Five-star Alaska Cruise & the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer
17days from
£6,165*per person
Overview
Five-star Alaska Cruise & the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer
Itinerary
- Fly to Calgary and drive to Banff - Fly west to the cattle town of Calgary, where you’ll meet your tour manager and board your coach for the scenic journey up into the towering Rocky Mountains. You’ll spend the next three nights in the exquisite mountain capital, Banff, surrounded by breath-taking scenery.
- Day at leisure with optional excursions - Explore the Rockies' spectacular capital, perhaps joining one of the exciting optional excursions on offer. If you’re good with heights, you can take to the skies and discover the unspoilt beauty of Banff’s spectacular surroundings by helicopter. You’ll soar over the high mountain peaks of the Goat and Sundance Ranges, and glide across the alpine meadows and pristine lakes on this 25-minute flight. You can also join a panoramic cable car ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for all-encompassing, 360-degree views. You’ll have time for coffee before returning to Banff for a tour of this popular mountain resort town renowned for its hot springs. Marvel at the imposing Cascade Mountain looming above Banff Avenue, before the tour ends with Surprise Corner’s spectacular views of the infamous Banff Springs Hotel.
- Day at leisure in Banff - You’ll have another day to soak up the best of Banff’s striking natural landscapes under your own steam and will be free to spend it as you see fit.
- Included Lake Louise visit and scenic drive on the Icefields Parkway - Another breath-taking day awaits this morning as you board the coach for an easy-going excursion to idyllic Lake Louise, an expanse of turquoise water which remains frozen for much of the year. Set against the backdrop of the imposing Victoria Glacier, these serene lakeside vistas are amongst the most memorable sights in all of the Rockies. Continue along the renowned Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic roads. As you glide through the stretches of dense woodland and imposing mountain peaks, keep an eye out for the elk, bears and mountain goats that inhabit its untamed wilderness. This afternoon’s drive will take you to the historic Rockies' railroad town of Jasper, at the gateway to picturesque Jasper National Park, where you’ll check into your next hotel. With time at leisure this evening, you’ll be free to soak up the atmosphere of one of Canada’s most "Western" townships.
- Day at leisure in Jasper with optional Jasper Skytram and Lake Maligne excursion - Today, you’ll have the chance to join a scenic optional excursion, which will include a ride on the historic Jasper Skytram, Canada’s longest cable car. After taking in the sights from above, enjoy some of the sights of Jasper National Park including a drive up to mirror-like Maligne Lake, which reflects the faces of its craggy surrounding peaks and a quick stop at lakeside Jasper Park Lodge. This evening, reconvene at your Jasper hotel for the rest of the evening under your own steam.
- Ride the Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops - All aboard! This morning, begin your two-day rail journey on the legendary Rocky Mountaineer, following the path of the North Thompson River past Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls and Yellowhead Pass, and through the scenic wonderland of the Monashee and Caribou mountains. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board the train as you gaze in awe at the majestic mountain scenery and arrive in Kamloops in the late afternoon to transfer to a comfortable overnight hotel.
- Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer and travel to Vancouver - Re-board the train to continue your spectacular journey to the coast. Highlights will include the mighty Fraser River, the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon, and the stunning coastal ranges that rise up as you near beautiful Vancouver. Once again, you'll enjoy breakfast and lunch on board, and once you arrive in Vancouver, you'll transfer to your hotel. Relax, or head out to enjoy your first evening in a city often voted among the best places in the world to live.
- Optional Vancouver city tour - Enjoy an optional guided tour this morning for an introduction to Vancouver’s major highlights. Start at Stanley Park, where you can admire its array of colourful totem poles. Continue to lively Gastown, with its trendy art galleries and cocktail bars, before visiting colourful Chinatown, and the glass and steel wonders of the Burrard Inlet waterfront. Next, cross Lion’s Gate Bridge into the leafy suburbs of North Vancouver and the wilderness beyond to brave the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. Surrounded by ancient Douglas fir trees and teetering above the Capilano River, this historic bridge offers magnificent views of Vancouver’s wild green spaces. Keep an eye out as you cross, and you might also find a few of the park’s traditional native American totem poles.
- Board your Alaska cruise - This morning, check out of your hotel to board your Holland America Line cruise ship ahead of the late-afternoon sailing. After settling into your stateroom, you’ll have the rest of the day to get acquainted with the ship’s first-class amenities or perhaps mingle with your fellow passengers on deck. If live music is on the agenda, why not pay the Rolling Stones Lounge a visit, or relive the classic hits at Billboard Onboard? Live music, theatrical performances and expert-led talks are all available while wellness is front of mind at the ship’s pool, fitness and spa centre. Admire the views as you set sail out into the Strait of Georgia, heading north towards the wilderness state of Alaska, you can find dinner at one of the diverse onboard restaurants.
- Cruise the Inside Passage - Awake to enjoy a day at sea, as your ship cruises the waters of British Columbia’s scenic Inside Passage. This narrow waterway is surrounded on both sides by a thickly forested land of mountains and glaciers, and the very occasional settlement, often referred to as The Last Frontier. Take a turn on deck, keep watch for aquatic life, and enjoy the ship’s wide range of on-board amenities.
- Included stop in Juneau - Today, you'll call in the Alaskan capital, Juneau, in its setting at the foot of the magnificent mountains from which the immense Mendenhall Glacier flows. Built with the proceeds of gold prospecting, Juneau, which is only accessible by air or sea, is a surprisingly chic and stylish city framed by dense forest. Optional shore excursions on offer will include guided city tours, a fascinating trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier, and activities like kayaking or dogsledding.
- Included visit to Skagway - Skagway, the northernmost point of your cruise, was the historic gateway to the Yukon Territory. It was from here that tens of thousands of hopeful adventurers once set off into the wilderness, many never to return, and it remains a pioneering town of honky-tonk saloons and Klondike memorabilia. A fascinating shore excursion to Klondike Gold Rush National Park will reveal one of American history’s most colourful chapters, and some of the improbable characters that lived through it.
- Sail through Glacier Bay - Today brings the scenic highlight of your cruise as your ship sails through the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay. Start the day with spectacular views of the bay, a magnificent prehistoric landscape which was carved by the slow retreat of the Grand Pacific Glacier over the last two centuries. As you sail through its channels, you’ll have the unique opportunity to view the towering walls of ice up close. Keep an eye on the surrounding landscapes, and you might also witness a teeming display of wildlife on land and sea, as black and brown bears, and native moose, vie with humpback whales, porpoises, seals and a whole variety of sea birds for your attention.
- Included stop in Ketchikan - The last of your Alaskan ports is the southernmost settlement of Ketchikan, with its historic wooden buildings, boardwalks and profusion of arts and crafts stores. From here, why not join an optional shore excursion by floatplane to the remote Misty Fjords National Monument?
- Sail back along the Inside Passage - Enjoy a last day at sea, cruising the Inside Passage, and making the most of life aboard your wonderfully appointed Holland America Line ship. This evening, a farewell dinner completes your wonderful cruise experience.
- Arrival in Vancouver and overnight return flight - This morning, after enjoying a final breakfast onboard and docking back in Vancouver, you’ll have a few hours at leisure to do some last-minute shopping or perhaps revisit your favourite spots from earlier in the tour. This afternoon, head to Vancouver airport for your overnight return flight.
- Land in the UK - Your holiday concludes as you touch down back in the UK.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Soak up luxury on the open ocean with a seven-night stay onboard an award-winning Holland America Line ship
- Sail through the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay, with an array of wildlife from bears and moose to whales and sea birds
- Soak up panoramic views of the Rockies with a memorable rail journey onboard the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer
- Explore Vancouver and join an optional tour of the city’s waterfront highlights
- Spend time in Banff, the capital of the Rockies, and discover the region’s natural wonders with on an optional excursion
- Discover historic Jasper, a railroad town in the heart of the Rockies, with an optional cable car ride
- Marvel at sparkling Lake Louise followed by a scenic drive along the picturesque Icefields Parkway
- Call at mountainous Juneau, Alaska’s state capital, and marvel at the imposing Mendenhall Glacier
- Sail to Skagway, a former hub of the Klondike Gold Rush, and take in the town’s period buildings, railroads and relics under your own steam
- Stop in colourful Ketchikan, with its rich lumberjack culture and Native American heritage
Our Price Includes
- Eight nights' room-only accommodation in a series of three- and four-star hotels in Banff (3 nights), Jasper (2), Kamloops (1) and Vancouver (2), plus one night on the aircraft
- Seven nights' full-board, inside-cabin accommodation on board a Holland America line cruise ship (upgrades to outside cabins and suites are available)
- Nine breakfasts, eight lunches and seven dinners
- Visit Lake Louise and drive the Icefields Parkway
- A two-day journey on the Rocky Mountaineer, travelling in SilverLeaf Service (GoldLeaf available at a supplement)
- Stop in Juneau
- Excursion to Skagway
- Cruise Glacier Bay
- Visit Ketchikan
- Return flights to Calgary and from Vancouver
- Comfortable coach travel and transfers throughout
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager (the ship's staff and crew will take care of you during your cruise)
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Dates and Prices
Other Information
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 90 minutes.
Passports and Visas
When travelling to Canada and the US state of Alaska, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT). The passport must also be valid for 90 days after the return date of the tour. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply online for both an eTA with Canadian Immigration (available atwww.canada.ca/eta) and an ESTA with US Immigration (available at www.cbp.gov/esta and must be completed at least 72 hours before departure). The current charges are 7 Canadian dollars and 21 US dollars respectively for British citizens. British subjects, and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested, should consult both the US and Canadian Embassies as a visa may be required. If you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Tipping
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver is about $8 per person per fay, and for a Tour Manager is about $10 per person per day.
It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
On your flight
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotel
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Hotel rooms
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions during the cruise can be booked on board the ship.
Holiday code
N2841Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.