Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

To Calgary on the edge of the Rockies

Meeting the Tour Manager at London Heathrow, board a direct flight across the Atlantic to Calgary. Arriving around midday local time, check in to the hotel and spend the night in this city of the Canadian west. Calgary has a modern skyline steeped in western culture. Dinner independently.

The Trans-Canada Highway into the Rocky Mountains

Travel along the Trans-Canada Highway, passing through Native American reservations before the foothills of the Rocky Mountains gather round the route. Destination is Banff, nestled beneath Cascade Mountain. Check in mid-afternoon; rest of day free. Dinner independently.

Banff National Park and Lake Louise

Gondola journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for views across Banff. Coach excursion to Lake Louise, a turquoise glacial lake framed by snow-capped mountains. Continue to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, stopping at Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint. Meet a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer. Dinner independently. Note: For 29 August departure, stay at Canoe & Suites hotel in Banff.

Free day to explore Banff at leisure

A full day at leisure to explore Banff at your own pace. Optional excursions available (payable locally) including guided visits to Lake Minnewanka and Bow Falls. Banff is renowned as one of Canada's foodie capitals. Dinner independently.

The Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops

Board the Rocky Mountaineer early for the first daylight journey through Canada's scenery on the 'First Passage to the West' route in SilverLeaf Class. Pass Castle Mountain, Kicking Horse Pass, Spiral Tunnels, cross the Continental Divide from Alberta into British Columbia, and descend into Yoho National Park. Arrive in Kamloops for overnight. Dinner independently.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The Rocky Mountaineer to the Pacific coast

Continue on the Rocky Mountaineer through Thompson and Fraser Canyons, past Hell's Gate, through arid desert landscapes and into the Fraser Valley, descending towards the Pacific coast rainforests. Arrive in Vancouver for a two-night stay. Free evening to explore.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Exploring the sights of Vancouver

Four-hour guided sightseeing tour of Vancouver including Gastown (Victorian redbrick buildings, Gastown Steam Clock), Chinatown (largest in Canada), and Stanley Park (totem poles, Seawall). Rest of day free to explore independently, including optional visit to Granville Island.

Setting sail for our Alaskan cruise

After a relaxing morning, transfer to Vancouver's port to board Celebrity Summit for a seven-night cruise through the Inside Passage to Alaska. Settle into cabins and set sail through the Strait of Georgia towards Alaska. Classic Drinks Package included. First dinner on board.

Meals: Dinner

Cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska

Awake in the extraordinary landscapes of the Inside Passage. Cruise through this UNESCO-protected network of waterways, passing stunning fjords and deep inlets along the wild coastlines of British Columbia and southeast Alaska. Watch for marine wildlife from the deck.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Icy Strait Point

Sail into Icy Strait Point near the native Tlingit village of Hoonah, with views of snow-capped mountains, dense forests and crystal-clear waters. Watch for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters and bald eagles. Lunch served as we travel to Juneau, the Alaskan state capital. Free afternoon to explore Juneau's waterfront and frontier-era streets. Dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The ancient ice of Hubbard Glacier

Cruise towards the Hubbard Glacier, the longest tidewater glacier in the world (7 miles wide, 76 miles long). Onboard naturalist narrates the experience. Watch for calving ice, whales, seals and otters. Note: 16 May and 22 August departures will instead visit the frontier town of Skagway.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Free time in Juneau

Cruise to Juneau, the Alaskan state capital, inaccessible by road. Free afternoon to explore the picturesque waterfront and charming frontier-era streets. Relax by the outdoor pool, peaceful lawn or enjoy a drink at the Sunset Bar on board. Dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ketchikan – Alaska's 'First City'

Dock at Ketchikan, known as the 'First City' of Alaska and the Salmon Capital of the World. Explore the world's largest collection of standing totem poles, visit the Totem Heritage Centre and Totem Bight State Park. Museum, souvenir shops, local art and dining options available.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Return to Vancouver

Last full day on board the Alaskan cruise. Set sail back to Vancouver through the Inside Passage, gliding through isolated islands blanketed in dense rainforests. Pass Vancouver Island through Johnstone Strait and Strait of Georgia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Homeward bound

After breakfast, disembark in Vancouver with free time to explore until mid-afternoon. Return to Gastown's galleries, museums or coffee shops, or stroll along the waterfront towards Stanley Park. In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for the direct overnight flight back to the United Kingdom.

Meals: Breakfast

Arrival in London

Plane touches down at London Heathrow, concluding the Canadian and Alaskan holiday. Free to make your way home.