Western Explorer & Alaskan Cruise

Tour Information

After an overnight stop in Calgary this trip features tours of Jasper, Yoho National Park and Banff, including the Banff Gondola Icefields Parkway. There is an overnight stop at the world famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, travelling by rail across the spectacular Canadian Rockies. You will enjoy RedLeaf service, which include breakfast and lunch selections served at your seat by your onboard attendant.

Day 1

Fly from Ireland to Calgary
Arrive in Calgary, transfer independently and spend the rest of the day sightseeing in “The Heart of
the New West”.
Overnight in Calgary at International Hotel & Suites.

Day 2

Calgary to Banff with Summit Helicopter Tour
Depart Calgary this morning for a full-day tour concluding in Banff. Journey to Kananaskis where you will enjoy the highlight of today, a 12-minute Summit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Continue on to Banff for a sightseeing tour including Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Banff Gondola included. Your tour ends on arrival in Banff late this afternoon.
Overnight in Banff at Caribou Lodge & Spa.
No refund will be offered in the event a guest chooses not to fly or in the even of inclement weather.

Day 3

Banff to Lake Louise
A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River. The tour ends in Lake Louise where the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy this magnificent location. Overnight in Lake Louise. Please note: While arrival at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 1:00 p.m., scheduled check-in time is not until 4:00 p.m. In the event that your room is not ready, your luggage will be stored and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel.
Overnight in Lake Louise at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 4

Lake Louise to Jasper
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper national parks via the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Falls. The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Arrive in Jasper late this afternoon.
Overnight in Jasper at Marmot Lodge.

Day 5

Jasper Highlights Tour
Jasper National Park is a World Heritage Site and Canada’s largest National Park. Today you will enjoy a short scenic tour including the many natural attractions, rugged peaks, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of some of the many creatures that call this mountain park home. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of Jasper independently.
Overnight in Jasper at Marmot Lodge.

Day 6

Jasper to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo
Mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass, and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops.
Overnight in Kamloops. B, L.

Day 7

Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.
Overnight in Vancouver at Holiday Inn. B, L.

Day 8

Embarkation
Transfer early this afternoon to the Vancouver cruise terminal where you board your ship.
Overnight on Holland America’s ms Zuiderdam. Dinner included.

Day 9

Cruise the Inside Passage
Enjoy sailing through the dramatic Inside Passage. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 10

Port of Call Juneau, Alaska
Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel, the town of Juneau has the massive Mendenhall Glacier and the immense Juneau Icefields at its back door. Juneau is the place to let your imagination run wild. Explore the lush Tongass National Forest, visit the rustic shops in town, set out and whale watch, flightsee, hike, kayak, raft or fish. Due to the long daylight hours, there’s plenty of time for your perfect Juneau adventure. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 11

Port of Call Skagway, Alaska
Take your time and poke into every little store from the Trail Bench to Lynch & Kennedy’s Dry Goods. The Red Onion Saloon, with its honky tonk piano and costumed barmaids, is a treasure trove of memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie and other vintage characters. To complete the picture of those rip-roaring days, visit the nostalgic Trail of ’98 Museum. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park boasts restored buildings and wooden boardwalks that invite you to take a stroll into the past. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 12

Glacier Bay Scenic Cruise
As Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park protects a unique ecosystem of plants and animals living in concert with an ever-changing glacial landscape. Bring out the camera and listen for the thunderous sound of a monumental chunk of ice that has split from a glacier as it crashes into the sea. The impact shoots water hundreds of feet into the air. Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anyplace else in the world. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 13

Port of Call Ketchikan, Alaska
Built out over the water and climbing weathered stairways, Ketchikan clings to the shores of Tongass Narrows and drapes the mountains with a cheerful air. Take time to explore Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village, Ketchikan’s main attractions. Deep water fjords created by retreating glaciers has left behind stunning granite cliffs towering thousands of feet above the sea and countless waterfalls cascading into placid waters. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 14

Cruise the Inside Passage
Enjoy sailing through the dramatic Inside Passage. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 15

Vancouver
After breakfast you will disembark the ms Zuiderdam in Vancouver, where your vacation concludes. Breakfast included.

Day 16

Arrive back in Ireland

What's Included

• 2012 Early Booking Bonus Available On This Package, see bottom of price panel for details
• Scheduled flights
• 2 day Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service
• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches
• 7 nights hotel accommodation
• Calgary Tower
• Calgary to Banff Tour, including Banff Gondola
• Summit Helicopter Flightseeing
• Yoho Park Tour, Banff to Lake Louise
• Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer, Lake Louise to Jasper
• Jasper Tour
• Vancouver Lookout
• Rail station transfers in Jasper, Kamloops and Vancouver
• Luggage handling and National Park Pass

ON THE CRUISE:

• Ocean-View Stateroom
• Luxurious beds featuring Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens
• Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
• 100% Egyptian cotton towels
• Premium massage showerheads
• 5x magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers
• Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
• Complimentary fresh fruit on request
• Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
• Flat-panel TV and DVD player
• Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service.