Social Program Tours

Portland, Oregon has a reputation for being one of the greenest cities in the United States. It’s known globally for its commitment to mass transportation, progressive land use planning, and green building. But Portland is much more than green. It’s the “City of Roses”, a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts, the hometown of Simpson’s creator Matt Groening, and an oasis for microbrew fans. There is lots for out-of-towners to enjoy, so we suggest you make the most of your free time.

Social registration includes a guest bag, entrance to the Exhibition, the Grand Reception, and continental breakfast Tuesday through Friday. The tours listed here are offered for your enjoyment and are priced separately.

All tours listed depart from the Hilton Portland and Executive Tower. Tours are subject to cancellation if fewer than 25 people register.

Asian Influence
Chinese Classical Garden Tour with Dim Sum Lunch
Monday, June 23
12:00 – 3:45 p.m.

Created to nurture and inspire all who visit, the Portland Classical Chinese Garden is an example of what might have existed in China during the Ming Dynasty. An authentic Suzhou-style garden, it grew out of a friendship between Portland and Suzhou, a city renowned for its exquisite gardens. This walled garden encloses a full city block.
Serpentine walkways, a bridged lake, and open colonnades set off a meticulously arranged landscape of plants, water, stone, poetry, and buildings. Home to hundreds of rare and unusual plants, nearly 100 specimen trees, water plants, bamboo, and orchids, the garden embodies the duality of nature: yin and yang. Meet in the lobby of the Portland Hilton at noon for a brief orientation to the Portland public transportation system. Then, ride the MAX Light Rail train to Old Town/ Chinatown for a Chinese Dim Sum Lunch, followed by a docent-led tour of the garden. $20 per person.

Summer in the City Portland City
Tour & Lunch
Tuesday, June 24
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Take a leisurely tour of the City of Roses. Explore architecture, gardens, fountains, public art, and more
during a six-hour tour of the financial district, Pearl
District, Chinatown, and Old Town. Visit Washington Park, home to 10,000 roses, with thousands of varieties in
the International Rose Test Garden, and then wander through Portland’s relaxing Japanese Garden. Stop at
Pittock Mansion, home to Portland pioneer Henry Pittock, who transformed the Weekly Oregonian in 1860 to the daily format Oregonians read today. Lunch on your own in Nob Hill. A fee of $52 per person includes motorcoach transportation, city tour, admission to the Japanese
Gardens, Pittock Mansion, and tour guide.

Can’t Beat the View
Columbia Gorge
Wednesday, June 25
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Take in the breathtaking view from Crown Point Vista House located on the Historic Scenic Highway high above the Columbia River. This six-hour tour passes several waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls with a vertical drop of 620 feet. Observe the unusual rock formations on
your way to visit Bonneville Dam, the first federal dam on the Columbia River, where you learn about the salmon lifecycle and see an 80-year old Sturgeon fish, descendant of the prehistoric eras. A $68-per-person fee includes motorcoach transportation, tour guide, Gorge tour, and lunch at Multnomah Falls Lodge.

Rolling on the River
Willamette River Cruise and Salmon Dinner
Wednesday, June 25
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

In early Oregon history, the Willamette River carried timber and agricultural products to market. Today, it provides one of the most beautiful views of the City of Roses. Board the Portland Spirit cruise ship at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, and cruise along the Willamette, to enjoy beautiful twilight views of downtown Portland, Ross Island, and the floating houses of Portland. Dine on Northwest salmon and other local cuisine along the way. A cash bar will be available. Meet at the intersection of Salmon Street and Naito Parkway.

The ship sails promptly at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person.

Come Fly with Me
A Taste of the Grape & Evergreen Aviation Museum
Thursday, June 26
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

It was to be the biggest aircraft ever built and probably the most prodigious aviation project of all time. Get a good look at the Hughes Flying Boat, better known as the “Spruce
Goose” during a tour of the Evergreen Aviation Museum. Be sure to sample the museum’s own Spruce Goose vintage. The museum is also home to several other aviation marvels, including cargo aircrafts, bombers, fighters, trainers, and commercial aircraft.

After coming down to earth, visit Sokol Blosser Winery for a tour and book signing. Sokol Blosser received Sunset Magazine’s 2007 Western Wine Green Award for its commitment to organic farming and use of biodiesel fuel in its tractors and unbleached paper for its labels and boxes. President and Founder Susan Sokol Blosser is a recognized pioneer of green wine growing. A $71-per-person fee includes transportation, guide, museum admission, box lunch, and wine tasting fee.

Get Backstage
Portland Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, June 27
9:45 - 11:15 a.m.

Step behind the footlights for a free tour of the
Portland Center for the Performing Arts. This
award-winning facility comes to life as your tour guide weaves a tale of theatre magic. Find out how the 1920s Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and the new Newmark and Dolores Winningstad theaters have become part of one
of the busiest performing arts center complexes in the nation and learn fascinating details about the unique architecture and design elements of the state-of-the-art theaters. Hear anecdotes about the theaters’ colorful past and interesting facts about their current tenants. There is no fee for this tour, but please sign up using the registration form so we don't leave you behind!

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