^Grand Canadian Rockies

Day 1 Calgary - 2 nights

Assemble at London Heathrow for our flight with Air Canada. Relax and enjoy the in-flight entertainment systems during your flight. Our arrival into Calgary is scheduled for late afternoon when we transfer to the first class International Hotel Suites for our first two nights in Canada.

(Meals: Lunch).

Day 2 Calgary

This morning we shall take a tour of Calgary including Calgary's world famous Stampede grounds at the Pengrowth Saddledrome and the Heritage Park. Discover the treasures of western Canada’s past, all recreated at Canada’s largest living historical village. Your afternoon is free to explore or relax. Early evening we shall gather for drinks so we may become better acquainted with our fellow travelling companions.. Later we enjoy dinner together.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 3 Banff - 3 nights

After a leisurely breakfast, we journey through the Three Sisters, Fairholme and Rundle Ranges en route to one of the best known destinations in the Canadian Rockies - the charming mountain resort townsite of Banff. Upon arrival we shall take a sightseeing tour which will highlight many of the local delights including Bow Falls, the Hoodoo Lookout and Surprise Corner. We take a ride up Banff Gondola for a panoramic view of Banff and its surrounds. Later in the afternoon we arrive at our hotel, the Banff Park Lodge.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 4 Banff

A complete day at leisure to explore all this scenic alpine town has to offer.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 5 Banff

Today is left completely at leisure for you to relax and savour. Browse charming boutiques, visit galleries showcasing local talent, play a round of golf, or stroll along the historic Bow River. Enjoy!

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 6 Lake Louise - 2 nights

After breakfast we leave for Lake Louise travelling westbound through the Bow Valley Parkway and the Johnston Canyon where we have time to stroll along the pathway that winds through the canyon with its dazzling waterfalls. We cross the Great Continental Divide into the Yoho Valley to view such sights as stunning Emerald Lake. We take lunch at the delightful Moraine Lake Lodge, and later in the afternoon we arrive at our destination - Lake Louise, where we spend the next two nights at the world renowned Château Lake Louise. (Supplement for lake view - £264.00 per room).

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 7 Lake Louise

Today is completely free to enjoy the incredible scenery of Lake Louise.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 8 Jasper - 3 nights

Our travels today take us Northwards along the famed Icefield Parkway, one of the most scenic Highways in North America. We pause at the incredible Peyto Lake to admire the view prior to moving on to the Columbia Icefield where we ride an unusual Snowcoach actually on the Athabasca Glacier. We continue on to the majestic Sunwapta Falls where we also enjoy lunch. In the afternoon we make a brief stop at the Athabasca Falls before arriving at the well known resort of Jasper and our 'home' for the next three nights at Jasper Park Lodge.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 9 Jasper

Jasper, fascinating in beauty and history, is set amid some of the most rugged peaks in the Rockies, and this morning we take a tour encompassing some outstanding features of the area including Pyramid and Patricia Lakes and Maligne Canyon with its narrow gorge and limestone walls falling 50 metres. Take a boat trip on Maligne Lake before returning to Jasper where your afternoon and evening are at leisure.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 10 Jasper

Today has been left completely at leisure to capture Jasper's serenade. There are a variety of optional activities for your enjoyment including golf, fishing, hiking, and wildlife tours. If you'd rather - just relax in the most beautiful surroundings imaginable.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 11 Sun Peaks - Overnight

Depart Jasper and head for one of the most scenic regions of British Columbia, Sun Peaks. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres, (over 12,000 feet). Continue along the Thompson River before arriving in the resort town of Sun Peaks for an overnight at the Delta Sun Peaks Resort.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 12 Vancouver - 3 nights

The Pacific port of Vancouver is today's destination. Travel the Trans Canadian Highway through the awesome Thompson and Fraser Canyons to the lush environment of the west coast. This route was pioneered by gold seekers heading to the Cariboo goldfields more than a century ago. Upon arrival, we proceed to the Marriott Pinnacle or the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel for the next three nights..

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 13 Vancouver

This morning we shall take a tour of Vancouver which must rank as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Included in the tour will be Stanley Park with 1000 acres of majestic evergreens and 10 kilometres of Pacific seawall. Also see Lion's Gate Bridge, Gastown, Chinatown, Prospect Point and the meticulously manicured Queen Elizabeth Park. The rest of your day is at leisure.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 14 Vancouver

Your final day in Vancouver is left completely free to spend in your own particular way.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 15 Victoria - 3 nights

Following breakfast today, our waiting coach will take us north out of the city to Horseshoe Bay where we board a BC Ferry bound for Vancouver Island. Upon arrival we follow the coastal route to the picturesque city of Victoria on Vancouver Island for our final three nights in Canada at the Laurel Point.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 16 Victoria

This morning we visit Butchart Gardens, which offer the visitor one of the most spectacular floral displays in Canada. There are over fifty acres of gardens including the fragrant rose garden, the relaxing Japanese garden, the unique sunken garden and the Italian garden to name just a few. A visit to Butchart Gardens is a treat for all your senses! We return to Victoria via the downtown area, the Legislative Buildings, Thunderbird and Beacon Hill Parks and the University of Victoria. This afternoon discover Victoria at leisure, strolling the Inner Harbour and Olde Town districts, or perhaps the more adventurous may prefer to take an optional whale watching trip.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 17 Victoria

Your final day in Victoria is left completely free to spend as you please. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your travelling companions and make an evening to remember.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 18

This morning we make our way back to the mainland, and to Vancouver airport. Our flight departs Vancouver early evening and during our flight dinner, wine and other drinks will be served with the compliments of Air Canada.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 19 Arrive UK

Before landing at London Heathrow, breakfast will be served. Our flight is scheduled to arrive into Heathrow, in the afternoon when it is time to say farewell to your travelling companions bringing your Canadian adventure to an end.

(Meals: Breakfast).

ALASKA CRUISE EXTENSION

Norwegian Sun

Join Journeys of Distinction on an exciting voyage via the Inside Passage to one of the world's last frontiers, Alaska. An overwhelming landscape of rugged coastlines and huge glaciers, not much has changed here in the last 400 years. Travelling via the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage, see historic boomtowns, visit Alaska’s capital, Juneau and cruise past the icy wilderness of Sawyer Glacier

 

Day 1

We transfer to the cruise terminal in Vancouver to board Norwegian Sun. Sailing at 5.30pm, after dinner enjoy the "Welcome Aboard" show.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 2

Our first day at sea takes us through the Inside Passage towards Alaska. Spend the day watching the coastline glide past from the open deck.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 3

This morning we visit Ketchikan, a charming native Indian town.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4

A wonderland of mountain and glacier awaits in Juneau, the State Capital of Alaska. Perhaps take an optional flight seeing trip around the massive ice spires. This afternoon we cruise past the icy wilderness of Sawyer Glacier, where huge 'ice castles' float serenely in radiant bluegreen water.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 5

Rise early today to see our 7am arrival into Skagway. This was where the Gold Prospectors of 1898 landed en route to the Klondike. Perhaps join today's nature tour with the opportunity to look for grizzly bears and wolves.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 6

A full day at sea, relaxing and enjoying the many facilities aboard Norwegian Sun.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 7

Our last day at sea will be spent cruising back through the Inside Passage, absorbing the beautiful panorama of ice-blue glaciers, verdant forests and cascading waterfalls.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 8

Norwegian Sun arrives into Vancouver at 7am. Following disembarkation, we will transfer by coach to Vancouver Airport for their return Air Canada flight to the UK.

(Meals: Breakfast).