Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruise in Style

Day 1 - Fly UK to Calgary

Arrive in Calgary and transfer to your Banff hotel.

Day 2 - Discover Banff & its Wildlife

This morning we have included the 3 hour Discover Banff and its Wildlife Tour. The Town of Banff is an island of culture and history, surrounded by a sea of untamed wilderness. This tour enriches your visit with stories of 11,000 years of history, hidden in these rugged hills.

Navigate a half-day journey to some of the most important landmarks in the area. You'll stop at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka and the "oh wow!" view at Surprise Corner.

Venture down peaceful pine-scented trails and learn about wildlife habitat and behaviour. Ask as many questions as you like, as our guides are experts and love to share their knowledge. Don't forget your camera - we spot wildlife on 95% of these tours.

Drop off is available at the Banff Gondola. Please advise your driver at time of boarding if you would like to be dropped off there.

Day 3 - Mountain, Lakes & Waterfalls Tour

Today we have included one of our most scenic tours in the Rockies - Mountain, Lakes & Waterfalls.  

Duration: 9 hours

Visit the most treasured spots in the Canadian Rockies on this remarkable excursion through Banff and Yoho National Parks. Experience the evolution of land and discover how it has shaped the appearance of the spectacular natural wonders found in these mountain settings.

Highlights: - Lake Louise - Moraine Lake* - Valley of the Ten Peaks - Spiral Tunnels - Takakkaw Falls** - Hot lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge - Dedicated on-board host - Light snacks & refreshments

*Moraine Lake road does not open until late May (date varies based on snow conditions). Alternate stops will be organized during that time. **Takakkaw Falls road opens mid-June (date varies based on snow conditions). Alternate stops will be organized during that time.

Note: - The tour goes along the Bow Valley Parkway only during Moraine Lake and Takakkaw Falls road closures. - Potential alternate stops are Johnston Canyon, Marble Canyon, Field Visitor Centre, and Natural Rock Bridge. - Itinerary will be at driver's discretion on day of travel.

Day 4 - Scenic Icefields Parkway tour from Banff to Jasper via Lake Louise

Duration: 10 hours approx.

Today's tour to Jasper takes us through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff we pass Vermilion Lakes and the fortress formations of Castle Mountain before arriving at stunning Lake Louise and the world famous Chateau Lake Louise. After a short break we continue northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield where we allow time to enjoy the "Ice Explorer Ride" and the Glacier Skywalk. From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River, which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. We then stop at the Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor.

Highlights: - A boxed lunch is included - Glacier Adventure Package (Ice Explorer & Glacier Skywalk) admissions are included on a separate voucher

Day 5 - Explore Jasper Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise

Today we have included the popular Explore Jasper with Maligne Lake Cruise Tour. Duration: 6 hours 15 minutes

Explore the spectacular natural treasures of the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Stand above the massive walls of the Maligne Canyon for stunning views of rushing waterfalls, discover the mystery of the disappearing water at Medicine Lake and experience the scenic lake cruise of Maligne Lake - all on this incredible sightseeing tour.

Highlights: - Jasper town-site - Pyramid Lake - Patricia Lake - Maligne Canyon - Medicine Lake - Maligne Lake (admission to lake cruise included)* - Hot lunch - Dedicated on-board host - Light snacks & refreshments

*Maligne Lake Cruise is seasonal. Additional programming will be provided when Maligne Lake is closed.

Day 6 - Board Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Kamloops (GoldLeaf Service)

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass, and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. Please note all accommodations in Kamloops are of moderate standard. Breakfast & lunch will be served onboard.

Day 7 - Board Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Vancouver (GoldLeaf Service)

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 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. Breakfast & lunch will be served onboard.

Day 8 - Sightsee Vancouver

This morning we have include the 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour. Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city. Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island. Remainder of the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 9 - Victoria & Butchart Gardens full day tour

Duration: 12-13 hours

View the spectacular British Columbia coastline by land and ship, followed by a stop at Butchart Gardens en route to the British inspired city of Victoria. Board a BC Ferries vessel at Tsawwassen terminal for a 90-minute sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands. Marine wildlife sightings from the outdoor ship decks are common, especially eagles, sea lions and whales. Arrive on Vancouver Island and continue to the Butchart Gardens. The City of Victoria boasts many impressive architectural wonders, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit the unique shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views, and enjoy some free time to take in the city. Return on the bus to Vancouver by ferry to conclude this diverse tour.

Highlights: 90-minute cruise through the spectacular Gulf Islands and Active Pass (ferry tickets included), Butchart Gardens (admission included), Victoria City Tour, Leisure Time.

Note: There is a chance your tour start time changes due to ferry scheduling and weather conditions. You will be notified if this is the case.

Day 10 - Board Silversea Alaska cruise

Morning at leisure. Your luggage will be transported from the Fairmont Waterfront hotel across the road to Canada Place where you will board your sensational 7 night Silversea Alaska cruise.

Day 11 - Cruise the Inside Passage

Navigate through the intricate outlays of some of Alaska’s most staggering winter scenery, threading a needle between craggy, snow-dusted islands, and slipping glacial giants. To cruise this 500-mile stretch of Alaskan beauty is to sail through a living work of natural art - with perfectly sculpted mountains soaring from the shoreline, and clutches of islands scattered across the dark waters with delicate attention to detail. A common sailing route due to its calm sheltered waters, gorgeous natural set pieces constantly play out here - whether it’s killer whales accompanying you through the breathtaking icy passages, harbour seals catching a break on floating hunks of ice, or wisps of cloud clinging to distant mountain peaks.

Day 12 - Ketchikan

The Salmon Capital of the World is a thrilling introduction to wild and wonderful Alaska, sitting at the southern gateway to the Inside Passage's famed route of larger than life scenery. Cruise through the waters, or soar just above in a sightseeing plane, to take in the full majesty of the magnificent Misty Fjords National Monument. Home to grizzly and black bears - as well as cruising whales and swimming seals - the wildlife spotting opportunities in this majestic corner of the world are nothing short of spectacular. Towered over by steep banks and valley walls, Ketchikan's ocean inlet is peppered with granite stacks, looming from the waters. Surrounded by glorious landscapes, head to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, which is alive with bald eagles, black bears and remarkable, thick, yellow banana slugs - the squeamish are advised to keep well clear. 

Visit Ketchikan's Heritage Centre, where a collection of intricately carved totem poles rise up, preserving the heritage of the indigenous Tlingit and Haida people of these lands. Ketchikan has the world's largest collection, and some of the oldest and most precious totems in existence. This frontier city hasn’t always been so wholesome, however. See the colourful historic street that is built on crooked stilts over Ketchikan Creek, which has a crude history as the main red-light district in the city. The brothels closed in the 1950s, but you can explore this legendarily seedy past at Dolly’s House - a brothel turned museum. See the Married Man trail, a historical route used to enter Creek Street away from prying eyes.

Day 13 - Juneau

Extraordinary adventures amid nature's wildest staging await at Juneau. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier sprawls down from Juneau Icefield, which provides an icy cap to the area's rip-roaring scenery. State capitals simply don't get more dramatic than this isolated, remote city lost amid the Alaskan wilds. Even the roads eventually peter out, absorbed by forests and viewpoints, firmly underlining the isolated location, hidden behind an impenetrable wall of rigid mountains. Rise up to Mount Roberts Tramway's viewpoint, to see the city swallowed by this most colossal backdrop. This is glacier country, and no fewer than 38 ice flows branch off from the main Juneau Icefield, slowly carving out valleys in their wakes. Taku Glacier cuts deep into the mountain, forming a colossal sculpture that is one of the world's thickest - almost a mile deep. 

Mendenhall Glacier cascades down, just 12 miles away from downtown, terminating in its own lake and visitor centre. With 1,500 square miles of ice field to explore, one of the best ways to take in the magnitude and majesty of this epic ice sculpture is to hold on tight on as the propeller whirs, and you soar into the skies on an exhilarating sightseeing flight. Cruising up above the icy world that fills in these serrated mountain peaks is a once in a lifetime experience. The animals that inhabit the Southeast Alaskan wilds are just as inspiring as the landscapes – families of bears patrol the riverbanks, bald eagles survey the surroundings watchfully, and Pacific humpbacks migrate from Hawaii's waters to feast on the krill rich, icy waters. Fish for huge catches, power across the ice in a snow-sledge, or kayak just below glaciers. However you choose to immerse yourself in it, Juneau's incredible outdoor adventures never disappoint.

Day 14 - Skagway

Feel the same rush of excitement as the gold rush chasers did, when they first arrived in Skagway, intent on finding their fortune. While the gold may now be gone, a treasure trove of natural glory waits to be discovered here. The adrenaline of America’s legendary gold rush still pulses along Skagway's streets, especially in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the historic downtown area - which sprang up during the heady heights of the 1890’s goldrush. The jagged mountain ridges - with peaks of white snow above a treeline of soaring pine forests - provide a reward for the ages. Recapture the evocative sense of adventure, as you ride one of the world’s most spectacular railroads. Your engine will puff steam below the precipitous, colossal scenery, while the vintage carriages curve around the White Pass & Yukon Route, alongside tumbling waterfalls and spanning deeply-etched gorges. 

Wander historic trails like the Chilkoot Trail Hike, to walk in the well-trodden footsteps of the gold seekers. Set on the northern tip of the Inside Passage, Skagway luxuriates in a remarkably beautiful and dramatic landscape. Explore mighty rivers teeming with thick salmon leaping over rapids and see brown bears edging from the shelter of the trees. Endless forests spread as far as the eye can see, while bald eagles perch on treetops, surveying the surroundings from above. Whales roam offshore, and glaciers creak and calve nearby, in this magical natural kingdom.

Day 15 - Sitka

A distant land of bears, wild landscapes and icy adventures, sail between glorious islands and witness the diverse wildlife of the Inside Passage. Eagles watch over the scenery overhead, while whales and sea lions add glorious weight to the animal life that thrives and thrashes in these icy seas. With a quintet of Pacific salmon species filling the rich rivers and waterways with life, settle back to enjoy the show, as Sitka's immense set pieces play out before you. You might notice the onion-shaped dome atop St. Michael’s Church – a relic of the area's Russian history. Sitka formed a part of the Russian Empire until a deal was struck in 1867, and the territory was sold to the United States, with the handover ceremony taking place here in Sitka. The native Tlingit culture is an important presence, and elaborate totem poles rocket up in Sitka National Historical Park. 

They mark the battleground of 1804, when the indigenous people clashed fiercely with the Russians. The snow-capped peak of the dormant volcano, Mount Edgecumbe, draws understandable comparisons with Mount Fuji's symmetrical cone. Climb to thrilling heights, as you arrive on Kruzof Island, and enjoy richly spellbinding views of the scattered Pacific islands, while hiking. Whether you want to spend your time flying above snow-dusted mountain ridges, fishing for colossal King salmon, or savouring Northwest frontier cuisine in waterfront restaurants, there's no shortage of ways to experience Sitka's natural wonders.

Day 16 - Cruise the Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier, off the coast of Yakutat, Alaska, is the largest glacier in North America, with a calving front that is more than six miles wide. One of the main sources for Hubbard Glacier originates 76 mi inland. It has been a very active glacier, experiencing two major surges in the past 30 years. This glacier was named after Gardiner Greene Hubbard, a U.S. lawyer, financier, and philanthropist. He was the first president of the National Geographic Society.

Day 17 - Fly Anchorage to the UK

Disembark in Seward this morning where you will be transferred by coach to Anchorage airport for your flight to the UK.