Upon arriving in Portland, guests should make their way to the hotel in the city center. Time permitting, we may be able to fit in a short city center walking tour. If not, we will instead meet for drinks, welcome conversation and dinner. Night in Portland

Friday morning we will visit magnificent Washington Park, a 410-acre urban park. Inside its boundaries lie the Portland Rose Gardens and the Portland Japanese Garden. The Rose Gardens host over 7,000 rose plants of approximately 550 varieties: No wonder Portland is also known as “The City of Roses.” Across from the Rose Gardens is the Portland Japanese Garden, considered by many to be the most beautiful and authentic example of Japanese gardening and landscape tradition outside Japan. After enjoying a morning of breathtaking natural beauty, we will make our way to one of the most charming streets in the city, NW 23rd Avenue, for lunch. This street, nestled into the Nob Hill neighborhood of northwest Portland, is characterized by inspiring boutiques, tantalizing restaurants and cozy coffee houses. Following lunch we will continue on to the Pittock Mansion, built in 1914 by Henry Pittock, founder of the local newspaper now known as “The Oregonian.” Its architecture and furniture paint a vivid image of high society lifestyle at the beginning of the twentieth century. Before dinner, guests will have some relaxing free time in one of the most multicultural parts of Portland. Night in Portland

Saturday morning we will visit the so-called “Saturday Market” (open on Sundays as well), a Portland tradition since 1973. Over 200 stands offer the artisanal products and organic food that the city is known for. It is worth the visit! Next we will continue into downtown Portland. Guests will have free time to eat lunch as well as take advantage of Pioneer Square Mall and the other shopping destinations in this part of town. We will visit a historic brewery Saturday afternoon and gain a better understanding of why this city is often referred to as “Beervanna.” Saturday night we will enjoy a very special organic dinner! Night in Portland

Sunday morning we will head to chic Pearl District. This neighborhood, just north of downtown, symbolizes the future of Portland thanks to its stylish bars, gleaming lofts, art galleries and cultural institutions. We will stop for coffee at a real Italian “bar,” a very special coffee house owned by our friend Pasquale. Before being shuttled back to the airport for your flight home, you will enjoy some free time to finish your long weekend in Portland, Oregon.