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Canada's Rockies & Alaska Cruise
Tour Description:
TAKE ON THE WORLD BY LAND AND SEA, AS YOU TRANSVERSE THE VERY BEST OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES BY TRAIN AND BOARD A LUXURY CRUISE LINER FOR A CRUISE THROUGH ALASKA'S INSIDE PASSAGE.
Set your sights on the best of the Canadian Rockies, as you arrive in Calgary and transfer to the resort town of Banff. Enjoy a sightseeing tour; quintessential Banff sites, such as the hot springs; a gondola ride and much more over the course of two days before transferring to Lake Louise for an overnight in Lake Louise's iconic Chateau. The next morning, soak up the scenery and board an Ice Explorer for a trek onto the Athabasca Glacier en route to Jasper. You'll have a full day to explore the beautiful town of Jasper and its eponymous National Park. The following day, it is all aboard VIA Rail's Canadian for an exciting ride through the mountains to Vancouver.
Take in all of the historic sites and iconic neighborhoods this coastal city has to offer with a Hop-on Hop-off tour, before stepping aboard Holland America's ms Nieuw Amsterdam for a 7-night cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage. There are ample opportunities to explore during the journey, including excursions to Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. The ship heads through the awe-inspiring Inside Passage before returning to port in Vancouver, where the tour comes to a close.
Scenic highlights of your trip include:
Highlights:
* One-way transportation aboard VIA Rail's Canadian from Jasper to Vancouver in Sleeper Plus accommodations, including access to the Skyline and Park Cars
* Hotel accommodations for 7 nights
* All meals onboard the train and ship
* 7-night round-trip Alaska cruise aboard Holland America's ms Amsterdam
* Banff sightseeing tour, including Sulphur Mountain Gondola
* Columbia Icefield excursion, including a ride on the Ice Explorer
* Vancouver Hop-on Hop-off Tour, including admission to Lookout Tower
* Select transfers
* Hotel taxes and GST on applicable items
Scenic highlights of your trip include:
* Banff
* Lake Louise
* Jasper
* Vancouver
* Juneau
* Skagway
* Glacier Bay
* Ketchikan
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - Calgary to Banff
Fly into Calgary's international airport and transfer to Banff, your home for two nights. Once you've settled into your accommodations, explore the grounds and all the amenities this grand hotel has to offer, or head out and start exploring this beautiful town. Make time during your stay in Banff to visit the Banff National Park and the Banff Upper Hot Springs, which are located inside the Park. Overnight Banff.
Day 2 - Banff Sightseeing
Banff is a veritable outdoor playground filled with pristine ski slopes, hiking trails, and bike paths. Banff was originally settled by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880's. Today visit some of its most famous sights on your guided tour of Banff. Learn about the history of the town as you visit some of its most scenic areas including Tunnel and Rundle Mountains, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and the Hoodoos as well as a ride on the Banff gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The views of the Bow Valley are just stunning. Overnight Banff.
Day 3 - Banff to Lake Louise
Take the morning to revisit some of your favorite spots in town or seek out new ones. This afternoon, travel west to Lake Louise. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and begin exploring the charming village. Take advantage of picturesque photo opportunities around the tranquil lake with its shimmering turquoise waters and Victoria Glacier looming in the distance. Overnight Lake Louise
Day 4 - Lake Louise to Jasper
This morning depart on a scenic drive to Jasper. Your transfer doubles as a sightseeing excursion, as you'll pass some of the most stunning vistas as you travel along the Icefield Parkway with a stop at the Columbia Icefield. Once in Jasper, settle into your accommodations and take the time to explore the impressive grounds. Overnight Jasper.(L)
Day 5 - Jasper at Leisure
Spend the day exploring Jasper and its famed National Park. or you may elect to take a ride on the Jasper Tramway. Perhaps spend the day hiking or biking the area, soaking in the hot springs or riding the Jasper Tramway. Overnight Jasper.
Day 6 - VIA Rail's Canadian to Vancouver
After breakfast on your own, transfer to the rail station for your departure aboard VIA Rail's Canadian to Vancouver.
Board the train and settle into your onboard accommodations. As a Sleeper Plus passenger, you have access to the Skyline and Park Cars. Be sure to take the time to visit both for impressive panoramic views of the breathtaking scenery as you travel through the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver. Overnight train. (L, D)
Day 7 - Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and transfer by taxi (included) to your hotel. Make use of your included Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing tour, which includes some of the city's most important sights including Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium, English Bay Beach, Granville Island, Chinatown, and the Robson Street shopping district in addition to many other attractions. Use the tour to learn about the city and its diverse neighborhoods as well as your means of transportation between Vancouver's must-see destinations. Admission to the Vancouver Lookout Tower is included with your pass. Overnight Vancouver. Overnight Vancouver. (B)
Day 8 - Vancouver at Leisure
You have a full day to explore this beautiful coastal city on your own. Revisit some of your favorite sights from yesterday's tour, dine at the city's many critically-acclaimed restaurants, or perhaps take an optional day-trip to Victoria or Whistler. Overnight Vancouver.
Day 9 - Cruise Departure
Check out of your hotel this morning, and make your way to the cruise ship terminal to board your Holland America ship. Settle into your accommodations before coming on deck to wave goodbye to Vancouver. As we set out, marvel at how quickly the scenery changes from urban to remote. Overnight ship. (D)
Day 10 - Insider Passage Scenic Cruising
As you wake this morning, the ship is traveling along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. This network of protected waterways winds through glacier-cut fjords and beautiful temperate rain forests and is known as Alaska’s Inside Passage. One of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage offers opportunities to view Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, such as humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles and grizzly bears, as well as to view amazing changes in the landscape. The Inside Passage stretches from Misty Fjords National Monument to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and includes numerous beloved port cities along the way. While you watch the vistas unfold, enjoy the many amenities of the ship, including the spa, which offers a variety of massages and beauty treatments; the pool; and the Culinary Arts Center, where you can enjoy professional cooking instruction. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Tracy Arm Inlet/Juneau
This morning, our ship approaches the Tracy Arm Inlet, where steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank the beautiful fjord. This area is home to the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the United States, thanks to the old-growth trees that have colonized the inlet since the Ice Age. This scenic stretch is part of the 5.7 million acres that encompass Tongass National Forest and includes 30 miles of wonderful views. The cruise continues through the sinuous waterway en route to Juneau.
We arrive at our port of call early this afternoon, and you have the remainder of the day to explore. Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, is home to endless sites to explore, including the Mendenhall Glacier, the colossal Juneau Ice Fields and Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. During your time here, hop aboard the Mt. Roberts Tramway for views across the city, mountains and surrounding water, or peruse the unique shops that line Juneau’s streets. You may wish to try some of the local adventure activities, such as kayaking, rafting or flightseeing or to hike the mountainous trails. Alternatively, you can embark on an optional excursion (payable locally) that introduces you to the sights and culture of the region. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 12 - Skagway
This morning, take a step back in time as our ship docks in the Gold Rush town of Skagway. This town has an undeniable essence of yesteryear, thanks to its careful preservation as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Spectacular surroundings complement the charm of the rugged town and make Skagway the perfect place to adventure today. While here, admire the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, a narrow-gauge railway that takes travelers on a remote journey past mountains, glaciers and sites that recall the town’s mining past. You may wish to visit the old-time saloons in town, such as the Red Onion Saloon that still houses Wyatt Earp’s pistol, or to browse the offerings of the rustic shops. There are great museums in town, such as the Skagway Museum and the Trail of ‘98 Museum, as well as a beautiful old cemetery where Gold Rush miners were laid to rest. Several optional shore excursions are also available, including those that offer gold panning, dogsledding and gastronomic adventures that reward you with a taste of Skagway’s local flavor. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising
Some of the most dramatic scenery in the world lies ahead as our ship voyages through Glacier Bay today. Sheer cliffs and rugged rock walls surround us as we cruise through pristine glacier-fed waters. Glacier Bay contains 16 glaciers and has more actively calving icebergs than anywhere else in the world. Look upon snow-capped mountains in the distance and the temperate rainforests and untamed beaches that line the shore. You may even see pods of whales or bears fishing along the shoreline. As we cruise, National Park Service Rangers and local Huna Tlingit cultural guides join us onboard to provide invaluable insight into the incredible ecosystem that surrounds us. We also learn more about the native culture throughout their presentations. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 14 - Ketchikan
We moor in “Alaska’s First City,” Ketchikan, this morning. Located 90 miles north of Prince Rupert, this region is teeming with history and natural beauty. Ketchikan is an important hub for Alaska’s fishing industry and is home to fantastic seafood restaurants that serve local catches. You can learn about the town's natural history and proud Native Alaskan heritage at the sites like the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village. Perhaps wander along Creek Street and peruse the colorful shops that are situated above Ketchikan Creek. No trip to Ketchikan is complete without a visit to Misty Fjords National Monument, where steep granite cliffs, thick rainforests and countless waterfalls all come together to make a truly spectacular sight. There are several options for optional excursions (payable locally), as well. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 15 - Inside Passage Cruising
Idyllic natural vistas and breathtaking displays of wildlife in their native habitat surround us as our cruise presses on through the Inside Passage and back down the coast of Alaska. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the onboard entertainment, take a cooking class or to soak up the amenities of the ship. You may wish to get a hot stone massage in the spa, to shop in the onboard boutiques or to try your luck in the casino. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 16 - Vancouver
We arrive back at the port of Vancouver today. Upon disembarking the ship, you are free to transfer to the airport for your return flight home or to extend your adventures in Vancouver. (B)
