Canada, Alaska, USA, Luxury Escorted Touring, Rocky Mountaineer, Lake Louise, Alaska Cruises, Whistler Canada
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54 | ROCKIES & ALASKA CRUISE HOLIDAYS Day 11. Banff. It's your turn to choose how you'd like to experience with the wilderness of Banff National Park thanks to the Freedom of Choice inclusions on offer today. You may like to take part in the Banff Experience – which includes a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Alternatively, soar above the mountains and trees on a wonderful heli-flightseeing trip. Perhaps enjoy a float trip along Bow River or, for the more adventurous, join a guide and go for a paddle in a canoe. You might like to spend your morning relaxing at the Willow Stream Spa or set out on a cruise on Lake Minnewanka. Tonight's Canadian dinner in the Clubhouse at The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course showcases locally sourced specialties. BD Day 12. Banff. World Heritage-listed Banff National Park is without a doubt one of the most incredible locations of Canada's Rocky Mountains. While it is best known as a winter playground, the warmer months give way to endless sweeps of lush, green landscapes. As the snow begins to melt, tumbles of crystal- clear water rushes into lakes and streams, hiking trails through pine forests and along mountainsides are unveiled, and bears awaken from their winter slumber. Rising to a full day at leisure here, there are virtually endless opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. How will you spend your free time in one of the most naturally beautiful locations on earth? Your APT Tour Director will be on hand should you need any inspiration. B ROCKY MOUNTAINEER RAIL JOURNEY Day 13. Banff, Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops. Board the Rocky Mountaineer and relax in your GoldLeaf carriage. Traverse Kicking Horse Pass, which takes you across the Continental Divide of the Americas. Travel through the Spiral Tunnels, along the South Thompson River and past Shuswap Lake to the city of Kamloops. Stay: Kamloops, hotel as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer (Kamloops has limited accommodation – two or three-star hotels). BL Day 14. Kamloops, Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver. Your Rocky Mountaineer rail journey continues this morning. Relax while you glide past steep rocky slopes as your train follows the Thompson River. Pass the thundering waters of Hell's Gate in Fraser Canyon and admire the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains as you travel to Vancouver. Settle in and enjoy leisure time upon arrival at your hotel. Two Night Stay: Vancouver, The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. BL Day 15. Vancouver. Step out for a sightseeing tour of Vancouver that will introduce you to the city's must-see attractions. Visit Stanley Park, a world-class, 400-hectare evergreen oasis located just steps away from downtown Vancouver. Then head to Granville Island, the bustling heart of Vancouver's cultural scene. Here, wander amid the colourful public market. You'll also see picturesque English Bay and Vancouver Harbour, before enjoying the afternoon and evening to spend at your leisure. Perhaps wander through the old cobblestone streets of Gastown, whilst others may prefer to visit the shopping mecca of Robson Street. As the land portion of your journey draws to an end, get together with your fellow travellers and Tour Director during a special dinner. BD ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE Day 16. Vancouver, Embark Ship. Greet your ship at Vancouver Harbour and settle in for your unforgettable Inside Passage Cruise. This evening, enjoy a Sail Away Dinner at the renowned Pinnacle Grill. Seven Night Cruise: Holland America Line's ms Nieuw Amsterdam in a Verandah Stateroom. BD Day 17. 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 icy 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 18. Tracy Arm, Juneau. Today you will cruise to the entrance of Tracy Arm, a twisting and narrow fjord. Continue to Alaska's capital, Juneau, set at the foot of the majestic Coast Mountains on the Gastineau Channel. Here, you may explore at leisure, or set off on one of the exciting excursions available to you (own expense). BLD Day 19. Skagway. Reach the Inside Passage's northernmost point, Skagway. Once a gateway city for the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway's frontier-style atmosphere remains evident today. BLD Enjoy mountain views at the 'Castle in the Rockies', The Fairmont Banff Springs