ALASKAN CRUISE PLUS THE ROCKIES ON THE LEGENDARY ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

Two of the world's most iconic journeys in one trip - perfection. Arrive into Calgary, then transfer onto Banff (approx. 80 miles). This is one of the loveliest towns in North America and it is situated in the heart of the Rockies and will be your base for the next 3 nights. From here you will visit Lake Louise - this stunning lake was named after Queen Victoria's 4th daughter and is one of the most visited attractions in Canada. The famous hotel, Chateau Lake Louise, is situated on the Eastern shore with beautiful pine forests and mountains reflected in the lakes opal waters. Banff National Park was founded in 1885 and was Canada's first national park. It is protected from large scale development, so remains unspoilt. You will have a free day to enjoy the charming town of Banff which has lovely craft shops, cafes and restaurants. If you wish you can take an optional ride to Sulphur Mountain which gives you stunning views of six mountain ranges. Then onto the second part of this amazing trip - board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2 day journey from Banff to Vancouver - not without good reason is this journey known as "the most spectacular journey in the world". Highlights include the Continental Divide/Kicking Horse Canyon and Rogers Pass. After an overnight stay in Kamloops continue on through the desert like interior to the lovely green fields of the Fraser River Valley, admiring the Cascade Mountains, Thompson River and the tumbling waters of Hells Gate in the Fraser Canyon. A spectacular journey! All too soon, by late afternoon, you will arrive in Vancouver were you will say goodbye to the Rocky Mountaineer and transfer to your overnight hotel. The next day will see you crossing the border into the state of Washington for your next overnight stay in the vibrant city of Seattle. The following day enjoy a short city tour before joining your cruise ship. The best is yet to come on the third part of your journey - your 7 night Alaskan cruise! You won't be disappointed. The first day on board will be at sea which gives you ample opportunity to explore your new home and meet your fellow passengers. Ketchikan will be your next port of call, known as the salmon capital of the world - the perfect place to sample the freshest salmon! You can either spend your time exploring this quaint town on foot or take a tour to Saxman Totem Park which has the finest display of Totem Poles in Southeast Alaska. Juneau - Tracy Arm - Sawyer Glacier is your next port. Juneau is the state capital of Alaska with a population of 32,000, it is at the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Take a look around the towns museums to learn all about Alaskan history or take a trip on the Mount Roberts Tramway. At the summit you can have lunch and catch a short film all about the Tlingit culture. Continue onto the classic 45km fjord Tracy Arm where there are frequent sightings of humpback whales, harbour seals and sure footed mountain goats. At the head of the beautiful Tracy Arm fjord, you will see the stunning Sawyer Glacier, shimmering blue in the sunshine. If you are lucky you will see chunks of ice calving into the ice cold water - a stunning sight! Skagway is next. Once the gateway to the goldfields of the Klondike during the gold rush of the 1890's. It is a living history of those frantic times. Take a look around the Klondike Gold Rush visitors centre or have a cold beer in the Red Onion Saloon. It is a fascinating town to stroll around on your own or take a guided tour. After a relaxing day at sea, the next stop will be Victoria on Vancouver Island. This is arguably one of the prettiest cities in the world! Why not visit the Butchart Gardens or wander around the many shops, museums, art galleries and cafes to be found here. You could also take a guided tour or a whale watching cruise if you prefer. Sail for Seattle in the evening. A morning arrival into Seattle where you disembark your floating hotel and transfer to Vancouver - enjoy a city tour before arriving at your hotel for the next 2 nights. You will find many outstanding restaurants on Robson and Granville Street. The next day is free for you to enjoy the delights of this stunning cosmopolitan city. Why not join an excursion to Grouse Mountain and the Capilano  Suspension Bridge - the worlds highest and longest suspension bridge set in the treetops of the Capilano Canyon. Then all too soon it is your last morning in Vancouver, just time for some last minute shopping before your transfer to the airport for your flight home. Hopefully you will have lots of lovely memories and photographs to talk about when you return home. There are lots of different choices of trips that you can take to Alaska, this is just one option, please call me for more information, I would love to hear from you. Sue 01455 213590 or email sue@designertravel.co.uk