Day 1 - Transfer SEATAC Airport to Vancouver
Upon arrival at the SEATAC International Airport, you will be transferred by regular scheduled motorcoach to Vancouver. You will travel north to the Canadian Border and cross into British Columbia enroute to Vancouver. Spend the remainder of the day exploring this beautiful city.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Vancouver City Tour & Capilano Suspension Bridge
This morning depart on a city tour of Vancouver & the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You will see Stanley Park, Gastown, Robson Street, English Bay, Queen Elizabeth Park and Granville Island. From Stanley Park, you will travel across the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver. Swing 230 feet above the Capilano River as you cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You will also experience the new Tree Top Adventure, Treetops offers visitors a squirrel's eye view of a thriving coastal forest, as they venture from one magnificent Douglas fir tree to another via a series of elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet above the forest floor. You have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore Vancouver. Get your designer duds on Robson Street get your culture fix in Chinatown and get splashed by a beluga whale at the Vancouver Aquarium. And when you're all done, get sand in your shoes at English Bay before you head back uptown for fusion cooking at the vibrant restaurant scene of Gastown.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott (includes Buffet Breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Hotel - Fairmont GoldHarbourview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 3 - Whistler Mountaineer™ Experience
Travel onboard the Whistler Mountaineer™ from the coastal city of Vancouver to the resort town of Whistler, renowned for outstanding skiing and year-round outdoor activities. Following your motorcoach transfer from Downtown Vancouver, the Whistler Mountaineer™ takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of this 'Sea to Sky' region. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views across Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi, and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. Breakfast is served onboard. On arrival at Whistler train station, you will be transferred to the centre of Whistler Village where you will have approximately 2 hours of free time to explore.
This afternoon, a motorcoach will transfer you to the rail station for your return Whistler Mountaineer™ experience to Vancouver. Once again, enjoy the postcard-perfect scenery and entertaining commentary provided by your onboard attendants. Afternoon Tea Service is served onboard. On arrival at the North Vancouver station this evening, you will transfer to your overnight accommodation in Downtown Vancouver.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott (includes Buffet Breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Hotel - Fairmont GoldHarbourview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 4 - Vancouver to Victoria Tour including Butchart Gardens
This morning, your tour takes you across to Vancouver Island aboard a large & comfortable BC Ferry for a spectacular 90 minute cruise through the Gulf Islands 'marine wonderland'. Upon arrival Vancouver Island (Swartz Bay), the tour will continue on to the world-renown Butchart Gardens with their 50-acre display. You'll enjoy two full hours to stroll in the Butchart Gardens, and then it's off to Victoria, BC's Capital City. We'll drive through the Oak Bay residential district and along Marine Drive to see the many panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Other highlights include the University of Victoria, the Uplands, Beacon Hill Park and Mile Zero. After your tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel and the remainder of the afternoon & evening is at leisure.
Moderate: Overnight Chateau Victoria
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Empress Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Empress Hotel - Fairmont Gold Harbourview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 5 - Victoria Clipper to Seattle / Depart Seattle aboard Holland America's ms Amsterdam
In the mid morning, you will transfer to the Victoria Clipper dock. Travel via high-speed catamaran to the 'emerald city' of Seattle. Upon arrival you will be transferred by private sedan to the cruise ship terminal where you will set sail for new adventures on board the exciting ms Amsterdam.
Moderate: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin (E class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 6 - Scenic Cruising Inside Passage
Today is at sea. Journey deep into one of nature's most isolated monuments accessible only by sea and air and encounter the magnificence of the Ice Age as you slowly glide through the Inside Passage. Expect the unexpected on your Alaska cruise - a massive glacier calves, a bald eagle soars above, a humpback whale clears the water and the night sky awakens to waves of color. With guaranteed views of sky-splitting peaks, glaciers and vast wilderness.
Moderate: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin (E class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 7 - Juneau, Alaska
For years Juneau's livelihood, like that of many cities in Alaska, was tied to mining. The city itself is built on tailings from the A-J mine whose shafts perforate the hillside above town. Because it is Alaska's capital, Juneau prospers through government work and tourism. This is a great place to sample salmon baked over an alderwood fire, pan for gold, and hike the massive Juneau Icefield. If you feel the need for speed, hop on a sled and let a dog team pull you across the surface of a glacier.
Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Alaska-style Salmon Bake, Glacier View Sea Kayaking, Gold Panning at Gold Creek.
Moderate: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin (E class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 8 - Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising OR Scenic Cruising Tray Arm & Sawyer Glaciers
Cloistered in the rocky recesses of Alaska, Glacier Bay is a world still emerging from the Ice Age. Sixteen dazzling tidewater glaciers creep back and forth by millimeters, chiseling great masses of moraine onto their pristine surfaces.
Moderate: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin (E class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 9 - Sitka, Alaska
Bald eagles perch in the spruce and cedar trees of Sitka'often several to a branch. Russian Alaska is enthusiastically represented in a lively performance by the New Archangel Dancers. View holy paintings of the Czarist days, visit recuperating eagles at the rehabilitation center and hear the amazing story of the Cathedral fire and Sitka's mad flurry to save the church's icons and religious treasures. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Historic Russian America & Raptor Center, Silver Bay Nature Cruise & Salmon Hatchery, Sitka Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure
Moderate: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin (E class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 10 - Ketchikan, Alaska
In the heart of the Tongass National Forest, immerse yourself in Tlingit Indian culture and view the world's largest collection of totem poles kayak the colorful waterfront and stroll the boardwalk that once led to Ketchikan's red light district.
Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Adventure Kart & Jet Boat Expedition, Misty Fjords by Floatplane, snorkeling adventure, Totems & Town Tour.
Moderate: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin (E class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 11 - Victoria, British Columbia
High tea can be taken at the Empress Hotel if you really want to discover what Victoria is all about. Then, walk over to the breathtaking Museum of Natural History or stroll through the charming downtown of that lives up to its British-flavored name with double-decker buses, turreted castles, fine British woollens and delicate china. A coach-ride away, the Butchart Garden earns every superlative of its impeccable reputation for glorious blooms and redolent scents.
Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Victoria by Horse-drawn Trolley, A Taste of Victoria: City Lights with Wine & Chocolate, Orca Whale Watching by Day
Moderate: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin (E class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Amsterdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 12 - Arrive Seattle
Arrive back into Seattle in the early morning. Upon arrival, transfer by private sedan from the cruise ship terminal to the SEATAC Airport in time for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 4 nights accommodation, room tax and any mandatory service charges
- 7 night Alaska Glacier Bay Holland America cruise aboard the ms Amsterdam including onboard meals & entertainment, taxes and port charges
- Vancouver City & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour
- Round-trip Whistler Mountaineer™ between Vancouver & Whistler including breakfast & Afternoon Tea Service and motorcoach transfers in Vancouver & Whistler (Moderate & Superior: Coast Classic Class / Deluxe: Glacier Dome Class)
- Vancouver to Victoria Tour including Butchart Gardens
- Victoria Clipper between Victoria & Seattle
- Motorcoach transfer SEATAC Airport to Vancouver
- Private sedan transfers between Victoria hotel & Victoria Clipper, Victoria Clipper Seattle dock & cruise ship terminal, cruise ship terminal & Seattle Airport including gratuities
- $50 US per person Alaska State Cruise Tax
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Rocky Mountaineer® Fuel Surcharge as of May 15, 2008 - $10 PP
- Shore Excursions
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities not listed as included (including meals & cabin attendants onboard the ms Zaandam)
- Meals not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Optional activities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)