Mountain Rails Rockies & Alaska Cruise

An invigorating and unforgettable journey combining the magnificent Rocky Mountains with a cruise on board the elegant MS Zuiderdam, where you will see the breathtaking coastal scenery of Alaska unfold before your eyes. This popular tour also includes travel on board the acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer where you can gaze through large picture windows and be captivated by the glorious scenery that passes you by. An unforgettable combination and a trip of lifetime.

Guide

ESCORTED TOUR

Mountain Rails Rockies & Alaska Cruise is escorted by a local guide on sightseeing excursions only.

MEAL PLAN
Price includes breakfast and lunch on Day 4 and Day 5 and breakfast, lunch and dinner on board MS Zuiderdam. No meals are included in Vancouver.

ACCOMMODATION
Is available in a choice of 4 star or 5 star hotels as described, but in remote areas such as National Parks or small towns this standard may not exist and accommodation may be more simple and rustic. Hotels in Kamloops are 3 star. Alternative accommodation may be used and will be confirmed with final itineraries. A choice of Red or Gold Leaf is available onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. A choice of Staterooms are also available onboard MS Zuiderdam, please call for further prices.

GRATUITIES
Tipping is common practice in Canada and it is customary to offer a tip to the tour guide and driver of between $5-6 per person per tour. An optional amount of $11 per person per day will be automatically applied to your account on board MS Zuiderdam.

NB
Full passport details are required at time of booking. Ports of call and timings may be subject to change dependent on weather conditions. Please note, no airport transfers are included in this itinerary.

DAY 1
Upon arrival in Calgary, make your own way to either the four star Delta Bow Valley or five star Fairmont Palliser hotel where you will receive your information pack for the tour.

DAY 2
This morning depart Calgary and journey through the ranching country west of Calgary. Witness famous landmarks such as Tunnel Mountain Drive, Surprise Corner and Bow Falls. At Sulphur Mountain take an optional gondola ride to the summit for a wonderful panoramic view of the mountains. Continue on to the charming resort town of Banff, which will be your base for the next two nights. The following day enjoy a full day visit to the Columbia Icefield, travelling along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, your journey will reveal some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the whole of Canada. Stay overnight in either the four star Brewster’s Mountain Lodge or five star Fairmont Banff Springs.

DAY 4
Early this morning climb aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train for your journey from Banff to Kamloops. This spectacular journey crosses over the Continental Divide and passes through the Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park. Marvel at the stunning glaciers, numerous tunnels and snowcapped mountains of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. The next highlight of your journey is historic Craigallache, where the ‘last spike’ was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. Arrive in Kamloops late afternoon for your overnight stay at the three star Thompson hotel or similar.

DAY 5
Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer train and travel along the Thompson River to the Fraser Canyon. At Hells Gate you will pass through the walls of the canyon at its narrowest point. The final stretch takes you through the fertile Fraser Valley to the stunning port city of Vancouver where you will stay for the next two nights. Your hotel is either the four star Coastal Coal Harbour or the five star Fairmont Vancouver. The next day, set sail for your full day trip to Vancouver Island. After your scenic cruise through the stunning Gulf Islands, continue to Butchart Gardens, home to amazing, fragrant and colourful floral displays. A sightseeing tour of Victoria follows where you will see stately homes, historic landmarks, the University of Victoria, the Parliament Buildings and the exclusive homes of Uplands and Oak Bay. Return to Vancouver early evening.

DAY 7
Morning at leisure in Vancouver before embarking on MS Zuiderdam, which sails from Vancouver at approx. 5pm.

DAY 8
Spend today cruising the waters of the ‘Inside Passage’. Thousands of bays, coves and islands provide an ever-changing panorama that unfolds before you.

DAY 9
Sail through the narrow strait of Tracy Arm, to Juneau to see the sights of Alaska’s isolated capital city, nestling in the shadow of mighty Mendenhall Glacier. Set sail at 10.30pm.

DAY 10
Early arrival in Skagway, the pioneer city made famous by the Yukon Goldrush. Visit a genuine Klondike Gold Rush town. Leave at approx. 9pm.

DAY 11
Early morning arrival at Glacier Bay National Park where you will witness, thousand year old glacier ice cliffs in countless shades of blue, grey and green rise straight from the sea. Depart 4pm.

DAY 12
Arrive Ketchikan and stroll along historic Creek Street and see the largest collection of totem poles in the world. Set sail at 6pm.

DAY 13
Sail through the ever fascinating ‘Inside Passage’ which is rich in marine fauna including seals, sea lions, porpoises, eagles and whales.

DAY 14
Arrive back in Vancouver early morning and transfer to either the Coast Coal Harbour or the Fairmont Waterfront hotel. Your time today will be spent visiting the many attractions on a hop on/off trolley tour which visits Chinatown, Stanley Park and the quirky and interesting markets in Granville Island.

DAY 15
Transfer on your own to the airport for your flight back to the UK.