Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

Day 2 : Banff - Kamloops

This morning you board the Rocky Mountaineer train in GoldLeaf 

Travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and pass by Craigellachie, the spot where the last spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. This is the only passenger rail service on this historic route, celebrated for connecting Canada from East to West. Traverse the Continental Divide and be inspired by spectacular mountains and dramatic canyons. If you’re a history buff, this route is for you.

Day 3 : Vancouver

Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.

Once you arrive in Vancouver your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer concludes. 

Day 4 : Cruising the Inside Passage

Today you will board the Holland America Line cruise onboard the Ms Kiningsdam in an ocean view stateroom for 7 nights. 
This quintessential Alaska cruise features the quaint towns of the Inside Passage. Skagway was home to the world’s greatest gold rush, and you’ll be immersed in the town’s history from the moment you step off your cruise ship. As you cruise the stunning Glacier Bay National Park, keep an eye out for wildlife such as grizzly bears and wolves and incredible glacial activity.

Day 5 : At sea

Today will be spent cruising the Inside Passage. This beautiful scenic waterway reaches 1000 miles from British Columbia to historic Skagway. Through a maze of bays, straits, arms and fjords, you’ll cruise past an everchanging panorama of unspoiled beauty; cascading waterfalls, virgin forests and majestic glacier-carved fjords.

Day 6 : Juneau

You’ll arrive at Tracy Arm fjord at around 10am. Listen carefully and you may even hear the ice crackle and pop, and take in the sights uninterrupted while you wait for the glacier to calve. Later, you’ll continue your journey to Juneau, Alaska’s capital city.

Day 7 : Skagway

Your next stop is Skagway. The staging grounds for the most incredible gold rush the world has ever known, today you’ll stroll past false fronted buildings and the wooden boardwalks that line the street. If you want to know more, you can head to the ship’s luxury jewellery boutique to learn about gold nuggets and maybe even pick out a piece of jewellery for yourself or a loved one to forever remind you of your Alaska cruise.

Day 8 : At sea

Your ship edges so close to the face of Glacier Bay’s Margerie Glacier that you can feel its coolness in the air. If you listen closely, you’ll hear ‘White Thunder’ the Tlingit name for the sound of glaciers crashing into the sea. Keep an eye out for wildlife too; Glacier National Park is home to wolves, moose, grizzly and brown bears, deer and lynx. National Park Service rangers will board your ship to point out wildlife and explain glacial activity.

Day 9 : Ketchikan

Today you’ll be heading to Ketchikan; much of the town’s colourful past is still in evidence, as you’ll realise when you the world’s largest collection of totem poles which stare out to sea. Study the stories carved into the Tlingit totem poles and carve a story of your own with a tribal elder.

Day 10 : At sea

As you make your way back to Vancouver via the Inside Passage, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife. Keep an eye out for fishing trawlers laden with their catch heading to harbour, historic lighthouses on rocky isolated shores, coastal First Nations long houses fronted with proud totems and all manner of marine life.

Day 11 : Depart Vancouver - UK

Here you disembark your cruise in Vancouver after a breakfast served on board. You will then make your way to the airport for your flight home.