The Rocky Mountaineer & Canadian Rail + Alaska Cruise

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Toronto.

Fly to Toronto where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2: Toronto - Niagara Falls - VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train.

This morning, wake up to the promise of an unforgettable excursion - to the Canadian Niagara Falls, one of the world's greatest natural splendours. Towering to 180 feet, the 12,000-year-old Falls are nothing less than awe-inspiring. As well as soaking up spectacular views of the falls from the rim of the gorge, your sightseeing includes a trip on the Maid of the Mist, which cruises close to the thunderous columns so you can experience their power from the deck. Afterwards, return to Toronto, where this evening, you're invited to join our optional dinner outing to enjoy stunning vistas over the city's illuminated 1,815-feet high CN Tower. Transfer to the station for your late evening departure on the 'Canadian', VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train, for your classic three-day trip through Canada's heartland. You'll be accommodated in the Canadian's superb 'Sleeper Plus' railcars - its original 1950's art deco carriages, now refurbished in a modern style. Note: The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favourable conditions which exist from May to the end of October. When unfavourable conditions exist, a walking tour of the scenic tunnels will be offered. The last operating date for 2013 is 24 October. After this date the tour through the scenic tunnels will be offered.

DAY 3: VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train.

Today, watch spellbound as your train glides effortlessly through the ever changing vistas that form the heart of this beautiful country. Alternatively, enjoy some of the train's excellent amenities, perhaps chatting over coffee in the comfortable Skyline Car, soaking up the 360º views from the observation dome or relaxing in the luxurious Bullet Lounge. Later, settle into your private sleeping berth for a restful night of moonlit train travel. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train - Winnipeg.

After a brief stop in Winnipeg, the largest city in Canada's Prairies, re-board the 'Canadian' for a memorable journey through the country's stunning, open plains. This evening, savour the on-board cuisine once more, with supper in its exclusive 'Sleeper Plus' dining car. (B, D)

DAY 5: VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train - Jasper.

Tuck into a hearty on-board breakfast before a short morning stop in Edmonton, Alberta's capital. Next, continue on towards the scenic highlight of your journey - the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Watch the open prairies as they melt first into deep forests before changing to the glorious snow-tipped peaks, emerald lakes and gleaming glaciers of this epic range. This unspoilt wilderness is rich in wildlife, so you may spot mountain goats, caribou and even grizzlies on your way! This afternoon, arrive in Jasper and disembark for your two night stay. Surrounded by soaring mountains, this charming resort is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy an orientation tour and later why not take our optional raft excursion on the Athabasca River? This leisurely afternoon ride takes you over gentle river rapids amid phenomenal scenery. (B, L)

DAY 6: Jasper.

Make the most of your surroundings today, starting with our optional cruise around stupendous Maligne Lake, the Rockies' second largest glacier-fed lake which is ringed by ice-clad mountains and thick forests. Stop during your cruise to take in Maligne Canyon, whose sheer limestone walls plunge down 164 feet. This evening, perhaps walk one of the many local hiking or wildlife trails.

DAY 7: Jasper - Columbia Icefield - Banff.

Today, bid farewell to Jasper for your journey through Jasper National Park to Banff. This epic Park is the most northerly in the Rockies and combines haunting serenity with jaw-dropping mountains, glistening glaciers and crashing falls. On the way, stop at the Columbia Icefield, a 325-kilometre sheet of snow for an exciting snowcoach ride over the 1,200-foot thick Athabasca Glacier, a 6 kilometre tongue of ice. Next, revel in the mountain and lake scenery as you travel the Icefield Parkway to Banff.

DAY 8 to 9: Banff.

Nestling in Banff National Park, Banff draws nature-lovers year round with its outdoor attractions. You have two whole days to explore this scenic area, so why not start with a thrilling optional helicopter ride, giving you a unique birds-eye view over the snow-clad peaks. Don't miss the optional gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for amazing views, and a stop at beautiful Bow Falls.

DAY 10: Banff - Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops.

Another rail adventure begins today 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 through glittering glaciers and dark tunnels. After continuing past ranchlands and picturesque Shuswap Lake, arrive in Kamloops, gateway to British Columbia's interior. (B, L)

DAY 11: Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver.

All aboard again today as the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Thompson River and majestic Fraser Canyon - a stunning, 600-foot walled gorge. En route, you'll see the legendary Hell's Gate, a thundering fall which powers millions of gallons of water 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 12: Vancouver.

A full day to explore Canada's 'Gem of the Pacific', spectacularly set on the Burrard Inlet. It's one of the country's most beautiful cities with plenty of sightseeing opportunities including Gastown, Chinatown and Stanley Park. Our representative will be delighted to suggest places to visit, go shopping and eat out.

DAY 13: Cruise departure.

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 14: 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 including sea lions, eagles and porpoises. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: Ketchikan.

A morning 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. Evening departure from Ketchikan. (B, L, D)

DAY 19: At sea.

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 20: Vancouver - UK.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

DAY 21: Home landing in the UK.

MS Volendam
Large inside cabin, MS Volendam
Large outside cabin, MS Volendam
Verandah Suite, MS Volendam
Rotterdam Dining Room, MS Volendam
Pinnacle Grill, MS Volendam
Lido Pool area, MS Volendam
Explorer's Lounge, MS Volendam
Crow's Nest Observation Lounge, MS Volendam
Frans Hals Show Lounge, MS Volendam
Fitness Centre, MS Volendam

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.

Your holiday price includes a category K inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

For full details, please see our website www.archersdirect.co.uk/cruisesFor full details, please see our website www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk/cruises

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
Large inside cabin, MS Volendam
Large outside cabin, MS Volendam
Verandah Suite, MS Volendam
Rotterdam Dining Room, MS Volendam
Pinnacle Grill, MS Volendam
Lido Pool area, MS Volendam
Explorer's Lounge, MS Volendam
Crow's Nest Observation Lounge, MS Volendam
Frans Hals Show Lounge, MS Volendam
Fitness Centre, MS Volendam

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.

Your holiday price includes a category K inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

For full details, please see our website www.archersdirect.co.uk/cruisesFor full details, please see our website www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk/cruises

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.