Vacations To Go

 

Pacific Coast Adventure


Day 1 Friday April 16th
  Depart: Spokane
     
  Arrive: San Diego
  Lodge  

 

Day 2 Saturday April 17th
  Do: Uber to cruise
5:00 p.m. Depart: San Diego
  Lodge: Holland America Zaandam

 

Day 3 Sunday April 18th
7:00 a.m. Arrive: Avalon, CA
    (Walk to the right on Pebbly Beach Rd. The road will go right on Crescent Ave. Keep walking on the boardwalk. On the left side.)
  See: Two's Co of Avalon Gift Shop (9-5)
519 Crescent Ave
    (Continue left on the boardwalk. Turn left on Catalina Ave.)
  Do: Shops
    (Go back to Crescent boardwalk and go left. Go left on the Sumner boardwalk.)
    Peggy's Gift & Souvenirs (9:30-6)/
104 Sumner
    Lloyd's of Avalon Candy Store (7-9)
315 Crescent Ave
    (Go right through the alley to Metropole Ave. Turn right.)
    Bay of Seven Moons (10-7)
205 Crescent
    Restrooms behind Coney Island West
    (Go left and left again on Crescent. On the ocean side.)
    Sailor's Delight Ice Cream Shop (11-10)
220 Crescent Ave
    (Continue walking left on Crescent.)
    Catalino Casino ( ) $18.50 Sr
    (Go back to the cruise ship by following the bay.)
5:00 p.m. Depart: Avalon
  Lodge: Holland America Zaandam

 

Day 4 Monday April 19th
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Santa Barbara, CA
8:30 a.m.-
3:00 p.m.
  Solvang on Your Own (6.5 hrs) $99.95

This transfer may suit you if you would like to explore on your own. It consists of a motorcoach ride from the ship to Solvang. You will be dropped off at a central location, and the coach escort will advise you of the pick-up time for the return journey. You will have approximately four and a half hours to shop and explore independently.

Notes: Guide service, taxi transfers, entrance fees and lunch are not included in the transfer price. It is your responsibility to be at the pick-up point at the given return time. An English-speaking escort will be aboard the transfer motorcoach to answer questions en route. Travel time to Solvang is approximately 45 minutes each way.

5:00 p.m. Depart: Santa Barbara
  Lodge: Holland American Zaandam

 

Day 5 Tuesday April 20th
  Do: Day at Sea
  Lodge: Holland America Zaandam

 

Day 6 Wednesday April 21st
  Do: Day at Sea
  Lodge: Holland America Zaandam

 

Day 7 Thursday April 22nd
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Astoria
8:30 a.m.-
3:15 p.m.
  Best of Oregon's Scenic Coast (6.75 hrs) $229.95

Enjoy the very best of Oregon’s breathtaking Pacific coastline on this immersive full-day journey, where dramatic landscapes, charming seaside villages, and local flavors come together in perfect harmony.

 Departing from the pier in Astoria, cross the scenic New Youngs Bay Bridge and take in sweeping views of the mighty Columbia River, the iconic Astoria-Megler Bridge, and the forested peaks of the Coast Range. As your journey unfolds along Highway 101, you’ll travel through a tapestry of lush evergreen forests, rugged cliffs, and windswept beaches—home to wildlife such as elk, eagles, and herons.

 Heading south, pass through the beloved coastal towns of Seaside and Cannon Beach, where the legendary Haystack Rock rises dramatically from the shoreline. This iconic stretch of coastline is instantly recognizable as the opening setting of the beloved film The Goonies, adding a touch of cinematic nostalgia to the sweeping ocean views.

 In Tillamook, indulge in a visit to the Tillamook Creamery, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the region’s most famous flavors while observing the art of cheesemaking. Continuing your journey, take in views of scenic Neahkahnie Mountain for a photo stop at one of the coast’s most spectacular viewpoints, where legend and natural beauty intertwine.

 Midday, unwind with a relaxed lunch stop at Tolovana Park, where guests may recognize the shoreline from the final scenes of The Goonies. Here, you’ll have time to savor your picnic style meal, stroll along the sandy beach, and take in the fresh ocean air.

 Your coastal exploration continues with a stop at the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Viewpoint, where you can gaze out toward the legendary “Terrible Tilly,” dramatically perched on a wave-battered rock offshore.

 As you return north, sit back and take in the ever-changing scenery while your guide shares stories and history of this remarkable region.

 Notes:

For the safety and comfort of all guests, individuals must be able to board the motor coach independently or be accompanied by someone who can assist them. Please be aware that certain areas may include uneven terrain or unpaved walkways, which may present challenges for some guests. Guides are not permitted to provide physical assistance. Picnic benches are available along the walkway for those who wish to sit and enjoy their meal, or guests may bring their picnic to the beach and sit on the sand.

9:00 a.m.-
12:00 p.m.
  Hollywood in Astoria Iconic Film Sites (3 hrs) $129.95

Join a knowledgeable guide to see many Astoria locations that have starred in Hollywood movies. 

First, you'll journey through the coastal towns of Warrenton and Hammond on your way to the Pacific Ocean to view the wreck of the Peter Iredale. The most photographed site in Oregon, it's been seen in many commercials, television programs and movies. 

Watch for The Goonies' house, used for the 1985 comedy adventure starring Sean Astin and Josh Brolin. 

Next is the 125-foot-tall Astoria Column, seen in Kindergarten CopFree WillyTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IIIThe Goonies, and Short Circuit

Then, you'll travel to the Red Lion Hotel, where Arnold Schwarzenegger starred inKindergarten Cop

Pause to photograph the Flavel House Museum, built in 1885, is one of the best-preserved examples of Queen Anne-style architecture in the Pacific Northwest. Its exterior is featured in The Goonies

Your last stop is at the old Clatsop County Jail seen in The GooniesCome See the Paradise and Short Circuit. Used from 1914 to 1976, the jail is noted as the longest-used freestanding jail in Oregon.

Notes

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the day's conditions. Bring a light jacket or sweater. Transportation is by non-air-conditioned school bus. Tour sequence may vary. All photo stops exterior views only; there are no inside visits.

4:00 p.m. Depart: Astoria

 

Day 8 Friday Victoria
8:00 a.m. Arrive: Victoria
8:30 a.m.-
12:00 p.m.
  Butchart Gardens Short City Drive (3.5 hrs) $144.95

This tour offers the very best of Victoria, combining the city's unique highlights with a visit to the world-famous Butchart Gardens. On a panoramic drive you'll take in Chinatown and the Gates of Harmonious Interest, along with the Old Town and scenic Inner Harbour. 

At beautiful Butchart Gardens, see how the Butchart family has transformed a barren rock quarry into what is now one of the world's best-known horticultural attractions, covering more than 55 acres. The gardens are a lush paradise of flowers, rare trees and winding paths and were created more than 100 years ago. Enjoy the cascading fountains and footbridges connecting the many themed gardens, including the beautiful Sunken Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden. A map will help you on your self-guided tour .

Notes:

This tour operates during daytime calls to Victoria only. Due to ongoing road construction, panoramic tours of Chinatown may not be possible.

8:30 a.m.-
11:00 a.m.
  Victoria Highlights & Craigdarroch Castle (2.5 hrs) $109.95

Discover Victoria's rich history on a tour of this charming Provincial Capital. 

Set out from the pier and head straight to the heart of Victoria — the Inner Harbour area. This is where you'll find the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, the famous Empress Hotel, the Royal British Columbia Museum, and the lighter side of life with street performers and food vendors galore. 

Continue to Craigdarroch Castle — the only remaining vestige of the grand estate belonging to industrialist Robert Dunsmuir. Most of this four-story masterpiece has been fully restored to its original condition after having been used as both a hospital and a college in the 1900s. Explore Craigdarroch on a self-guided tour, and pianists are welcome to play the castle's piano. Don't miss the castle gift shop.

Back on the motorcoach, head into the upscale residential neighborhoods. Perfectly manicured lawns and abundant flowers explain Victoria's nickname, "City of Gardens," and beautiful coastal and mountain views capture the essence of Western Canada.

Notes:

Tour requires a 100-yard walk from the coach to the castle. The castle is not wheelchair accessible; there are five stories and no elevator. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, and many steps

8:30 a.m.-
12:30 p.m.
  Butchart Gardens & Honey Farm Tasting Tour (4 hrs) $139.95

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Vancouver Island on this elegant half-day journey combining two of Victoria's most enchanting highlights — The Butchart Gardens and Country Bee Honey Farm.  

Enjoy a scenic 45-minute panoramic drive along the Saanich Peninsula en route to The Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site celebrated for its dazzling floral displays. 

 Stroll at your own pace through the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, and Japanese Garden — 80 minutes of serene beauty amid vibrant blooms and graceful fountains. 

Back on the coach, follow the rolling countryside of Vancouver Island to Country Bee Honey Farm — a family-run apiary and boutique experience. Meet the beekeepers, sample artisanal honey during a guided tasting, and enjoy a charming walk through the pollinator gardens. You'll also meet some friendly farm animals.  

Conclude with a leisurely 45-minute drive back to the pier, passing seaside vistas and pastoral landscapes — the perfect finale to a refined day of nature, flavor, and gentle discovery.

Notes:

Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, slight inclines, and steps. This tour operates during daytime calls only.


9:00 p.m. Depart: Victoria
  Lodge: Holland America Zaandam

 

Day 9 Saturday Vancouver
  Depart: Cruise Ship
  Do: Shuttle bus
  Depart: Vancouver