Day 1 Fly from the UK to Portland

This is not just a ‘Green City’ in terms of its policies and environmental measures, but also for the parks and gardens that dominate the city. Portland's green spaces range from flower-filled parks to polished gardens, urban forests to waterfront venues. The International Rose Test Garden is also one of 24 official testing sites for the internationally respected All-America Rose Selections (AARS). This association of rose growers and introducers dedicated to the introduction and promotion of exceptional roses. Visit the popular Japanese Garden, Washington Park or Forest Park, and work up an appetite to enjoy some of Portland’s fantastic restaurants or food trucks.

Stay three nights in Portland.

Day 4 Portland to Silverton, approx. 45 miles.

Make a stop at Willamette Valley Vineyards, best known for its world class Pinot Noir. Whilst sampling the local wines, take in the beautiful views and the stunning Cascade Mountains. Continue on to the Oregon Garden in Silverton which is home to an 80-acre botanical garden, featuring more than 20 different sections.

Stay one night in the Silverton area.

Day 5 Silverton to Newport, approx. 100 miles.

Stop at Silver Falls, Oregon’s largest state park, with many walking, biking and horse trails to choose from. After you have explored the Silver Falls, how about making another stop at more of Willamette Valley’s hundreds of wineries, before continuing on to the Oregon Coast. From there visit Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport. Yaquina Head Lighthouse's 93 foot tower, Oregon's tallest, is located on a narrow point of land jutting west into the Pacific Ocean north of Newport, at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.Explore the Newport Historic Bayfront, originally Newport’s economic backbone, housing a port for the commercial fishing and wood products industries. Today, the Bayfront is still home to one of Oregon’s largest commercial fishing fleets, and is a working waterfront where you can enjoy shops, art galleries, chowder houses and restaurants.Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium, nestled on Yaquina Bay, one of Oregon's top tourist attractions, but also vital educational resource for the state, and a world class marine educational classroom for all ages. Explore Nye Beach, a very popular haven for the arts, with the Newport Performing Arts and Visual Arts Center amidst unique galleries, book stores, eateries and shopping.

Stay two nights in Newport.

Day 7 Newport to Bandon, approx. 120 miles.

Stop and hike at Cape Perpetua, a typical Pacific Northwest headland, forming a high steep bluff above the ocean. At its highest point, Cape Perpetua rises to over 800 feet above sea level. From its crest, you can see 70 miles of Oregon coastline and as far as 37 miles out to sea on a clear day. Take a tour of Heceta Head Lighthouse or experience the Sea Lion Caves on the coast near Florence, one of the largest sea caves filled with Oregon’s Stellar Sea Lions. This vast cavern is nature’s home for wild sea lions and a variety of sea birds. Hear the roar of the great Steller sea lions, the cries of the wailing birds, and the restless surge of the ocean into the cave below, which make for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss historic Old Town Florence nestled against the Siuslaw River for some unique shopping and dining, colourful and creative art galleries, historical streets, flower boxes, the river and view from the Old Town Gazebo. At Bandon, enjoy the miles of stunning beaches and ocean breezes, panoramic views, beautiful sunsets, world class golf and great local restaurants.

Stay one night in Bandon.

Day 8 Bandon to Ashland, approx. 180 miles.

Visit Shore Acres State Park, where the fully restored formal gardens feature year-round displays of floral and scenic beauty. A fully enclosed observation building now occupies the site of Simpson's mansions, offering spectacular view of rugged seascapes, towering storm waves, and glimpses of migrating whales from December through June. Ashland has recently been voted one of the Top 10 Wine Travel Destinations in the World for 2016, by Wine Enthusiast, and you can sample a variety of wines in the area, as well as enjoying locally sourced produce in the restaurants. Also known for its annual Shakespeare Festival and outdoor pursuits, whatever your interests you can find it in the Ashland area. Stroll through the 93 acre, Lithia Park, Southern Oregon’s first park established in 1908, or head just outside the city to the Rogue River for some more adventurous activities.

Stay two nights in Ashland

Day 10 Ashland to Crater Lake, approx. 75 miles.

Visit The Natural Bridge on the Rogue River, formed by the tectonic forces that gave rise to the state of Oregon, beginning about 100 million years ago. It is here where the Rogue River flows through many natural lava tubes. Crater Lake National Park has inspired people for hundreds of years. No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in colour; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. Located in Southern Oregon on the crest of the Cascade Mountain range, 100 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, it lies inside a caldera, or volcanic basin, created when the 12,000 foot, high Mount Mazama collapsed 7,700 years ago following a large eruption. Crater Lake, at 1,943 feet deep, is the seventh deepest lake in the world and the deepest in the United States.

Stay one night in the Crater Lake area.

Day 11 Crater Lake to Bend, approx. 90 miles.

Bend is a stunning mountain town surrounded by the beautiful snowy peaks or the Cascade Mountains. Explore by hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking or rafting down the river or playing a round of golf. Then finish your day with a beer from a local craft brewery or a glass of Oregon wine.

Spend two nights in Bend or nearby Sunriver.  

Day 13 Bend to Hood River, approx. 145 miles.

Explore Smith Rock State Park, generally considered the birthplace of modern American sport climbing and is host to cutting-edge climbing routes. Smith Rock also offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Whether you come for the climb or come to unwind, you’ll see why Smith Rock is one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Along your trip through the canyon, you might see golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otter and beaver. Visit The Hood River Country fruit loop on Highway 35, along a scenic 35-mile loop in the Hood River. Stop for Huckleberry Milkshakes at Apple Valley Country Store, or visit Mt. Hood Winery, where four generations of winemakers in the Bickford family and over a hundred years of wine making in the beautiful Hood River Valley, produce some exciting Oregon wine.

Stay two nights in Hood River.  

Day 15 Hood River to Portland, approx. 60 miles.

Head back to the airport along the Old Columbia River Highway. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers 292,500 acres of unparalleled scenery and outdoor recreation options. A leisurely drive on the Historic Columbia River Highway is a popular way to experience the gorge. Completed in 1922 the road is the oldest national scenic highway in the nation. The highway also features several waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s highest at 620 feet. Hiking trails and picnic facilities are available at several of the waterfall sites.

Return your car to the airport in time to check-in for your flight home.