Coastal Treasures & Cruise to Alaska
While it’s true that Vancouver’s beauty will have you constantly reaching for your camera, the appeal is more than skin-deep, Vancouver’s vibrant personality and relaxed lifestyle are just as enviable. Victoria has endless appeal, with its ever-so-British feel and verdant natural beauty. Whistler is a destination full of possibilities, with an almost endless array of activities to fill any day and an Alaskan cruise will complete this fulfilling journey.
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Your Itinerary
Day 1 : UK - Vancouver
On arrival in Vancouver make your own way to the hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Day 2 : Vancouver
No day in this city is typical: start with a waterfront breakfast at Granville Island Public Market and end with a sunset cocktail on a mountain-top patio. In between, paddle out on a kayaking adventure, and shop a neighbourhood or two. Explore at your own pace with an included full day hop-on, hop-off city tour.
Day 3 : Victoria
Take the coach and ferry transfer this morning and cruise across the Strait of Georgia through verdant islands to Vancouver Island and on to Victoria, BC’s charming capital. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own.
Day 4 : Butchart Gardens
Enjoy an included visit to the famous Butchart Gardens. Designed in 1904 by Jennie Butchart who envisioned transforming a former limestone quarry into a beautiful garden haven, overflowing with lush greens and colourful blooms. Explore the different garden themes as you wander the 22 hectares of stunning colour. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Victoria’s many attractions.
Day 5 : Whistler
A scenic floatplane flight will take you to the alpine resort of Whistler. The rest of the day is free to explore. Whistler is a spectacular place. It feels like a mix of a national park, a quaint European place and somewhere you’ll make your best memories.
Day 6 : Whistler
Nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains Whistler has an extensive range of summer activities, ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola (included) and learn about the Squamish and Lil’ Wat Nations First Nations peoples of BC at the Cultural centre with your included admission.
Day 7 : Depart Vancouver
Transfer by coach to the Vancouver cruise terminal to check in for your cruise. Your Holland America Line vessel sets sail at 5pm this evening.
Day 8 : Inside Passage
A day at sea as you cruise the British Columbia coast towards the Alaska Panhandle. Glide past rocky headlands, through the frigid waters of the Inside Passage close to steep mountain walls in one of the world’s most picturesque sea-lanes.
Day 9 : Juneau
Your ship will dock in Juneau today, Alaska’s capital city born of the gold rush of 1880; today it is the scenery that is the town’s fortune with wild mountains, fjords and glaciers. Wildlife is abundant – you may spot humpback and killer whales, sea lions, porpoise, eagles and deer and the majestic Mendanhall Glacier is close by.
Day 10 : Skagway
At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush Skagway was a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway - but today it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to explore Alaska’s colourful history, pristine wildlife and unrivalled natural beauty.
Day 11 : Glacier Bay
Wake to the breath-taking sight of Glacier Bay National Park with its formidable rivers of ice. A local ranger will join you on board to explain the geological wonders and point out some of the diverse wildlife as you cruise through this stunning region. Listen for the sound of a glacier “calving” – once you hear it you’ll never forget it.
Day 12 : Ketchikan
Arrive in Ketchikan today, a lovely town that is set right on the shores of the Tongass Narrows, with many colourful shops and houses built right over the water. After breakfast, disembark and set off to discover this charming town.
Day 13 : Inside Passage
Spend today cruising south through the majestic landscape of the Inside Passage. Take the time to relax on-board as you glide past the icy fjords, watching for the abundant native wildlife.
Day 14-15 : Disembark Vancouver - UK
Arrive in Vancouver this morning and disembark. Make your way to the airport for your flight home.