Rockies Explorer, Alaska Cruise | APT Escorted Itineraries

Day 1

Vancouver

On arrival at Vancouver airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, where you will be able to settle in to your room and enjoy lovely views of the city skyline. You will meet your fellow travellers and APT Tour Director at an informal Welcome Dinner this evening.

2 nights in Vancouver at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. Dinner included

Day 2

Vancouver

After breakfast at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park’s Cliff House Restaurant, there’s time to explore the grounds and a network of suspension bridges before a guided discovery of Vancouver.

Visit Stanley Park, a world-class 400-hectare evergreen oasis, or head to Granville Island, the heart of Vancouver’s cultural scene. Then, enjoy panoramic views of English Bay. With free time this afternoon and evening, you may wish to immerse yourself in this vibrant harbourside city at your leisure. Perhaps wander the old cobblestone streets of Gastown, the birthplace of Vancouver, or visit the shopping mecca of Robson Street.

Breakfast included.

Day 3

Vancouver to Kamloops

Early today board the Rocky Mountaineer train. Enjoying GoldLeaf Service, sit back and relax in true comfort as you travel this famous railroad.Take in the lush fertile fields of the Fraser River Valley; see the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains; pass the thundering waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon; and glide past the steep rocky slopes as your train follows the Thompson River on its way to the city of Kamloops.

1 night in Kamloops, Hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer. Kamloops has limited three-star accommodation. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 4

Banff

Your Rocky Mountaineer rail journey continues east this morning towards the magnificent Canadian Rockies, travelling through vast ranchlands past Shuswap Lake and along the South Thompson River. You will see the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels; and traverse Kicking Horse Pass, which takes you across the Continental Divide of the Americas and into the province of Alberta. On arrival in Banff National Park, you will leave the train and head for the ‘Castle in the Rockies’ – The Fairmont Banff Springs. Enjoy the evening at leisure to relax and take in your incredible surroundings.

2 nights in Banff, Fairmont Banff Springs. Breakfast included.

Day 5

Banff

Today you’ll have the opportunity to select from a range of exciting Freedom on Choice activities in Banff.

You may wish to join the Banff Experience tour, which includes sightseeing with a local guide. Alternatively, ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain or take to the skies on a heli-flightseeing trip. You may also enjoy a float trip along the Bow River or prefer to take a tour of the Canmore Eagles’ dressing room to experience a day in the life of a Canadian ice hockey player! You can also relax and enjoy the Willow Stream Spa at the hotel.

Then, this evening, you’ll be able to choose where to dine from one of the superb restaurants located within The Fairmont Banff Springs.

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 6

Banff to Lake Louise

This morning you’ll meet a Mountie, who’ll regale you with tales of the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police and their fascinating history. Afterwards, you’ll be setting off over the Trans-Canada Highway towards Moraine Lake, located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. After pausing to admire the beauty of this stunning glacially-fed lake, you will continue on to your iconic hotel, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Here, you can enjoy the area on a leisurely stroll beside the shoreline of this iconic emerald-coloured lake. Later this evening, choose where to dine from a selection of exceptional restaurants located in your hotel.

1 night in Lake Louise, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 7

Lake Louise to Jasper

After breakfast today, you’ll set out along the famous and picturesque Icefields Parkway. Your journey will take you through the Canadian Rockies past the ancient glaciers, vast icefields, broad sweeping valleys and pristine lakes that straddle the Continental Divide of the Americas. After stopping to admire the bright, turquoise colour of Peyto Lake, you will continue on to the giant Columbia Icefield where you will board a specially-designed Ice Explorer vehicle and journey out onto the Athabasca Glacier. Afterwards, having entered Jasper National Park, stop to take in the spectacle of powerful Athabasca Falls before arriving at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. After settling in, enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants located within your lodge.
1 night in Jasper, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 8

Jasper to Sun Peaks

Today’s journey is along the Yellowhead Highway, which will take you over the Yellowhead Pass and back across the Continental Divide into British Columbia, via Mount Robson Provincial Park to take in views of the south face of Mount Robson – the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. You will continue on to Sun Peaks, a delightful European-style alpine resort village nestled at the base of three mountains.

1 night in Sun Peaks, Sun Peaks Grand Hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 9

Sun Peaks to Whistler

After breakfast today, you will leave Sun Peaks, following the tracks of the early gold rush pioneers through the rugged Cariboo region via the city of Kamloops and the rural town of Lillooet. You will stop along the way to take in the pretty scenic views out over both Seton and Duffey lakes. Later, you’ll travel though the towering Coast Mountains before arriving in the iconic alpine town of Whistler.

1 night Whistler, Westin Resort and Spa. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 10

Whistler to Victoria

Today you will travel down the Sea-to-Sky Highway via pretty Shannon Falls on the way to Horseshoe Bay for your journey to Victoria via ferry across Georgia Strait to the small city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. From here you will travel by coach via Chemainus, home to a number of unique outdoor murals, to Victoria.

Two nights Victoria, Hotel Grand Pacific. Breakfast included

Day 11

Victoria

This morning in Victoria, you will have breakfast in the original Butchart residence at the famous Butchart Gardens before enjoying the beautiful gardens. You have the afternoon at leisure, so you could go on a whale watching cruise; take a seaplane flight; tour the city’s historic houses and gardens; fish for salmon; ride in a horse-drawn carriage; or delight in afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel. Tonight, as the land portion of your trip draws to an end, you can enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers.

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 12

Victoria to Vancouver

After breakfast today, you will return by ferry to the mainland, where you will either depart the land tour and have a transfer to the airport or you will transfer to your Holland America Line cruise. Board your ship and settle in for your seven night Alaskan cruise of the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay.

7 Night Cruise: Holland America Line ship in a luxurious Verandah Stateroom.

All meals on board ship for the 7 days.   

Day 13

Inside Passage

Enjoy a full day at sea at the commencement of your journey along the Alaska Panhandle and coastal British Columbia. Relax and absorb the incredible scenery as your ship wends its way past rocky headlands and glides over the frigid waters of the Inside Passage. Make time today to explore your cruise ship and its amenities. You could stroll the teak decks that circle the ship; relax in the elegant public areas; work out in the ship’s modern fitness centre or be pampered in the indulgent spa; wander the duty free boutiques or simply enjoy the views.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 14

Juneau

Cruise to the entrance of Tracy Arm. A narrow and twisting fjord that features 2,000-metre-high peaks, sheer rock faces and waterfalls at almost every turn, this is a truly unforgettable experience. At the end of the fjord, pass the breathtaking twin Sawyer glaciers. The ship then makes its way to Alaska’s pretty capital, Juneau. Set at the foot of the majestic Coast Mountains on the shores of the Gastineau Channel, here you will disembark for time to explore at your leisure. You can take in the lush terrain and vibrant wildflowers, visit the rustic shops in town, or take a ride aboard the Mt Roberts Tramway. You may also explore the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States and remote enough to be home to many species of endangered and rare flora and fauna. Alternatively, set off on one of the exciting excursions that are available to you at an additional cost.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 15

Juneau to Skagway

Today you’ll check in to the port of 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 – you may wish to take the opportunity this afternoon to ride the antique White Pass and Yukon narrow-gauge railway to get an insight into what life was like back then. There’s also a variety of stores and saloons you can visit while in town that capture the excitement of the gold rush days. Perhaps head to the nostalgic Trail of ‘98 Museum and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, with its restored buildings and wooden boardwalks that invite you to take a stroll into the past. All excursions are at your own expense.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 16

Skagway to Glacier Bay

This morning you wake up to the breathtaking sight of Glacier Bay National Park with its rivers of ice and sky-scraping peaks. As you cruise through the national park, it is easy to see why the area has received World Heritage status, with a unique ecosystem that protects plant and animal species dating back 200 years. You will also benefit from the expert commentary of local rangers who will come aboard your ship. Their insightful commentary will explain the geological wonders you’ll witness and they will point out some of the diverse wildlife and marine mammals. With more actively-calving tidewater glaciers than any other place in the world, Glacier Bay is truly an enthralling site to behold.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 17

Glacier Bay

Today, you will disembark in the charming town of Ketchikan. Located along the shores of Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan offers a range of attractions to discover, including Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village. Ketchikan also acts as a gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument – one of America’s largest wilderness areas.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 18

to Inside Passage

Heading south through the Inside Passage, watch the glorious landscape slip by on your final day at sea. Marvel at the snow-capped peaks and glaciers, and from the ship’s deck, keep an eye out for whales.

Day 19

Vancouver

Arrive back in Vancouver this morning. After disembarkation from the ship, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.