Day 1
Calgary
Upon arrival into Calgary, pick up your private transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, perhaps with a stroll along Stephen Avenue to enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants.
Overnight: The Fairmont Palliser (or similar)
Day 2
Banff
Depart from Calgary this morning for a full-day tour which ends in the lovely mountain town of Banff. Travel through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park, with the scenery becoming more spectacular as every mile passes. Throughout the day you will experience a trip up the Banff Gondola to take in the panoramic views from the top of Sulphur Mountain, take a cruise on beautiful Lake Minnewanka and enjoy a light lunch. Have your camera at the ready for the views from Surprise Corner and as you travel along the lovely Bow Valley.
You will be dropped off at the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs – known as “The Castle in the Rockies” - for a two night stay.
Overnight: The Fairmont Banff Springs (or similar)
Day 3
Banff
A full day to enjoy Banff at your leisure. It is a lovely town to stroll with the backdrop of the mountains and an array of boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants, plus there are several well-marked trails along the Bow River that you can pick up from Banff Avenue. Alternatively we could book you onto a full day tour which takes you into the Yoho National Park and onto Lake Louise or onto a helicopter tour of the Rockies - click on the "Activities" tab for more details. Or you can get the best of both worlds and enjoy a few hours exploring Banff and it's beautiful surroundings then hop on one of the frequent shuttles to visit Lake Louise and perhaps enjoy a cocktail or lunch at the Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise.
Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 4
Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway
Travel along the renowned Icefields Parkway today, one of the most impressive highways in the world. Travel through Banff and Jasper National Parks and stop off at the Columbia Icefield and the Glacier Skywalk. After enjoying lunch at the Discovery Centre, board an Ice Explorer and travel onto the Athabasca Glacier, as your guide explains the geological features of the area and how the glaciers are formed. Be sure to keep your camera ready for your sighting of the mighty Athabasca Falls.
Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (or similar)
Day 5
Jasper
In the morning, begin with an excursion along the Athabasca Canadian Heritage River, learning about David Thompson and the valley ecosystem. Afterwards, travel above Maligne Canyon and visit a mysterious place of Indian legend on your way to Medicine Lake, which sometimes disappears entirely! Keep a lookout upon arrival at Medicine Lake for the abundance of mountain wildlife found here.
Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (or similar)
Day 6
Rocky Mountaineer in Goldleaf Service
All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for your two day adventure in GoldLeaf Service. You'll travel in a two-level glass domed coach offering panoramic views as you wind your way through the landscape that’s dotted with glaciers, sparkling streams and rugged mountain scenery. Goldleaf Service also features an exclusive dining room where you'll be served gourmet meals and a full complimentary list of drinks. Along the way, you’ll pass the Monashee and Cariboo mountain ranges, Okanagan and eventually will finish the day in Kamloops.
Overnight in Kamloops (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 7
Rocky Mountaineer in Goldleaf Service
Continue on your Rocky Mountaineer adventure from Kamloops to Vancouver, watching as the surrounding landscape changes dramatically from the luxurious glass domed carriage of Goldleaf Service. You’ll pass through the striking Hell’s Gate Canyon on your way to the fresh air of the coastal city of Vancouver. Enjoy complimentary drinks throughout the day, as well as a delicious lunch in the exclusive dining room. Upon arrival, independently transfer to your downtown hotel.
Overnight: Fairmont Waterfront Hotel (or similar)
Day 8
Vancouver
Explore Vancouver on your own today, a city edged by the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. Head to Robson Street for a spot of shopping, to Stanley Park if you want to relax or to Granville Island to wander around the markets. If you’re looking for something that really makes the most of the beautiful scenery, take a gondola ride to the summit of Grouse Mountain.
Overnight: Fairmont Waterfront Hotel (or similar)
Day 9
Vancouver – with optional floatplane day trip to Victoria
Today you can have another lovely day of leisure in this waterfront city, and perhaps we could book you onto a food tour of Granville Market or over to see the breathtaking Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Alternatively you can take a seaplane for an exciting flight over the Islands to beautiful Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, located on Vancouver Island. From there, take a tour to famous Butchart Gardens. In Victoria, enjoy shopping, visiting the museum and lunch. Return to Vancouver on a scheduled afternoon flight, then stroll back to your hotel.
Overnight: Fairmont Waterfront Hotel (or similar)
Day 10
Vancouver
After a leisurely morning, transfer independently to the cruise port and board the Silversea cruise ship for the next exciting part of your holiday.
Overnight: Silver Whisper or Silver Muse
Day 11
Inside Passage
Today will be spent onboard, cruising northbound along the Inside Passage. A renowned seaway between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island, the scenery as you cruise the Inside Passage is spectacular, so spend time on-deck admiring the views.
Overnight: Silver Whisper or Silver Muse
Day 12
Ketchikan
Today will be spent in the charming town of Ketchikan, well-known for its colourful totem poles, steep sloping streets and island setting. Head to City Park or to Creek Street to observe the colourful houses situated on stilts over the water. The Totem Heritage Centre is also a must-see, with authentic Native totem poles preserved in this inspiring rare collection. Choose from the range of included shore excursions, including a land & sea tour of Ketchikan, a visit to a wildlife sanctuary, an Alaskan Lumberjack Show or a sea-kayaking tour of the Tatoosh Islands.
Overnight: Silver Whisper or Silver Muse
Day 13
Juneau
Alaska’s third-largest city is today’s destination; a city with hilly scenery and historic buildings that cannot be reached by road. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier sprawls down from Juneau Icefield, which provides an icy cap to the area's rip-roaring scenery. There’s a modern vibe to this area that makes for an interesting mix of attractions, from the cultural museums to the culinary delights housed in numerous restaurants. Juneau is an easy place to navigate, thanks to its relatively small size, so it’s a great place to explore. For your shore excursion, you can choose from a tour of the Mendenhall Glacier & Gardens, an Alaska Culinary Experience & Whale Quest, Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip or many more.
Overnight: Silver Whisper or Silver Muse
Day 14
Skagway
North-country folk call this sightseeing route the Golden Horseshoe or Golden Circle tour, because it passes a lot of gold rush country in addition to spectacular lake, forest and mountain scenery. The town is an amazingly preserved artifact from North America's biggest, most documented gold rush. You can choose to take the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad on a once-in-a-lifetime trip or adrenalin junkies might opt for the Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition! There are excursions to suit everyone, so take your pick.
Overnight: Silver Whisper or Silver Muse
Day 15
Sitka
Originally home to the Tlingit people, this is a location steeped in history and tradition, and enveloped by dramatic scenery. Visit the Sitka National Historical Park where you’ll be able to see some of the intricately carved totem poles or visit some of the museums to learn more about the varied heritage of this area. You can also choose to take a sea otter and wildlife quest.
Overnight: Silver Whisper or Silver Muse
Day 16
Hubbard Glacier
For some, today will be the highlight of the cruise to see the mighty Hubbard Glacier - the largest glacier in North America, with a calving front that is more than six miles wide. Wrap up warm to spend time on deck marvelling at this natural phenomenon.
Overnight: Silver Whisper or Silver Muse
Day 17
Seward
Today you will dock in Seward and be transferred by coach back to Anchorage airport for your flight home via Seattle. Alternatively, if you wish to extend your stay, how about flying to Seattle for a few nights?
