and leads outings for his architectural walking Meetup group: Positively Portland Walking Tours. Eric has been leading walking excursions for Road Scholar since 2017.
Profile Image of Rex Burkholder
Rex Burkholder View biography
Rex is a trained biologist and holds an MA in urban and environmental policy. He is the founder of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, which launched Portland’s bicycle revolution. During his 12 years in government, Rex oversaw Portland’s original Climate Action and Equity plans and sustainable transportation policy. His greatest achievement was leading a statewide effort to fund universal outdoor school – weeklong science and nature camp – for every student in Oregon. His book, "The Activist's Toolkit," provides a practical approach to being an effective change agent.
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