Seattle, Alaska Cruise & Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey

Upon arrival into Seattle, Tacoma Airport, make your way independently to your Seattle hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today you have the full day to explore Seattle using your Seattle CityPASS (included). This will give you access to some of the most famous attractions such as Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Harbour Tour and so much more.

Seattle sits on the slip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop for this oh-so cosmopolitan city. Soar up the futuristic Space Needle and experience the views atop this stunning landmark created for the 1962 World's Fair

Enjoy a day of leisure at sea.

Its Tlingit Indian name, Kach Khanna, means "spread wings of the eagle." Chances are you'll see one of these magnificent birds perched atop a Sitka tree. Thanks to its abundant rainfall, Ketchikan is surrounded by some of the world's most lush wilderness.

Juneau has been called “Alaska's peak experience,” certainly due in part to its unparalleled glacier viewing from such places as Tracy Arm Fjord, the Juneau Icefields and Glacier Bay National Park. Kayak up one of the area's many protected waterways, go flightseeing, tour historic downtown or try your hand at panning for gold. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier lies nearly 12 miles outside Juneau, a treck worthwhile.

In a single year from 1896 to 1897, this remote town along the Inside Passage grew from a few tents to a city of 20,000 gold seekers. Today, travellers come in search of other riches - to experience yesteryear along Skagway's charming boardwalk lined with buildings that replicate those Gold Rush days.

Enjoy a day of leisure at sea

Roam the spacious lawns of stunning Butchart Gardens with its exotic flora, unusual topiary and exquisite fountains. Explore historic Bastion Square, the treasures of Chinatown and the many sights and sounds to be found along the boardwalk of the Inner Harbour.

Disembark your cruise ship and make your way independently to your overnight hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Check out of your Seattle Hotel and transfer by coach to Vancouver. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.

Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Your rail journey ends on arrival in the resort town of Jasper this evening.

Full day to explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistler Mountain (as for prices) the longest and highest aerial tramway in the Rockies. Once at the top you can enjoy a meal or take part in a complimentary interpretive hike with a mountain guide.

Today you leave Jasper behind and tour to Banff. Enjoy the wildlife, pristine lakes, and breathtaking mountain peaks along the world famous Icefields Parkway. Visit the natural wonder of the Columbia Icefield - one of the largest expanses of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Step onboard an Ice Explorer for an interpretive adventure onto the Athabasca Glacier. At the Glacier Skywalk, enjoy the unobstructed view on a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley.

Highlights include:

• Lake Louise,
• Icefields Parkway
• Crowfoot Glacier
• Bow Lake
• Peyto Lake
• Columbia Icefield
• Athabasca Falls
• Ice Explorer Glacier Tour
• Skywalk admission
• hot buffet lunch at Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
• light snacks & refreshments

This morning you will take part in a 3 hours tour discovering Banff and its wildlife. Build a connection to the World Heritage Site on this amazing sightseeing tour as you visit Banff’s landmarks and historic places. Hear how the 11,000 year old human history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered the Cave & Basin, now a National Historic Site - Your time will be spent enjoying the sights, taking photos, and participating in short walks to view points, on the many stops of the tour. You will dropped off at the Banff Gondola, where we have included your admission to ride the Gondola. Take the breathtaking ascent to the pinnacle of Sulphur Mountain for an awe-inspiring 360-degree panorama of sheer mountain majesty. Enjoy the interpretative hiking trails that lead along the ridge of the mountain.

Today you will say goodbye to the beautiful Canadian Rockies as you transfer by coach from Banff to Calgary Airport where you will board your flight back to the UK