CLASSIC RAIL & CRUISE ADVENTURE / NEW ENGLAND / CANADA / ALASKA

This afternoon, you will board the luxurious ms Maasdam for a Canada and New England cruise experience that will be as enchanting and elegant as the destinations themselves are varied and thrilling. With an exciting cruise itinerary, you will visit five ports including Quebec and enjoy plenty of scenic cruising as you explore the coasts of New England and Canada. Indulge on local lobster and clam chowder while learning about the rich culture of the Northeast, as deep blue waters take you from Bar Harbour, Maine, to Montreal.

A soaring three-deck-high atrium featuring a monumental glass sculpture by Luciano Vistosi of Italy is just one of the magnificent elements waiting for you onboard ms Maasdam. In the tiered grand Rotterdam Dining Room, guests overlook an antique marble fountain from Argentina and beyond the sea. Grandly proportioned, ms Maasdam is among the most spacious cruise ships at sea. Designed to provide more space for fewer guests than other ships in her class, ms Maasdam ensures you a more comfortable and intimate onboard experience.

Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Verandah (A class)

On this gorgeous island, you can have the quintessential New England tourist experience with a walk on the beach followed by a dinner of fresh lobster and homemade ice cream or explore the fir-lined, glacier-carved beauty of Acadia National Park and understand at once why this place was originally called Eden.

Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Acadia National Park & Carriage Ride Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond House with Lunch.

Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Verandah (A class)

This thriving, picturesque city is one of the great North American seaports. Watch the changing of the guard at a citadel built by the British to fend off an attack from the fledgling US. Visit a first-rate maritime museum which includes an exhibit on the Titanic or hike to the lighthouse and unbeatable ocean views in car-free Point Pleasant Park.

Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Peggy's Cove Lighthouse & Lobster Lunch Soldier for a Day Interactive Tour.

Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Verandah (A class)

Adventure awaits on Cape Breton Island, once a refuge for British loyalists. Wander the narrow lanes of the old French village of Louisbourg. Explore the hands-on exhibits at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site or beeline to hiking, biking and kayaking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, perched on a craggy plateau above the Atlantic and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Sample Shore Excursions (not included): A Guided Walk in Old Sydney Town Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park.

Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Verandah (A class)

Street actors re-enact the events leading to the creation of the Canadian confederacy, which was born in this charming town. You can cast your vote for seafood, shopping or a walk through Victorian streets. If you love 'Anne of Green Gables', the picturesque farm that inspired the tale is nearby.

Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Island Drive & Anne of Green Gables Biking the Confederation Trail.

Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Verandah (A class)

Thread 62 miles of spectacular Precambrian cliffs that jut dramatically from a dark mix of freshwater and sea that is home to a rich diversity of wildlife including small, white beluga whales. Quebec City marks the start of Saguenay Fjord. This 200-mile natural canal brings saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean inland and creates a beautiful environment for waterfront living for the communities of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Verandah (A class)

The only walled city north of Mexico, whose entire, marvelous Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Feast on wild game, delight in boutiques and stroll cobblestones to high tea at the monumental Chateau Frontenac. The Musée d'Art Inuit Brousseau houses masterful carvings by Native Canadians.

Sample Shore Excursions (not included): St. Lawrence Grand Tour with Lunch Quebec City Walking Tour with Tea at the Chateau Frontenac.

Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Verandah (A class)

This morning, you will arrive in Montreal, disembark the ms Maasdam and transfer by private sedan to your hotel. At the hotel, you will store your luggage with the bell desk and depart on a 3 hour morning city tour while you wait for your hotel check-in time.

Experience the best of Montreal on an exciting 3 hour sightseeing tour. Enjoy a complete tour of the City, taking in over 200 points of interest including a stop at the Notre Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory (photo stop), residential and financial districts, Old Montreal (photo stop), French Quarter, outside view of Olympic Site (photo stop), McGill University and a panoramic view from an observation point on top of Mt. Royal. Discover Montreal through hundreds of places of interest with an uninterrupted commentary by a friendly, knowledgeable & bilingual guide.

Overnight - Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes continental breakfast)

This morning you will transfer (on own) from your hotel to the VIA Rail station. Upon arrival at the train station, go straight to the Panorama lounge which is reserved for VIA 1 passengers. You'll be able to unwind as you wait for departure. The day's newspapers, coffee and juice will be yours to enjoy, free of charge. You will depart Montreal and travel to downtown Toronto, Canada's largest and most vibrant city. Travel in total comfort and ease and forget the hassles of driving. You will travel in VIA 1 class which offers you a delicious meal and exclusive access to the VIA 1 lounge in the service-car. Upon arrival in Toronto, transfer (on own) to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to start exploring this world class destination.

Overnight - Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes continental breakfast)

No trip to Ontario is complete without a visit to Niagara Falls and the famous Horseshoe Falls! This afternoon you will depart on a 9 hour tour and travel through the orchard laden countryside of the Niagara Peninsula and the historic community of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Like no other, this tour allows you to experience the real wonder that is Niagara Falls. By starting your tour in the afternoon, you will receive all of the experiences of the day tour, along with opportunities for sightseeing only possible in the evening. When you arrive in Niagara Falls, you will board the Maid of the Mist for a truly amazing boat ride to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. From there, you will enjoy a buffet dinner while taking in breathtaking views from the Penthouse Dining Room. After dinner, you'll have some free time to explore the mighty Niagara Falls and stand at the brink of the Falls to view the daily multi-colored illumination show, before returning to Toronto.

Overnight - Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes continental breakfast)

Today, you have a full day to enjoy this fantastic city on your own or as a part of an optinal tour. This evening, transfer (on own) to the conveniently located VIA Rail station to board the world-famous Canadian. Your train adventure across Canada begins this evening (approximately 9:30pm) as VIA Rail's Canadian train rolls out of Union station. You are retracing a journey that started over 120 years ago on a ribbon of steel that still connects Canada from coast to coast. On the first leg of its epic journey across Canada, the Canadian travels through some of the least populated regions as it crosses Canada's largest province, Ontario. Enjoy private bedroom accommodation, meals in the private dining car and relax in the 'Silver & Blue Lounge' or Dome car.

Overnight - VIA Rail in a private bedroom

Today, the journey continues through the vast forest and lake country of Ontario. From the isolated lumber community of Sioux Lookout to the Manitoba capital of Winnipeg, the Canadian rarely is interrupted by civilization. The train rolls relentlessly westward passing pristine lakes, forests and nature rich marshes. Soon the vast wheatfields of Saskatchewan present themselves in golden splendour. If you're lucky, you might just catch the electrifying action of a prairie lightning storm before you turn in for the night.

Overnight - VIA Rail in a private bedroom

While the oil and natural gas industries dominate the Alberta economy, it is the gentle rolling hills of grain and herds of contented cattle that dominate the landscape this morning. Later, the Canadian will make a short stop in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta before heading westward along the banks of the mighty Athabasca River and into the Rocky Mountains. Mid-afternoon, you will have the opportunity to briefly view the resort of Jasper before the Canadian once again rolls on toward the Pacific. Soon the majestic peaks of 12,987 ft Mount Robson herald the Canadian's entry into British Columbia. As night falls, the train follows along the banks of the mighty Thompson River towards its final destination. Tonight will be a good night to sit up late in the dome and watch the spectacular display of stars framed by the jagged peaks of the mountains.

Overnight - VIA Rail in a private bedroom

In the morning the train will arrive in Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, you will transfer by private sedan to the cruise ship terminal where you will set sail for new adventures on board the exciting ms Zuiderdam. The ms Zuiderdam dazzles guests with more of everything they desire on a cruise ship: more staterooms with verandahs for private dining, sunning and relaxing more dining choices from fancy dress-up dinners to casual pool-side dining more ways to be pampered in The Greenhouse Spa and Salon. This spectacular cruise ship delights guests with unforgettable onboard experiences.

Overnight - ms Zuiderdam in a Verandah Suite (VB class)

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.

Overnight - ms Zuiderdam in a Verandah Suite (VB class)

In the morning, you will cruise through this narrow, 26-mile long fjord is another of Alaska's most dramatic glacier settings. Stand on deck as the lush forest recedes and you enter a stunning canyon of bare rock. The panorama of 7,000 foot mountain peaks and nearly vertical rock cliffs is astounding. Waterfalls appear at every turn. Icebergs make their way to the sea in all sorts of wondrous shapes and tucked away at the end of this remarkable waterway are two very active reminders of the Ice Age - the twin Sawyer Glaciers. The face of the South Sawyer Glacier stretches one-third of a mile and calves icebergs big and small. Harbour seals dot the floating platforms. Kittiwakes and mountain goats are a common sight. Whales and bears may even make an appearance in this magical place where closeness and intimacy make visitors a part of the scene.

In the afternoon, arrive in Juneau. 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 alder wood 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): Guide's Choice Adventure Hike, Underground Juneau Gold

Overnight - ms Zuiderdam in a Verandah Suite (VB class)

The sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway come winter, so you can only imagine the frightful conditions endured by the gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon with a mandatory ton of supplies to be hauled with them over the steep and treacherous Trail of '98. 21st-century summertime visits to Skagway require nothing of the sort but you can still ride the antique White Pass & Yukon narrow-gauge railway up through silvery-purple rock faces, past Deadhorse Gulch, to see what it was like back then.

Sample Shore Excursions (not included): White Pass Summit Scenic Railway, Dogsledding & Glacier Helicopter Flight

Overnight - ms Zuiderdam in a Verandah Suite (VB class)

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.

Overnight - ms Zuiderdam in a Verandah Suite (VB class)

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

Overnight - ms Zuiderdam in a Verandah Suite (VB class)

Today is at sea as you continue your cruise back to Vancouver. You set the pace and choose your pleasure: Start your day early with a brisk walk around the teak deck or enjoy a long, lazy morning with breakfast served in your stateroom. Relax away the afternoon by the pool or participate in one of many classes or speaker presentations. Dress for another stylish dinner or enjoy an excellent meal at one of our more casual restaurants. In the evening, watch a great show, try your luck in the casino or dance into a moonlit night at sea.

Overnight - ms Zuiderdam in a Verandah Suite (VB class)

Upon arrival, transfer by private sedan from the cruise ship terminal to the Vancouver International Airport in time for your flight departure home.

• 7 night Canada/New England Holland America cruise aboard the ms Maasdam including onboard meals & entertainment, taxes and port charges
• 4 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail
• 3 nights accommodation, room tax and any mandatory service charges
• 7 night Alaska Glacier Bay Holland America cruise aboard the ms Zuiderdam including onboard meals & entertainment, taxes and port charges
• Greater Montreal Guided Tram Tour
• VIA Rail from Montreal to Toronto in VIA 1 Class including one meal onboard (meal is dependant on time of departure)
• Niagara Falls by Night Tour including Maid of the Mist Boat Cruise & Dinner
• Private sedan transfers between Montreal Cruise Ship Terminal & hotel, Vancouver Train Station & Cruise Ship Terminal and Cruise Ship Terminal & Vancouver Airport including gratuities
• Personalized documentation package

• Shore Excursions
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities not listed as included (including meals & cabin attendants onboard the ms Maasdam & ms Zuiderdam)
• Meals not listed as included
• Transfers not listed as included
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)