Rockies Odyssey & Alaska Cruise

Rockies Odyssey & Alaska Cruise

Experience the pristine mountain scenery of the Canadian Rockies, travel in style aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, see pristine lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks and stay in stunning iconic Fairmont hotels.

What's Included:

• Return flights from London Heathrow
• 14 nights accommodation
• Free door-to-door transfer service
• 24 meals – 14 breakfasts, 7 dinners, 3 lunches (and all meals from dinner on day 15 to breakfast on day 22 if cruise option is taken, drinks package also included, please ask for more details)
• 7 nights cruising if cruise option is taken
• Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service Vancouver – Banff
• Sightseeing tour in Vancouver
• Enjoy a ride on the Athabasca Glacier
• Blue River Safari Cruise
• Freedom of Choice sightseeing in Banff, Jasper, Whistler & Victoria
• Butchart Gardens
• Gratuities for driver and tour director (and cruise staff if taking cruise, not bar staff)
• Airport transfers in Canada
• Luxury air-conditioned coach travel
• Professional Tour director

Day 1: London - Vancouver

On arrival at Vancouver Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Settle in to your elegant room and enjoy lovely views of the city skyline, then meet your fellow travellers at an informal Welcome Dinner.
Overnight: The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Meals - Dinner

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. Overnight: The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Meals - Breakfast

Day 3: Kamloops

Today you’ll board the famous Rocky Mountaineer and relax in the comfort of your GoldLeaf carriage as you set out into the mountains aboard one of the only passenger trains that covers this historic and awe-inspiring route. View the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains; pass the thundering waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon; and glide past the steep rocky slopes as your luxurious train follows the Thompson River on the way to the city of Kamloops.
Overnight - Rock Mounaineer assigned hotel Meals - Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4: Spiral Tunnels, Banff

Today your rail journey continues east towards the Canadian Rockies. Journey through vast ranchlands past Shuswap Lake and along the South Thompson River; see the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels; and traverse Kicking Horse Pass, which takes you across the Continental Divide of the Americas and into the province of Alberta. On arrival in Banff National Park, disembark and head for the magnificent ‘Castle in the Rockies’ - The Fairmont Banff Springs.
Overnight - The Fairmont Banff Springs Meals - Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5: Banff, Freedom of Choice Sightseeing and Dining

Today choose from a range of activities in Banff. You may like to take part in the Banff Experience - which includes a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Alternatively, absorb views of the park as you take to the skies on a wonderful heli-flightseeing trip; enjoy a float trip or go paddling down the Bow River; relax at the Willow Stream Spa; or go for a cruise on Lake Minnewanka. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of the superb restaurants located within The Fairmont Banff Springs.
Overnight - The Fairmont Banff Springs Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

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. Overnight - The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

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. Overnight - The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

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. Overnight - The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

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. Overnight - The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Meals - Breakfast

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. Overnight - Delta Sun Peaks Resort Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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. Overnight - The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: Whistler Freedom of Choice sightseeing

For an insight into the heritage of Canada’s indigenous people, you’ll enjoy breakfast and a tour at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. The centre showcases art, history and culture with the aim of inspiring respect and understanding amongst all people. This afternoon, select the activity that appeals to you. Take an eco-trek to Lost Lake or enjoy a floatplane flight for a new perspective on the region. Maybe explore Whistler Mountain on a snowcat adventure, enjoy a mountain Jeep safari or ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola; take a tree trek or a zip trek. Overnight - The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa Meals - Breakfast

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. Overnight - Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa (or similar) Meals - Breakfast

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. Overnight - Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa (or similar) Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

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. ** MS Volendam / Nieuw Amsterdam, Verandah stateroom** Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 16: Cruise the Inside Passage

Enjoy a full day at sea as your ship cruises along coastal British Columbia and the Alaska Panhandle, gliding past rocky headlands and over the frigid waters of the Inside Passage.
** MS Volendam / Nieuw Amsterdam, Verandah stateroom** Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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. MS Volendam / Nieuw Amsterdam, Verandah stateroom Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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. MS Volendam / Nieuw Amsterdam, Verandah stateroom Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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. MS Volendam / Nieuw Amsterdam, Verandah stateroom Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20: Ketchikan

Ketchikan and its surrounds present a range of attractions, including Misty Fjords National Monument, one of America’s largest wilderness areas. MS Volendam / Nieuw Amsterdam, Verandah stateroom Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21: The Inside Passage

Heading south through the Inside Passage, watch the glorious landscape slip by on your final day at sea. MS Volendam / Nieuw Amsterdam, Verandah stateroom Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22: Depart Vancouver

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