^Grand Canadian Rockies

Day 1 Calgary - 2 nights

Assemble at London Heathrow, Terminal 3, in the morning for our check-in with Air Canada. Flight AC 851 departs for Calgary at 13.05 hours and shortly after takeoff lunch will be served. Relax and enjoy the in-flight entertainment systems during your flight. The arrival into Calgary is scheduled for 15.15 hours local time. Upon arrival our coach will be waiting to transfer us to the first class Calgary Marriott for our first two nights in Canada.
(Meals: Lunch).

Day 2

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 for our forthcoming travels together. Later, enjoy dinner in Calgary's revolving restaurant affording fabulous views of the Calgary skyline.
(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

A complete day at leisure to explore all this scenic alpine town has to offer.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 5

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 - £240.00 per room).
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 7

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 Château Jasper.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 9

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

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, Dinner).

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.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 13

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

Your final day in Vancouver is left completely free to spend in your own particular way.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 15 Vancouver Island - 3 nights

Following breakfast today, our waiting coach will then take us south out of the city to Tsawwassen where we board a BC Ferry bound for Vancouver Island. Upon arrival into Swartz Bay we re-board our coach and continue our travels to the picturesque city of Victoria on Vancouver Island for our final three nights in Canada at the Laurel Point.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 16

This morning we visit Butchart Gardens offering the visitor one of the most spectacular floral displays in Canada. With 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 ! This afternoon enjoy the heart of Victoria at leisure, on street level, strolling the Inner Harbour and Olde Town districts.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 17

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. Air Canada flight AC 830, departs Vancouver at 12.55 hours and during our flight dinner, wine and other drinks will be served with the compliments of Air Canada.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 19

Before landing at London Heathrow, breakfast will be served. Our flight is scheduled to arrive into Heathrow, Terminal 3, at 06.25 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

For those in our group wishing to extend their holiday with a superb cruise via the sheltered Inside Passage to Alaska, we have arranged special rates with Norwegian Cruise Line, using their 77,000 ton Norwegian Sun.

Day 18

We depart Victoria this morning and make our way to Vancouver cruise terminal in time to board Norwegian Sun. Board during the afternoon for an exciting voyage via the Inside Passage to one of the world's last frontiers - Alaska. Our ship sails at 5.30pm. After dinner the entertainment staff will present a "Welcome Aboard" show.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 19

At sea. Take breakfast in your cabin, at the Deck Buffet or in the dining room - the choice is yours. Our first day at sea takes us past Vancouver Island, and through the stirring Inside Passage, past palisades and untouched mountain wilderness and to Alaska - America's northernmost state. The day is completely free to watch the coastline glide past from the open deck. In the evening it is time to meet the Captain at his cocktail party. After dinner it's "Showtime!" (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 20

This morning we visit Ketchikan, where lines of intriguing totem poles catch the eye in this charming native Indian town. For a hint of the town's more rumbustious past, take a stroll or a kayak canoe up Creek Street, once the waterfront red light district! Norwegian Sun sails at 12.30pm.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 21

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 of Taku and Norris Glaciers, or maybe even try a white water river trip, perfect for working up an appetite for freshly prepared Alaska salmon! This afternoon we cruise the icy wilderness of Sawyer Glacier, where huge 'ice castles' float serenely in radiant blue-green water.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 22

You will probably want to rise early today to see our 7am arrival into Skagway. This was where the Gold Prospectors of 1898 landed en-route to the Klondike. Many of the buildings are just as they were then. Perhaps you may decide to join today's nature tour, perhaps glimpsing grizzly bears or wolves against the backdrop of the Chilkat mountains. At 10pm Norwegian Sun sets sail.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 23

A day cruising the Sawyer Glacier. Fingers crossed we may witness the glacier calving: As a glacier 'calves' thousands of tons of ice crash into the mirror-calm sea, so a sound like thunder echoes across the water. A full programme of activities will be available throughout the day.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 24

Spend the last day at sea, relaxing and enjoying the many facilities aboard this fabulous ship.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 25

Norwegian Sun arrives into Vancouver at 7am. Approximately mid to late morning, and following the usual formalities we transfer by coach to Vancouver airport. Air Canada flight AC 830 departs Vancouver at 12.55 hours, and during our flight dinner, wine and other drinks will be served with the compliments of Air Canada.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 26

Before landing at Heathrow, breakfast will be served. Our flight is scheduled to arrive into Heathrow, Terminal 3, at 06.25 when it is time to say farewell to your travelling companions of the last three and a half weeks bringing your extended holiday to an end.
(Meals: Breakfast).