2014 - APT Canada & Alaska

Experience the beauty of the Inside Passage and World Heritage-listed Glacier Bay during an incredible cruise with Holland America Line PICTURESQUE VANCOUVER ISLAND Day 13. Georgia Strait, Victoria, The Butchart Gardens. Travel the renowned Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver this morning. From here, you'll board a floatplane and take in bird-eye views of the Georgia Strait during a floatplane flight that will take you directly to The Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. Having seen the colourful gardens from the air, you'll then enjoy the chance to explore the 22 hectares and learn why these are considered to be among the world's premier floral show gardens. Stop for a glass of sparkling wine and lunch, then head to your hotel and settle in before the evening is yours at leisure to relax or perhaps step out and explore the city of Victoria. Two Night Stay: Vancouver Island, Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa – stay in a ModeClub Room. BL Day 14. Victoria, Freedom of Choice Sightseeing. This morning, you might like to take off on a whale watching cruise; take a seaplane flight; tour the city's historic houses and gardens; go fishing for salmon; enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage; or delight in afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel. Alternatively, join an activity offered exclusively to you as a Platinum Collection guest – go foraging for fresh seafood during a unique eco-tour or perhaps set off by foot on a culinary tasting tour of the city. This evening, as the land portion of your trip draws to an end, enjoy a Farewell Dinner & Drinks. BD 94 ALASKAN INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE Day 15. Holland America Line Cruise. Return to Vancouver by ferry this morning, enjoying an upgrade to the Seawest Lounge. Board your ship and settle in for your seven-night cruise of the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay. Seven Night Cruise: Holland America Line's ms Zuiderdam, in a Verandah Suite. BD Day 16. Cruise the Inside Passage. Enjoy a full day at sea as your ship cruises along coastal British Columbia and the Alaska Panhandle. Glide past rocky headlands and over the frigid waters of the Inside Passage, one of the most picturesque sea-lanes in the world, and one of the few where deep-draft vessels can sail close to steep mountain walls. BLD Day 17. Tracy Arm, Juneau. Cruise through Tracy Arm this morning, a narrow and twisting fjord that features 2,000-metre-high peaks, sheer rock faces and waterfalls at almost every turn. At the end of the fjord, continue past the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Then continue on to Alaska's capital, Juneau, set at the foot of the Coast Mountains, right on the shores of the Gastineau Channel. Here, disembark and explore at leisure or set off on one of the available excursions (own expense). BLD Day 18. Skagway. Today you'll arrive in Skagway at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage. Once a gateway city for the Klondike gold rush, Skagway's frontier-style atmosphere remains evident today. Here, a variety of unique excursions are on offer (own expense). BLD Day 19. Glacier Bay. Wake up to the sight of Glacier Bay National Park, which boasts more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere in the world. As you cruise, listen to the commentary of rangers who will explain the geological wonders of this stunning region. BLD Day 20. Ketchikan. Ketchikan is a cheerful town that's set right on the shores of the Tongass Narrows. Besides the main attractions of the town itself, Ketchikan also acts as gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument – one of America's largest wilderness areas.BLD Day 21. The Inside Passage. Heading south through the Inside Passage, watch the glorious landscape slip by on your final day at sea. BLD Day 22. Depart Vancouver. Transfer to the airport in Vancouver for your onward flight. B Extend your stay – EASTERN Canada Perhaps extend your Platinum Collection journey with an equally indulgent Platinum Collection discovery of Canada's East Coast. See pages 120–121 for itinerary details and enquire for dates and pricing.

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