18 day Rockies Marvel and Alaska Cruise with Travelmarvel

Inclusions

• 10 nights superior accommodation
• 7 night Holland America Alaskan cruise in an Ocean-view stateroom
• 36 meals - 17 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 11 dinners
• 2 days abroad the famous Rocky Mountaineer rail journey
•  Airport transfers on the first and last day
• Services of a Canadian Travelmarvel Tour Director & Driver
• Visit the Butchart Gardens, Juneau, Skagway & Ketchikan
• Travel on an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier
• Ride the Banff Gondola over the shoulder of Sulphur Mountain

Itinerary

Day 1    Arrive Vancouver
Situated between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is one of the world’s most beautiful cities and hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. On arrival here, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After time at leisure, join a Welcome Reception this evening. Two Night Stay: Vancouver. Hotel: Blue Horizon 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 at leisure to explore this city.

Day 3    Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops
After breakfast early this morning, board the Rocky Mountaineer train. Relax in your RedLeaf carriage as you pass the fields of Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains before entering Fraser Canyon. See the thundering waters of Hell’s Gate and follow the Thompson River to Kamloops. Kamloops, hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.

Day 4    Rocky Mountaineer, Jasper
Rejoining the Rocky Mountaineer, follow the Thompson River into the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. Pass Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, before arriving this afternoon in picturesque Jasper National Park. Jasper, Hotel: Tonquin Inn.

Day 5    Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Banff
Travel along the Icefields Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for an unforgettable ride in an Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier. This afternoon stop at Lake Louise, the Jewel of the Rockies. Later, arrive in Banff. Two Night Stay: Hotel: Banff Park Lodge.

Day 6    Banff Sightseeing
Today, ride the Banff Gondola over the shoulder of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy incredible views of the Canadian Rockies. The rest of the day is at your leisure.Tonight, enjoy the Oh Canada Eh! Theatre Dinner Show.

Day 7    Banff, Sun Peaks
Descending from the Rockies, pass through national parks before arriving in the alpine village of Sun Peaks. Check into your lodge before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Sun Peaks, Hotel: Hearthstone Lodge.

Day 8    Whistler
From Sun Peaks, travel through the rugged Caribou region. View the Coast Mountains before arriving in Whistler. After checking into your lodge, this evening you might like to experience the nightlife of this famous alpine resort. Hotel: Aava Whistler Hotel.

Day 9    Georgia Strait, Victoria
From Whistler, perhaps take a floatplane flight (own expense) and enjoy views of the Georgia Strait before arriving in Victoria to enjoy leisure time this afternoon. Alternatively, return to the coast and take a ferry across the Georgia Strait. Arrive on Vancouver Island and continue to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia.  Hotel (Two Nights): Victoria, Queen Victoria Hotel and Suites.

Day 10    Victoria Sightseeing
This morning, enjoy free time on Vancouver Island. Perhaps take a whale-watching cruise or join a horse-drawn carriage tour (both at own expense). This afternoon, visit Butchart Gardens. Then enjoy a Farewell Dinner in these historic gardens, prior to boarding your Holland America Line cruise tomorrow.

Day 11    Victoria, Vancouver, Holland America Line Cruise
This morning, after breakfast, travel by ferry from Victoria to Vancouver. Board your premium Holland America Line ship, the ms Zuiderdam, for your seven-night cruise. Stay (Seven Nights): ms Zuiderdam.

Day 12   Inside Passage
Enjoy a day at sea today as your ship wends its way past rocky headlands, precipitous cliff faces and over the still blue waters of the beautiful Inside Passage.

Day 13    Juneau
Juneau, Alaska’s capital since 1906, was formerly called Rockwell and then Harrisburg before being named after gold prospector Joe Juneau. On arrival in the city this afternoon, you will have the opportunity to experience an exhilarating dog sled ride over a glacier, sample salmon baked over a fire or pan for gold (all at own expense).

Day 14   Skagway
At the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, Skagway’s history as a frontier town and gateway for the gold rush is still evident today.

Day 15    Glacier Bay
Wake up to the breathtaking sight of Glacier Bay National Park with its formidable rivers of ice. This marine wilderness offers an incredible range of natural sights including icebergs, glaciers, fjords and snow-capped mountains. Today, rangers will come on board to explain to you the geological wonders and exceptionally diverse wildlife of this unique region.

Day 16    Ketchikan
In Ketchikan, known as the salmon capital of the world, you may like to join a walking tour of the town that includes a visit to the fishing harbour as well as the historic red light district, where wooden houses stand on stilts over the water. Alternatively, perhaps immerse yourself in the Tlingit Indian culture at Saxman Native Village (both at own expense).

Day 17    Inside Passage
Today is spent cruising south through the Inside Passage. Watch the majestic landscape slip by and enjoy all the onboard facilities of the ms Zuiderdam.

Day 18    Depart Vancouver
Dock in Vancouver this morning and disembark after breakfast. Enjoy time at leisure before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Departure dates and Prices*

*Terms and Conditions

• Prices current as at 9 May 2012
• Prices are per person in AUD$ based on twin share
• Prices are subject to change (eg due to currency fluctuation)
• Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time
• Further conditions apply - please see Travelmarvel Canada & Alaska 2012 brochure