Rockies, Rail & Cruise - NEW

Sulphur Mountain gondola, Banff

Experience the breathtaking Canadian Rockies before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer for spectacular views en route to Vancouver. Then cruise the Alaska's inside passage in search of wildlife and glaciers.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Calgary - Banff.

Fly to Calgary where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the next four nights.

DAY 2 to 4: Banff.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff enjoys dramatic mountain scenery and many natural features including hot springs, lakes and waterfalls. You will have three days at your leisure to explore this unique area, with many optional excursions to choose from. You might like to join a sightseeing tour with local guide to learn about the wind-shaped hoodoos which tower majestically over the valley, visit the classic viewpoints of Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive or take a gentle ride on the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bow Valley. On your second day in Banff, why not join the day excursion to the azure blue Lake Louise? Nestled in between steep mountain sides, this sparkling lake is formed from the melt waters of six glaciers. To round off your time in Banff, perhaps enjoy spectacular views of the town and its surrounding snow clad peaks on an optional helicopter ride, or try an optional scenic cruise on Lake Minnewanka. Note: The Canadian Rockies are blessed with stunning lakes, exquisite mountain scenery, and extraordinary outdoor attractions. Visiting and participating in activities in these locations is subject to favourable weather conditions. The Banff Lake Louise cruise is only available mid May to mid October weather permitting.

DAY 5: Banff – Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops.

Today your rail adventure begins as you board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for an unforgettable two day, all daylight journey. Enjoy a delicious breakfast as your train sets off along the legendary Kicking Horse route, which traces the historic transcontinental railroad linking Canada's East and West. On the way, marvel at rugged Yoho National Park where your train passes through the incredible Spiral Tunnels, a series of winding mountain tunnels. Other highlights include the spectacular Rogers Pass, which winds past glittering glaciers and through dark tunnels. After continuing past ranch lands and picturesque Shuswap Lake, arrive in Kamloops, gateway to British Columbia's interior. (B, L)

DAY 6: Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver.

All aboard again today as the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Thompson River and majestic Fraser Canyon - a stunning, 600 feet walled gorge. En route, you'll see the legendary Hell's Gate, where millions of gallons of water power through the narrowest point of Fraser Canyon. From there, travel through the dramatic Pacific Coastal Mountains, arriving in Vancouver in the early evening. (B, L)

DAY 7: Vancouver.

Today, why not join an optional excursion to Vancouver Island and the charming city of Victoria, reached by a short ferry ride through the Mediterranean-like Gulf Islands. The excursion includes a visit to the world famous Butchart Gardens.

DAY 8: Vancouver to embark your cruise ship.

Transfer to your cruise ship, MS Volendam for embarkation. Sailing time is around 5pm. This evening enjoy a lavish à la carte dinner. (D)

DAY 9: Inside Passage cruising.

The beauty of the Inside Passage will amaze you as you cruise past 1,000 miles of epic scenery, towering glaciated mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands and virgin forests. There is also plenty of animal and marine life to look out for: sea lions, eagles and porpoises. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Juneau.

An afternoon arrival in Juneau, Alaska's capital. The city has a gold rush story to rival that of Klondike, and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. An optional wildlife cruise and salmon fishing will normally be available, and you'll also have the opportunity to take an optional excursion to Juneau's own glacier, Mendenhall. This impressive river of blue ice is about 1.5 miles wide and over 12 miles long! (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Skagway.

Morning arrival in Skagway, Alaska's gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush in Canada's Yukon. Skagway was the turbulent staging point for prospectors and still has old fashioned weathered boardwalks and old time saloons. Optional sightseeing includes a ride in a vintage parlour car to see the White Pass and Yukon route. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore some more, before setting sail again late this evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Glacier Bay.

Cruise into spectacular Glacier Bay early this morning, where forests give way to a rugged landscape rising to rocky peaks. Sixteen huge mountains converge to create an awe-inspiring panoramic wonder, a dramatic scene of awesome glaciers and massive icebergs. Wildlife is abundant, and you may spot eagles, seals, mountain goats, moose and bears in their natural habitat. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Ketchikan.

An afternoon arrival in colourful Ketchikan, situated on Revillagigedo Island and known as the 'salmon capital of the world'. Here, a picturesque harbour shelters fishing boats and seaplanes. A wide choice of optional excursions will be available, including an outing to see Indian Heritage Villages, Totem Bight State Park and 'flightseeing' to Misty Fjords National Monument. Mid evening departure from Ketchikan. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Cruising.

Continue cruising south along British Columbia’s spectacular coastline. Animal and marine life are abundant in this area and with a little luck you may spot a pod of graceful orca whales. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Vancouver - UK.

Disembark your cruise ship and transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Vancouver. (B)

DAY 16: Home landing in the UK.

Accommodation on Tour

Banff: Bow View Lodge; Vancouver: Quality Hotel Downtown Vancouver False Creek.

Things to note...

This itinerary is offered on an independent basis, without a dedicated tour director. However, our representatives will be on hand in San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver for all your included transfers, and to assist with a wide range of optional activities.

Whale Watching

Enjoy a fascinating optional cruise that will be remembered for a lifetime. Whilst watching for whales and marine life in their natural habitat, you are likely to see orca; and perhaps spot porpoises, sea-lions, osprey and eagles.

Your Holiday Map

Rockies, Rail & Cruise - NEW

Itinerary Map

MS Volendam

Embodying Holland America Line's 'Signature of Excellence', MS Volendam is equipped with the most modern technologies and provides a good selection of amenities, facilities and entertainment. Decorated throughout with a garden motif, floral attributes can be found in abundance ranging from priceless paintings and sculpture, to sumptuous fabrics and bouquets of fresh flowers. Accommodating 1,432 passengers in bright, comfortable cabins, MS Volendam also offers elegant public areas and fine dining - ideal for luxurious cruising.

For the full ship description, see page 79

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 pools (one with sliding glass roof); 2 whirlpools; main dining room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill; casual Italian Canaletto; Terrace Grill; 5 bars including Piano and Wine tasting; 3 lounges; internet café; show lounge; tennis and basketball courts; spa and beauty salon; thermal suite; fitness centre and aerobics; Wajang Theatre and Culinary Arts Center; shops; casino; art and photo galleries; launderette; 12 lifts; reception.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. The main Rotterdam Dining Room has a wide choice of menus with most passengers opting for smart casual dress in the evenings. The Lido Restaurant and the Italian Canaletto offer casual dining most evenings, or guests can enjoy sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's a complimentary ice cream bar and the famous late night snack. Please note, we will automatically book early dining unless otherwise requested.

Cabins

All cabins have twin lower beds, convertible to 1 queen-sized bed (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; telephone; music system; and 24-hour room service. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and a bathtub. Your holiday price includes a category K inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

K Large inside lower or middle deck cabin

E Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window

C Large outside middle deck cabin with picture window

AA Verandah Suite with whirlpool bath; sitting area; private verandah; minibar; fridge; floor-to-ceiling windows

Tipping

A gratuity of $11 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.

MS Volendam

Embodying Holland America Line's 'Signature of Excellence', MS Volendam is equipped with the most modern technologies and provides a good selection of amenities, facilities and entertainment. Decorated throughout with a garden motif, floral attributes can be found in abundance ranging from priceless paintings and sculpture, to sumptuous fabrics and bouquets of fresh flowers. Accommodating 1,432 passengers in bright, comfortable cabins, MS Volendam also offers elegant public areas and fine dining - ideal for luxurious cruising.

For the full ship description, see page 79

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 pools (one with sliding glass roof); 2 whirlpools; main dining room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill; casual Italian Canaletto; Terrace Grill; 5 bars including Piano and Wine tasting; 3 lounges; internet café; show lounge; tennis and basketball courts; spa and beauty salon; thermal suite; fitness centre and aerobics; Wajang Theatre and Culinary Arts Center; shops; casino; art and photo galleries; launderette; 12 lifts; reception.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. The main Rotterdam Dining Room has a wide choice of menus with most passengers opting for smart casual dress in the evenings. The Lido Restaurant and the Italian Canaletto offer casual dining most evenings, or guests can enjoy sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's a complimentary ice cream bar and the famous late night snack. Please note, we will automatically book early dining unless otherwise requested.

Cabins

All cabins have twin lower beds, convertible to 1 queen-sized bed (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; telephone; music system; and 24-hour room service. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and a bathtub. Your holiday price includes a category K inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

K Large inside lower or middle deck cabin

E Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window

C Large outside middle deck cabin with picture window

AA Verandah Suite with whirlpool bath; sitting area; private verandah; minibar; fridge; floor-to-ceiling windows

Tipping

A gratuity of $11 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

It's like dining in a restaurant which looks out onto all of Vancouver's finest views. Enjoy a leisurely cruise past the downtown skyline, the cruise ship terminal of Canada Place, the Mountains behind the North Shore, the West Vancouver shoreline and more. Take in the sights and sounds of the city as you enjoy live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. You'll have the best spot in Vancouver to watch the sun slowly disappear into the Pacific Ocean. During the shoulder months (May & October) enjoy the evening under a star-lit sky as the moon reflects off the Pacific. Take in the sights and sounds of the city while cruising past the magnificent skyline at night while enjoying live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. Treat yourself to Vancouver's favourite dining cruise experience, the Sunset Dinner Cruise. (2.5 hours) (Seasonal, May - October)

$110 (Canadian Dollar)

Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge

Visit Vancouver's North Shore as you drive over Lion's Gate Bridge to world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, one of Vancouver's most popular attractions. Capilano Suspension Bridge offers a unique mix of adventure, history and culture making this Vancouver tourist attraction a complete British Columbia experience. Afterwards, board the gondola up to the 4,000-foot level of Grouse Mountain, the peak of Vancouver. Take in a lumberjack show, visit orphaned grizzly bears and grey wolves, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the many trails. Note: This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excursion)

$139 (Canadian Dollar)

Whistler Day Trip

Take the scenic Sea to Sky Highway with wonderful views of Howe Sound and the Gulf Islands. Make a stop at Shannon Falls. You'll have free time in Whistler to explore this world famous resort and host of the 2010 Olympics. There are restaurants, shops, galleries and plenty of other options to enjoy your day. (10 hours)

$139 (Canadian Dollar)

Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip

Travel by coach and ferry on this full day trip to Victoria. Enjoy a ferry cruise through beautiful Active Pass in the Gulf Islands to B.C.'s quaint capital. Marvel at the awesome, ever-changing Butchart Gardens. You'll drive the scenic route into Victoria and the Inner Harbour. You'll have some free time to explore this unique city: Government Street shopping & dining, Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Royal B.C. Museum and more. Take a leisurely walk along the beautiful waterfront. Relax on the bus and ferry ride back to your hotel. A day well spent! This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excursion)

$189 (Canadian Dollar)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

Rockies, Rail & Cruise - NEW 14 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.

Earlier 2012 Later
Aug Wed 29              
Aberdeen

Departure Times

09:20 British Airways
               
Edinburgh

Departure Times

09:10
(+ £185)
Air Canada
13:45 British Airways
               
London Heathrow

Departure Times

13:35
(+ £185)
Air Canada
17:30 British Airways
               
Manchester

Departure Times

10:00
(+ £185)
Air Canada
13:25 British Airways
               
Newcastle

Departure Times

09:10 Air Canada
               

Rockies, Rail & Cruise - NEW 14 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

Earlier Dates Date Depart From Price from PP   Later Dates
  29 Aug 2012 Aberdeen

Departure Times

09:20 British Airways
Select  
  29 Aug 2012 Edinburgh

Departure Times

09:10
(+ £185)
Air Canada
13:45 British Airways
Select  
  29 Aug 2012 London Heathrow

Departure Times

13:35
(+ £185)
Air Canada
17:30 British Airways
Select  
  29 Aug 2012 Manchester

Departure Times

10:00
(+ £185)
Air Canada
13:25 British Airways
Select  
  29 Aug 2012 Newcastle

Departure Times

09:10 Air Canada
Select  

Rockies, Rail & Cruise - NEW

Price from £3045.00

What's Included

  • Accommodation on cruise Inside cabin with private facilities, individual air-conditioning controls, multi-channel music system and closed circuit colour TV
  • Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
  • Meals on tour 2 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L)
  • Meals on cruise 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
  • Local representative in Calgary and Vancouver
  • Porterage at hotels during tour and on cruise (for one suitcase per person)
  • Transfers between overseas airports, hotels and port
  • All local, port and airport taxes including Alaska State Government Tax
  • Single share option not available Please note that this holiday is offered on an independent basis, without a dedicated tour director. However our representative will be on hand in Calgary and Vancouver for all included transfers and to assist with a wide range of optional activities.

Holiday Highlights

  • Rocky Mountaineer Train Two-day all daylight train journey
  • Vancouver
  • Alaska Cruise See page 112-113 for cruise ship description

Departures from

  • Aberdeen
  • Edinburgh
  • London Heathrow
  • Manchester
  • Newcastle

Departures between

29 Aug 2012 to 29 Aug 2012

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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme

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