DAY 1: UK - Calgary.
Fly to Calgary where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2: Calgary - Banff.
The discovery of oil converted this cattle ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. On this morning's tour you'll see many of its attractions including the Saddledome, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park and Canada Olympic Park. Then drive into Banff National Park, and the mountain resort of Banff, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies.

DAY 3: Banff.
The day is yours to enjoy the many pleasures of Banff, one of Canada's favourite year-round resorts. Perhaps you'd like to take an optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies?

DAY 4: Banff - Lake Louise - Jasper National Park.
Travel first to Lake Louise, its azure-blue waters a perfect natural mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then, precipitous gorges, snow-capped mountain ranges, and lakes of exquisite colours come into view as you head through two mountain passes. Another highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield for a snowcoach ride over the 1,200-foot-thick Athabasca Glacier. End the day with a short tour to experience Jasper's unspoilt beauty, where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Note: Unfavourable weather conditions may affect the availability of the Columbia Icefield snowcoach excursion.

DAY 5: Jasper.
Why not join our optional morning trip to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, where you can enjoy a narrated cruise?

DAY 6: Jasper - Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops.
Prepare for the trip of a lifetime as you board the famous Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day, all daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. Passing Mount Robson, at 12,972 feet the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, the train follows the route of the 'Overlanders', 19th century homesteaders who attempted to settle this rugged region. Follow the Thompson River and admire vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops, a major cattle ranching centre. (B,L)
Note: For convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Vancouver and will not be available for the night in Kamloops. Plan to pack an overnight case with necessities.

DAY 7: Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver.
Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer as it continues its amazing journey through the vast ranchlands along the South Thompson River, the stark beauty of the Fraser Canyon, the raging turbulence of Hell's Gate, where the river funnels into a gap just 100 feet wide, and the fertile Fraser Valley, surrounded by the snow-capped Coast Mountains. Arriving at The Rocky Mountaineer Station in the late afternoon, you'll be taken to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B,L)

DAY 8: Vancouver. Included sightseeing.
Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver's beautiful beaches and harbour, Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park. This afternoon, why not step into the timeless beauty of the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, tucked behind a high white wall in the heart of bustling Chinatown, or dive into another world at the Vancouver Aquarium?

DAY 9: Cruise departure.
Transfer to your cruise ship, MS Volendam, for embarkation. Sailing time is around 5pm. This evening enjoy a lavish à la carte dinner. (D)

DAY 10: Inside Passage cruising.
The beauty of the Inside Passage will amaze you as you cruise past 1,000 miles of epic scenery, towering glaciated mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands and virgin forests. There is also plenty of animal and marine life to look out for: sea lions, eagles and porpoises. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Juneau.
An afternoon arrival in Juneau, Alaska's capital. The city has a gold rush story to rival that of Klondike, and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. An optional wildlife cruise and salmon fishing will normally be available, and you'll also have the opportunity to take an optional excursion to Juneau's own glacier, Mendenhall. This impressive river of blue ice is about 1.5 miles wide and over 12 miles long! (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Skagway.
Morning arrival in Skagway, Alaska's gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush in Canada's Yukon. Skagway was the turbulent staging point for prospectors and still has old-fashioned weathered boardwalks and old-time saloons. Optional sightseeing includes a ride in a vintage parlour car to see the White Pass and Yukon route. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore some more, before setting sail again late this evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Glacier Bay.
Cruise into spectacular Glacier Bay early this morning, where forests give way to a rugged landscape rising to rocky peaks. Sixteen huge mountains converge to create an awe-inspiring panoramic wonder, a dramatic scene of awesome glaciers and massive icebergs. Wildlife is abundant, and you may spot eagles, seals, mountain goats, moose and bears in their natural habitat. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Ketchikan.
An afternoon arrival in colourful Ketchikan, situated on Revillagigedo Island and known as the 'salmon capital of the world'. Here, a picturesque harbour shelters fishing boats and seaplanes. A wide choice of optional excursions will be available, including an outing to see Indian Heritage Villages, Totem Bight State Park and 'flightseeing' to Misty Fjords National Monument. Mid-evening departure from Ketchikan. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: At sea.
Continue cruising south along British Columbia's spectacular coastline. Animal and marine life are abundant in this area and with a little luck you may spot a pod of mighty, yet graceful, killer whales. (B, L, D)

DAY 16: Vancouver - UK.
On arrival at the cruise terminal, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

DAY 17: Home landing in the UK.