Silversea Expedition Cruises A ASTORIA (Oregon)

Take advantage of Oregon's bounty and join us for a fresh seafood cooking demonstration and wine tasting at the famous Baked Alaska restaurant with Chef Christopher Holen.

Your three-hour tour combines the best of both (wine tasting participants must be 21 years of age or over). Although the wine industry in Oregon is only 40 years old, on a national scale, the state ranks third in the number of wineries and is the fourth largest in wine volume. However, Oregon wineries are small and produce only 5,000 cases a year of small-batch artisan wines.

Depart the pier in a school bus for the short ride to the Baked Alaska. On arrival the restaurant's Chef Christopher Holen will filet fresh salmon while discussing the various salmon species of the region. He will then demonstrate the proper way to cook salmon and make a quick sauce for accompaniment. The chef always comes up with something special for each group in addition to salmon to truly define Northwest ingredients. A sampling will be served up for all to try and you may even have the chance to get hands on. Chef Holen will also bring along some of his secret ingredients and tools from Astoria's premier kitchenware shop, "Mise en Place" kitchenware to demonstrate for the group. Items will be available for purchase. More than just a cooking demonstration, the chef will entertain, educate and inspire you to try a recipe or two when you get back home.

Once complete, you will go on a short tour of Astoria, drive by picturesque homes, and up to the Astor Column. From the highest point in Astoria you will enjoy a 360 degree view of the city. On you tour you will be treated to stories about Astoria's colorful past and historically important past.

Your tour concludes back at the pier.

Please Note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 200 feet (60 metres) with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilize a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended. Guests must be at least 21 years of age to participate on this tour.

Experience the exquisite beauty of the Oregon coast in a unique new way during this invigorating, half-day zip-line excursion.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute coastal drive from Astoria to High Life Adventure. Upon arrival, receive your safety and tour instructions and equipment, then begin your guided zip-line adventure.

Along the way, take in the stunning natural setting, replete with seasoned timber, ponds and a seven-acre (2.8-hectare) private lake. Challenge a friend or family member, and race down on the Willow and Spruce line. Next, zip down the Maple line and take an optional dip in the lake. At the conclusion of this scenic and exciting zip-line tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of activity and walking for approximately 300 feet (about 91 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus and 12 steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with flat, closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers, and bring sunscreen and a towel from the ship. Guests must be at least six years old to participate on this tour. Guests must weigh less than 300 pounds to participate on this tour. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore the storied past of one of Oregon's most historic military installations during this scenic, half-day excursion to Fort Stevens State Park.

Oregon Coast and Fort Stevens State Park

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive along the Oregon coast and across the Young's Bay Bridge en route to Fort Stevens State Park. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of this nearly 146-year-old fort, which features gun batteries, fortifications and other buildings are preserved along with 3,700 acres (1,497 hectares) of woodlands, lakes, wetlands and beaches.

Park Tour and Commander's Station

During your visit, learn about its fascinating history and connection to the Civil War and World War II. Stroll through the complex and its bunkers, abandoned gun batteries and tower stations before heading up to the Commander's Station for a scenic view of the Columbia River.

Battery Mishler and Museum

Next, venture underground to the Battery Mishler. Here, during WWII, 10-inch (25.4-centimetre) cannons were mounted on disappearing carriages, which hid the guns behind concrete and earthen walls when not being fired. These powerful guns could fire 617-pound (280-kilogram) shells at a distance of nine miles (14.5 kilometres). Afterward, visit the Fort Stevens Museum to explore interesting artefacts dating back to the Civil War. Your tour concludes with a souvenir stop at the Gift Shop before re-boarding your bus and commencing the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 233 yards (about 213 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended. Guests must be at least six years old to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Discover the splendid history and landmarks of Astoria during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Astoria Column

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Astoria Column. This 125-foot (38-metre) tall concrete and steel structure stands atop Coxcomb Hill, and features a cast-iron, 164-step staircase leading to the Observation Deck. An optional visit to the top of the column is rewarded with majestic views of Astoria, the Pacific Ocean and snow-capped volcanoes of the Cascade Range.

Fort Clatsop

Next, re-board the school bus and head to the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Upon arrival, take a tour of Fort Clatsop, a replica of the seven-room fort built by members of the Lewis and Clark expedition after realizing their goal of reaching the Pacific. Rangers and re-enactors are on-hand to answer any questions.

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Your next stop is the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Located on Astoria's historic waterfront, the museum features one of the most extensive collections of nautical artefacts on the west coast, including the Lightship Columbia. Following your visit, re-board your coach for the short drive back to the pier. En route, take a scenic drive through Astoria. Pass by picturesque Victorian- and Queen Anne-style homes and churches, Uniontown and the Doughboy Monument.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 133 yards (about 122 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the school bus and 12 steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. The tour operates on a school bus.

Explore the science, beauty and brutal fury of the Mount St. Helens eruption and its dramatic aftermath during this unforgettable, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Scenic Drive and Columbia River

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately two-hour drive along the Columbia River and up to the Mount St. Helens National Monument. En route, learn about the surrounding landscape and travels of Lewis and Clark.

Mount St. Helens National Monument

Upon arrival at the monument, take in spectacular panoramic views of Mount St. Helens, including craters, the lava dome and blast zone. On the morning of May 18, 1980, the 9,000-foot (2,743-metre) tall Mount St. Helens violently erupted and blew the top off of the mountain, hurled volcanic ash 15 miles (24 kilometres) into the air and flattened 150 square miles (388 square kilometres) of forest. Today, much of the blast zone is still grey ash, and the jagged outline of the crater is clearly visible as a reminder of just how powerful Earth's forces can be.

Fire Mountain Grill and Forestry Learning Centre

Next, relax with a picnic-style lunch at the Fire Mountain Grill, then relax amidst your beautiful natural surroundings or visit the Forestry Learning Centre. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 100 yards (about 91 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 20 steps at the sites visited. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour.

Embrace the pristine natural beauty of the Oregon coast during this delightful, half-day excursion to Seaside and Cannon Beach.

Astoria and Oregon Coast

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive through Astoria and along the Oregon coast to Cannon Beach. En route, pass by stunning Victorian architecture before crossing the Young's Bay Bridge. Marvel at impressive views of Saddle Mountain, one of Oregon's highest peaks, and the Astoria-Megler Bridge. At nearly four miles (6.4 kilometres), it is the longest bridge in Oregon and world's longest continuous truss bridge.

Seaside Village and Boardwalk

Next, proceed through the picturesque Oregon Coast Range and a natural wonderland of Sitka spruce, western red cedar, Douglas fir and hemlock trees. Your first stop is at the coastal village of Seaside, an historic national landmark at the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail. This charming resort offers boutiques, art galleries and miles of beach. After learning about the town's history, some free time is made available to take a stroll along the Boardwalk. Purchase some of Seaside's famous saltwater taffy, relax with a cup of coffee, browse for souvenirs or take a ride on the carousel into the heart of the downtown area.

Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock

Your final stop is at Cannon Beach, an artists' colony. Upon arrival, explore the colourful courtyards and streets, and shop for souvenirs and mementos at your leisure. Cannon Beach is renowned for the natural phenomenon known as Haystack Rock. This 235-foot (72-metre) tall basalt rock formation rises up out of the ocean as the third-largest coastal monolith in the world. Protected as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Haystack Rock is home to puffins, sea gulls and cormorants. Following your visit, re-board the school bus commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 133 yards (about 122 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the school bus and 12 steps at the sites visited. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. This tour is operated in a school bus. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. The tour operates on a school bus.