Upon arrival, guests will make their way to the hotel, located in the very heart of the city centre. After checking in, we will first head to the chic Pearl District, a neighborhood that many see as the future of Portland thanks to its stylish bars and 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. The group will stop for lunch and afterwards visit an art gallery together. Later Friday afternoon we will have an introductory talk followed by a delicious dinner. Night in Portland

Saturday 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 in bloom April through October, making for a breathtaking visit. 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. Nestled into the Nob Hill neighborhood of Northwest Portland, this street 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. Saturday night we will visit a historic brewery and gain a better understanding of why Portland is often referred to as “Beervana.” Later we will enjoy a very special organic dinner! Night in Portland

Sunday morning we will visit the so-called “Saturday Market” (open on Sundays as well), a Portland tradition since 1973. Over 200 stands offer the artisan 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, before being transported to the airport for departing flights home.