Cow Town to Gold Town Holiday

Day 1 Arrive in Calgary

Arrive at Calgary International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Pick up your information kit at the front desk upon check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the City and the Calgary Stampede set up before the action begins! Overnight in Calgary.

Day 2 Calgary

Over the next two days we welcome you to the event most appropriately named “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. Included this afternoon is a ticket to the rodeo with gate admission. The best of the best saddle-up for a three hour ground shaking showcase of world- class rodeo action. There are Saddle Bronco and Bareback riding events followed by the most dangerous event of all - Bull Riding but the excitement doesn’t stop there, check out the speed and timing of the barrel racing or the fun of the children’s sheep riding events. Overnight in Calgary

Day 3 Calgary

Enjoy the atmosphere as the whole city embraces Stampede fever, if you are feeling hungry why not attend one of the free Calgary Stampede Breakfasts that the city has become well known for. Great food and hospitality await! Later today return to Stampede Park for the Rangeland Derby where in the evening, nine heart-stopping Chuckwagon races explode in an all-out dash for the finish line. Chuckwagon racing is an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower - a challenge that ignites thousands of fans. Following this enjoy the outdoor stage spectacular. For two hours, you will be dazzled by the lavishly produced and choreographed non-stop musical variety grandstand show, featuring elaborate song and dance numbers and acrobatics. Overnight in Calgary

Day 4 Calgary – Banff

Today you will take your 90 minute scheduled transfer journey into the Rocky Mountains and resort of Banff. Banff is known to be one of the Rockies' most popular mountain towns, with its bursting charm and breath-taking scenery, you will be sure to take home a true Canadian experience.

Day 5 Banff

You will have the entire day to enjoy all the must dos in and around Banff. Ensure to take a day trip to Lake Louise “the Jewel of the Rockies” and Victoria Glacier, you will not be disappointed. Give yourself plenty of time to indulge in activities around the Lake or just sit back in awe with your camera at hand. Overnight in Banff.

Day 6 Banff

Enjoy more of Banff and why not some fantastic shopping on Banff Avenue. Optional activities include soaking in the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs, enjoying a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, visiting Banff’s historic museums, cruising on Lake Minnewanka, Banff Gondola, a visit to Bow Falls or playing a round of golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Overnight in Banff.

Day 7 Rocky Mountaineer Banff – Kamloops

Today will be an unforgettable journey as you depart Banff onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. Your journey takes you through a spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the Interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Overnight in Kamloops. (Breakfast and Lunch provided).

Day 8 Rocky Mountaineer Kamloops – Vancouver

Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. Overnight in Vancouver. (Breakfast and Lunch provided).

Day 9 Vancouver

This morning, discover the city of Vancouver and its stunning pacific setting, surrounded by mountains and water. Vancouver is known as one of the most liveable cities in the world, and you will see why when you take a stroll around the city. Explore the city on a bicycle or jump aboard on the hop-on/hop-off bus tour. Take a visit to Gastown popular for its unique eateries and charming shops and pubs. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 10 Vancouver / Board the Ship with Holland America

Independently take a taxi to the cruise terminal situated on Vancouver’s harbour front. Your cruise will start boarding at 12pm and depart at 5pm.

Day 11 Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is an enchanting scenic waterway stretching from Vancouver all the way up to Alaska, including some of Alaska’s beautiful islands that you will see along the way.

Day 12 Cruise Tracy Arm en route to Juneau, Alaska

Today you will cruise along Tracy Arm where you will see the majestic Sawyer Glacier, an awe-inspiring sight with an abundance of wildlife such as brown and black bears, moose, dear and wolves. You will continue South East onto Juneau, Alaska’s capital city where you will enjoy your first stop. We recommend a visit to Mendenhall Glacier whilst you are here. Depart at 10:30pm.

Day 13 Skagway, Alaska

Arrive in Skagway at 7am. Known as the best preserved Gold Rush town, Skagway is a very historical town with so much history and local charm to discover. Spend the day discovering the enchanting Gold Rush story and visiting the wonderful historical buildings that the gold prospectors built. Depart at 9pm.

Day 14 Glacier Bay

You will never forget the sound of the glaciers calving as it sends a hush through the whole ship and you take in the enormous cliff-flanked fjords and remarkable wilderness. Enjoy a day of cruising through Glacier Bay which is a wildlife lover’s dream with Humpback and Killer whales breaching the water below.

Day 15 Ketchikan, Alaska

Arrive in Ketchikan at 10am. Circled by lush green landscape and with evergreen mountains sprouting out of the waters, the surrounding area is breathtakingly beautiful due to the abundant rainfall of the rainforest environment. Explore the historical town. Depart at 6pm.

Day 16 Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage

Today is your last full day of cruising, you return back to Vancouver City. Take in the last scenic moments of the Inside Passage ensure to keep your eyes peeled for the enchanting wildlife.

Day 17 Depart Vancouver

Arrive at 7am. After breakfast you will disembark the ship and transfer independently to Vancouver Airport for your return flight home.

ESTA online application for entry to the USA

Important: All cruise passengers must complete the online Visa Waiver form by visiting https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov which is needed for entry into the US at a cost of $14 per person. You must complete an ESTA application at least 72 hours before flying. Any traveller who fails to complete an ESTA application at least 3 days before departure will almost certainly be refused entry into the country under new US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. If you are even considering visiting the States, it's worth filling out an ESTA application now as they are valid for two years. Important: If you are refused entry because you do not hold the correct travel documents or have had your application for ESTA rejected - you will NOT be entitled to any form of refund or covered by your travel insurance policy.

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