Rockies, Rail and an Alaskan Cruise

Rockies, Rail and an Alaskan Cruise

This fantastic holiday gives you the chance to admire a host of Canada's most mesmerising sights and to take two thrilling journeys by both rail and sea. Begin your explorations in the awe-inspiring Banff National Park, home to snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes and impressive wildlife. Then discover Lake Louise, often described as one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Vancouver is next, via a two-day journey aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train. Take in sublime views as you travel along Kicking Horse Pass and through the dramatic canyons of the Fraser River. Soak up Vancouver's stunning setting before the next leg of your journey – a spectacular seven-night Alaskan cruise. As you sail along this scenic coastal landscape, watch for wildlife from the deck including whales, eagles, seals and grizzly bears. Step ashore in Alaska's capital, Juneau, and in Skagway, a lively relic of the Klondike Gold Rush.

What's Included

• Return flights from London
• 6 nights in great quality hotels plus 1 night in flight
• 7 nights sailing on Holland America Line's MS Zaandam
• 25 meals: 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 7 dinners and welcome drink
• Scenic Train: 2-day half-board rail journey in SilverLeaf Service on board the Rocky Mountaineer (Crew gratuities included).
• Travelsphere Holiday Director (pre-cruise)
• Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Holiday Highlights:

• ​Sightseeing tour of Banff National Park
• Discover the beauty of Lake Louise
• Two-day journey on board Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service
• Vancouver city tour
• Cruise Alaska's Inside Passage
• Dock in the Alaskan capital of Juneau
• Spend the day in the goldrush town of Skagway
• Cruise Glacier Bay National Park (Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier on 12 Sep 24 departure)
• Visit Ketchikan

Day 1: UK - Calgary

Today you will fly to Calgary. On arrival, we will make our way to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Banff

This morning we will make our way to Banff, passing through the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountains. On arrival we'll head out together to explore Banff National Park. Staggering views appear at every turn here, so be sure to remember your camera. Snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, sparkling streams and swathes of forest are just some of the attractions in this stunning destination. You'll also see the Hoodoos of Bow Valley - imposing spires of rock carved by wind and water - and the fabulous Surprise Corner. Here, an amazing view of the famous Banff Springs Hotel suddenly opens up before you. You won't believe your eyes. The wildlife is equally impressive, so look out for black and grizzly bears, wolves, elk and deer on land, then keep your eyes peeled for eagles, hawks and ospreys in the sky.

Day 3: Lake Louise

Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of Lake Louise - a glacial, jade-green lake surrounded on all sides by towering peaks. It's been described as one of Canada's most beautiful locations and you'll see it in all its glory on today's included excursion. If you wish, there will be plenty of time to take in the views from hiking trails along the shore.​

Day 4: Rocky Mountaineer

The journey of a lifetime begins this morning as you step aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train. Sit back, relax and take in the stunning views as you travel through the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops. SilverLeaf service includes seating in a single-level domed coach with oversized windows, giving you great viewing opportunities. Meals, snacks and drinks are all served at your seat, so all you have to do is enjoy. If you've upgraded to GoldLeaf, you also have access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform and a private dining room. After travelling over high mountain passes, through tunnels and along the South Thompson River, you'll disembark the train in Kamloops and stay in a hotel overnight. Don't worry, your journey is not over and you will join the Rocky Mountaineer once again tomorrow.

Day 5: Rocky Mountaineer

Another exciting day begins as you board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning. Take your seat and enjoy the views as you journey to Vancouver, following the course of the Thompson River and then the dramatic Canyons of the Fraser River. Keep a lookout for grizzly bears too as you enjoy a fascinating commentary from your onboard hosts. Your spectacular rail journey comes to an end in the beautiful city of Vancouver, your base for the next two nights.

Day 6: Vancouver - at Leisure

Named 'the best place to live in the world' in numerous polls, Vancouver's jaw-dropping coastal setting includes sparkling lakes, a harbour surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green forests. Enjoy a free day here, making your own discoveries. If you want to explore further afield, why not join our optional tour to Victoria, on Vancouver Island. You'll travel by ferry to the capital of British Columbia, where you'll visit the famous Butchart Gardens, considered to be one of the most spectacular floral show gardens in the world. Other sightseeing highlights include the Parliament building and the impressive Empress Hotel.

Day 7: Vancouver

Your tour takes a new twist today, as we transfer you to Vancouver harbour to join your cruise ship. On board, once you've unpacked and settled into your comfortable stateroom, why not explore your wonderful floating hotel.

Day 8: The Inside Passage

Ahead lie days of luxurious relaxation and exploration as your ship traces the outline of North America's most scenic coastal landscape. As well as enjoying the ship's facilities, make sure you spend plenty of time on deck keeping a watchful eye for wildlife. If you're lucky you could see whales and seals in the water, eagles soaring overhead and grizzly bears on the shoreline.

Day 9: Juneau

Early this afternoon we'll dock in the Alaskan capital, Juneau, which stands on one of the largest wilderness areas of the United States. No roads lead into or out of the city, and it is surrounded by nature. Step ashore for an adventure in the great outdoors, with a visit to the 12-mile-long river of ice known as the Mendenhall Glacier just one recommendation. You might also see bears on the shore and bald eagles soaring above you.

Day 10: Skagway

This morning we arrive in Skagway, a lively relic of the Klondike Gold Rush, when gold was discovered here in 1896. With its wooden sidewalks and turn-of-the-century buildings, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you head off to explore at your own pace.

Day 11: Glacier Bay

Get ready for one of the scenic highlights of your cruise as we head to Glacier Bay. You'll see enormous icebergs floating in the blue-green water, and if we're lucky, we might catch sight of a glacier 'calving', sending thousands of tons of ice thundering into the bay. Don't put your camera down for a minute, as this area is a popular hangout for an incredible range of wildlife too. You might see humpback whales and sea otters in the water and grizzly, brown and black bears on the shore.

Day 12: Ketchikan

Today our journey takes us to Ketchikan, a quaint, weathered town clinging to a mountainside. Known as the 'salmon capital of the world', it's a lovely place to explore, and of course, it is the best place to sample some fresh Alaskan salmon. There's also an option to discover Totem Pole Park - Ketchikan is home to the world's largest collection of these fascinating works of art.

Day 13: The Inside Passage

It's your final day on board, so take every opportunity to appreciate the scenery as we cruise the Inside Passage. This series of deep fjords and tiny islands shaped by nature offers views that will simply take your breath away. As we make our way back to Vancouver, there's also plenty of time to catch up with your new-found friends and relive the amazing moments you've shared on this trip of a lifetime.

Day 14: Vancouver - UK

Your cruise comes to an end as you disembark the ship in Vancouver. You'll then set off on a sightseeing tour of this beautiful city, with highlights including its original historic core, known as Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, with its famous totem poles, and the magnificent harbour. Later, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 15: UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.