Grand Journey on Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer & Alaskan Cruise

Overview

The Canadian Rockies, coupled with an Alaskan cruise, offer one of the finest scenic and wildlife holidays on earth. This tour showcases the best of Canada and Alaska, combining breathtaking landscapes, historic rail journeys, and a seven-night cruise through the famed Inside Passage.

Marvel at the towering peaks of the Rockies, explore vibrant cities like Vancouver, and sail past massive glaciers and fjords teeming with wildlife. From the engineering marvel of the Rocky Mountaineer train to the spectacular Glacier Bay, this journey promises unforgettable experiences.

At a Glance

• 7 nights on Koningsdam
• Return flights & transfers
• 5 included experiences
• Rocky Mountaineer Train (2 days, includes selected drinks & staff gratuities)
• 2 breakfasts & 2 lunches, plus full board on Koningsdam
• Expert Tour Manager
• Checked luggage included
• 7 nights in three to four-star accommodation

Highlights

• Experience the majestic Rocky Mountains in luxury aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Enjoy SilverLeaf service, including two breakfasts and two lunches.
• Explore Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and the Athabasca Glacier with guided visits, a Snocoach ride, and a Vancouver tour.
• Travel along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic highways, and walk on the 300-metre-thick Athabasca Glacier.
• Choose from a variety of shore excursions, including glacier helicopter flights, bear and whale watching, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and dog-sledding.
• Visit the breathtaking Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to actively calving glaciers and humpback whales.
• Enjoy a 7-night, full-board Alaskan cruise with Holland America Line.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – Arrival in Calgary

Fly from the UK to Calgary, where you will be met and transferred to the Delta Bow Valley Hotel for a one-night stay.

Day 2 – Calgary to Banff

Travel from Calgary across the rolling prairies of Alberta to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Stay for three nights at the Banff Park Lodge, a charming hotel in the heart of Banff.

Day 3 – Banff & Icefields Parkway

Drive along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic roads. Highlights include:

• Lake Louise – A stunning glacial lake surrounded by high peaks
• Peyto Lake – Known for its vivid blue waters
• Columbia Icefield – Ride a Snocoach across the Athabasca Glacier

Return to Banff in the evening.

Day 4 – Free Day in Banff

Enjoy a day at leisure with optional activities:

• Relax in Banff’s hot springs
• Take the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain
• Enjoy afternoon tea at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Day 5 – Rocky Mountaineer Train

Board the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the world’s greatest train journeys. Travel through:

• The Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass
• The Spiral Tunnels, a marvel of railway engineering
• Stoney Creek Bridge, a 500-foot steel span

Overnight stay in Kamloops.

Day 6 – Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver

Continue to Vancouver, passing through:

• Fraser and Thomson River Canyons
• Hells Gate Canyon
• Jaws of Death Gorge

Arrive in Vancouver and check into the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 7 – Vancouver Sightseeing

Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities with a guided tour, including:

• Stanley Park and its famous totem poles
• The waterfront promenade with stunning bay views

Afternoon at leisure.

Day 8 – Embark MS Nieuw Amsterdam

For those continuing on the Alaskan Inside Passage cruise, embarkation begins at 11:30 AM, with the ship departing at 5:00 PM.

Day 9 – At Sea (Inside Passage)

Sail through the calm, scenic waters of the Inside Passage, with breathtaking coastal views. Enjoy shipboard activities and entertainment.

Day 10 – Juneau & Tracy Arm Fjord

Cruise the stunning Tracy Arm Fjord, home to the twin Sawyer Glaciers. In Juneau, Alaska’s capital, optional excursions include:

• Helicopter tours to glaciers
• Dog sledding with huskies
• Whale-watching & kayaking

Day 11 – Skagway & White Pass Railway

Arrive in Skagway, a historic gold rush town. Optional excursions:

• White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
• Glacier helicopter tours

Experience Alaska’s vast, untouched wilderness.

Day 12 – Glacier Bay National Park

Spend the day cruising through Glacier Bay, home to eight actively calving glaciers. Look out for:

• Humpback whales & seals in nutrient-rich waters
• Black bears & moose along the shore

National Park rangers will be on board to provide insights.

Day 13 – Ketchikan & Misty Fjords

Arrive in Ketchikan, famous for its Native Alaskan culture. Optional activities include:

• Seaplane tours over Misty Fjords
• Salmon fishing & crab feasts
• Zip-lining through the forest canopy

Day 14 – At Sea (Inside Passage)

Enjoy a final day at sea, taking in the breathtaking views as you return to Vancouver.

Day 15 – Disembark & Return Flight

Arrive in Vancouver in the morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Day 16 – Arrive Home

Return to the UK with unforgettable memories of this incredible journey.

This tour combines stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and luxurious travel experiences, offering a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Available Ships

MS Koningsdam

• Built: 2016
• Crew: 1,036
• Passengers: 2,650

The first of Holland America Line’s Pinnacle-class ships, Koningsdam was launched in 2016. It features more Oceanview and Verandah staterooms than most other ships cruising Canada and Alaska.