Pristine wilderness, fascinating wildlife, cosmopolitan cities and breathtaking mountain peaks! Welcome to our Canadian Rockies and Alaskan Cruise Holiday. It s Spring, and the Butchart Gardens and the gardens of Vancouver are ablaze with colour. The snow has only just started melting so the Rockies are still snow-covered. Bears and elk can often be seen grazing by the side of the road. The cruise on the Inside Passage gives us distant views of majestic, snow-covered mountains and the sight of the glaciers calving is something to remember. Tour Highlights Vancouver Butchart Gardens Lake Louise The Columbia Icefield Jasper National Park Goldleaf on the Rocky Mountaineer Train 7 night Inside Passage Cruise with Celebrity Cruises Capilano Suspension Bridge Hubbard Glacier Your holiday includes A Christian Tour Leader throughout your holiday Daily Devotions Return economy airfares from Sydney with Air Canada Quality accommodation with private facilities 18 breakfasts 10 lunches 16 dinners Sightseeing as outlined and all entry fees included 7 night Alaskan Inside Passage cruise in an Oceanview Cabin (Balcony and inside cabins available on request) Group gratuities throughout; please note that this does not include personal tipping. Luggage assistance at hotels and airports 2
Fares and Joining Arrangements Tour Code: CAN1650CFT SYDNEY Departs: Sydney International Airport at 10.25am on Wednesday 25 May 2016 Returns: Sydney International Airport at 8.15am on Tuesday 14 June 2016 GoldLeaf Twin Share (per person) $12,990 Single $15,450 MELBOURNE* Departs: Melbourne Domestic Airport at 3.00pm on Tuesday 24 May 2016 Returns: Melbourne Domestic Airport at 12.35pm on Tuesday 14 June 2016 GoldLeaf Twin Share (per person) $13,490 Single $15,990 BRISBANE* Departs: Brisbane Domestic Airport at 2.25pm on Tuesday 24 May 2016 Returns: Brisbane Domestic Airport at 12.35pm on Tuesday 14 June 2016 GoldLeaf Twin Share (per person) $13,490 Single $15,990 *Includes return flights to Sydney International Airport, and 1 night accommodation and dinner in Sydney. GoldLeaf Service Discover why our guests rave about Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service. Our custom-designed GoldLeaf dome coach puts you right in the middle of the awe-inspiring scenery of the Canadian Rockies as you enjoy gourmet meals prepared by our talented onboard chefs. 3
Itinerary Vancouver Gulf Islands Butchart Gardens Yoho National Park Day 1: Wednesday 25 May, 2016 Australia Vancouver Victoria (On flight/ D at hotel) Tour commences in Sydney, flying direct to Vancouver, arriving the same day as we leave due to crossing the International Date Line. On arrival in Vancouver, you will be met by your coach captain and taken by ferry to Vancouver Island via the scenic Gulf Islands for a two night stay in the Chateau Victoria Hotel in downtown Victoria. Dinner and breakfast on the Roof Top Restaurant with magnificent views. Overnight: Chateau Victoria Hotel Included meals Multiple overnight stop B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner Chance to worship Worship Optional extra (pre-booking required) Day 2: Thursday 26 May, 2016 Victoria Butchart Gardens The Chateau Victoria Hotel is very conveniently located close to the downtown area and Victoria s beautiful inner harbor, and we have allowed this morning to be free for you to start your souvenir shopping spree or take in whatever attractions strike your fancy perhaps a horse and carriage ride or high tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel (at own expense). We will gather after lunch for the afternoon drive to the famous Butchart Gardens, awakening to their amazing spring splendor. Spend the afternoon strolling through the 50 acres of perfectly groomed gardens on a 1904 country estate that has won the hearts of millions of visitors. Overnight: Chateau Victora Hotel. Day 3: Friday 27 May 2016 Victoria Kelowna We ferry back to the mainland, then it is across the southern edge of British Columbia through fertile valleys and rich mountain forests to Lake Okanagan. Travel along the edge of the lake to the resort city of Kelowna, situated superbly on the lake shore surrounded by orchards and vineyards. Overnight: Sandman Hotel, Kelowna Day 4: Saturday 28 May 2016 Kelowna Banff After breakfast we will continue our journey through Vernon to Sicamous, where we will join the Trans Canada Highway. Travelling through Kicking Horse Canyon and Yoho National Park, we will also stop at Craigellachie on the Canadian National Railway Line where the last spike was driven, connecting the eastern states of Canada with the western states. Also included today will be the Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge before we arrive at our accommodation, the Banff International Hotel, right in the shopping precinct. Overnight: Banff International Hotel. Day 5: Sunday 29 May 2016 Day in Banff Worship ( B, brunch) Enjoy a leisurely day experiencing the delights of this famous mountain community. We have timetabled time for church this morning before enjoying brunch at the spectacular Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. After brunch, we will take a ride on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola for a breathtaking 360 degree view of snow-capped peaks and valleys in the Banff area, visiting the Cave and Basin historical site and discovering where Canada s national park system began. Overnight: Banff International Hotel 4 I could just enjoy each day and know it was all taken care of.
Jasper National Park Lake Louise Moraine Lake Kamloops Day 6: Monday 30 May 2016 Banff Lake Louise Walk through the deep gorge of Johnston Canyon and admire the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflected in Moraine Lake s turquoise waters. Stroll the shores of Lake Louise, Jewel of the Canadian Rockies, with its stunning glacier backdrop. Dinner tonight is a dinner plan offering you a selection from one of the many great restaurants in this famous resort. Overnight: Fairmont Lake Louise Chalet Day 7: Tuesday 31 May 2016 Lake Louise Jasper Travel northward along one of the most spectacular highways in North America. The Icefield Parkway is highlighted by the frequent wildlife sightings, towering mountain peaks, tranquil lakes and cascading waterfalls. On route to the Columbia Icefield, stop at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake. Ride the snow-coach on the Columbia Icefield, a 325 square km expanse of ice up to 320m deep that has been growing for 400 years. Optional Tour: Jasper Tramway Overnight: Marmot Lodge Day 8: Wednesday 1 June 2016 Jasper National Park Optional choices abound today. Adventure and pristine beauty await at Jasper National Park s Maligne Lake. Here is your opportunity to experience the Canadian Rockies the way you would like to at this legendary destination, the site of one of the most famous photographs in the Rockies. For those who like to relax while taking in the beauty around them, Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island is the way to go. Note this is listed as an optional cruise as the lake may still be frozen, and while offering wonderful views, the cruise may not be operational. Optional Cruise: Lake Maligne Optional Adventure: Rafting on Athabasca River Overnight: Marmot Lodge Day 9: Thursday 2 June 2016 Rocky Mountaineer Train Kamloops B L Early morning transfer to the Rocky Mountaineer Train for 2 days enjoying the most spectacular train trip in the World. Relax in your Goldleaf Carriage Travel via the Yellowhead Route, known for its scenic valleys, plentiful wildlife including bears, and majestic Mount Robson, highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Tonight we stay in a hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations. Dinner is not included, however you may like to enjoy a dinner show at Two River Junction at your own expense. Overnight: Kamloops Day 10: Friday 3 June 2016 Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver Rejoin the Rocky Mountaineer and follow the Fraser River, the longest river in British Columbia. Breakfast and lunch will be served on the train while you view the lush valleys and raging rivers. The Fraser River produces more salmon than any other river system in the world. It is estimated that 10 million salmon travel up the Fraser River to spawn each year and First Nations people continue to use traditional fishing methods along its shores. Overnight: Empire Landmark Hotel The itinerary was more than I expected not rushed. 5
Rocky Mountaineer Day 11: Saturday 4 June 2016 Vancouver sightseeing A late start to sightseeing today will give you some shopping time (our hotel is very close to all the main shopping centres of Vancouver City), then we enjoy a sightseeing tour that will include the main aspects of this interesting city, the Capilano suspension bridge, and in the late afternoon we then take the aerial tramway to the summit of Grouse Mountain. We will enjoy dinner overlooking the city of Vancouver prior to making our descent to return to our hotel. Overnight: Empire Landmark Hotel Day 12: Sunday 5 June 2016 Cruising Inside Passage 7 Nights Worship This morning we are transferred to board our luxury Celebrity Cruise Ship Infinity for our seven night Inside Passage Cruise to the Hubbard Glacier. Time to get acquainted with the facilities on your floating hotel. All meals are included, so breakfast and lunch can be enjoyed in one of many restaurants, cafés or from poolside bars. There will be planned activities, feature length movies and musical entertainment on a programme that is published daily and slipped under your cabin door each night. Day 13: Monday 6 June 2016 Inside Passage This is one of the most famously beautiful passages in the world. It features virtually everything you came to Alaska hoping to see, including rain forests, glaciers, fjords and white-capped peaks, all of which create a setting that s perfect for viewing whales and sea lions. Day 14: Tuesday 7 June 2016 Icy Strait Point Icy Strait Point is regarded as one of the best places in Alaska to go whale watching. Built around the old Hoonah Packing Company cannery, it allows you the opportunity to walk the beaches, boardwalks, nature trails, and historic docks. You may even see some bears whilst riding the world s largest flying fox. Icy Strait Point: it s a must do authentic Alaskan experience! Day 15: Wednesday 8 June 2016 Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) Depending on weather conditions, today we approach as close as possible to the Hubbard Glacier. During our stay here you will have the chance to see the glacier calving as huge walls of Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver sightseeing 6 The devotions were relevant and well presented.
Inside Passage Inside Passage Cruise Icy Strait Point Hubbard Glacier ice fall into the surrounding water, and our ship will be surrounded by ice floes. A memorable day. Day 16: Thursday 9 June 2016 Juneau The port of call today is Juneau, and there are many shore excursions (own choice and cost) available that can be selected on board, or you may elect just to stroll through the port side village as the ship docks right in the township. Day 17: Friday 10 June 2016 Ketchikan In addition to being the jumping-off point for seaplane excursions into Misty Fjords National Monument and its 2.2 million acres of wilderness nirvana, Ketchikan is also the ancestral home of the Tingit tribe. Another must-see here is the world s largest collection of totem poles. You can learn what motivates someone to turn a piece of lumber into a towering work of art at the Saxman Native Village and Totem Heritage Centre. Day 18: Saturday 11 June 2016 Inside Passage Our last day will be spent cruising back into the Inside Passage, with the chance of seeing water wildlife escorting the ship. A memorable voyage and a fitting conclusion to a wonderful holiday experience. Day 19: Sunday 12 June 2016 Whistler Depart Vancouver B Worship We disembark early this morning and join our waiting coach for a day tour to the exciting ski field village of Whistler. Time in Whistler can give you the chance to take a chairlift or just enjoy the activity in this very neat village. Lunch and dinner are at your own choice and cost. Return in suitable time to check in at Vancouver International Airport. Day 20: Monday 13 June 2016 Cross International Date Line (Meals on flight) En route we cross the International Date Line. Enjoy the range of in flight facilities and entertainment at your seat. Day 21: Tuesday 14 June 2016 Arrive Australia appropriate interstate transfers and connections are arranged. Juneau Ketchikan Whistler The little extras were very much appreciated. 7