Rockies Circle & Alaskan Cruise

PICTURESQUE VANCOUVER ISLAND

Day 1. Arrive Vancouver, Victoria. Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport, be transferred to the ferry for a scenic Georgia Strait cruise. Travel to Victoria, the charming capital city of British Columbia, famous for its distinct British feel. This evening join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for an informal Welcome Reception. Two Night Stay: Victoria, Royal Scot Suite Hotel.

Day 2. Victoria Sightseeing. This morning visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens where you have ample time to explore the wonderful floral displays that have been delighting visitors for over 100 years. The remainder of the day is free to do as you please on Vancouver Island. Perhaps take a whale-watching cruise in search of orcas or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of the inner harbour and surrounds. Alternately, you could indulge in the famous English High Tea at the ivy-clad Empress Hotel. (All at own expense.) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3. Victoria, Vancouver. This morning board the ferry and return to the mainland. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver, including the Waterfront, Gastown and Stanley Park. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore. Stay: Vancouver, Blue Horizon Hotel.
Included: Breakfast

GLACIERS, MOUNTAINS AND SNOWFIELDS

Day 4. Sun Peaks. Travel out of Vancouver city and into the Cariboo area of British Columbia. Arrive at the summer playground of Sun Peaks. Stay: Sun Peaks, Hearthstone Lodge.
Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5. Yoho National Park, Lake Louise. Travel through Glacier and Mt Revelstoke national parks, over the Kicking Horse Pass and through Yoho National Park. Arrive at the Jewel of the Rockies, Lake Louise. This tranquil lake is renowned for its captivating turquoise waters, and breathtaking alpine backdrop. Stay: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6. Lake Louise, Banff. Travel the short distance to the mountain town of Banff. Today take an included ride on the Banff Gondola on the shoulder of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy an incredible view of the Canadian Rockies. Two Night Stay: Banff Park Lodge.
Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7. Banff at Leisure. Enjoy the day at leisure. Perhaps visit the famous The Fairmont Banff Springs, a designated historical site and a landmark of the Rockies. Alternately, you might like to participate in a wilderness experience to view and learn more about the local fauna and flora. (Own expense). Included: Breakfast

Day 8. Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier. Journey along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, with vistas of glaciers, lakes and wildlife. Stop at Athabasca Glacier for an Ice Explorer ride. Stay: Jasper, Tonquin Inn.
Included: Breakfast & Dinner

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER RAIL JOURNEY

Day 9. Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops. Early today board the Rocky Mountaineer train and relax in the comfort of RedLeaf Service. Pass by Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres. View the expansive glaciers of the Alberta Icefield and Pyramid Falls. See the snow-capped Monashee Mountains before following the Thompson River through rolling plateaus arriving in Kamloops late this afternoon. Tonight perhaps take in an optional entertaining dinner show (own expense). Stay: Kamloops, hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.
Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 10. Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver. Rejoining the Rocky Mountaineer, continue westward towards the Pacific Ocean. See the thundering waters of Hell’s Gate before entering the Fraser Canyon. View the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains and pass through the fertile fields of Fraser Valley. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, winding river canyons and forests surrounded by the peaks of the Coastal Ranges, to the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Arrive into Vancouver late this afternoon. Stay: Vancouver, Blue Horizon Hotel.
Included: Breakfast & Lunch

ALASKAN INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE

Day 11. Vancouver, Holland America Line Cruise. Board your cruise ship and settle in to your comfortable stateroom as you sail north. 11 Day guests (URJWI11) depart tour after breakfast with a transfer to the airport. Seven Night Cruise: Holland America Line’s ms Zuiderdam in an Inside Stateroom. Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12. Inside Passage. Enjoy a day at sea as your ship wends its way past rocky headlands, over the still blue waters of the Inside Passage. Explore your cruise ship. Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13. Juneau. Juneau was named after gold prospector Joe Juneau, after originally being known as Rockwell and then Harrisburg. Juneau has been Alaska’s capital since 1906. This afternoon you’ll have the chance to experience a dog sled ride over a glacier, sample salmon baked over a fire or perhaps pan for gold (own expense). Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14. Skagway. At the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, Skagway’s history as a frontier town and gateway for the gold rush is still evident. Enjoy free time discovering what gold prospecting was like back then or take in the wildlife (own expense). Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15. Glacier Bay. Wake up to the breathtaking sight of Glacier Bay National Park with its rivers of ice. Have your camera poised to catch glaciers calving. Rangers will come on board to explain the geological wonders and point out the diverse wildlife. Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16. Ketchikan. Enjoy time at leisure in Ketchikan. Perhaps join a walking tour of the town including a visit to the fishing harbour and the historic red light district, where the wooden houses stand on stilts over the water. Taste the local delicacy – salmon, or immerse yourself in the Tlingit Indian culture at Saxman Native Village (own expense). Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17. Inside Passage. Cruise through the majestic landscape of the Inside Passage. Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18. Depart Vancouver. Disembark in Vancouver after breakfast. Enjoy time at leisure before your transfer to the airport. Included: Breakfast