Day 1. Arrive Vancouver Welcome to Canada! Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your downtown hotel. Your day is at leisure to relax or perhaps stroll Robson Street with its many unique shops, bars and cafιs or explore exotic Chinatown. With its dramatic location between the Coast Mountains and expansive Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is one of the worlds most beautiful cities: a modern, multicultural metropolis at the edge of rugged wilderness, only minutes from the ocean to the mountains. This evening join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for an informal and friendly Welcome Reception. Two Night Stay: Vancouver, Empire Landmark Hotel.
Day 2. Vancouver Sightseeing. This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including the Waterfront, Gastown and Stanley Park. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. BD
Day 3. Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops. Early today board the Rocky Mountaineer Train. Relax in the comfort of your RedLeaf coach as we pass through the fertile fields of the Fraser Valley and view the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains before entering Fraser Canyon. See the thundering waters of Hells Gate and follow the Thompson River to historic Kamloops. Tonight you have the option of experiencing
the highly entertaining Two River Junction Dinner and Musical Revue or the Canadian Lumberjack Show and dinner (own expense).
Stay: Kamloops, hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations. CBL
Day 4. Rocky Mountaineer Rail to Banff. Rejoining the Rocky Mountaineer, we journey through the vast lands along the South Thompson River to Shuswap Lake. Enter Rogers Pass, with its tunnels, snowsheds and glistening glaciers. The Kicking Horse River leads you to Kicking Horse Pass, the Spiral Tunnels and over the Continental Divide to Banff National Park. Arrive late afternoon in Banff. Tonight, take the opportunity to spend an evening in downtown Banff in one of the many and varied restaurants, cafιs and bars. Two Night Stay: Banff International. CBL
Day 5. Banff at Leisure. Today is at leisure in Banff to be as active as you wish. As an option, we suggest taking a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for spectacular views of Banff and surrounds. Why not take time to visit the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a designated historic site and a landmark of the Rockies. Alternatively you might like to take a wildlife safari to view and learn more about the local fauna (all activities at own expense). BD
Day 6. Lake Louise, Columbia Icefields, Jasper National Park. This morning we stop at Lake Louise, the Jewel of the Rockies. The beautiful turquoise colour of the lake with the backdrop of the Victoria Glacier will take your breath away. We continue our journey along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Have your camera ready today as the heavily glaciated terrain offers exceptional views. The Parkway is also known for its wildlife viewing so keep a lookout for elk, moose, big horn sheep, mountain goats and black bears you could be lucky! We stop at the giant Columbia Icefield for an unforgettable ride in a specially designed Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Travel past the alpine meadows of Sunwapta Pass and marvel at the colours of Peyto Lake. Later, we arrive at Jasper. Stay: Jasper Inn. BD
Day 7. Mt Robson, Sun Peaks. Re-entering the province of British Columbia, our journey follows the famous Yellowhead Highway. En route, pass Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. In the afternoon we arrive in the village of Sun Peaks, renowned for its virgin forests, alpine meadows and mountain lakes. Stay: Sun Peaks, Hearthstone Lodge. BD
Day 8. Whistler. Follow the tracks of the early gold rush pioneers as we travel through the rugged Cariboo region. Enter the Coast Mountain Range for our stay in the ski resort village of Whistler. Take the opportunity this evening to experience one of the many restaurants or bars in Whistler, a village buzzing with excitement as it prepares for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Stay: Whistler, Crystal Lodge. B
Day 9. Georgia Strait, Victoria. We return to the coast and board our ferry for a scenic cruise through the Georgia Strait. Arrive on Vancouver Island and continue to Victoria, the charming capital city of British Columbia, famous for its distinct British feel. Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure in this pretty location. Two Night Stay: Victoria, Royal Scot Suite Hotel. B
Day 10. Victoria at Leisure. This morning we 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. Perhaps take a whale watching cruise in search of orcas or enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour of the inner harbour and surrounds. Or visit the Empress Hotel for an English High Tea. BD
Day 11. Victoria, Seattle. We travel this morning by ferry to Seattle. 11 day guests (URJ11), transfer to the airport for your flight home. 18 day guests (URJ18), board your Holland America Line cruise ship, ms Amsterdam and settle into your verandah stateroom as we head out on a luxury Alaskan cruise. BD
Day 12. Cruising Inside Passage. Enjoy a full day at sea as your ship wends its way past rocky headlands and glides over the still blue waters of the Inside Passage. Make time today to explore your cruise ship and its amenities or simply enjoy the dramatic views of the Inside Passage. BLD
Day 13. Stephens Passage, Juneau. Sail through Stephens Passage, a wildlife rich marine sanctuary, home to humpback whales and orca. This afternoon you arrive in Juneau, Alaskas capital, and one of the best places in the world to experience a dog sled ride, sample salmon baked over a fire or pan for gold (own expense). BLD
Day 14. Tracy Arm, Sawyer Glacier. At the end of Tracy Arm fjord sits Sawyer Glacier. Watch as the glaciers calve and break apart, dropping huge chunks of ice into the water. Depending on conditions, the cruise may go to Glacier Bay National Park instead. BLD
Day 15. Sitka. Arrive in the Alaskan town of Sitka, a charming settlement by the sea rich in Russian and native Tlingit culture. BLD
Day 16. Ketchikan. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan is the place to indulge in all things to do with salmon. Maybe join a walking tour of the town including visits to the busy fishing harbour and the historic red light district where wooden houses were built on stilts over the water (own expense). BLD
Day 17. Victoria. Enjoy a day at sea. Arrive this evening in Victoria. BLD
Day 18. Seattle. Arrive in Seattle and disembark after breakfast. Enjoy time at leisure before your airport transfer. B
Just America will be pleased to provide a quotation for airfares, additional accommodation and onward travel. We can offer a choice of airlines, economy, business and First Class travel - prices on request.
Single Travellers must pay single supplement on port charges with Holland America Line.
Discounted Cabin Upgrades
Upgrade further from your Inside Stateroom to an Outside Stateroom: Large Outside Stateroom (Cat. C.) from £180 per person. Single price on application.
