Rockies Odyssey & Alaska Cruise

Day 2 : Vancouver

Boasting a glorious waterfront setting, Vancouver is consistently voted the best place to live in Canada, and once you’ve visited you’ll see why. Walk-able neighbourhoods, fabulous outdoor activities, and an amazing foodie culture makes Vancouver a must-visit destination. Tour this cosmopolitan city and discover its many attractions.

Visit Stanley Park, an evergreen oasis just steps away from downtown Vancouver; Granville Island, the bustling heart of Vancouver’s cultural scene, and enjoy panoramic views of picturesque English Bay.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy this vibrant harbour-side city at your leisure.

Day 3 : Vancouver - Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops

Board the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys, and relax in the comfort of your GoldLeaf carriage as carve your way through the unparalleled beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Gaze up
at the stunning towering peaks of the Coast Mountains and pass the waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Glide past the steep rocky slopes as your train follows the Thompson River on the way to Kamloops.

Hotel: assigned by Rocky Mountaineer (two or three-star hotels).

Day 4 : Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Banff

Your rail journey continues east towards the Canadian Rockies, past Shuswap Lake and along the South Thompson River. See the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels and traverse Kicking Horse Pass into the province of Alberta.

Hotel for two nights: The Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 5 : Banff - Freedom of Choice Sightseeing

It’s your choice what you do today. Perhaps take part in the Banff Experience - which includes a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site or get bird’s-eye views of the park on a heliflightseeing trip. Maybe take a float trip along Bow River or learn to be an ice hockey player; relax at the Willow Stream Spa or take a cruise on Lake Minnewanka. This evening have dinner at one of the superb restaurants in the hotel.

Day 6 : Banff - Lake Louise

Meet a Mountie and hear tales of the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police, then let the Banff Gondola whisk you to the top of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy panoramic views out over six mountain ranges. Later, wander through the mountain town of Banff on a tour, before travelling to The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise overlooking the impossibly blue waters of Lake Louise. Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and the majestic Victoria Glacier, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers serenity from dawn to dusk with the most breathtaking mountain escape Banff National Park has to offer. This evening, choose where to dine from a selection of restaurants at your hotel.

Hotel for two nights: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lakeview Room

Day 7 : Moraine Lake & Lake Louise

You’ll travel to Moraine Lake and discover that this glacier-carved lake is perhaps just as photogenic as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’, Lake Louise. Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and rock piles, the lake is so stunning it almost seems unreal and is sure to leave a lasting impression. Later, join an expert Mountain Heritage Guide and learn about the rich natural history of the area as you take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Louise.

Day 8 : Lake Louise - Athabasca Glacier – Jasper

Take the Icefields Parkway and wind along one of the world’s most scenic stretches of road, past glaciers, vast icefields, sweeping valleys and brilliant blue lakes. Pause to see Peyto Lake then continue to the Columbia Icefield to board a specially designed Ice Explorer and journey onto the Athabasca Glacier. Later, stroll over glacier-sculptured valleys and waterfalls along the Glacier Skywalk. Continue on via Athabasca Falls to Jasper.

Hotel for two nights: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Day 9 : Jasper Freedom of Choice sightseeing

Today’s choice of activities offers a thrilling perspective on this rugged wilderness. Take in the park on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour, embark on a Maligne Valley experience, go rafting down the Athabasca River or ride the Jasper Tramway. You may prefer to set out on an interpretive nature hike or perhaps take part in an evening wildlife discovery. Tonight enjoy a stylish alfresco dining experience by the shores of Trefoil Lake; relax and absorb the beautiful rhythms of a group of First Nations performers while chefs prepare a gourmet barbecue dinner.

Day 10 : Jasper - Blue River - Sun Peaks

First stop today is to take in views of Mount Robson, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. On arrival in Blue River, board a custom-designed boat and skim over the waterways, watching for the grizzly and black bears that are frequently sighted here, as well as other native creatures.

Hotel: Sun Peaks Grand

Day 11 : Sun Peaks - Whistler

Follow the historic tracks of the early gold rush pioneers through the Cariboo region. Travel through the rural town of Lillooet and stop to see the stunning Seton and Duffey lakes before continuing into the Coast Mountains. Ringed by beautiful mountains, lush forests and breath-taking valleys, you’ll see why Whistler attracts outdoor enthusiasts year round.

Hotel for two nights: Westin Whistler Resort and Spa.

Day 12 : Whistler Freedom of Choice sightseeing

Day 13 : Whistler - Georgia Strait - Victoria

Travel south from Whistler via Shannon Falls to Horseshoe Bay and take a ferry to Vancouver Island and the small city of Nanaimo. Continue by coach via Chemainus and on to Victoria..

Hotel for two nights: Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe

Day 14 : Victoria Freedom of Choice sightseeing

Visit The Butchart Gardens before the crowds and enjoy breakfast in the original Butchart residence. Enjoy the colourful gardens in true serenity, before your afternoon activity. Perhaps join a whale watching cruise; take a seaplane flight; learn about the city’s heritage district on a guided tour; fish for salmon; ride in a horsedrawn carriage or delight in afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel. This evening enjoy a special dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 15 : Victoria – Vancouver

Cross the Strait of Georgia this morning back to Vancouver. Coach tour only guests will be taken to the airport for their return flight. Guests taking the Alaska cruise will be transferred to the cruise terminal to board the ship. This evening enjoy a Sail Away Dinner at the renowned Pinnacle Grill.

Ship for Seven Nights: ms Volendam / Nieuw Amsterdam, Verandah stateroom

Day 16 : Cruise the Inside Passage

Open your curtains to the legendary scenery of the Inside Passage and enjoy a full day at sea as your ship cruises past fjords and tiny islands.

Day 17 : Juneau

Cruise past the soaring cliffs to Alaska’s capital, Juneau, set at the foot of the mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel.

Day 18 : Skagway

Arrive in Skagway at the Inside Passage’s northernmost point; once a gateway city for the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway’s frontier-style air remains evident today.

Day 19 : Glacier Bay National Park

Wake to the breathtaking sight of World Heritage listed Glacier Bay National Park, with its rivers of ice and sky-scraping peaks. Listen to the insightful commentary of local rangers who explain the geological wonders and point out some of the diverse wildlife and marine mammals.

Day 20 : Ketchikan

Ketchikan and its surrounds present a range of attractions, including Misty Fjords National Monument, one of America’s largest wilderness areas.

Day 21 : The Inside Passage

Heading south through the Inside Passage, watch the glorious landscape slip by on your final day at sea.

Day 22 : Depart Vancouver

Disembark your ship on arrival in Vancouver today and transfer to the airport.