Rockies Grandeur and Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
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Tour Name:
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Rockies Grandeur and Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
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Tour Code:
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ERPC
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Days:
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18
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Day 1
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Arrive Victoria (D)
Welcome to Canada! You will be met at Victoria International Airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Two Night Stay: Chateau Victoria or similar
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Day 2
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Victoria – Butchart Gardens (B)
This morning, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22 hectare showplace of magnificent, colourful gardens. Learn about the history and flora while exploring the gardens. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Beacon Hill and residential areas. There is free time to explore Victoria or allow Evergreen to assist you in discovering more about this historic region. DiscoverMORE Go whale watching, or take a horse and carriage ride (extra expense)
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Day 3
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Georgia Strait – Whistler (B)
View this spectacular landscape from the air with a one hour floatplane flight over the Georgia Strait to Whistler (seasonal, must be pre-booked, additional cost). After breakfast, drive north along Vancouver Island to Nanaimo. Board the BC Ferry and travel through the Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay. Journey inland along the Sea to Sky Highway as the road follows the rugged coastline with views of Horseshoe Bay on your left and forested parks and mountains on your right. You will have the chance to stop at the awesome Shannon Falls before arriving at the charming alpine resort of Whistler Village. This evening, you are free to explore the village’s cobbled pathways and plazas.
Overnight Stay: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa or similar DiscoverMORE Undertake a Photo Safari tour with a local expert, or have dinner with a twist on a tasting tour (extra expense)
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Day 4
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Whistler – Sun Peaks (B,D)
Travel along the scenic Duffy Lake Road lined with thick forest, into the town of Lillooet. In the afternoon, head into the mountains to the picturesque ski resort village of Sun Peaks. You’re Invited: This evening, our highlight dinner involves an authentic Fur Traders presentation and feast.
Overnight Stay: Hearthstone Lodge or similar
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Day 5
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Sun Peaks – Banff (B)
Today, you will be rewarded with astounding views as you reach the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Travel through British Columbia and into Alberta, enjoying glimpses of the soaring mountains as you make your way through the three spectacular national parks of Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho. Travel from primeval forests to Ice Age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Late this afternoon, we arrive into Banff National Park.
Two Night Stay: Elk + Avenue Hotel
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Day 6
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Banff at Leisure (B)
A full day at leisure for you to enjoy Banff and its many sights and attractions. DiscoverMORE Take a breathtaking helicopter flight, ride the Banff Gondola or relax on a float trip along the river (extra expense)
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Day 7
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Banff – Emerald Lake (B,D)
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour including the Bow River, the Hoodoos and Bow Falls before visiting some icons of the Canadian Rockies. See the glacier fed Emerald Lake and the spectacular Natural Bridge, which has been carved by the Kicking Horse River. Finish the day at the glacier fed Emerald Lake, so named because of the vibrant colour of its waters. Your serene lodge sits right on the shores of the lake surrounded by towering peaks and forest.
Overnight stay: Emerald Lake Lodge or similar
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Day 8
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Glacier ‘Ice Explorer’ – Jasper (B,D)
This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most spectacular journeys in the world. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery as you pass rugged peaks and glaciers fringed by thick forest and shimmering lakes. We make a stop at the Columbia Icefield, North America’s largest sub-polar ice pack, where you’ll climb aboard the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a once-in-a-lifetime journey onto the mighty 300 metre thick Athabasca Glacier. The day’s end finds us in Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. You’re Invited: Walk above the Rockies deepest canyon; Maligne Canyon, then dine at Wilderness Kitchen an original Canadian smokehouse located at the canyon trailhead. This is an authentic experience which goes beyond the table and the stories of Maligne come alive with a special horns and antler presentation.
Overnight Stay: Lobstick Lodge
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Day 9
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Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops (B,L)
Set off on a two day rail experience on “The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World”. Settle back in your SilverLeaf carriage (upgrade to GoldLeaf at additional expense). Enjoy incredible views of the soaring mountains including Canada’s highest peak, the awesome 3954 metre Mount Robson as you journey towards Kamloops.
Overnight Stay: Kamloops Hotel (as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer)
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Day 10
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Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver (B,L,D)
Continue your journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer following the Thompson River and passing through the magnificent Fraser Valley. Late afternoon, we arrive into Vancouver.
Overnight Stay: Sheraton Wall Centre
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Day 11
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Vancouver – 7 Night Alaskan Cruise (B,D)
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including Stanley Park, the waterfront, Gastown and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Make your way across this spectacular suspension bridge, 70 metres above the Capilano River, and join the award winning Treetops Adventure along a series of elevated walkways. This afternoon, head to Canada Place Pier, farewell your Tour Director as you board your cruise ship. Check into your comfortable ocean view stateroom (upgrade to verandah stateroom additional expense) on the luxurious Holland America Cruise Ship ms Koningsdam# and settle in for an unforgettable 7 night voyage through the famed Inside Passage.
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Day 12
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Scenic cruising (B,L,D)
Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, one of the world’s most spectacular waterways passing forests, mountains, islands and inlets.
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Day 13
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Inside Passage Cruising – Juneau (B,L,D)
Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage with its jaw dropping scenery. In the afternoon sail into Juneau, arguably one of America’s most beautiful state capitals, with the looming summits of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts providing a gorgeous backdrop. The historic city centre goes back to its gold-rush origins, but nature is the priceless treasure.
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Day 14
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Skagway (B,L,D)
Established in 1897 as a trading post for prospectors headed to the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway was an untamed town controlled by organised criminals. Today, the town retains its gold rush character and its colourful past is carefully preserved in the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. For a truly memorable excursion, take an optional ride on the narrow gauge White Pass and Yukon Railroad (shore excursions are at own expense).
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Day 15
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Glacier Bay National Park (B,L,D)
Early this morning, your cruise ship enters the iceberg-strewn waters of Glacier Bay National Park, where thirteen spectacular glaciers flow from surrounding mountains into the waters of the bay. A National Park Service Ranger will help you spot wildlife, while pointing out sights and explaining glacial activity. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see a pinnacle of ice ‘calve’ or break away from the face of the glacier, and with a thunderous boom land in the bay.
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Day 16
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Ketchikan (B,L,D)
Welcome to the salmon capital of the world! Part of the town is built along a steep hillside and part is built on pilings over the water. Rich native history and an outstanding collection of totem poles makes the town an essential stop for anyone interested in native art.
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Day 17
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The Inside Passage (B,L,D)
A day of relaxation. Take advantage of the ship’s many facilities, or simply relax on deck with a drink and watch unmatched scenery glide by.
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Day 18
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Depart Vancouver (B)
Disembark early this morning and transfer to Vancouver Airport to board your homeward flight (book flight after 2pm). The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Evergreen Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
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