ELEGANT NOSTALGIA BY RAIL AND CRUISE

Pkg 0288

Most well-traveled adventurers would agree that two of the most nostalgic means of travel are by Train and Ocean Liner. There is nothing more exciting than to be standing at the rail of a majestic cruise ship as the whistle blows, longshoremen scurry to release massive hawsers and the vessel slowly and elegantly slides away from the dock. Nothing perhaps, except the lonesome sound of a train whistle, followed by the traditional "All Aboooard" from the conductor and the slow powerful movement of the train leaving the station. This rail and cruise vacation package combines the nostalgia, luxury and adventure of both. Be among the few who will experience the historical grandeur of the Grand Age of Rail aboard the Royal Canadian Pacific as it gracefully rolls through the Canadian Rockies.

The pace is leisurely, the accommodation is fit for Royalty and the dining is truly gourmet. Only 32 passengers will experience this great rail adventure each time the train departs. At the end of the rail journey, a short flight to Vancouver heralds the second half of your grand adventure when you board the luxurious Holland America Line ms Ryndam for a 7-day Inside Passage and Alaska cruise. While the ms Zaandam is anything but historic it does reflect the golden age of Trans Ocean Liners when service, elegance and romance ruled the waves. Revel in the private luxury of your Deluxe Veranda Suite and inhale the natural beauty of the Inside Passage and the vast wilderness of Alaska.

This is truly a unique opportunity to visit two of the most beautiful areas in the world while enjoying gourmet dining, lush and unique accommodation, the absolute finest personal service available and nostalgic transportation by rail and cruise ship.

13 Nights / 14 Days

Travel aboard the Royal Canadian Pacific Train, one of the world's most luxurious trains
Holland America Alaska 7 night cruise aboard the ms Ryndam round-trip from Vancouver
Banff tour
Interpretive hike in Lake Louise
Canadian Museum of Rail Travel
Tour of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Homeplace Ranch tour with steak pit lunch
Private Luxury SUV Tour of Vancouver
6 course dinner & wine pairing Chef's Table at Diva at the Met

Overnights
1 Night Calgary
3 Nights Royal Canadian Pacific Train
1 Night Calgary
1 Night Vancouver
7 Nights aboard ms Ryndam

View Itinerary

Dates
Departs August 21, 2008 (WESTBOUND)View Departures

Price Per Person
Upon Request View Pricing

Accommodation
Luxury (4 or 5 star hotels)

Meals
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners and All meals aboard ms Ryndam

About Train Travel in Canada
For more information about train travel in Canada Click Here

"Travel Canada Your Way!
Travel with confidence!

Customization
Many of our vacation packages can be customized to suit your specific needs and interests. Be sure to speak with one of our Travel Specialists. Extend your stay, upgrade your accommodations, add tours, or create a completely custom experience from scratch. We're flexible - it's Canada Your Way. Booking

Flights
Domestic and Trans Border airfare from the United States may be easily arranged through Exclusively Canada when purchased in conjunction with a vacation package.

Travel Insurance
Exclusively Canada believes that Travel Insurance is important for those unfortunate circumstances that may disrupt your travel plans. Talk to one of our qualified agents at Exclusively Canada about protecting yourself while travelling, and have us explain your coverage options.

book this trip

modify this trip

create a custom trip

Day 1 - Arrive Calgary / Wine & Cheese Reception
When you have cleared the customs and immigration services at the Calgary International, a chauffeur will pick you up and transfer you by limousine to the landmark Fairmont Palliser Hotel where you will check-in to your exclusive Gold Level room. This evening join the Royal Canadian Pacific Luxury Train Management Team for a private wine and cheese reception at the Canadian Pacific Railway Pavilion.

A reception at the Pavilion is the perfect place to begin your Royal Canadian Pacific train vacation. With late 19th-century/early 20th-century railway stations of the British Commonwealth and Europe being the inspiration for the architectural design, the centrepiece of the Pavilion is the 12-metre-high glass rotunda, the Grande Atrium, on the railway overpass. At the west side of the Grande Atrium is the Great Hall, a 152-metre-long wing that houses the Royal Canadian Pacific fleet of eight vintage rail cars and up to three 1959s-era passenger locomotives. The Royal Canadian Pacific Luxury Train Management Team will be on had to answer all of your questions. After the reception, return to the Fairmont Palliser Hotel for a welcome dinner in the Rimrock Dining Room.

Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Palliser Hotel - Fairmont Gold

Day 2 - Depart on the Royal Canadian Pacific Luxury Train / Banff Tour
After breakfast in the hotel, step aboard the historic Royal Canadian Pacific in the stately Canadian Pacific Railway Pavilion and journey into a bygone era where luxury rail travel meets the untamed wilderness. Enjoy the privacy of your own room, complete with private ensuite. Each room affords a comfortable night's sleep, a wonderful scenic view, closet, luggage storage and a safe for personal belongings. From the exceptional comfort of sleeping compartments that have cradled kings and queens to the sophisticated elegance of beautifully restored vintage carriages, you will discover what luxury rail travel was always meant to be.

Throughout your vacation you will enjoy an unparalleled level of personal service. Savour the extraordinary delights and delicate creations prepared by talented chefs served to you amidst the most beautiful natural landscape in the world. Afterwards relax in the 'Churchill Cubby', the private office of Sir Winston Churchill, to watch the constellations slowly reveal themselves as the twilight of a golden sunset fades over the Rocky Mountains. The Royal Canada Pacific Train is recognized as Canada's "Orient Express".

The journey begins as you travel west through the Canadian Rockies, stopping in Banff for a guided tour of local historic sites. Next, travel to Lake Louise for an interpretive hike with a resident naturalist. The train continues west across the Continental Divide, through the famous Spiral Tunnels to Field, then along the Kicking Horse River Valley. At Golden, the train stop for the day and pull into a private siding alongside the mighty Columbia River for a tranquil and motionless overnight stay.

Luxury: Overnight Royal Canadian Pacific Train - State room

Day 3 - Royal Canadian Pacific Luxury Train / Private tour of Canadian Museum of Rail Travel
This morning a luxury motorcoach whisks you to Kicking Horse Gondola for breakfast in the Eagle Eye's Restaurant and a 360-degree view of the stunning Rocky Mountains. Take a gondola to the top of the mountain and discover Canada's most elevated dining experience. At 7,700 feet, Eagle's Eye restaurant is a feast for all your senses. Jaw-dropping panoramic views set the stage at Canada's most elevated dining experience. After breakfast, you will re-board the train and head south through the Columbia River Valley to Cranbrook, for a private tour of the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel - the only national rail museum of its kind!

The Canadian Museum of Rail Travel features complete train sets representing various eras of travel including the prestigious million-dollar 1929 ?Trans Canada Limited'. The whole train including dining, sleeping and solarium-lounge cars are on view - much as a deluxe hotel-on-wheels. Also on display is the 'Soo-Spokane Train Deluxe' of 1907, royal cars, cars-of-state and interpretive cars, totalling 28. All of the museum cars are famous for their stained glass, exotic inlaid woods, plush upholstery, wood carpets and brass fixtures. The largest public display of Canadian Pacific Railway china and silverware in Canada is on view in the dining car. Your guide will take you on first class tours through the sumptuous interiors or the restored car and buildings to admire the interior design and appointments, and hear about the extensive restoration program. After your tour, you will re-board the train. This evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner and overnight stay at Summit Lake on the Continental Divide.

Luxury: Overnight Royal Canadian Pacific Train - State room

Day 4 - Royal Canadian Pacific Luxury Train / Visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Today your journey continues with a gentle descent to the Alberta prairies. You will visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is known around the world as a remarkable testimony of prehistoric life. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump bears witness to a custom practiced by native people of the North American plains for nearly 6000 years. Thanks to their excellent understanding of topography and of bison behaviour, they killed bison by chasing them over a precipice and subsequently carving up the carcasses in the camp below. You will have an opportunity to tour the Interpretive Centre which depicts the ecology, mythology, lifestyle and technology of Blackfoot peoples.

After your visit, return to the train at Lethbridge for a breathtaking crossing of the High Level Bridge. Tonight the train pulls into a remote siding near the serene town of Eltham located in the heart of the Alberta prairies.

Luxury: Overnight Royal Canadian Pacific Train - State room

Day 5 - Royal Canadian Pacific Luxury Train / Ranch Tour & Steak Pit Lunch
Today, a leisurely train journey takes you to Okotoks where a luxury motorcoach transfers you to Homeplace Ranch. Long ago Stoney and Sarcee Indian lodges were the only dwellings in the western foothills. This area was called Paradise by the Indians and remained undisturbed until the mid 1800's. Then, wagons crossed the prairies bringing families to this untamed land. Around 1890, large cattle ranches were created, a few of which survived and flourished. Because Alberta was promoted as the "Last Best West," people continued to migrate across the country. And as homesteads were built around 1905, settlers learned to respect and live with the land. Homeplace Ranch is a year round working and guest ranch, family-operated since 1912 and located in the high cattle country. You will enjoy a guided tour of the ranch and a steak pit lunch.

After lunch return to the train for the final leg of the excursion, reaching Calgary by mid-afternoon. You will transfer to the Fairmont Palliser Hotel for your final night stay. In the evening, join your traveling companions and the crew of the Royal Canadian Pacific to reflect and enjoy a grand farewell dinner.

Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Palliser Hotel - Fairmont Gold

Day 6 - Flight Calgary to Vancouver / Private Vancouver Tour / Chef's Table Dinner
After breakfast and check-out, a chauffeur returns you to the Calgary International Airport for your short flight to Vancouver. When you arrive at Vancouver Airport, you will be met by your driver and begin your private Vancouver tour by luxury SUV. Surrounded by mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is a nature lover's paradise. A multicultural heritage makes the city one of world's most liveable urban centers. Discover Vancouver's many flavours and the rain forest around it on this private sightseeing tour. Highlights will include Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street, English Bay, Queen Elizabeth Park and Granville Island. After your tour, you will be dropped off at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel where you will check into your exclusive Gold Level room.

This evening enjoy dinner at Diva at the Met, located a couple of blocks from your hotel. This is one of Vancouver's favourite gourmet restaurants. Tonight you will experience a 6 course Chef's Table dining experience. The Chef will personally present each dish with a brief presentation & wine pairing for every course.

Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront - One Bedroom Fairmont Gold Suite (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)

Day 7 - Vancouver at Leisure / Depart Vancouver aboard Holland America's ms Ryndam
You have the morning at leisure to explore Vancouver. This afternoon, the Fairmont Waterfront Bell Services department will transfer your luggage to Canada Place Pier, located just steps from the hotel. Here you will set sail for new adventures on board the exciting ms Ryndam. The ms Ryndam offers its guests a unique shipboard atmosphere. The ms Ryndam features spacious public rooms as well as spacious and tastefully decorated staterooms. This spectacular cruise ship delights guests with unforgettable onboard experiences.

Your Deluxe Veranda Suite (Category S) comprises of 2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, large sitting area, dressing room, private veranda, 1 sofa bed, mini-bar, refrigerator and floor-to-ceiling windows.